Innovation meets timeless design in our new collection of contemporary lighting concepts for hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces follow @astrolighting | astrolighting.com
FEATURES
Meeting... Yoshiharu Hoshino 036
As Hoshino Resorts eyes up US expansion, the group’s CEO explains why a unique combination of service, cuisine and hot spring bathing will ensure the homegrown Japanese hospitality company succeeds where others have failed.
Celebrating Jeffrey Beers 045
Following the passing of Jeffrey Beers, the newlyappointed Partners of JBI reflect on the designer’s legacy, whilst looking to the future.
Meeting... Chapi Design 050
After the announcement of a strategic restructure, Chapi Design’s founder Tatiana Sheveleva talks timeless design, smart solutions and creating a lasting impact.
REGULARS
Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Photographer: Robert Miller
Create, innovate. Design.
designed by HOFFMANN KAHLEYSS DESIGN
LEYA FAMILY
Designers of bespoke, sustainable, luxury bathware, handcrafted in our atelier from apaiserMARBLE®
Sample tomorrow’s hospitality trends today.
Hundreds of leading brands. One box. One site. Order by 18:30 CET. Samples tomorrow. Free for design professionals.
materialbank.eu
ligne-roset-contract.com
Spa–Hôtel Le Negresco, Jean-Philippe Nuel. Fabriqué en france.
Build Better
Travel and tourism has gotten a bad rap in recent years, with critics taking aim for its so-called polluting ways and depletion of natural resources. This summer, there’s been social unrest too, as protestors took to the streets to rally against the influx of holidaymakers at popular destinations including Venice, Barcelona and Mallorca. For businesses that rely on this trade, such as hotels, the chants of ‘tourists go home’ weren’t exactly a warm welcome to arriving guests, prompting widespread debate over the impact of mass tourism.
It’s not a topic that is typically covered in the pages of Sleeper, but given that tourism and hotel development are inextricably linked, it’s becoming increasingly pertinent – after all, there’s little point in building a hotel if there aren’t any guests. The subject has been raised in a number of articles in this issue, indicating that environmental and social factors are taking precedence over volume and profit.
In Barcelona, the team behind boutique hotel Borneta knows all too well the impact that mass tourism can have, and so is proving itself to be of value to the social and economic fabric of its local environment through cultivating relationships with its neighbours – whether sourcing coffee beans from a nearby roastery or hosting markets that give farmers a platform for selling their produce.
New hotel developments in Mexico meanwhile are making efforts to not only contribute to their surroundings but improve them. At The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai for example, developers were tasked with repairing stormdamaged mangroves as a condition of planning approval. As such, the project contributed to the preservation of an entire ecosystem, and the resulting resort demonstrates a balance between responsible development and stewardship of the natural world.
Along the coast at Boca de Agua – a collection of ecofriendly treehouses in the Mayan jungle – founder Rodrigo Juárez has been led by a desire to protect the natural beauty of the site. A few days spent in the treetops and it’s easy to see why. The rural area could easily attract hordes of travellers seeking an escape and there’s demand for more accommodation options, but too much development here would change the entire experience. In a bid to become a reference point for sustainable, low-density development, the entrepreneur actively prioritised the environment above all else, making decisions that were often more costly and time-consuming if it meant trees were saved.
This considered approach can be carried through to the interiors too. At the recent refurbishment of Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, the design team sourced 80% of the FF&E from artisans within the country; there were of course challenges to using handcrafted products in high-use hospitality spaces, but the result is one of real authenticity, not to mention the support to small-scale independent businesses and colossal carbon footprint saving.
Cost versus conscience is a conundrum that developers, operators, architects and designers face every day, and these decisions have a clear impact on the guest experience. With global travel now back to pre-pandemic levels, tourismrelated industries are under greater scrutiny than ever before; hotel projects that can demonstrate their value to the local community are the ones that will ultimately change mindsets over travel and tourism. A clear message to build better.
SURO armchair & dining table by Christophe Delcourt
FLAGSHIP SHOWROOMS
Belgium - Oude Heidestraat 72, Bilzen
Italy - Via Felice Cavallotti 13, Milano
USA - Beverly Boulevard 8935, Los Angeles
GUEST BOOK
102 Malek Alqadi
LA-based multi-disciplinary architect Malek Alqadi established his eponymous studio in 2016, and has since built a portfolio of hospitality and residential projects that blur the boundaries between nature and the built environment. His latest venture is Folly Mojave, a luxury off-grid retreat in the middle of the Californian desert. Taking cues from both the surrounding Martian-like terrain and his birthplace of Petra, Alqadi has crafted a series of monolithic concrete hotel suites representing the elements of nature.
070 Amanda Lindroth
Growing up in 1970s Florida, Amanda Lindroth witnessed the birth of an aesthetic that would go on to have a lasting influence on her work. Now the Bahamasbased designer has introduced her signature style to The Dunlin in South Carolina, where bold use of colour and pattern features alongside a tactile material palette of rattan and linen. Located on the banks of the Kiawan River outside Charleston, the Auberge Resorts Collection property is a whimsical escape that celebrates the charm of Southern Living.
132 Rodrigo Juárez
Having been captivated by the natural beauty of Bacalar on a backpacking trip across Mexico, Rodrigo Juárez embarked on an ambitious venture to develop an eco-friendly retreat that encourages guests to appreciate their surroundings. Keeping true to his goal of low-density, low-impact hospitality, the first-time hotelier has created Boca de Agua, where regeneration, conservation and the use of locally-sourced sustainable materials come together for a treehouse experience in the Mayan jungle.
076 Diego Calvo
“Fashion generates collectives, each brand has faithful followers, not just for the product but the brand’s way of life,” says Diego Calvo on the inspiration behind Concept Hotel Group, a growing collection of distinct properties across Ibiza. Now, the trendsetting entrepreneur is taking his passion for fashion to the next level with the opening of Los Felices. Billed as ‘the world’s first fashion hotel’, interiors combine Ibiza’s stylish spirit with the Palm Springs aesthetic, serving as a platform for emerging and established talent.
Visit the online store to subscribe and save across all Sleeper Media magazines.
Subscription records are maintained at Sleeper Media. For address changes, email enquiry@sleeper.media
Sleeper (ISSN: 1476-4075 / USPS: 21550) is published bi-monthly by Sleeper Media Ltd and is distributed in the USA by RRD/Spatial Global. Pending periodicals postage paid at South Hackensack, NJ. Send USA address changes to Sleeper, c/o RRD, 1250 Valley Brook Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA.
SUSTAINABILITY
Natural • Renewable • Recyclable
Sleeper is printed by Buxton Press on FSC Mix-certified paper using 100% vegetable-based inks. Magazines mailed from Spatial Global are packaged in FSC-certified wrap that is fully recyclable.
The co-founder of Brady Williams jets to a Japanese island for a fantasy break at a minimalist tropical retreat.
Where are you?
Ishigaki Island, off the southern coast of Japan. It’s a tropical paradise steeped in traditional Japanese culture, with breathtaking landscapes and endless sea views.
How did you get there?
After landing on the island by plane, a private speedboat takes me around the rugged coastline. Upon docking at the hotel’s private jetty, I cycle up a gentle hill, immersing myself in the local landscape before arriving at the hotel.
Who is there to greet you on arrival?
Celine Dion – she owns the hotel!
And who’s at the concierge desk?
Jeremy King – for once I’m putting him to work! A man of such worldly knowledge will give me all the recommendations I need for the area –and if not, he will get me a stiff Martini to enjoy as I wander to my suite.
Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?
Sparkling water, an iced decaf Americano, a Margarita on the rocks and a Japanese Kit Kat.
Describe the hotel, your room and the view... It’s a masterclass in restrained beauty. Nestled within the landscape like a Tadao Ando architectural form, the hotel complements its surroundings with a combination of natural stone, glass façades and crafted timber joists. Conceived so that no room looks onto another, it is a minimalist enclave. The walls are made from tuff, a natural rock formed from volcanic ash that emulates a tranquil beauty, while natural timber flooring runs through the lounge to the terrace beyond. Steps amongst the vegetation lead to my own private onsen – the perfect rejuvenation for body and mind.
Who designed it?
It’s a collaboration between Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and stage designer Es Devlin. A mixture of clean lines and locally-sourced materials as envisioned by the esteemed architect, with the thought-provoking design, lighting details and sense of reveal that only Devlin can achieve.
What’s the restaurant and bar like?
Arrival is via the sea-view terrace, where individual cabanas feel like I have the entire space to myself. An aperitif is served – an Ouzo Martini, first introduced to me by a mixologist at St Regis Osaka, now a must on any trip to Japan! As the sun sets, I venture down to the restaurant – an intimate space carved from volcanic rock, with a Modernist glass façade facing the horizon. Luscious planting hugs the exterior, softening the architectural insertion into the natural landscape. The table is lit solely by candlelight, illuminating the natural timbers
and stone, while a lighthouse on the horizon dabbles light across the rippling waves.
Who are you dining with this evening?
It’s an intimate table for three – myself and artists Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon. Our evening is filled with in-depth conversation into the early hours, covering topics from gay rights and the meaning of life, to happenings at The Factory and what Jean-Michel Basquiat was really like.
Who’s manning the stoves?
Irish chef Anna Haugh. Even when far from home, her take on modern Irish food connects me to my heritage.
And what’s on the menu?
It’s a relaxed eight-course tasting menu. I ask Anna to recreate classic dishes from my childhood using locally-sourced produce for an Irish-Japanese fusion.
Would you like something to drink with that?
Keep the champagne flowing – I have a feeling these two artists will drink!
What toiletries would you like to freshen-up?
While here, it has to be the Kyoto set by Aesop.
Early morning alarm call or late check-out?
Both! The curtains automatically open before dawn so I can watch sunrise from the terrace. The late check-out gives me time for a light gym workout and a dip in the pool, before one final soak in the onsen.
The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London; Alex, Lake Zürich; Jeremy King Restaurants www.bradywilliamsstudio.com
DRAWING BOARD
Tivoli • NH Hotels
YINING
Minor Hotels has announced plans to debut its Tivoli and NH Hotels brands in Northwest China, following the signing of a dual-branded property in the region of Xinjiang.
Slated to open in 2026, the venture is located in the bustling city of Yining; the area historically served as an essential trade hub on the Silk Road, and now plays a key role in connecting Central Asia with Europe.
The development covers an area of 1.6 million m2 and comprises a total of 400 guestrooms set beneath a shapely structure featuring dazzling lighting effects. Amenities also include a commercial zone for retail and leisure activities, as well as a cultural performance centre capable of hosting music and dance performances.
“We are excited to announce our first dual-branded property of Tivoli and NH Hotels in Northwest China,” says Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels. “With such high profiles and strong reputations throughout Europe, we are confident that the Tivoli and NH brand offerings will appeal to both Chinese and international travellers.”
Eddy Tiftik, Vice President of Operations & Development for Minor Hotels (China), adds: “The establishment of Tivoli and NH hotels in Yining is expected to significantly improve the local hotel industry landscape, attracting more visitors and contributing meaningfully to the economic development of Yining and the entire Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture.”
Equinox Resort
Treyam
SAUDI ARABIA
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Developer: Neom
Operator: Equinox Hotels
Architecture: Mark Foster Gage Architects www.neom.com
Equinox Hotels has revealed initial renderings of its forthcoming resort in Neom. Located at Treyam, one of 12 destinations in the coastal region of Magna, the property showcases striking designs by Mark Foster Gage Architects, with a 450m-long bridge-like structure stretching across a serene lagoon.
The resort will offer spacious guestrooms alongside world-class culinary concepts and a clubhouse. In line with the Equinox brand, wellness will be a focus; expansive facilities include a swimming pool that spans the length of the bridge, a spa offering a range of longevity treatments and a signature fitness club.
“Neom embodies the future of luxury hospitality, and Equinox Hotels is thrilled to create an unparalleled resort experience within this visionary destination,” says Christopher Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels. “Our partnership with Neom highlights a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and redefining the
boundaries of hospitality. Located between The Line and the southernmost point of the Gulf of Aqaba, our resort will serve as the model for transformative luxury, activating the entire destination with experiences that only Equinox Hotels can offer.”
Jeremy Lester, Magna Executive Director, adds: “Neom has always been about pioneering the extraordinary, and our partnership with Equinox Hotels underscores this commitment. Equinox Resort Treyam embodies the convergence of innovation and luxury, and this partnership will redefine sustainable hospitality with a focus on truly immersive experiences and active lifestyles.”
Chris Newman, Executive Director of Neom Hotel Division, concludes: “We are excited to welcome Equinox Hotels to Neom. Our partnership reflects a shared vision of innovation, sustainability and pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be.”
MADE TO TOUCH. DESIGNED TO CONTROL. LS 990 IN CLASSIC BRASS.
JUNG UK Showroom · 6 / 7 Albemarle Way · Clerkenwell · London You are welcome to visit us by prior arrangement: jung.group/london
JUNG.GROUP/DIMMER
The Ilisian
ATHENS
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: Temes
Developer: Ionian Hotel Enterprises Architecture: Aeter Architects
Interior Design: Tristan Auer, Avroko, SBR, Yabu Pushelberg, First Within, Mare Studio, ID-Lab, Vana Krimnioti
Ionian Hotel Enterprises has unveiled plans for a landmark project in Athens. Named The Ilisian, the development will see the former Hilton transformed into a multi-purpose destination that incorporates a new hotel and luxury residences alongside a lifestyle members’ club, and gastronomy, entertainment, wellness and retail offerings.
The hotel component, comprising 278 guestrooms and suites as well as 18 branded residences, marks Conrad’s debut in Greece. A further 37 residences on the upper floors of the building will be flagged as Waldorf Astoria.
The project is being led by Athens-based Aeter Architects, which is working with a wider team to preserve many of the building’s longstanding features, including a façade mural by Yiannis Moralis. Interiors have been entrusted to a host of local and international firms, namely Tristan Auer, Avroko, Yabu Pushelberg, First Within, SBR, Mare Studio, ID-Lab and Vana Krimnioti.
The new destination was presented by Achilles V Constantakopoulos, Chairman of majority shareholders Temes: “With great respect for the unique legacy of this landmark, we carry the responsibility of its repurposing so that it continues to be a beloved destination, creating lifetime memories. Our ambition is for The Ilisian to become a meeting point and source of inspiration, where international concepts harmoniously blend with its local character.”
Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Category Head at Hilton Luxury Brands, adds: “Athens has been home to Hilton for more than six decades, and we’re incredibly proud to be evolving such a key city landmark on the site of the iconic former Hilton Athens. The city is a perfect destination for today’s global luxury traveller, with a thriving cultural scene and a rich history – and the location of the property overlooking the Acropolis perfectly complements its modern luxury design.”
collection designed by Stephane De Winter
Jumeirah
Marsa Al Arab DUBAI
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Developer: Dubai Holding
Operator: Jumeirah Group
Architecture: Killa Design www.jumeirah.com
Shaun Killa, the architect behind the forthcoming Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, has revealed further details on the resort’s superyachtinspired structure.
Set to open in Q4 2024, the property features 385 guestrooms and 82 private residences, and is located alongside an 82-bay marina. Upon completion, it will form part of an oceanic trilogy of hotels, whereby Jumeirah Beach Hotel represents the wave and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab resembles the sail.
In developing his concept for the new addition, Killa drew on the hotel’s nautical surroundings, recreating the soft, elegant lines of a superyacht. “We wanted to create the same sense of being in water through curvatures, almost like a ship going out to sea,” he reveals. “Using special software, we have been able to create a fluidity to the design; the residential building slopes in one direction and the hotel in the other to create a dynamic sense of movement.”
A key feature of the architectural design is a curving archway that serves as the guest dropoff, offering direct sightlines to the marina for a memorable arrival experience grounded in a sense of place. Further consolidating a connection to the nautical world, both buildings are clad in white Glass Reinforced Plastic, a material commonly used in the yacht industry.
“With this project, we wanted to add to Dubai’s architectural scene, so we examined the beachfront to ensure our narrative fits seamlessly with the existing properties,” continues Killa. “Our narrative depicts the evolution of design, starting with Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and their traditional aesthetic, transitioning to the modern architecture of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The story ultimately concludes at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, where we showcase what the future holds through futuristic yet soft architecture.”
Trim well done
Mr C Hotel & Residences
WEST PALM BEACH
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Developer: Terra, Sympatico Real Estate
Operator: Mr C Hotels & Residences
Architecture: Arquitectonica
Interior Design: Meyer Davis www.mrchotels.com
A new Mr C Hotels outpost is under development, courtesy of a joint venture between Terra and Sympatico Real Estate. Slated for opening in 2026, Mr C Hotel & Residences West Palm Beach will feature architecture by Arquitectonica and interior design envisioned by Meyer Davis.
The property comprises 110 rooms and 146 branded residences, set across 27 storeys, while additional amenities include an Italian restaurant, rooftop pool, bar and lounge, as well as a spa and fitness centre, complete with a yoga and Peloton studio.
Reflecting the brand’s signature stye, interiors will blend classic Italian charm with contemporary elegance, whilst also drawing on the region’s culture and vibrant arts scene. “The hotel’s lobby serves as a grand entrance, with pink and blue seating arrangements, rosewood lacquered finishes and colours that are synonymous with the Florida landscape,” reveals Nancy Santorelli, Associate Principal
and Director of Meyer Davis. “Floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers and bespoke furnishings create a sophisticated yet inviting feel. The residential lobby meanwhile brings more of a classic Mr C aesthetic, with blues and light oak finishes. The two spaces are united by curved shapes, feature flooring and the use of millwork throughout. We also brought in a blend of nautical and tropical cues that draw on the yachting presence in West Palm Beach.”
The varied F&B offering is set to include a café, with marble countertops, vintageinspired glass cases and plush seating; a rooftop restaurant merging indoor comforts with the allure of the outdoors; and a private members’ club, characterised by a rich and textured palette. “Each amenity space has a unique programming, creating different experiences for its users,” Santorelli concludes. “The property smoothly blends its public and private spaces to create a serene experience for guests.”
Mandarin Oriental
Developer: Harmoni Bali
Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Architecture: Design Lab
Interior Design: Jeffrey Wilkes
Landscaping: Bill Bensley www.mandarinoriental.com
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced plans to open a new Balinese property in 2027 – the result of a collaboration with local real estate developer Harmoni Bali.
Located on a cliffside plateau on the Bukit Peninsula, known for its craggy coastline, Mandarin Oriental Bali features both resort and residential components. Architects Design Lab and interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes have come together to bring the property to life, while Bill Bensley is taking the lead on landscaping. Balinese tradition is at the heart of the scheme, with emphasis on the island’s unique craftsmanship alongside Mandarin Oriental’s signature attention to detail.
The resort’s accomodation offering comprises 110 suites and villas, some with private terraces or gardens, most featuring private pools, and each designed to harmonise with its natural surroundings. The property’s residences meanwhile take the form of 68 villas, set on
an eight-hectare site positioned above the hotel. Residents will have access to a dedicated clubhouse, with a lounge, co-working area, function spaces and a private gym and swimming pool – as well as the resort’s amenities.
Dining experiences are set to include a cliff-edge restaurant and bar, a speciality Chinese restaurant, a speakeasy bar and a beach club, taking guests on a culinary journey that highlights the best of Indonesian and international cuisine. A sprawling cliff-front lawn will serve as a versatile events space.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer treatments inspired by Balinese customs. Further wellness facilities include outdoor swimming pools surrounded by cabanas, and a fitness centre with outdoor space for yoga and other activities. Additional leisure experiences will also be catered to at tennis courts, padel courts and a beach club, as well as an organic garden and a sustainability lab.
colour islands
Rugs by Ege Carpets
Explore colourful rugs in any size and shape
Our rugs are beautiful islands creating soft and warm atmospheres in the sea of concrete, hardwood and ceramics. All rugs can be customised to complement and highlight any interior. sustainable design at your feet egecarpets.com
Meeting… Yoshiharu Hoshino
As Hoshino Resorts eyes up US expansion, the group’s CEO explains why a unique combination of service, cuisine and hot spring bathing will ensure the homegrown Japanese hospitality company succeeds where others have failed.
Dressed head to toe in Issey Miyake, Hoshino Resorts CEO Yoshiharu Hoshino is talking animatedly about his big passion in life – and it’s not hospitality. With a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eye, the sprightly sexagenarian is back from his latest ski trip, a pastime he has pursued since he was five years old. He whips out a photo of his younger self kitted out in leather boots and carrying bamboo poles. “Nothing was waterproof then,” he chuckles as he describes how his latest season has involved taking to the slopes almost 80 times. As one of Japan’s most celebrated homegrown hospitality leaders, this commitment to skiing is a telling indication of how the CEO has managed to fulfill his life’s destiny, on his own terms.
“As I grew up, I accepted that taking over the family business would be my destiny,” he recalls. “Succession seemed like a natural course, just as all my relatives expected, so I never thought about doing anything else.” When Hoshino took over the management of the family business in 1991, it comprised an onsen (hot spring), one ryokan (Japanese inn) and a bird sanctuary. Today, that Karuizawa-based family business has transformed into one of Japan’s foremost hotel management
companies, operating more than 65 properties across five brands. They include the flagship Hoshinoya, with luxurious resorts in destinations across Japan such as Fuji, Kyoto and Okinawa, and further afield in Bali and Taiwan. There are now close to 25 Kai hotels, offering a contemporary take on the Japanese auberge, complete with traditional onsens. The Omo brand, which is growing rapidly, caters to the mindset of young travellers, while Risonare transports families to natural settings. Beb is the newest venture, providing a more budgetconscious, casual brand experience. The Hoshinoyas are often included in consumer lists of the world’s best hotels, while Kai, Omo and Risonare have been acknowledged for their design and architecture with industry awards.
“When I joined, it was a one-property business,” Hoshino notes. “We never had the intention to grow; rather it was a way to protect ourselves. Back then, I could see that we would need a way to achieve our own economies of scale as competition from international groups with online reservation systems arrived in our market. It was a necessary step in a changing environment.”
The Hoshino men are pragmatically entrepreneurial, less concerned with grand futuristic visions and more interested in innovating solutions to the
challenges looming around the corner. Great, great grandfather Kasuke Hoshino’s flair for silk spinning raised the capital for his son Kuniji to venture into hospitality, with a punt on digging for hot springs in the family’s hometown of Karuizawa paying off with the opening of a ryokan in 1914. Lack of electricity posed a real problem however, prompting third-generation Yoshimasa to study power generation and invent Japan’s first private micro hydropower generator. As grandfather to the current CEO, he also sowed the seeds of the ecotourism enterprise that Hoshino Resorts runs today by establishing a bird sanctuary in the serene forest of the resort town, located in mountainous Nagano Prefecture.
“I spent a lot of time with my grandfather,” he recalls. “He was very active in protecting nature. In the 1980s, he managed to prevent some of the larger golf developments that threatened the bird sanctuary. That’s why we still have the forest today.” Although his grandfather had passed away by the time he became CEO, Hoshino faced the immediate problem of how to keep paying the property taxes for the sanctuary. “That’s really the main reason we decided to go into ecotourism,” he admits. “As it was in the early days of ecotourism, I attended conferences around the world to learn more before we established Picchio Eco Tours in 1994, the first of its kind in Japan. It’s profitable enough that we’re able to continue paying the taxes and are in a position to protect the local wildlife, including birds and bears.”
His father Akira Hoshino, who spent time in the US, had been the first to inject a Western mindset into the family business by tapping into Japan’s wedding market. But Yoshiharu’s ideas for evolution had to be bigger. “I decided we should specialise in hotel management in remote areas of Japan,” he recalls. “As the owner of a property in Karuizawa, our business faced a real risk every time there was a volcanic eruption, after which tourism would stop for months. When we decided to expand, I didn’t want to take on similar real risks in other parts of Japan. And while there were plenty of
“We believe that in order to succeed where other Japanese hotel companies have failed, we need to transport the elements that are symbolic of Japan. It’s essential to be confident about what we can offer.”
companies willing to take on the risk of hotel management in cities like Tokyo, there were fewer who were willing to do so in lesserknown destinations.”
Hoshino Resorts retains a handful of assets, including in Karuizawa and the Nekoma Mountain ski resort and Bandaisan Onsen Hotel in Fukushima. But the first real test of management came in 2001 when the CEO decided whether to risk operating a property that had gone bankrupt in scenic Yatsugatake.
“The resort was losing money,” Hoshino explains. “There was a lot of internal debate because we weren’t convinced this should be the first property we managed outside our hometown. In the end, it was a matter of the heart rather than any rational decision-making process. The people there were in real trouble. It could well have failed, which would have been a huge problem for us.”
Hoshino decided to undertake extensive research into the travellers still coming to the resort, despite the bad food and poor service.
“We identified a segment who had clear reasons for visiting: families with children under 12,” Hoshino reveals. “As they needed to keep their
travel time down to under two hours and the resort had a big pool with waves, these families were willing to keep coming. From that point, we transformed the resort experience by introducing better food and service, offering more appropriate room types and shortening dining times. We created activities and made sure that adults could have a good time even though they were entertaining their kids.” From the inception of Risonare Yatsugatake, it took the company two years to turn the resort to profit. Suddenly, other owners in Japan started to take notice, requesting the same Risonare concept in other destinations primed to offer families activities set in nature. Today, in addition to the seven existing Risonare resorts, including one in Guam, two more are in development.
It was around 2001 that Hoshino also decided it was time to demolish his father’s hotel. There was one sticking point, however, as Hoshino describes: “At that time, Karuizawa was known as a summer town so we had one short season. However, if we were going to start again, we would need to secure occupancy year-round.” This conundrum prompted a three-year development period as the company explored a concept that would prove capable of creating and managing a high-performance resort. Hoshino was conscious that he would need to appeal to domestic travellers who only seemed willing to take breaks of more than two nights when they went abroad, typically to destinations such as Bali, California or Hawaii, where they opted for Western-style accommodation.
“I felt that rather than mimicking Westernstyle resorts, we should be proud of our local regions in Japan, working hard to showcase their natural attractions, food and culture,” he recalls. “Yes, we had to achieve a global level of resort, but it was essential that we showed domestic visitors that different areas in Japan were a great place to live and stay.”
And so, the flagship Hoshinoya was born. Central to the concept is a design that encapsulates an elemental expression of Japan, with a focus on materiality, lighting, volume and local decorative techniques. There are three
The design scheme for the flagship Hoshinoya in Tokyo focuses on materiality, lighting, volume and local decorative techniques
“I felt rather than mimicking Westernstyle resorts, we should be proud of our local regions in Japan, working hard to showcase their natural attractions, food and culture.”
teams involved in creating every Hoshinoya: Hoshino’s operations team, famed Japanese architect Rie Azuma and landscape architect Hiroki Hasegawa of Studio On Site. Hoshino and Azuma have been friends since their student days when they bumped into each other at an intensive English course ahead of their respective studies at Cornell University in the US. Indeed when Hoshino stepped into the CEO role back in Japan, he reached out to Azuma and her father to learn more about how he should approach resort design. Their working relationship extends back years. When the opportunity came to create Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Azuma reached out to landscaping design specialist, Hasegawa.
“We’ve all been working together since we were in our late-30s and we have a very different relationship than other project owners and architects,” smiles Hoshino wryly. “They don’t really listen to us. We talk very openly to each other, sometimes criticise each other and discuss every point. I really think this is the
basis of coming up with a good product. Because there’s always a trade-off between design and operations, so you need to be able to discuss everything, sometimes heatedly.”
Hoshino emphasises how important the landscape architect is to initiating a Hoshinoya masterplan and first image concept, since Hasegawa typically decides where buildings should be and what direction they should face. Developing this further, he says Azuma has a clear design vision for each project, taking into consideration details such as what type of food will be offered and how spaces are to be used. There needs to be an attractiveness to Hoshinoya resorts that speaks in serene contemporary terms of Japan. In settings such as Karuizawa, natural energies and trees have been protected as a priority, while Kyoto’s immersive design draws on timeless artisanship. Even in the bright lights of Tokyo, Hoshinoya has been able to create a deeply arresting space of interplaying light and shadow, with temple ceilings, traditional stonework techniques, washi paper,
sculptural elements and staff uniforms all conjuring a strong sense of place. The Tokyo flagship is crowned by a natural onsen, with spring waters pumped up from the ground, an ethereal space just minutes from the Imperial Palace.
This aesthetic is matched by a traditional type of Japanese hospitality known as Omotenashi, originated by a tea ceremony master. “I really like this historical tradition of hospitality because there’s a confidence about it that we could be proud of,” observes Hoshino. “When people used to travel, they expected their hosts to give them an offer. The host would know how they wanted their guests to spend their time and what they should eat. It wasn’t a hierarchical relationship but a meeting point. In the same way, I want my staff today to be very confident of what we’re offering rather than trying to meet every single need of the customer.”
Hoshinoya’s next big opening is intriguing. Scheduled to open in Spring 2026, it will involve the renovation of one of Japan’s most important cultural properties, the former Nara Prison, and will once more benefit from the expertise of Azuma and Hasegawa, along with lighting director Masanobu Takeishi. But
it’s not just these two architects who have become regular collaborators. Across Hoshino Resorts’ other brands, firms such as Klein Dytham Architecture have led on the design of Risonare properties, while Tatsuro Sasaki Architects has designed several Omo and Beb hotels. But Hoshino and his team do not limit their choice of architects to regular collaborators, instead they are led by the considerations of brand, location and project type. This September, Kai Okuhida will debut, marking the group’s first venture in Gifu Prefecture, with architectural design by Sakakura Associates and landscaping by Kanade.
While Japan will remain the primary market, Hoshino Resorts is gearing up for its next big step: to break into the US. “We’ve moved into other countries like China with our onsen and ryokan concept, but are now looking to identify the right location for our first US operation,” reveals Hoshino. “We believe that in order to succeed where other Japanese hotel companies have failed, we need to transport the elements that are very symbolic of Japan: a unique set of hot spring bathing, cuisine and Omotenashi service. It’s essential to be confident about what we can offer.”
Marking the group’s first venture in Gifu Prefecture, Kai Okuhida will feature architectural design by Sakakura Associates
Designed and made in Australia.
Piccolo is a professional-grade cordless lamp with IP64 rating and all-day battery life, perfect for restaurants and bars.
neoz.com.au
Piccolo Cordless Lamp
Celebrating Jeffrey Beers
Following the passing of Jeffrey Beers, the newlyappointed Partners of JBI reflect on the designer’s lasting legacy, whilst looking to the future.
The hospitality industry said goodbye to a legend earlier this year when architect and designer Jeffrey Beers passed away at the age of 67 following a battle with cancer. In advance of Beers posthumously receiving the Outstanding Contribution award at AHEAD Americas 2024, the firm’s newly appointed partners Michael Pandolfi, Tim Rooney and Nora Liu-Kanter reflect on milestone projects that defined the founder’s career, lessons learned and what the future holds for JBI.
ON THE INITIAL VISION
In 1986, Jeffrey aspired to establish a studio of artists, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity could flourish. With a foundation in restaurant and bar design, he envisioned hospitality as the essence of our identity. He aimed to integrate art and craftsmanship into our projects, creating spaces that evoke emotional responses from those who experience them.
ON THE STUDIO’S EVOLUTION
When the three of us joined JBI over 20 years ago, the firm was much smaller, with only about 12 people. In those early years, the studio felt like a collective of artists – very collaborative and free-flowing. At the time, projects were very theatrical and over-the-top –the more imaginative the better.
As we moved to a larger office, our team expanded. We established a pseudo-studio structure that maintained a collaborative culture, although more confined within specific project teams. Just before the pandemic, as our projects became increasing larger and more numerous, we had outgrown our space, with
studio members working in conference rooms and squeezing five or six people into workspaces designed for four. This prompted our move downtown, like many other design and architecture firms, to a new office with more open space and floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views.
This new environment and energy, along with the transition to the partnership, have provided us with the opportunity to rediscover our roots and find new ways to be as collaborative and dynamic as we were when the three of us first started with Jeffrey. We are restructuring to again be a studio of artists, free to create, explore and have fun.
ON JEFFREY’S APPROACH
Jeffrey always encouraged us to see and experience as much as possible, first hand. Every work or personal trip was an opportunity to explore the area, see the latest design trends and most importantly, to experience the hotels, restaurants and clubs so we could learn how to design for a better guest experience. Especially true for the luxury market, he taught us that you need to see and experience the level of service, use the guestroom nightstands and vanities, to sit in every type of seat at a restaurant to study the proportions.
As we start a new hotel project, we take all of the lessons learned and then do a deep-dive to understand the local culture and thoroughly explore who the client and brand identify as their primary market demographic. All with the intent to create an amazing hotel that is of the place, of the moment, yet operates and functions with the knowledge gained from our many years of experience.
JBI’s newly-appointed Partners (from left to right): Michael Pandolfi, Tim Rooney and Nora Liu-Kanter
“Jeffrey aspired to establish a studio of artists, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity could flourish.”
ON MILESTONE PROJECTS
The one that stands out is our first major hotel project, which laid the foundation for everything that followed. Sol Kerzner entrusted us with the design of The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas, which sought to become the resort’s most luxurious experience, appealing to an adultonly clientele. We were responsible for all the public spaces, including the grand Central Nave, featuring a soaring ceiling and giant copper mesh lantern chandeliers. The main public spaces were housed in separate enclosed structures, but the Central Nave and meandering covered walkways connecting them were open to the ocean breeze and surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. This project was a perfect opportunity to blend our artistic flair with our core architectural instincts. Jeffrey took pride in every project, but the ones he cherished most were those where he developed the closest relationships with the client. His first bar, Bar Lui, which boasted the longest bar in the world, and China Grill in the CBS building in New York, his first major restaurant project, always held a special place in his heart. However, what truly brought a warm smile to his face and filled him with pride was building relationships with clients that led to decades of project collaborations.
ON LEARNING FROM A LEADER
MICHAEL PANDOLFI: Jeffrey always treated everyone in the room with the same amount of respect, from billionaire clients to interns. This helps foster great relationships in business, and you never know what it will lead to.
TIM ROONEY: Jeffrey taught me how to dance. Not in the literal sense, but in his approach to problem-solving, or navigating a difficult project or client, or in his presentation style. Jeffrey was very good at reading a room and he would
Recent projects for the studio include (top to bottom) Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Texas; Peter Luger Steakhouse at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas; and Café Boulud in New York
“Jeffrey’s lasting legacy will be the countless relationships he cultivated – leaving everyone that knew him wanting more of his gentle demeanour and to see his warm smile once more.”
tailor the presentation to respond to the room and how it was being received.
NORA LIU-KANTER: Just working side-by-side with Jeffrey was to never lose the personal touch you have with everyone. Continue to engage, uplift, walk around the studio, explore, be curious, ask questions, share insights and share experiences. Even at design meetings, he would say, “This is the best part of the day – where we can all get together and create. It’s a party we’ve all been invited to!”
ON PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
The pandemic created an opportunity for Jeffrey to start the process of transitioning the studio from one focused primarily on himself, the founder, to one with a lasting legacy –celebrating all of the leadership team. First, we re-designed our logo from Jeffrey Beers International to JBI and began to refer to ourselves in that way. Jeffrey wanted this new branding to create a studio that will last another 40 years. Around the same time, he started the process of making the three of us Partners and to bring on a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He wanted to create a strong foundation to allow the firm to grow.
But as we think about it, Jeffrey started to prepare us for this from day one. He taught us the power of establishing strong relationships built upon mutual respect with our clients and industry partners, and empowered us to take the lead on the design and management of our projects and teams. Jeffrey taught us, by his own example, how to lead.
ON NEW OPENINGS
We are thrilled to have completed a number of projects this past year, several of which have been in construction for many
years. For example, we just opened two new restaurants in Manhattan – BondST Restaurant in Hudson Yards and Café Boulud for Chef Daniel Boulud. We have also recently opened a large integrated resort in Korea and launched our latest luxury cruise liner, Sun Princess for Princess Cruises.
On the boards, we are currently designing an alpine ski resort in Utah, an intercoastal resort in Fort Lauderdale, a beach resort in Aruba, an ultra-luxury resort in Costa Rica for One&Only, three Estiatorio Milos restaurant concepts in the US and Canada, integrated resorts in New York, Las Vegas and Athens, and a fun pop-up 40/40 Club for Jay-Z at the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024. Right now, we love having a wide variety of project types that keeps our studio excited and on their toes!
ON JEFFREY’S LASTING LEGACY
The response from Jeffrey’s passing has been overwhelming. We have heard from people all over the world – from the most prestigious of clients to an electrician Jeffrey once spoke with on a site visit – each saying what a kind, generous and good person he was and how much they appreciated his demeanour and class. A word that surfaced time and again when speaking of Jeffrey after his passing was ‘gentleman’. His lasting legacy will be the countless relationships he cultivatedleaving everyone that knew him wanting more of his gentle demeanour and to see his warm smile once more.
ON THE NEXT 40 YEARS
There are lots of exciting times ahead, some of which include collaborations that we’ll share soon, but for now, we’re committed to continuing to instil Jeffrey’s ethos in the passion for what we do, how we approach projects and the way we collaborate with the people around us.
A milestone project for the studio is The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Founder and Principal, Chapi Design Partner and Co-owner, Chapi Chapo Design
Kazakhstan-born Tatiana Sheveleva co-founded Toronto-based firm Chapi Chapo Design in 2011. Now, the company is undergoing a strategic restructure, with Sheveleva spearheading Chapi Design, which specialises in luxury hospitality, branded residences and yacht markets.
Milestone Projects:
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City; St Regis Kanai, Riviera Maya; The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto; The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami; St Regis Toronto, Canada; The Ritz-Carlton, Nashville; The Ritz-Carlton, Scottsdale (F&B outlets)
Meeting… Chapi Design
Following news of a strategic restructure, Chapi Design’s founder Tatiana Sheveleva talks timeless design, smart solutions and creating a lasting legacy.
What was the initial vision for the firm?
When we first launched Chapi Chapo Design in 2011, our aspiration was to create a firm that would set new standards in luxury design, particularly within the hospitality sector. We envisioned a company that would be known for its expertise in incorporating the unexpected details that elevate a project, ensuring that each offers a unique and memorable experience. Quality has always been our priority over quantity; we believe that each project deserves our full attention and creative energy. Additionally, we wanted to build an energetic team united by a shared passion. Every moment is an opportunity to build lasting relationships with our clients, based on trust and mutual respect. Every project for us is a story to be told through our design.
What changes is the business undergoing?
We are currently undergoing significant changes as part of our vision for growth and innovation. We proudly introduce Chapi Design, which, spearheaded by myself, will continue to thrive in the luxury hospitality, branded residential and yachting sectors. Chapo Design meanwhile, will concentrate on luxury residental, retail and lifestyle projects under the leadership of Boris Mathias. By empowering each of us to focus on our individual specialties, we aim to further elevate the company’s unparalleled legacy.
How will this impact day-to-day operations?
The evolution of Chapi Design and Chapo Design was a natural progression for our firm. As partners, Boris and I have always worked independently, each of us focusing on building our teams specifically targeted to the markets we are most passionate about. This approach has been instrumental in our success and has now led to the strategic expansion of our business, allowing us to amplify our market presence, hone our skills and deliver even greater value to our clients by leveraging our individual strengths. With our new focus areas, this expansion has triggered the need for employee growth and development. We’re excited about the opportunities this presents for our team, as it allows us to bring in new talent and further strengthen our expertise in the markets we serve. I truly want each of my team members to feel like they are part of something special; to learn from every project and take pride in their work.
What is your immediate focus?
Personally, I will be focused on leading the strategic direction and growth of Chapi Design. Owning my own company and focusing on one key market is both a challenge and an opportunity to push the limits of what we can achieve. I will be deeply involved in nurturing our projects, ensuring that our commitment to
innovation remains at the forefront of everything we do. Of course, I’ll always be on the lookout for the next project that will allow us to push creative boundaries and deliver extraordinary results. I would like to create a lasting legacy not only through our portfolio, but also by giving back and making a difference for communities in need through our work.
Additionally, I will focus on fostering the development of our team, encouraging new talent and exploring opportunities that align with our vision, whilst also continuing to grow as a leader. Last year, my team and I were honoured to receive prestigious accolades for our work on St Regis Kanai on the Riviera Maya, including the AHEAD Americas Hotel Newbuild award. These prizes are not only industry recognition for us as designers, but also a proud moment for our clients and the brand as a testament to the success of our collaboration.
How will you honour the legacy of Chapi Chapo Design whilst embracing this new era?
Striking a balance between moving forward whilst maintaining the spirit of the original firm is essential to our expansion. Our growth is driven by the same principles that guided us when we first started: a commitment to quality, creativity and fostering a collaborative environment. As we’ve evolved, this focus has sharpened.
“Our growth and expansion are driven by the same principles that guided us when we first started: a commitment to quality, creativity and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Under the new structure, what is Chapi Design’s signature approach?
Each project we undertake is unique and requires its own special hand. However, if we were to define a design signature that we bring to all our projects, it would be timelessness. We are not a firm that designs around trends; we focus on creating spaces that endure fleeting moments. Our clients’ investments are meant to last far longer than any trend, so our designs are crafted to resonate with balance, harmony, culture and a sense of home. Timeless design doesn’t necessarily mean high costs; it means creating environments that are both enduring and meaningful, reflecting a deep understanding of the client’s vision and the project’s context. Our approach involves listening carefully to ownership, ensuring that the narrative we build into the design resonates with the brand, the client and the destination.
In the hospitality projects you are working on, what do you see as the greatest challenges and opportunities?
I see every challenge as an opportunity, because it pushes us to think creatively and innovate beyond conventional solutions. In hospitality design, the need to balance functionality with creating a unique, immersive experience is a challenge, but it’s where the most exciting possibilities arise. In a competitive market, it’s essential to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also operationally efficient and adaptable to the diverse needs of guests.
There’s a growing desire for personalised, meaningful experiences in hospitality, which opens up opportunities to design spaces that tell a story, evoke emotion and create lasting memories. The rise of technology also offers exciting possibilities for integrating smart solutions that enhance guest experiences while
“Design should push the boundaries of the unexpected, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also thoughtful, sustainable and memorable.”
streamlining operations. Design should push the boundaries of the unexpected, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also thoughtful, sustainable and memorable. The goal is to craft timeless solutions that lead to sustainability by extending the lifespan of new designs and materials, reducing the need for frequent updates or replacements.
Tell us about projects in the pipeline...
One of our major projects is St Regis Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, a newbuild resort and branded
residences. Our design concept is inspired by the rich and diverse culture of the region, paying tribute to the unique individuals who call this magical place home by incorporating a fusion of vibrant colours and a mélange of cultural influences throughout.
Another exciting project we’re currently working on is The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Villa in Costa Rica. Set to open later this year, this ultra-luxury property will feature outdoor terraces, private plunge pools and spa-like bathrooms, immersing visitors in Costa Rican architecture and culture. Our team is dedicated to infusing an intimate and luxurious touch into this remarkable destination.
What are Chapi Design’s plans for the future?
Our long-term plans include continuing to develop our expertise within hotels, branded residences and beyond, extending from land to the sea.
Our recent involvement with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has inspired us to explore new horizons within the marine sector. A notable project that exemplifies this expansion is the Beach House onboard Ilma. This indoor-outdoor restaurant was conceived to transport guests to a vibrant waterfront haven with 180-degree views, enveloping them in a casually elegant environment. The Beach House embodies its natural surroundings, seamlessly integrating with the coast to create a day-to-night experience where guests can relax and unwind. Our design evokes a serene coastal atmosphere, reflecting the sand and sea, emphasising understated indulgence.
I am proud of what Chapi Design has accomplished and excited to begin this new chapter. As we look to the future, I’m eager to see what new opportunities await us. I’m deeply thankful for the incredible support from our clients throughout this journey and take great pride in my team, who continue to grow and excel alongside the company.
THE LOBBY
Lagoon Lodgings
With a view to reducing the impact of new hospitality developments on the environment, Danish maritime architectural studio Mast has unveiled plans to transform a former salt production plant into a floating resort. Following abandonment in the early 2000s, the site’s shallow lagoon had become overgrown and unkempt. Now, the studio is breathing new life into the Portuguese wetlands, introducing a cluster of small timber lodges that appear to hover over the water on stilts. In keeping with the site’s environmental ethos, the structures – whose form pays homage to the traditional fisherman’s huts that occupy the waterways of southern Portugal – will be prefabricated from cross-laminated timber off-site to minimise disruption of
the fragile ecosystem. The channels and ponds that wind around the site have become breeding grounds for brine shrimp, in turn attracting flocks of flamingos. Leaning into this abundance of nature, Mast’s vision for the site also includes the incorporation of a wildlife refuge and a spiralling birdwatching tower.
Furthermore, a dilapidated salt production building will be transformed into a restaurant and spa, featuring alongside a new group of agricultural buildings, inspired by traditional Portuguese wooden salt storage warehouses. These structures will form part of the site’s return to operation, facilitating the production of small batches of artisanal salt – a fresh start that also keeps the site rooted in its history.
A new lodging concept invites adventurous travellers to take in their surroundings from transparent capsules atop the mountains of Patagonia.
Lodges, cabins and tented camps are fast becoming the go-to for travellers seeking an escape from hectic daily life, with remote sites often nestled amongst the trees or along the riverbank for the promise of an immersion in nature. Few, however, have an aerial vantagepoint from which to take in entire landscapes. Enter Ovo, a unique hospitality experience that overlooks the majestic mountains and vast valleys of Argentine Patagonia. Comprising a series of transparent capsules attached to a towering cliff face, the project is the brainchild of Ezequiel Ruete and Luis Aparicio, experts in high-altitude structures. Having founded Perspectiva Aérea –a creative studio that fuses artistic production with architecture – the duo enlisted a team of mechanical engineers, geomechanical technicians and specialist mountaineers to bring their vision to life, creating a transformative experience that uses height as a differentiator.
The adventure begins with a stay at Estancia Bonanza, a partner property close to the village of El Chaltén – gateway to the peaks – before a
45-minute hike through the forest to reach the mountain summit. Not for the faint-hearted, guests are then equipped with a harness and helmet for a daring descent to the capsule. The capsule itself is suspended some 270m above ground and is split into three levels, each offering spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy and the Andes: up top is the bedroom, in the middle is the living area and bathroom with dry toilet, and at the bottom is a chill-out zone, where residents can lounge on a hammock while marvelling at the landscape below.
With the Patagonia panorama central to the guest experience, the natural beauty of the surroundings has been a key consideration through the design and build process too: the capsules are lightweight and low impact, secured to the cliff face by just nine load-bearing bolts; lighting is powered by solar panels; and openable windows allow for fresh-air ventilation. Furthermore, the structures are fully removable, meaning that at the end of the capsule’s life, the landscape can return to its natural self.
Retail Therapy
The shoppable hotel phenomenon introduces a unique way to make a longlasting impression on guests.
Many hoteliers aim to create memorable experiences that remain with guests long after they have checked out. For some this might take the form of personalised service or exquisite fine dining, but a growing trend of shoppable hotel experiences provides a more tangible way for guests to remember a hotel long after they’ve left.
It’s a niche that the founders of LiBi – Love it, Buy it – tapped into when they set up a platform dedicated solely to allowing hotels and rentals to sell their wares to guests. The tool permits hoteliers to make their entire property shoppable through their own e-commerce site, offering everything from mattresses and blankets to bathroom amenities and artworks.
Hertfordshire countryside retreat The Grove was the latest to buy into the trend when it announced its partnership with LiBi, debuting an online shop that includes in-room amenities such as bedding sets and robes, as well as local favourites Twist Teas, and beauty and skincare products from spa partners Bamford.
“Our online shop collaboration with LiBi not only elevates the guest experience but also reinforces our commitment to supporting local and regional suppliers,” says Hotel Manager Joanna Barnett. “Our guests frequently enquire about purchasing our products, and now we offer a platform where they can shop their experience.
This partnership enables us to expand the ways in which we offer best-in-class service to our guests, revealing our trusted suppliers so that they are able to recreate their experience of The Grove upon returning home.”
And virtual isn’t the only way, with many hotels housing their own on-site shop where guests can discover pieces of the property to take home with them. CitizenM and 25hours Hotels have long sold on-theme goods in their lobbies, while at Mama Shelter outposts, cabinets display various quirky items including crockery, clothing, keyrings and the brand’s signature cartoon masks.
While a touch of retail therapy allows guests to experience hotel luxury beyond their stays, there are also plenty of advantages to operators.
“Making your hotel shoppable with LiBi offers multiple benefits,” says Johanne Hedges, the company’s Managing Director. “Hoteliers can boost revenue by selling products guests love, enhance satisfaction by letting them take home a piece of their stay, and ensure that they stand out from competitors. Making hotels shoppable can also increase brand loyalty through memorable experiences, expand marketing reach, and support local and sustainable brands. LiBi transforms your property into a showroom, elevating guest experiences and creating new revenue streams.”
Nu faucets represent a purity of visual expression and a synthesis of essential design elements: form, shape and colour. A collection that strips away the artifice to arrive at the essence of its timeless design.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
LONDON
Marking Mayfair’s first newbuild hotel in over a decade, Mandarin Oriental enlists RSHP to create a sister property as exclusive and elevated as its location.
At the top end of the market, new luxury hotels in the heart of London have tended to occupy old buildings. The likes of Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Savoy and The Berkeley have worked within the restrictions of their historic walls, in an endless merry-go-round of renovation, refurbishment and enhancement, each phase of changes an attempt to out-luxe its competitors.
In recent years however, this has begun to change. Numerous debutante entrants to the market have been newly built. In the past year alone, the capital has seen the launch of The Peninsula, The Emory and now, billed as the first newbuild hotel in Mayfair in over a decade, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.
Located at the intersection of Hanover Square and Brooke Street, this boutique sister property to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers a more intimate, exclusive atmosphere than – and a pointed contrast to – its larger stablemate.
Inserting this structure into the heavily protected street plan of Mayfair has been an act of delicate precision, sensitive architecture and clever engineering. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), the building has been constructed using a Vierendeel structure, named after the Belgian engineer Arthur Vierendeel, who pioneered this method of trussing using rectangular, rather than triangular, frames without diagonal struts to build bridges.
This has allowed RSHP to maximise internal space for their client – developer Clivedale –allowing for spacious guestrooms and suites, and a dramatically sunken yet daylit restaurant beneath the ground-floor lobby and bar. The exterior is an elegant, contemporary take on the townhouses of Mayfair, clad in burnt red ‘baguette’ bricks and deep white stucco that enable this newbuild to blend harmoniously with the historic Georgian architecture of the surrounding area.
Inside, Tokyo-based design practice Curiosity has drawn inspiration from the nearby parks and squares for the public spaces, using Green Ming marble extensively alongside earthy tones and rich textures. The lobby is an understated yet sophisticated space, which offers guests a low-key introduction to the combination of nature and art that awaits elsewhere: “Coming from the glamour of Mayfair, walking through the gardens of Hanover Square and entering the hotel, a sense of continuity and satisfaction is created by the different elements of the
design, evoking the energy and colours of the surrounding area,” explains Curiosity founder Gwenael Nicolas. “A large sculptural lobby in the form of a green stone room immerses the visitor in a welcoming, calm and stimulating environment. The all-green entrance lobby envelops guests in a comfortable cocoon for an added layer of privacy, where they can find sanctuary from the city. The welcoming salon, located in the ‘greenhouse’, is bathed in warm light and beige and camel leather.” A floating artwork of intertwined branches by Julia Clarke, reminiscent of a bird’s nest, offers a point of visual interest.
From here, an emerald-green marble spiral staircase leads down to the subterranean Akira Back restaurant. The celebrated AmericanKorean chef’s UK debut is a 148-cover eatery, which transforms from day to night thanks to the triple-height glazed roof. Design interventions reference the four elements: wind, in the dramatic steam-bent wood wall sculpture by British artist Charlie Whinney, which whirls
Larger guestrooms feature lounge areas furnished with curved sofas, hand-tufted Alarwool rugs and brass accents
The sprawling Mayfair Suite is defined by delicate details such as a porcelain leaves installation and hand-embroidered wallcoverings
vortex-like over the space; water, in the flowing fabrics that cascade into the open kitchen beneath; earth, in the muted colour scheme; and fire, in the warm glow of the lights illuminating the adjacent ABar Lounge cocktail bar, beneath a shimmering bronze metallic ceiling. A vast abstract artwork by Back’s mother, Young Hee Back, occupies the entire back wall, with her work also incorporated into the design of the door to the bar area, the main dining room ceiling, as well as the 14-seater private dining room. A reboot of a concept initially introduced by Back in Seoul, Dosa features cocooned interiors that reference the mineral elements of the earth, specifically salt, with metallic walls and an imposing angular sculpture suspended above the open kitchen, which serves a highend Korean tasting menu to guests seated at a counter-style chef’s table.
On the upper floors, Studio Indigo has crafted guestrooms and suites with a palette of rich jewel tones, luxurious materials and bespoke furnishings. The firm’s experience in designing
luxury superyachts has enabled them to make every last inch of space count. Asymmetrical elements with recessed and projecting planes address the relatively compact footprint. Mechanical and engineering constraints that initially resulted in low ceilings have been cleverly overcome by reconfiguring these elements into interlocking volumes that allow for a more generous ceiling height. Furniture throughout is supplied by British firm Hospitality Projects, who manufactured over 3,500 items for the hotel, spa and residential spaces, including sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, dining tables and chairs.
In the larger guestrooms, lounge areas feature curved furniture, a rotating armchair and versatile pouffe that can be transformed into a flexible dining space. A multi-purpose desk/bar unit discreetly conceals everything needed for in-room dining, while also housing amenities such as GHD hair straighteners and Dyson hairdryers. Lutron-controlled lighting and a Palladiom shading system allows guests
Beauty enlightened
to customise the mood and ambiance via keypads on the walls.
Silk hand-painted wallpapers by De Gournay feature Chinoiserie designs depicting the trees that bloom over in Hanover Square, and are complemented by surfaces from Vescom. Handtufted Alarwool rugs exude elegance underfoot, while brass accents emphasise the architectural details. Muran o glass decorative lighting and alabaster stone by Italiana Handmade completes the contemporary opulent feel. Bathrooms, accessed via gilded mesh sliding screens, feature bespoke walnut burl wood cabinets beneath cantilevered stone sinks and Dornbracht sanitaryware.
These design motifs are played out on a larger scale in the sprawling 1,517ft2 Mayfair Suite, which spans the entire length of the building. Enhancing the sense of place, the open-plan space is characterised by an auburn colour palette, centred around Rosso Oribico marble with pops of burgundy, creating warmth and comfort. Details include a delicate installation
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Hanover Suite
Deluxe Room
of porcelain leaves, walk-in wardrobes lined with ‘Portobello’ gold silk wallpaper and other wallcoverings by De Gournay embellished with hand-embroidered flowers.
The spa’s starlit colour-changing 25m pool is said to be the longest indoor swimming pool in Mayfair. There is also a 1,500m2 gym, numerous vitality pools and a series of experience showers. “The pool area is identified with lights that seem to float in space, reflecting on the water surface and walls, creating an emotional connection with an abstract nature,” explains Nicolas. “The most interesting element within the space is the tiered pool, designed to evoke the sense of a journey. As you swim from one side to the other, the colour of the water changes: refreshing with a light blue on one side, soothing with a darker colour on the other. The dark tones and primitive palette of wood and stone textures create a connection with nature and the purity of materiality, balanced by the delicate tones of warm bronze and candle-like warm lighting.” Here, Hospitality Projects worked with
Curiosity to create an environment that seamlessly blends natural wood, soft fabrics and textured finishes. They have created over 60 bespoke pieces for the spa, with a colour palette dominated by golds and creams in the warm wood finishes, rich fabrics and marbles that define the space.
Sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the development, with circular economy principles embedded into the design, resulting in a BREEAM Very Good rating. Hospitality Projects furnishings have been handcrafted in England using materials sourced to align with Mandarin Oriental’s ESG requirements. The flexible structure of the construction will give it an extended lifespan, whilst that brick and stucco façade has been designed so that it can be dismounted and reused or recycled.
Still to come is a rooftop bar, opening later this year, and an Italian restaurant concept overlooking Hanover Square in early 2025, completing the Mandarin magic in Mayfair.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner / Developer: Clivedale
Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Architecture: RSHP, AFK Studio
Interior Design: Studio Indigo, Curiosity, Fabled Studio
Auberge Resorts Collection enlists Amanda Lindroth to create an authentic escape that celebrates the charm of Southern Living.
Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: Courtesy of The Dunlin
The latest property in Auberge’s Resorts Collection is set on the banks of the Kiawan River outside of Charleston, South Carolina. This rustic setting lends the resort a true authenticity that belies the fact that it sits squarely in a newbuild residential community. The Dunlin’s authenticity likely also comes from the fact that Kemper Hyers, Auberge’s Chief Creative Officer, was born in the area and spent his childhood there. “We used to rent a summer house right on the beach when I was little and we eventually bought one. They were always these beautiful homes from the 1920s and 30s, so I wanted The Dunlin to be a quintessential American riverfront house and for there to be this feeling of a continuum of time. You don’t feel like you’re in something that was built yesterday,” he says, shunning the pastiche that can come from an outside developer looking in.
In order to further his vision, Hyers knew he needed a design partner. He found them unexpectedly when visiting family and marvelling at a charming garden lantern. “It was a real Eureka moment,” he recalls. Enter seasoned designer and tastemaker Amanda Lindroth, who immediately picked up on Hyers’ cues. “I imagined something of a vanished era that was extraordinarily loved and generational – a cherished summer place where I could feel the wind running through the open windows,” she recalls of the vivid scenography
she had already created in her mind. Lindroth, who has an office and retail store in Charleston, immediately got to work establishing a Cottageinspired aesthetic synonymous with the charm of Southern Living. “We studied a lot of old abandoned houses in the South and created giant moodboards of wood, featuring baseboard, shiplap and nickel-jointed wide plank flooring, so the hotel has a timeless appeal even if it’s brand new,” she says.
The magic begins in the Willet Room, a lobby lounge where relaxed banquettes dressed in a fresh, green buffalo check are complemented by effortless rattan chairs. Seemingly mismatched shades of delicate greens complement the omnipresent foliage. Walls are adorned with resin artworks by Mary Margaret Monsees of M Studio, featuring wildflowers handpicked from the grounds, and every accessory, from the lamps on dining tables to the seashell planters, provides a rich layer of what Hyers refers to as “life-styling”. Another focal point is a small walk-up bar serving muffins and coffee in the
morning and cocktails in the evening. This dichotomy and adaptability is why Lindroth calls this the “jack-of-all-trades” room.
Upstairs, at the hotel’s all-day dining spot Linnette’s, a similar theme prevails, but this time the bar seats 10 and features a charming rattan birdcage – the hotel is named for the Carolinian shore bird, the Dunlin, so birds are a thematic cornerstone of the property.
All public spaces follow perhaps the only strict design rules that Hyers implemented. “One thing about Lowcountry houses where I spent my childhood is that there was never any architectural lighting, it was FF&E. I put that constraint on the hotel so it would feel like those houses,” he recalls. As a result, spaces feel approachable and hark back to a time where homely design prevailed.
The hotel’s 72 guestrooms and suites are where Lindroth truly spreads her design wings. Design threads from the public spaces – the rattan, the delicate greens and the buffalo check – all make their way to the rooms with new
Design details such as buffalo check fabrics and rattan accents feature in public spaces and guestrooms
details and Lindroth’s ever-important layer of lifestyle accessories. “We are aware with these projects that we need social media moments, so there are quirky throwbacks,” she says.
One such quirk is the abundance of inset seating niches featuring tufted French mattresses, throw pillows and carefully curated, bird-inspired artworks. Marshall Bluetooth speakers and plenty of books make these niches ideal to cosy up to. Clawfoot bathtubs sit in some 30 guestrooms and are shielded by rattan screens evoking 1920s glamour. All beds feature generous canopies of buffalo check, neatly held in place by delicate bows. In some rooms, beds are set into niches with subtle cork-backed ledges to charge mobile phones.
And Lindroth stays absolutely true to her vernacular toolkit – high baseboards and batten trims adorn all walls, while shiplap makes its way to entries and bathrooms, even in the shower by way of over-scaled rectangular tiles. All closets and millwork feature a unique diagonal shiplap that Lindroth found while
studying a local ancient home. This vernacular authenticity goes a long way in her endeavour to recreate the appeal of Lowcountry beach houses.
At the resort’s Aster spa, named after the local honey, Lindroth continues her visionary magic. Radiating stripes on ceilings give the illusion of a circus Big Top, while rattan sconces and well-curated furnishings evoke that effortless elegance. In the relaxation lounge, a four-sided central banquette features abundant planting, while green board and batten walls lend the Southern charm. The private garden recalls 1950s Palm Beach and its outdoor furniture looks like it came from a Slim Aarons photoshoot. While some luxury resorts may thrive on wow factor and over-the-top ostentation, Auberge Resorts Collection, whose properties are largely owned by individuals rather than corporations, opts for a true sense of place. “With our properties, people sense an authenticity that’s deeper than just the art on the wall,” concludes Hyers. “It’s truly about how the place feels, even more so than it looks.”
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: The Friedkin Group, The Beach Company, McNair Interests
Concept Hotel Group marries Ibiza’s stylish spirit with the Palm Springs aesthetic for the world’s first ‘fashion hotel’.
Words: Agnish Ray
Photography: Courtesy of Los Felices (unless otherwise stated)
It was a trip to Palm Springs that did it for Diego Calvo. The founder of Concept Hotels is known for his fondness for eyecatching design concepts, with his properties themed around aesthetics and cultural movements ranging from Miami Art Deco to Amalfi Coast Modernism. For the Ibizabased hotelier’s latest opening, it was the Californian city at the edge of the Coachella Valley, famed for its Mid-Century architecture, that caught his eye.
Ever since its rise in popularity to become a summer destination for Hollywood stars, Palm Springs has been an icon of American design, combining Modernist aesthetics with a unique local climate. Buildings by architects like Richard Neutra, John Lautner, William Cody and Albert Frey epitomise the design principles for which Palm Springs is known, from clean, minimalistic lines and large windows to concrete blocks and elements linking to the natural environment. Today, the city hosts its own annual Modernism Week, celebrating the design legacy and its role in contemporary practice.
In transporting this idea to Ibiza, Los Felices is named after a street in the Californian desert city, with interiors paying tribute to the distinctive style and ambiance of the region. As the ninth opening from Concept Hotel Group, the 113-key property joins a collection of whimsically-themed hotels on
An ode to Calvo’s passion for fashion, the lobby features a sunglasses-shaped check-in desk and mannequins modelling the wares of emerging designers
the White Isle, including Paradiso, devoted to contemporary art; Cubanito, soaked in the soul of Havana; and Romeo’s, which channels the spirit of American love motels.
Andrea Spada of Madrid-based Ilmio Design – who has worked with Concept on all nine of its properties and is already designing the tenth one – says his studio’s work on Los Felices draws from the colourful ambience of Palm Springs architecture. The approach to the hotel’s entrance is lined with cacti, while the stone slabs that line the floor create an arid, desert-like feeling.
Lacquered lattice screens feature across the property, from the walls of the lobby to the headboards of the bedrooms; Espada says they imitate those seen in Palm Springs – typically made from concrete – though the repeated pattern within them is the studio’s own design. “Yellow, pink and pistachio were the colours I saw the most,” Calvo says of his visit to California. Such bright, summery shades make up the colour palette in the common areas of the
lobby and restaurant, with ceramic floor tiles that repeat the same pattern as the lattices. Aside from the Mid-Century aesthetic, Los Felices is also a tribute to Calvo’s love of fashion. A giant pair of sunglasses act as the stylish check-in desk in the lobby, a kiosk displays an array of fashion magazines, while the Pop-up Room serves as a multipurpose space rented out to different fashion brands on a rotating basis, where they can work, display or host events. A cohort of around 80 fashion designers have contributed photographs of their work for display in the guestrooms – each themed around a particular designer. They range from Ibiza’s Angel Nokonoko, Valencia’s Pepa Salazar and Elche’s Abraham Ortuño to international names like Di Petra and Collina Strada. Private villas are dedicated to the likes of Palomo Spain – winner of Spain’s National Fashion Design Award in 2024 – and Armin Heinemann and Stuart Rudnick, the design duo behind the legendary Paula’s Ibiza clothing line, founded in the 1970s and acquired by Loewe in 2017.
DESIGN BY PETER WIRZ
And Calvo is not without his own fame as a style icon – he is known locally for his 500-strong collection of colourful vintage shirts, which he has amassed mainly from poking around second-hand shops and flea markets, as well as auctions for the more collectable items. Shirts worn by the likes of Christian Slater, Tom Selleck and Patricia Arquette are among the highlight pieces in his wardrobe.
“I don’t like following trends,” Calvo admits. “I’m quite classic and atemporal.” He is a fan of brands like John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood and Jacquemus, but what truly interests him about the fashion industry is the way it does business – from its cyclical, seasonal launches to the storytelling of its campaigns – using it as a reference point for his own company’s way of working. “Fashion is ahead of other sectors,” he says. “It generates collectives – each brand has faithful followers, not just for the product but the brand’s way of life.”
In light of this passion, Los Felices is billed as the world’s only hotel devoted to fashion.
However fusions of hospitality and fashion are not new; Karl Lagerfeld put his name to a hotel in Macau, there’s Armani in Dubai and Bulgari in London and Bali. Casa Camper in Berlin is run by the Spanish footwear label of the same name, while The St Regis New York and Brown’s and The Savoy in London have suites designed by Dior, Paul Smith and Gucci respectively. Furthermore, Christian Louboutin opened a hotel in Portugal last year and Yves Saint Laurent’s is expected in Paris in 2026.
What differs in Ibiza is that Los Felices is not about the big brands, nor does it hand over creative licence to any single fashion label. Instead, Calvo says its focus is on celebrating designers themselves, providing a platform for a wide range of names and engaging with emerging talent. “Designers can use the space for events, or we can lend them the window display in the lobby to exhibit a new collection,” he explains, referencing corporate dinners and fashion shows that have taken place here already, many against the backdrop of Futuro
House. The the flying saucer-like pod was conceived by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the 1970s, and has now been kitted out for private parties.
One designer with a prime position in the hotel is María Bernad, who runs a boutique at the front of the ground floor. Founder of Les Fleurs Studio, Bernad works with upcycled crochet and lace to create one-off handmade pieces, produced in her Paris atelier. The Spanish designer says the custom of vide-greniers –meaning garage sales – is more common in France than in Spain, and they are excellent ways to find disused fabric from various eras, which she then uses for her clothing line. Bernad’s new store feels well placed on an island that has long been a hub for creatives from the fashion world. “Just this summer, Loewe, Versace, Gucci and Casablanca have used Ibiza as a place for campaigns to raise their visibility,” concludes Calvo. His latest project therefore adds another thread to an already vibrant fabric.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner / Operator: Concept Hotel Group
Architecture and Interior Design: Ilmio Design
Graphic Design: Estudio Marcos Torres
Main Contractor: Llorca Group www.losfelicesibiza.com
The BoTree, Marylebone
Silversands Beach House
GRENADA
Silversands bolsters its presence on the Caribbean island of Grenada with the launch of a design-led sister property.
Asea of sweeping white canopies cuts a striking figure on the sandy shores of Grenada’s alluring southwest corner. On arrival at the open-sided lobby, the eye is drawn to the shapely suites that cascade down the cliffside to the beach, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Silversands Beach House made its highly anticipated debut this spring in a sheltered bay of the popular Saint George’s parish, also home to Grenada’s historic capital. The picturesque setting makes this the favoured side of the rugged island for many luxury resorts – the original Silversands lies just a short drive away at Grand Anse. Compared to its sister property, the Beach House is a more boutique concept, comprising 28 canopied rooms and suites along with a beachfront restaurant and 42ft infinity pool. A small lounge runs off the ocean-facing lobby and an open-air gym occupies the rooftop of a standalone wellness room.
And while this new opening delivers the same level of luxury that Silversands Grand Anse has
become synonymous with, it’s the distinct design – led by Khaled Morgan, architect and Group Chief Development Officer of Ora – that has garnered attention. “The resort’s surroundings are simply the ocean and the mountains. Given the beauty and topography of the site and its vistas, the main concept was to complement nature and create an architecture that blends within the context without competing with it,” explains Morgan, when asked how he set about creating a unique destination. “The canopies give character and identity, but at the same time they have multiple functions as they provide shade from the sun. In the end, we were able to demonstrate that form can follow function and still convey a unique architectural idea.”
In planning the spaces, Morgan looked to the Caribbean lifestyle as a source of inspiration. “The interiors portray an enchanting atmosphere that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors,” he explains. “This is the unique identity that characterises living spaces in Grenada. We used a sophisticated yet simple material palette that
would act as a background to the rich context of the resort.” As Morgan states, each area feels in tune with its surroundings. Natural materials such as wood and stone make up the contemporary interiors of each guestroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows drawing attention to the uninterrupted ocean views.
The canopied rooms and suites sit amidst verdant tropical foliage, while the beachfront common areas are open to face the water. Of particular note, the two-bedroom panoramic ocean-view suites, which come with a living room, wraparound patio and kitchenette, offer unrivalled views out to sea from their perch at the highest point of the cliffside. In contrast, the beachfront junior suites allow guests to step from their private patio right onto the sand.
“Each space, oriented for a private view, blends sophisticated style with relaxed simplicity to lend an enduringly tranquil feel to the whole experience,” notes Morgan, who took inspiration from the way Grenadians appreciate and strive to preserve their natural
environment. “We kept all the existing trees on site during construction. We further cultivated the landscape with plants that grow on the island and designed our lighting to be controlled in a way that doesn’t disturb nesting turtles.”
Tying in with this overall design concept, sustainability was taken into account during the resort’s creation. As the canopies provide shade from sun, heat absorption and the use of energy for air conditioning is reduced; rainwater is collected and treated for irrigation; and the deliberate positioning of the restaurant means it is shaded for much of the day.
Throughout the resort, design details add to the sense of place. In particular, the artwork within both the common and private guest areas has been curated to encapsulate Grenadian culture and the island’s contemporary art scene. Further inspiration threads through the guest experience. The beachfront Azzurro restaurant blends flavours of the Mediterranean, as it draws inspiration from Italian cuisine, with Caribbean character and the use of fresh, local
ingredients sourced from the island’s fertile farmlands and local fishermen.
Guests staying at the Beach House also have access to Silversands Grand Anse, with regular shuttles between the two properties enabling guests to dine at any of the original resort’s venues, such as Asian fine dining, a Grenadian grill and laidback beach lounge. It also means they can select experiences depending on their mood, choosing between an intimate wellness room at the Beach House or whiling away an afternoon at the larger resort’s extensive spa.
Silversands Beach House further connects guests with the island through a curated collection of local experiences ranging from visiting a cocoa farm or rum distillery to seeking out heritage sites like Fort George, hiking to thundering waterfalls and sailing along the picturesque coastline on a Carriacou sloop. At this striking new beachfront resort, where the architectural design has proven a draw, every aspect of the stay succeeds in delivering a sense of where guests are in the Caribbean.
Contractors www.silversandscollection.com
WHITESANDS RAPOLANO
As a gentle, enveloping breeze, Neolith Atmosphere transforms spaces and creates environments of peace and well-being, drawing unique atmospheres through its designs. Neolith presents a whole new range of models that convey sensations and offer a fresh breeze of innovation while reflecting a free, warm and inspiring spirit.
ARTISAN IGNEA
Borneta
BARCELONA
Hot on the heels of its Paris debut, lifestyle brand Miiro opens a characterful boutique in the Catalan capital.
After a record number of visitors flocked to Barcelona in 2023, the impact of mass tourism came under the spotlight again this summer – but a new hotel in the Catalan capital aims to prove its worth within the local environment by paying tribute to the heritage and creativity of its neighbourhood.
Wedged between the Gothic Quarter and Ciutadella Park, the bohemian mini-district of El Born is characterised by attractive squares and pedestrian-friendly streets lined with cafés and boutiques. Borneta is its latest addition, bringing a taste of sophisticated charm that feels a world away from the crowds and partygoers of Las Ramblas.
The 92-key property is part of a new portfolio called Miiro, which also opened Le Grand Hotel Cayré in Paris this summer, and plans to follow with outposts in London and Vienna come 2025. Owned by the UK division of the Indian travel conglomerate InterGlobe Enterprises, the new venture aims to create characterful, considered and individuallydesigned boutique hotels in vibrant European cities, each telling the story of its surrounding neighbourhood.
Showcasing local culture and heritage feels all the more crucial during a time of increased hostility towards holidaymakers in Barcelona. Protests this summer expressed anger over the impact of mass tourism on the housing market: while the city captures around 14% of Spain’s overall
annual visitors, rent prices are estimated to have risen by 68% in a decade – and by 18% in the past year – which means tourism businesses are under scrutiny.
Short-term holiday apartments have largely been seen as the culprit: earlier this year, the local government pledged to eliminate such rentals by 2028, which would mean 10,000 more apartments for residents. Hotels, on the other hand, which abide by regulations and pay taxes to contribute to their locations, have the potential to perform a very different function for the city, according to Borneta’s General Manager Marina Riess.
Originally from Austria, Riess has lived in Barcelona for the past 20 years, building a career at establishments like Hotel Arts and the Renaissance – and like so many other residents, she has witnessed the astronomic surge in housing costs during her time in the city. “El Born has always been my playground,” she says, explaining her ambitions to build relationships with local communities through initiatives
like cultural evenings with local artists and a farmers’ market for the hotel’s suppliers to sell their produce on the streets outside.
If inviting local residents inside is part of the hotel’s ambition to align with the needs of the neighbourhood, then an open, versatile, community-focused design is also instrumental. For Borneta, London-based designer and former Soho House Design Director James Thurstan Waterworth took inspiration from late 19 th-century Catalan apartments in the neighbourhood, incorporating typical elements like timber floors and terrazzo panelling. “The colour of Barcelona has a burnt orange hue,” states Thurstan Waterworth, explaining the presence of such shades in Borneta’s colour scheme, set against muted greens and blues. His studio’s custom-designed furniture includes Mid-Century armchairs with oak frames, rattan backs and upholstered seats, while bold leather touches contrast with other softer furnishings. A marble and walnut coffee table, a bamboo and cane sideboard and a sofa by Danish
Inspired by late 19th-century Catalan apartments, the interiors incorporate Barcelona’s burnt orange hue alongside timber floors and terrazzo panelling
designer Juul Kristensen are among the secondhand 1970s pieces that were sourced through Helsinki-based vintage furniture supplier Fargo, as are monolithic alabaster lamps and Mid-Century corkscrew chairs. Stylish touches extend to the downstairs fitness centre, which features handmade timber equipment by German gym brand Nohrd. “We wanted to make a homely and multifunctional space that ebbs and flows,” explains Thurstan Waterworth, who has ensured the selection of furniture provides for various kinds of gathering, whether professional or social. “It should be cosy enough for a morning coffee, but also a romantic cocktail in the evening.”
The hotel’s reception, lounge, bar and restaurant sit along the façade of the ground floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to Passeig de Picasso. The space was previously divided by walls, but the design team has opted to open it up, creating pockets of intimacy through clusters of seating and plants like fern, olive, star jasmine and sacred bamboo.
At the central square bar, guests sip signature cocktails, illuminated by the skylight above. “The bar is the heartbeat of the space,” explains the designer. “Entering and seeing it from various angles creates theatre.” Artworks by Barcelona-based artists like Miriam Dema and Gustavo Maxó are displayed around the hotel, alongside specially commissioned pieces by Alicia Gimeno and Chidy Wayne, while nearby bookshop Casa Fahrenheit has curated Borneta’s cosy library.
For those who venture out, the neighbourhood is home to a lively food scene with historic restaurants like 7 Portes, inventive tapas spot Bar del Pla and celebrated chef Rafa Zafra’s seafood restaurant Estimar. Locals and visitors enjoy cava at El Xampanyet, natural wine with modern sharing plates at Bar Brutal and cocktails at Paradiso – named the world’s best bar in 2022. Born 14 is a new gourmet food market housed in a 14th-century palace, while the Districte Gastronomic is a new platform celebrating Born’s culinary establishments.
Borneta’s own F&B offering draws from this existing local ecosystem, with bread from Forn Vilamala, coffee from specialty roastery Cafés El Magnífico, cheese from Vila Viniteca, olives from La Ribera and dried goods sourced from Casa Gispert and Casa Perris. Beyond El Born itself, a focus on responsibly sourced regional produce means vegetables are harvested from I Un Rave, an ecological farm in Tarragona, while fish and seafood are caught along the coast of Catalonia’s Costa Brava. The fare is plated up for diners at the hotel’s all-day restaurant, Volta, whose offer spans the length of the Mediterranean coastline.
During such a pivotal moment for the city of Barcelona, a new hotel must prove itself to be of value to the social and economic fabric of its local environment, rather than a strain on it. For this reason, Riess insists on cultivating Borneta’s relationship with its El Born neighbours. “We’re blending into the neighbourhood,” concludes the General Manager. “El Born is our home and we’re welcoming everybody in.”
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner / Operator:
Interglobe Enterprises
Architecture: Heres Arquitecture
Interior Design: Thurstan
Art Consultant: Art Story
Procurement: Astore
Main Contractor: ISG
Project Manager: Hills International
Visual Identity: Toormix
Lighting Design: Hoare Lea www.miirohotels.com
AMALLORCA
Bolstering its Inclusive Collection portfolio, Hyatt transforms a 14thcentury Mallorcan manor house into a countryside retreat.
Words: Matt Turner • Photography: Courtesy of Hyatt
ll-inclusive resorts are experiencing a resurgence. This trend, fuelled by the pandemic, reflects a growing preference for travel options that offer security, exclusivity and predictable costs. The appeal of stable accommodation costs in an inflationary economy has only heightened increased interest in what was recently a relatively unloved subsector of the hotel industry.
Of the major hotel groups, Hyatt has been a particularly avid adopter of this new appetite for all-inclusive. In late 2021, it acquired Apple Leisure for US$2.7 billion, doubling its resort portfolio and strengthening its footprint in key European markets. Apple Leisure’s six allinclusive brands and the management platform AMResorts were key drivers for the deal.
One of Hyatt’s first European launches under this newly expanded portfolio, Zoëtry Mallorca is a luxury rural retreat situated in a 14th-century country estate known as Sa Torre that could not be further from the stereotypical sprawling beachside resorts of old.
Situated near the market town of Llucmajor just 20 minutes from Palma, the property offers a peaceful escape amid 56,000m2 of citrus and lavender gardens. This tranquil setting, surrounded by hills dotted with olive, pine, carob and almond trees, provides an authentic Mallorcan experience, away from the island’s more crowded tourist spots.
The resort’s most distinctive features include two historically significant buildings from the original Sa Torre estate: El Molino, a wellpreserved example of the 15th-century windmills that demark the Mallorcan landscape, and La Gran Cristiana, a 19 th-century neo-Gothic chapel with an impressive dome, stained glass windows and imposing architecture.
Many of the 101 guestrooms, ranging from 30-100m2, are housed in the historical manor building. The Tramuntana wing retains the charm of traditional Mallorcan design, with suites named after the estate’s noble inhabitants from over the centuries. In contrast, the Ponent wing blends contemporary comforts with rustic
elements. The décor throughout the property mixes neutral and pastel tones with rich historical features, including stone arches, Gothic windows, ancient fireplaces and Baroque balconies, creating a seamless blend of past and present.
The name Zoëtry is derived from two Greek words meaning ‘the art of living’, a philosophy reflected in the resort’s comprehensive wellness programme. Guests can participate in activities designed to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, including yoga in the chapel, meditation in the gardens and jogging on a 1.4km trail around the grounds. The Pure Spa meanwhile offers a range of treatments, featuring Turkish baths, ice fountains and a sensory shower.
A robust F&B offering is also central to Zoëtry Mallorca’s appeal, showcasing the region’s authentic flavours, with dishes crafted from local produce. The signature restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Andreu Genestra, offers a contemporary Mediterranean fine-dining experience. Es Mercat focuses on organic, healthy cuisine, serving meals in the atmospheric manor house or on the terrace. Ses Bovedes tapas bar provides casual dining and an extensive selection of
Mallorcan wines, while the Coto cocktail bar provides an al fresco backdrop for musical performances and creative concoctions.
The resort also caters to business and events needs, boasting extensive MICE facilities. The chapel remains a popular wedding venue, and the property features a 365m 2 conference room and several smaller boardrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The outdoor spaces are versatile, suitable for events ranging from car launches in the expansive courtyard to receptions by the ancient windmill.
Zoëtry Mallorca is the first of its kind in Europe, soon to be followed by another opening in Halkidiki, Greece. Javier Coll, Group President for Hyatt’s allinclusive brands, sees scope for more: “The European market offers incredible potential for the Inclusive Collection portfolio, given the many established and emerging destinations that are well suited for our brands,” he concludes. “As we continue to grow our brand footprint across Europe, we are eager to showcase our elevated offerings to new and existing guests, World of Hyatt members, customers and developers.”
DESIGN DETAILS
Folly Mojave
In architecture, a folly is defined as an ornamental building with no purpose, an act of foolishness on behalf of the creator. But in the middle of the Californian desert, there’s meaning to the madness, where LA-based multi-disciplinary architect Malek Alqadi has conceived Folly Mojave, a series of standalone concrete suites, as an off-grid escape. Inspired by Alqadi’s birthplace of Petra, the Brutalist concrete structures take the form of monolithic cubes that rise from the Martian-like terrain, in much the same way as the rugged mountains nearby. “This deliberate aesthetic and site-responsive design is a celebration of form following function, as the warmtoned structures withstand the brutal elements of the desert environment for decades to come,” explains
Alqadi. The three ‘follies’, each representing the elements of nature, are set within a 200-acre sanctuary at the intersection of Mojave National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. The location was selected for its wilderness, ensuring guests can disconnect from daily life and engage with nature, not only via the surrounding landscape, but through the use of materials such as sand-mixed concrete and reclaimed wood. “The enduring materials speak to the desert’s resilience, a subtle nod to the harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world,” Alqadi continues. The suites are intentionally pared back, with floor-toceiling windows and architectural cut-outs offering an opportunity for guests to take in the restorative effects of nature, ensuring no stay is an act of folly.
As it gears up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico adds to its offer of culture, cuisine and coastline with the promise of new hotels.
From the vibrant urban sprawl of Mexico City to the emerging foodie haven of Oaxaca; the beautifully preserved colonial charm of Campeche to the ancient archaeological marvels of Mayan civilisation; and the thriving rainforest of Chiapas to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean coast – Mexico has it all.
Bordering the USA to the north and Guatemala to the south, the varied country has a strong national identity that touches everything from food and drink to art and design. Mexico is rich in craft and culture, faith and folklore, and over the past decade, it has also been a hotspot for new hotel development. Development began in the 1970s with Cancun, a purpose-built resort city proposed by the government to diversify the nation’s economy; the scheme was a huge success, with the destination now counting some 30,000 rooms in its inventory, primarily located along the 14-mile strip known as Cancun Hotel Zone. Along the Yucatán, the likes of Playa del Carmen and Tulum saw rapid growth through the 2000s, while more recent interest has focused on the Pacific Coast, with Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula and Riviera Nayarit further south attracting luxury brands including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria and One & Only. It’s Cancun however, that continues to lead the way, as both the construction capital and tourism hub.
According to data from THP, there are currently 14 hotels in the pipeline in Cancun, accounting for 4,830
rooms – a notable venture being the 1,000-key dualbranded Live Aqua and Grand Fiesta Americana from Posadas, one of the largest homegrown operators. The second most-active destination is Tulum with 12 projects (2,009 rooms) listed in the THP database, followed by Mexico City with 9 projects (1,463 rooms). In total, Mexico has 118 projects under way – the addition of 23,297 rooms across the country – making it the fastest-growing hotel development destination in the Americas after the USA.
Of the big players, Marriott revealed that 2023 was a year of robust room signings across the Caribbean and Latin America, with almost double the number of organic deals than the previous year; a St Regis in Los Cabos, W at Costa Mujeres and an Aloft in Guadalajara are all in the works. Hilton is also reporting rapid expansion in Mexico, where it boasts a robust portfolio of more than 90 hotels, with an additional 30 projects in development; recent signings include a Canopy in Guadalajara and the newbuild Waldorf Astoria in San Miguel de Allende. Hyatt too has committed to doubling down on its growth across the region; the Grand Hyatt brand will make its Mexico City debut in 2025, while a Thompson is in planning for Puerta Vallarta. Furthermore, IHG recently declared significant investment in Mexico, with Six Senses Xala set to open on the Pacific Coast in 2026. And finally, Accor has announced a strategic alliance with CanadianMexican hospitality investor Marival Group to enhance its positioning in the market, adding to
Words: Catherine Martin
a pipeline that includes a Banyan Tree in Bacalar, a Faena in Tulum and a recently announced SLS in Playa Mujeres, the brand’s first all-inclusive resort.
Then of course there’s the smaller groups, national operators and independents. Our Habitas has a growing portfolio with plans to open in Mazunte in the state of Oaxaca. Soho House & Co is expanding to Tulum with Scorpios. And following the refurbishment of Maroma at Riviera Maya, Belmond will open in Riviera Nayarit in 2025. In addition, Claus Sendlinger’s Slowness collective has gained a following for Tulum Treehouse; Design Hotels has built a 23-strong portfolio of member properties following the success of its own Papaya Playa Project; and Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha, co-founders of Grupo Habita and pioneers of Mexico’s boutique hotel scene, continue to expand, their latest opening being Otro Oaxaca.
So what’s driving this growth? Mexico has plenty to offer the typical tourist and is gaining prominence amongst special interest travellers too: the arrival of the Michelin Guide earlier this year will no doubt appeal to culinary tourists, while affordable healthcare makes for a prosperous destination for medical tourism. Crucially, Mexico’s winning bid to become one of three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has accelerated development plans, with operators now racing to plant flags and cash in on the influx of sports fans.
In accordance with the cause-and-effect nature of growth, airlines have increased capacity and added new routes from key feeder markets like Canada, the UK and France, resulting in a rise in international arrivals, which has in turn attracted yet more hotel development to meet demand. To put that demand into context, Mexico was the sixth most-visited country in the world in 2023, recording 42.2 million international arrivals – a 10.2% increase on the previous year and just shy of the pre-pandemic peak of 45 million in 2019. Hotel performance follows suit, with CoStar reporting average occupancy of 63% for full-year 2023 – a 4.2% uplift on 2022 – and RevPAR of US$108.16, up 15.8%. Early indications for 2024 to-date show further increases, in line with the year’s uptick in arrivals.
With interest in the country at an all-time high, the government is investing heavily in infrastructure. There are new highways, and the first section of Tren Maya – a 1,500km intercity railway that traverses the Yucatán Peninsula – is now open. For air travel, a new international airport opened in Tulum in 2023, while the recently renamed Riviera Nayarit International Airport is undergoing major expansion. Such projects will bring greater numbers to Mexico and make travel more accessible, but as with any country experiencing a surge in popularity, there’s
increasing concern over mass tourism, particularly in off-the-beaten-track destinations. Some hoteliers are apprehensive, believing that an influx of tourists will see a repeat of what’s happened in Tulum, where exponential growth has turned a once-sleepy beach town into a party capital. Others have reported increased pollution and ventures that spoil the natural beauty of an area. It’s an issue across the country, though Riviera Nayarit appears to be leading the way by taking a high-quality low-density approach, and in the following hotel reviews there are examples of innovative construction techniques, local sourcing and regenerative practices that benefit people and planet. Ultimately, building Mexico’s future will require a careful balance between the needs of the market and environmental and social responsibility.
HOTEL CONSTRUCTION PIPELINE MEXICO
Mexico has a total of 118 projects listed in the THP database, accounting for 23,297 new rooms.
Built of harmony
All Secto Design lamps are designed by architect Seppo Koho. The meticulous handwork is carried out by highly talented craftspeople in Finland from premium local birch wood.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel
RIVIERA MAYA
Tara Bernerd & Partners build on the legendary magic of Maroma to produce a showcase of Mexican art and craft.
Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of Belmond
There’s something quite magical about a stroll through the tropical gardens of Maroma; swallowtail butterflies flutter from flower to flower, coatis play carefree in the shaded undergrowth and a spiny-tailed iguana basks poolside in the midday sun. Meandering pathways lead to secluded villas and hidden pools, before the jungle gives way to the white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This is the ‘beating heart of the Riviera Maya’, so called for its first-comer status to this picturesque stretch of coastline that has since become a hotspot for new hotel development.
The site was originally home to a coconut plantation and a family of masons, who built their hacienda from local materials such as palm, bamboo and stone. In the 1980s, it was acquired by Jose Luis Moreno, a Mexico City-based architect with a passion for hospitality. Enlisting the skills of the masons, he added to the property year by year, officially opening it as a hotel in 1995. As legend has it, the rooms were built without any architectural blueprints – Moreno is said to have drawn his concepts in the sand – meaning the recent refurbishment was subject to a few surprises, not least the rudimentary materials within the walls.
Indeed, this is a resort that is deeply entrenched in legend. The dwellings have been built according to sacred Mayan geometry for harmony with nature, while a blessing ritual defines the arrival experience. And before a single tool was lifted in the refurbishment, a spiritual ceremony guided by
a Shaman sought permission from the aluxes – the mythical sprites known as guardians of the land; their miniature houses still dot the site, with offerings regularly left in return for their protection.
Culture and tradition have gone on to shape the entire transformation of Maroma, which took place during a twoyear closure from 2021. Having been acquired by James Sherwood in 2002, the resort became part of Belmond (formerly Orient-Express Hotels) and has since seen additions and small-scale enhancements. But with increased competition on the Riviera, it was decided a full upgrade was required, with the aim being to honour the magic of Maroma and enhance its sense of place.
“Maroma has a great story,” says Tara Bernerd of the rich heritage. “Our approach was to retain the beauty of the original character, whilst simultaneously incorporating a contemporary elegance and a warmth that has the feeling of home.” Tasked with leading the redesign, Bernerd and her eponymous studio delved into Mayan culture and the Mexican way of life, drawing inspiration from the traditional haciendas from across the country. One of the greatest challenges was to marry old and new in a way that is respectful of the past, yet meets the demands of a luxury product. “We embraced the history and legacy of the existing structures whilst giving them a new lease of life,” Bernerd explains. “The buildings of Maroma are immediately eye-
catching for their white stucco façades and palapa roofs, so in response to this, we sought to keep the interior architecture quite neutral, allowing the statement elements to shine.”
As with any renovation project of this ilk, retain-or-replace decisions have a notable impact on the outcome. As such, the layout of the resort is largely unchanged, with the 72 guestrooms and suites spread across multiple low-rise buildings, some overlooking the gardens and others offering direct access to the beach. The restaurants, Casa Mayor and Woodend by Curtis Stone, occupy the original main house, where an under-utilised backof-house space has been reimagined as an atmospheric mezcal bar, while Freddy’s Bar – a beachfront hangout that marks the beginnings of Maroma as a resort – still stands in its original spot, much to the relief of loyal regulars.
It’s the interiors that have seen the greatest overhaul, bringing a fresher, brighter palette that above all, celebrates the traditions and crafts of the Mexican culture. In developing
the scheme, Bernerd sought to combine authenticity with luxury, all the while being sure to uphold the key principles of Belmond.
Fortunately, the brand has long been built on a promise to honour the past, describing itself as ‘proud custodians of storied properties’ with a commitment to creating ‘the heritage of the future’. At Maroma, this equates to a veritable journey through Mexico’s art and design heritage, with the works of skilled artisans contributing to the memorable sense of place. “We have introduced a number of locally sourced materials and worked with artisans from the Riviera Maya,” Bernerd explains. “We also looked further afield to surrounding areas, such as Chiapas and Oaxaca for their handwoven textiles, Puebla for its clay pottery, and Guadalajara for its handpainted terracotta tiles; it was a joy working with the local artisans who brought our designs to life.”
The sheer volume of handicrafts on show is impressive, particularly for a hotel of this size, resulting in an added layer to the already
Sweeney Co Art Advisors has curated a vast collection of art and accessories for the hotel, showcasing a crosssection of Mexican culture
An under-utilised back-of-house space has been reimagined as an atmospheric mezcal bar
storied property; so meaningful are these pieces, that Belmond commissioned a video on the crafting of Maroma, available to all on its website. There’s the custom-blown glassware by Max Kublailan, as seen in wall lamps and framing mirrors; rugs by Henequén Textiles, woven from the hemp-like fibres of the agave plant; hand-carved furniture by Alberto Alfaro Joffroy; and the staff uniforms by Collectiva Concepción, a sustainable slow fashion brand that empowers indigenous artisans. Further details see chandeliers crafted from shells, chairs made from cane and glazed mosaics in rich jewel tones. Perhaps one of the most impressive undertakings is courtesy of José Noé Suro, who sourced clay from Jalisco to make over 700,000 floor tiles, each screen-printed in a different colour and pattern.
The artworks also have a tale to tell, having been commissioned for the property by Sweeney Co Art Advisors. Working in collaboration with Tara Bernerd & Partners, the studio curated a vast collection of art and accessories that
showcase a cross-section of Mexican culture, from woven tapestries by Rrres to shadow boxes by Eduardo Rincón, made from flora collected from the gardens.
Throughout the resort, there’s a selection of FF&E from elsewhere, such as guestroom lighting by Chelsom, and the sumptuous Chi bathtubs from Apaiser, which align with the approach having been handcrafted in sustainable marble. However, the majority of furnishings are made in Mexico. “Around 80% is sourced from across the country, even the OS&E,” confirms Anne Lefferson, who joined Belmond as Director of Interior Design mid-way through the project. “Some of it is hand-crafted, some is machine-made, but all is bespoke. We really wanted to bring that authenticity and stay true to the experience of travel, so that guests are not just visiting a hotel, they’re on a journey.”
The authenticity extends to every touchpoint, even the trays used to deliver fresh pastries to the table at breakfast. “We went through rounds and rounds of prototypes; it’s the first thing
Through art, we tell stories, refine brands, transform spaces, and facilitate meaningful and memorable experiences.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel Riviera Maya
Tara Bernerd & Partners
Interior Architecture and Design
Artist, Adrián Guerrero Photographer, William Jess Laird
guests see in the morning, so we wanted to get it right,” says Lefferson of the niche task. She further reveals the challenges of such a project, stating the importance of mutual trust. “It was a big undertaking to find the right artisans, and as an outsider, it took time for us to gain their trust that we would highlight their product in the best way. And because of the handcrafted nature, designs don’t always come out first time, so it takes patience.”
But the patience has paid off. From the openair lobby to the guestrooms, restaurants and bar, Maroma serves as a showcase for Mexican design. The latest addition to the resort is no different. Opened earlier this year, Maroma Spa by Guerlain is housed in a temple-like building that brings a spiritual quality to the space. The venture marks the cosmetics brand’s debut in Latin America, with the partnership a smart move by parent company LVMH, which incidentally also owns Belmond. Despite Guerlain’s French heritage, there’s a distinctly Mexican flavour to the spa, once again enriched
with local design elements such as handpainted tiles, onyx stone basins and millwork carved in traditional Mayan patterns. At its heart is an ancient tree and water fountain, setting the tone for the nature-inspired experience that incorporates hot and cold plunge pools beneath the shade of a palapa canopy. There’s an apothecary for harvesting herbs and learning about their healing effects, and treatments based on the sacred Melipona bee, a spiritual symbol revered by the Mayans for centuries. Mayan civilisation touches every aspect of a stay at Maroma, not only in the design, but the cuisine and programming too. Bookable experiences include stargazing with a focus on Mayan constellations, learning the artisanal process of making corn tortillas – a Mexican staple – and discovering the origins of tequila and mezcal through guided tastings. Each is an immersion in the culture and traditions that symbolise this part of the world, playing a role in a memorable experience that has affectionately become known as the magic of Maroma.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: LVMH
Operator: Belmond
Architecture: Enrique Cabrera Arquitecto
Interior Design: Tara Bernerd & Partners
Art Consultant: Sweeney Co Art Advisors
Lighting Design: GMLD
Landscaping: Meza & Briceno Arquitectos
Main Contractor: Alpha Hardin
Project Manager: BCQS International www.belmond.com
You provide the luxury stay
SHA MEXICO
Building on the success of its flagship in Spain, SHA embarks on a global expansion, beginning with a wellness resort on the Yucatán Peninsula.
For Alfredo Bataller Parietti, the motivation behind a move into hospitality was deeply personal; having suffered from digestive problems for decades, the entrepreneur received a worrying diagnosis in the early-2000s, resulting in a referral to a doctor specialising in integrative medicine. The multi-faceted approach, which combines conventional Western practices with a range of complementary therapies, cured him in just 30 days, and since then, Bataller Parietti has made it his mission to help others.
Far from simply sharing his story, he channelled his new lease of life into establishing SHA, a wellness clinic in the south of Spain, where guests can enjoy luxury hotel facilities with the added benefit of improving their health and wellbeing. Now in its 15th year, the resort continues to innovate, and with interest in the sector at an all-time high, Bataller Parietti – still a picture of health – is going global.
The expansion is being developed under the banner of AB Living, a recently formed venture that brings together the family’s interests in wellbeing, real estate and hospitality – the latter comprising a number of signings with Marriott International. For its own SHA brand, there have long been aspirations to grow beyond Spain, but challenges along the way were met with caution. After an extensive search and dozens of rejected proposals, Mexico was eventually chosen as the first international outpost, with a serene spot on the eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula selected for its warm climate and proximity to nature.
Easily accessible from Cancún – yet far-removed from the crowds of the Hotel Zone – SHA Mexico has been designed in line with the brand’s pillars of wellness, health and advanced medicine. This equates to natural construction materials and renewable energy sources to minimise environmental impact, as well as organic forms and sustainable measures that have a positive impact on wellbeing. Biophilic principles are also key, with seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors, and pockets of greenery leading to lush tropical gardens curated by Maat Handasa.
The architecture is the work of Sordo Madaleno, a Mexico City-based firm committed to crafting humancentric spaces that foster connections – both social and environmental. At SHA, the firm’s approach is based on the human genome, with the strand and spiral structure of a DNA molecule serving as inspiration; the resulting building takes an organically curving form, made up of two interconnecting volumes that gently twist – in much the same way as a double helix. The hotel and residential components are arranged in a linear fashion so all rooms have a sea view, while the spa and medical facilities occupy the central volume.
Interiors were entrusted to Alejandro Escudero, who caught the attention of the Bataller family for his design of Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun. “Alfredo was impressed by our work, and invited me to Alicante to experience SHA first-hand,” explains Escudero. “Immersing myself in the transformative experience was crucial to truly understand the vision.”
The brief was to “integrate the SHA spirit with the sophisticated essence of Mexico, creating spaces for guests to deeply engage with the SHA method,” Escudero reveals, adding that the process involved incorporating health and medical facilities with typical resort amenities such as a restaurant and lounge.
In developing the design scheme, the building’s architectural form was duly considered, as was the location. “Our goal was to complement the modern architecture with natural and organic touches,” the designer continues. “SHA Mexico is nestled between the jungle and the sea, and is bathed in incredible natural light; this inspired us to create a peaceful sanctuary that integrates its surroundings.”
Escudero, together with Ricardo Montemayor, the studio’s Director of Projects for Hospitality, worked
In the restaurant, the burble of a waterfall provides the soundtrack to nature-inspired interiors
The material palette contributes to the indoor-outdoor feel and nods to the regional aesthetic through furniture –such as outdoor seating from Point
closely with the Bataller family to ensure the interiors align with SHA’s programmes, which typically combine services and treatments for both physical and mental health. “Health and wellbeing are at the forefront of our design,” confirms Escudero. “Translating SHA’s core principles into the interior architecture was crucial for enhancing the overall wellness experience, ensuring that every design decision, chosen material and space usage, contributed to the guests’ journey towards a fulfilling state of health.”
This approach is evident from arrival at the lobby, a particularly proud moment for the designers. “It sets the mood for the entire experience,” Escudero points out. “The volcanic wall with Mayan patterning, combined with tropical woods and ocean views, evoke a sense of Mexico.”
The aesthetic continues in the restaurant, known as SHAmadi, where the burble of a waterfall provides the soundtrack to nature-inspired interiors. With nutrition playing a key role in the SHA method, the cuisine is healthy without being overly restrictive. Dining plans are selected for each guest based on their individual goals, and include Biolight and the Kushi Diet, the latter made up of smaller portions that contain detoxifying ingredients. Where SHA really elevates is in its plating, with every dish – whether a green bean salad or pickled beets with lemon foam – served as a visual feast, as well as being tasty.
The accommodation offer is made up of 31 residences and 100 guestrooms and suites, each designed as a calming haven with plenty of space for relaxation. The entry-level Oceanfront Deluxe rooms start at a generous 62m2, while the three-bedroom Royal Suite is a sprawling 640m2 across two levels. Regardless of category, every room comes with a private terrace overlooking the ocean, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors enhancing the connection to nature. The material palette also contributes to the indoor-outdoor feel, and further nods to the regional aesthetic through bespoke furniture. “We focused on high-quality, natural materials such as solid tropical woods and stone, which are used consistently throughout,” Escudero confirms. “Our studio’s philosophy is to balance classic and modern design elements, so for this project, we created custom furniture and drew inspiration from Mexican and Brazilian design movements
of the 1960s and 1970s, blending these influences with contemporary aesthetics.”
The use of high-quality natural materials also characterises the design of the Wellness Clinic, which occupies the central volume at the heart of the resort. The facility is the base for the medical assessments, therapies and treatments that make up SHA’s goal-driven programmes, namely Detox & Optimal Weight, Well-Ageing & Prevention and Rebalance & Energise. After an initial consultation, a range of treatments are prescribed according to the diagnosis, taking in everything from preventative medicine and natural therapies to cognitive and emotional health and physical performance. The integrative method could include the likes of a deep-tissue massage, hydrotherapy and yoga, as well as advanced techniques such as transcranial electrical stimulation, microimmunotherapy and hydro-energetic detox cure. The facilities are on par with those of a private healthcare facility thanks to the state-of-the art equipment, yet the designers have been mindful of the resort setting, being sure to avoid the sterile appearance of a hospital. “One of the main challenges was achieving balance,”
reveals Escudero. “We aimed to design spaces that promote relaxation while maintaining a clear balance between beauty and functionality. Each area had to be distinct yet cohesive, ensuring a unique and integrative experience.”
Relaxation is the focus for much of the resort, with facilities including a library lounge that serves herbal teas, a chef’s studio for hosting workshops, and an infinity pool with an expansive terrace furnished with comfortable armchairs and sofas from Point, of note for their FSC-certified teak that aligns with SHA’s sustainability credentials. There’s also a spa with steam room, sauna and experience showers, and daybeds that look out to the mangroves – the ideal spot to soak up the healing powers of nature.
A stay at SHA is a truly transformative experience that leaves guests refreshed and revitalised, or for some – like Bataller Parietti himself – cured of their ailments. That over 50% of visitors are repeat bookings is a clear indication of the demand for this style of hospitality, and SHA’s expansion into Mexico is a confident step towards the founder’s mission to share his journey to health and wellness.
Ian Schrager Company collaborates with Edmonds International and Rockwell Group to create a new resort that sits in harmony with Mayan civilisation and the natural world.
Aswim in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote is the quintessential Riviera Maya experience, with the underground caves serving not only as refreshing respite from the midday heat, but a journey into a mythical world. Thought to have been created when a meteorite hit earth some 65-million years ago, there are an estimated 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula alone, and though a popular tourist attraction today, in Mayan civilisation, they were considered the entrance to the underworld. Now, these natural wonders are serving a new purpose – as inspiration for Latin America’s first Edition hotel.
Located at Kanai, a luxury resort community on the Caribbean coast, The Riviera Maya Edition nestles within a 620-acre nature reserve of mangroves and lagoons. Its existence comes courtesy of Grupo Alhel, a Mexican real estate developer with a growing portfolio of hotels across the country. Having opened a St Regis at Kanai in 2023, the group this time opted for Edition, with the two properties a healthy boost to Marriott’s already strong foothold on the market. The Kanai masterplan also includes Etéreo from Auberge Resorts Collection, and a site earmarked for a fourth hotel; though importantly, the developed land amounts to less than 10% of the reserve, ensuring the natural environment remains intact. Protection of the red mangroves was a key condition of planning approval, and authorities went further
The Lobby Bar plays host to dramatic drapery – a Rockwell Group favourite –with floor-to-ceiling drapes in crimson adding to the pops of
to stipulate that an area left damaged during recent storms be replanted and restored. The mangroves play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem, not only as a habitat for birds, animals and marine life, but in reducing erosion and limiting the risk of flooding. However, their network of water-filled channels and tangled roots made for a challenging site, so a bespoke solution was required. To develop the scheme, Grupo Alhel turned to Edmonds International, an architecture studio with experience in the area having designed the adjacent St Regis. “The biggest challenge was the complexity of the land,” explains Fredy Helfon, Director at Grupo Alhel. “We chose Michael Edmonds to lead on the architecture because he understood the site, as well as the narrative of Mayan culture; St Regis centres around the celestial world while Edition is based on the underworld.”
For Michael Edmonds, founder of Edmonds International, the complexity of the land certainly posed challenges, but it was imperative that the nature take precedence over the built environment. “The brief was to create a property that embraces local history and culture while respecting the natural beauty of the 400-year-old mangrove forest,” Edmonds explains. “To minimise impact on the environment, the design and construction team employed innovative strategies, including the use of prefabricated elements and precast concrete foundations to reduce on-site pours. This approach not only minimised disruption to the site, but also contributed to more efficient construction practices and a reduced carbon footprint.”
The precast concrete foundations come in the form of pillars, which were carefully positioned through the mangroves so as not to disrupt the flow, with the entire resort built on top – as if floating over the water.
A sense of place comes into play in the architectural design, as Edmonds explains: “For inspiration, we looked to the rich culture of the Yucatán Peninsula, in particular the sacred underworld of the Mayan people. This underground
sanctuary was reserved for spiritual connections with the Mayan Gods – a mystical mysterious world steeped in tradition and ceremony.”
As such, the architectural design pays homage to the beginnings of the underworld, with a central reflection pool acting as the cenote and three low-profile buildings with gently sloping façades representing the seismic ripple of the earth as the meteor made impact. References to the cenote appear throughout the design scheme, helping to shape a memorable guest experience that begins on arrival; evoking the feeling of emerging from an underground cave, a dark timber stairway opens to a soaring triple-height volume teeming with lush tropical plantlife. “For me, it’s important that guests experience something different from the moment they arrive,” notes Helfon. “The feeling of entering the lobby is very special, then it’s a journey of discovery as they explore the different areas.”
From the elevated viewpoint of the lobby, the natural beauty of the site is revealed in all its glory; towering timber louvres give way to reflection pools, walkways and a lagoon, with a sea of greenery as far as the eye can see. This greenery plays a starring role across the resort, not only in the setting, but the interiors too. The design scheme has been created by Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with Rockwell Group, who have been relentless in their pursuit of blurring the boundaries between indoor and out. For Greg Keffer, a Partner and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group, this approach is best showcased in the lobby. “We wanted to create the feeling that the resort is a natural extension of the landscape; as guests walk in and feel the breeze coming off the ocean, there’s a moment of wonder as they take in the overscaled jungle,” the designer explains. “It’s such a unique volume and is connected to the outside like no other place.”
Plants cascade from the ceiling and grow from pots – so many pots that a green-fingered team works around the clock to cultivate and prune. Keffer estimates there are
citron and pink
over 5,000 potted plants in all, lining corridors and clustered around pillars to create an oasis that seamlessly blends with the mangroves outside. Solid surfaces such as local limestone and sustainable bamboo further enhance the harmony with nature, while Edition’s signature palette of neutrals enables key features to shine. “Edition has a strong brand identity, but it isn’t about repeating what’s been done before,” Keffer continues. “We thought about what the brand means in this beautiful setting and channelled it through the lens of Mayan tradition and folklore.”
Site-specific details include embroidered soft furnishings in the restaurant and a large-scale mural behind check-in, the latter created by a local artist from natural dyes derived from the same plants as used in ancient Mayan times. “We brought the local craft in through the details; when people can see and touch these elements, they can better connect to the location,” Keffer points out. “At Rockwell Group, we really pride ourselves in connecting with local artists and
craftspeople; it brings an authenticity to our projects.” A sense of Mexico is perhaps best showcased in the Lobby Bar, where a handmade plaster mural references overscaled glyphs from Mayan ruins, and a triple-height display cabinet showcases a gallery-like collection of sculptures and vessels, some being antiques found at flea markets. The Lobby Bar also plays host to dramatic drapery – a Rockwell Group favourite – with floor-to-ceiling drapes in crimson adding to the pops of citron and pink. Despite its neutral base palette, the Edition brand is no stranger to bold use of colour, particularly within its restaurants and bars. At Riviera Maya, the brights are drawn from traditional Mexican palettes and feature primarily in plant pots and upholstery. At the poolside bar – servicing the main lagoon pool with its floating cabanas – the accessories are accompanied by a canopy of flowering bougainvillea, while the saturated hues at So’ol Beach Club pair with the upbeat Caribbean vibe. Neutrals return at Ki’is, a fine-dining restaurant
The lobby is a natural extension of the landscape, with plants cascading from the ceiling and growing from pots
DoubleTree by Hilton, Leeds
that nestles within the mangroves, where the approach once again focuses on bringing the outside in.
Guestrooms and suites are deliberately neutral too, furnished with slatted timber panelling and light, airy materials. “What’s amazing about the guestrooms is the impact of the view,” reveals Keffer. “When you see the blues and the greens of the landscape outside, the colour saturation is really powerful.” Equally impressive is the Sky Rooftop Villa, a 2,500m2 penthouse thought to be the largest in North America, where facilities include a private infinity pool, expansive landscaped entertainment deck and five apartment-style suites boasting their own hot tub.
Back at the conceptual centre of the resort, the spa brings the narrative back to the cenote. Circular in form, it features five treatment rooms, a sauna and a series of vitality pools, as well as a relaxation area beneath an ocular skylight. The effect is akin to gazing skywards from within a cenote, and up above is a
reflection pool topped by a rippling bamboo structure by Eduardo Neira, which serves as a dedicated yoga space, as well as the resort’s spiritual centrepiece.
What’s notable about The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai is the feeling of space. With so much greenery surrounding the resort, a connection to the natural world comes easy; though credit must go to the architecture and design teams for prioritising the environment and sparing no expense in bringing the outside in. Keffer puts the quality execution down to the commitment of the client, their belief in the design scheme and consideration of the details that make all the difference. Ultimately, it’s the shared desire to protect the mangrove forest that triumphs, as Edmonds surmises: “The resort showcases a harmonious blend of environmental preservation, innovative construction techniques and design excellence. The result is a testament to the careful balance between luxury development and the responsible stewardship of the natural world.”
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT
Owner: Grupo Alhel
Operator: Marriott International
Architecture: Edmonds International
Interior Design: Ian Schrager
Company, Rockwell Group
Art Consultant: Visto
Lighting Design: Isometrix
Landscaping: Madison Cox www.editionhotels.com
Boca de Agua BACALAR
Seeking to drive positive environmental and social change, first-time hotelier Rodrigo Juárez creates a collection of eco-friendly treehouses nestled amidst the Mayan jungle.
The final leg of the journey to Boca de Agua – located 200km south of Tulum, close to the town of Bacalar –is something of an adventure. Turning off the highway at an unmarked opening, a makeshift road twists and turns through the Mayan jungle, offering fleeting glimpses of a spider monkey or family of white-nosed coati as they scurry back into the dense undergrowth.
It’s a fitting arrival experience for the eco-friendly escape, where the ultimate aim is to foster a connection with nature. “Many guests have mentioned how being here really forces them to unplug from technology and absorb the natural wonder that is Bacalar,” reveals Rodrigo Juárez, the entrepreneur behind the property. “This is a place that allows them to pause and breathe; they feel better mentally, physically, in every way.”
Indeed, every aspect of Boca de Agua is designed to immerse guests in nature, from the architecture and interiors to the dining and programming. For Juárez, a first-time hotelier, the journey began with his own love of nature, having been captivated by the turquoise waters of Laguna Bacalar. “Almost seven years ago, I took a backpacking trip exploring Mexico from coast to coast,” he explains. “Bacalar, right on the border between Mexico and Belize, was the last place I visited, and I completely fell in love with it; its cultural relevance, its history, its people, and most of all, its lagoon.”
Known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, the freshwater lake is the main draw to Bacalar, and with its ever-changing hues, it’s easy to see why Juárez became so enamoured. Having graduated with a degree in architecture and economics, the setting made for the ideal spot to explore his passions. “A hospitality venture felt like the right fit,” he continues. “It is an intersection of design, culture, natural conservation and good holistic business practices; these aspects really matter to me, and with that realisation I started conceiving this beautiful project.”
After becoming frustrated with the lack of sustainable architecture in working with large-scale developers, Juárez set about leading on both the financial and creative aspects of the project, taking further education courses in business and the built environment to expand his skillset. A fortuitous meeting with a local landowner eventually resulted in the venture taking shape, but not before business plans, masterplans, obtaining a government loan reserved for ecotourism projects, and crucially, finding a balance between commercial success and sustainable design.
With a growing number of accommodation options in the vicinity, Juárez wanted to take a fresh approach, and so enlisted Mexican architect Frida Escobedo and interior designer Mariel Lozano to devise a solution. “I respect that developers try to fit in with the vernacular, but it becomes a problem when every new project starts to look the same
as the previous one,” Juárez points out. “We wanted Boca de Agua to feel local, using the same materials and techniques that have always been here, but we played around with the approach. The result, I believe, is something quite unique: a hotel that feels familiar to the region yet brings a new identity.”
A member of Design Hotels, the result is a collection of treehouses, each with its own indoor-outdoor living space to encourage that all-important connection to nature. Elevated to sit amongst the canopy, the structures perch atop compact pillars that help to minimise impact on the environment, allowing flora and fauna at ground level to thrive undisturbed. The architectural design sees a framework of vertical timber slats, pleasingly aligned for just the right amount of light and air flow, yet still retaining an element of privacy. The bedroom is the only space fitted with an air conditioning system, so the timber frame is backed by glazing that also serves to keep insects at bay. Lighting is deliberately pared
At Flora, a restaurant serving Mexican fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, verdant plantlife trailing over exposed stone is reminiscent of the Mayan ruins that dot the region
back with a mushroom-shaped table lamp from Bandido adding character to the otherwise simple scheme of spotlights, while accessories and embellishments are kept to a minimum – it’s the ever-changing canopy outside that commands attention.
Every treehouse features its own outdoor lounge, where natural light filters through the timber slats to provide an element of shade in the midday heat. The space is kitted out with a dining table, lounge seating and a hammock – the ideal spot to kick back for the afternoon – while the larger treehouses come with their own plunge pool. Al fresco living is the focus of the bathroom too, with the shower set amongst vegetation for a refreshing rinse.
With the treehouses spread across the site, the hotel’s public spaces occupy a main lodge, where towering steps and verdant plantlife trailing over exposed stone are reminiscent of the Mayan ruins that dot the region. A library and bar is joined by Flora, a restaurant serving Mexican fare with a focus on locally sourced
ingredients. Dishes include classics such as chilaquiles, guacamole and tacos, as well as fresh homemade pasta with shrimp and sage butter – all served on tableware made by artisans at Hacha Ceramica.
Throughout the design, development and construction of the property, Juárez has been fastidious in his commitment to the cause, often taking the more difficult route to achieve his goal of low-density, low-impact hospitality. The site was painstakingly mapped out to show the location of every living tree and plant, with the treehouses and walkways built around them – not a single mangrove was removed or damaged. Building materials are local and sustainable, made up of white limestone and tropical hardwoods sourced from nearby FSCcertified plantations. And furniture is made by Mexican artisans using recycled waste and offcuts from a plywood processor.
In a further move to protect the reserve, over 90% of the 82-acre site has been left untouched, and the initiatives extend to the
operations too. Wastewater is filtered through a membrane bioreactor with the treated water then used for the WCs and irrigation. Electricity is supplied by Ammper, a Mexico-based green energy provider. And bathroom amenities are custom-made by Laguna Cyprien using natural and biodegradable materials. “For every single one of these decisions, there was a quicker, more affordable alternative,” states Juárez. “We could have skipped many studies and mapping. We could have overdeveloped and overbuilt. We could have taken down trees for easier access. But we believe that the traditional model for tourism in emerging destinations must change. We believe that regenerative hospitality is valued by travellers, and therefore, that projects like ours can become self-sustaining ventures.”
This approach of using hospitality projects to do good is evident in a stay at Boca de Agua. Nature regeneration and conservation, hiring and training locals, and sourcing produce from small businesses are amongst the environmental and social initiatives here,
along with the sustainable design principles and use of native materials – collectively doing good for both people and planet. From the guest perspective, these ideals come together at the lagoon, a short stroll from the treehouses via an elevated boardwalk; there’s no fancy beach club or out-of-place bar, just a simple jetty decked out with beanbags, where guests can relax to the sounds of the wildlife and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
With tourism-driven overdevelopment a contentious issue of late, particularly in areas of natural beauty, Juárez is proud of what he has achieved with Boca de Agua, viewing the project as a blueprint for the future. “Since its inception, I imagined that Boca de Agua would become a key player in the development and growth of Bacalar as a destination,” he concludes. “Hopefully we become a reference for how it is possible to develop a low-density project with the highest sustainability standards, paired with an operational programme rooted in social inclusion and local empowerment.”
Graphic Design: Savvy Studio (logo), Fernando Farfán (brand application)
Lighting Design: Luca Salas
Landscaping: Brenda Landeros www.bocadeagua.com
PARKROYAL COLLECTION MARINA BAY, SINGAPORE
Hotel Construction Pipeline Europe
The UK retains its position as Europe’s most active country for new hotel development according to the latest data from THP, with 461 projects, amounting to 61,515 rooms, currently in the pipeline.
By city, the Northern Powerhouse of Manchester is becoming a popular destination for planting flags, though London takes the top spot by quite some way, counting 97 projects (17,471 rooms) listed in the database.
Elsewhere in Europe, Dublin continues to appeal to investors and operators – The Standard, Citizen M and The Hoxton all have plans for the Irish capital – while Poland enters the mix thanks to new signings from the big players. Accor is set to introduce Tribe to Krakow; Marriott will expand through Element and Autograph Collection hotels in Wroclaw; and IHG is expected to announce a dual-branded resort in Szklarska Poręba.
Rome’s hotel sector is also forecast to grow through 2024 and beyond, with 24 projects (3,521 rooms) in the pipeline. Amongst those in progress are ventures from Four Seasons, Nobu and Rosewood, as well as the first Orient Express hotel.
In total, Europe has 2,196 projects listed in the THP database, accounting for 338,750 rooms. The region is set to add more than 44,600 rooms to its inventory in 2024, with a further 83,800 due in 2025.
TOP CITIES
4,486 LONDON Projects 97 Rooms 17,471
Projects 24 Rooms 3,521
TOP COUNTRIES
Projects 23 Rooms 3,683
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Of the 338,750 rooms in the pipeline, 32% (108,724 rooms) are under construction and a further 42% (142,806 rooms) are in planning. It is within these phases that interior design schemes and FF&E fit-outs are being implemented.
GROUPS AND BRANDS
Accor remains the most active group in the region according to the THP database, while Hilton’s European expansion continues at pace, driven in part by accelerated growth in its resort portfolio.
The intelligence source for the hotel investment community
Leaning in from both sides
Airbnb is planning to relaunch its experiences business – and hinted it will look to list more hotels on its platform. The move comes as fellow OTA operator Booking Holdings accelerates its signing of alternative accommodation, leaning into Airbnb’s space.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky trailed the upcoming changes as he announced first half results for the platform. Gross revenues were up 11% year on year, at USD2.75bn, while nights and experiences booked grew 9% to 125.1m for the quarter. A higher tax bill meant net income was down on Q2 of 2023, but at USD555m represented a 20% margin.
The company could see some change in consumer behaviour, with slowing demand evident in the US. CFO Ellie Mertz said consumers were not planning ahead as they had been: “What we’ve seen more recently, and in particular in July, is a shrinking of the lead times. And in particular, what we’ve seen is that there continues to be very strong growth of the shorter lead times, so anything from same day to next week to a couple of weeks from now. But what we’re not seeing is the same level of strength in those longer lead times, two months from now.”
“We want to be growing a lot faster than we are,” declared Chesky. “We want to be growing in healthy double-digit growth, and I think we can. And the way we’re thinking about accelerating growth is through short term, medium term and long term.”
To drive the business forward, Airbnb has plans for a co-hosting service to relaunch its experiences business, and to take a closer look at hotel listings. “This October, we’re going to be launching a new host service – essentially a co-hosting marketplace. So, there are people that have homes, but they don’t have time. There are other people in the world that have
time, but they don’t have a home.” Uniting the two, he said, will drive more managed listings.
“Then, next year, we’re going to begin to expand Airbnb truly beyond a core business. We’re going to relaunch experiences. We’ve learned a lot of lessons from experiences –they need to be more affordable, they need to be more unique to Airbnb.”
He then went on to explain his thinking around hotels. “For everyone who books an Airbnb, about nine people book a hotel. And so, if we can get just one of those guests to book on Airbnb that’s currently booking on a hotel platform, we would go from nearly half a billion nights a year to a billion nights a year.”
“And there’s two ways to do that. One is to increase the reliability of homes on Airbnb because the number one reason people tell us they book hotels is they’re typically more reliable. The other is adding hotels on Airbnb, and we’re not philosophically misaligned with adding hotels. If we were, we would never have bought Hotel Tonight before the pandemic. We just haven’t prioritised hotels.”
“We have a lot of hotels. We have hundreds of thousands of boutique hotels and nonhome inventory on Airbnb, and we’re going to continue to expand that over the years to come. And so, there’s no philosophical misalignment to add commodity inventory.”
At Booking Holdings, second quarter results beat internal expectations, with revenues of USD5.9bn and adjusted EBITDA of USD1.9bn, both up 7%. The group sold 287m room nights, also up 7% year on year.
CEO Glenn Fogel said the market had continued to normalise: “We observed a mild moderation of travel market growth in Europe. We continue to see high growth levels in Asia and a slight improvement in growth in the US.”
He had plenty to say about alternative accommodation, referencing a nameless key rival several times. “Our alternative accommodation
offering continues to benefit from having more listings available. Our global alternative accommodation listings were about 7.8m, which is about 11% higher than Q2 last year.”
The company is seeing more direct bookings, and has learnt how to spend effectively on social media channels to win business.
“One of the things we’ve been building, and we’ve been working hard on, and I’ve talked about it for a number of years, is how important it is for us to build an alternative accommodations business that will rival anybody’s. We started from behind. Another company may have had a bigger head start on us and building it bigger. We think we’ve done a really good job of catching up. Now I don’t really care whether the customer uses a home, or a hotel, or a villa or an igloo. I care they get what they want, that’s the important thing, and then come back.”
Fogel is clear that the company has much more to do. “That we still do not have anywhere near the number or the type of home accommodations in the US to be fully competitive is, well, it’s a disappointment to me that is not done yet. It’s an opportunity where we have all this upside still to come.”
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Chris Bown: Chesky seems impatient to up the pace of growth at Airbnb - so impatient, he’s eyeing up hotels. The group bought Hotel Tonight prior to the pandemic, and has barely mentioned it since, so that alone is remarkable. But, with Booking growing its alternative listings, and its agnostic approach offering the consumer more choice with hotels alongside short lets, perhaps Airbnb feels the need to react.
The company will have learnt a lot from its sponsorship of the Paris Olympics. Chesky has clearly been rubbing shoulders with French government officials, helping him argue against draconian legislation for short lets, and put forward the positive
side of Airbnb rentals. He’ll also have noticed how (as happened in previous Olympic cities) hotels actually lost out during the event, with occupancy down compared to a non-Olympic year. If only he could list that inventory on Airbnb…
But in the meantime, on its core business, Airbnb clearly faces a threat from Booking. Few would bet against Booking’s aspirations to build its alternative lodging listings. It already has a loyalty programme, it already has some other verticals for consumers, including flights and car hire. And it has not been seen as the cause of housing shortages in touristheavy destinations.
Orient Express enigma
Accor has signed a strategic partnership with luxury brand house LVMH, which will see the two working together to develop the potential of the Orient Express brand.
LVMH will make a strategic investment in the business that will deliver hotels and trains, as well as in an affiliated entity that will own two Orient Express sailing ships - with the pair seeking a further partner for this latter business. Alongside the investment, the partnership will see LVMH, via its Belmond division, contribute its existing expertise in operating luxury rail services. The group already runs a half dozen rail experiences around the world, including the Venice Simplon-Orient Express train in Europe.
The move aims to unlock value from a situation that has been progressing at a slow pace to date. It was in 2017 that Accor agreed to acquire a 50% stake in the Orient Express business, which was then fully owned by French railway operator SNCF. At the time, Accor said it intended to “build on this partnership to strengthen its leadership in the luxury segment, by developing a new collection of prestigious hotels under the Orient Express banner. This collection, which aims to be the very epitome of the art of travel, will offer a unique experience steeped in history that combines the luxury, exoticism and sophistication of East and West in iconic locations.”
As part of the agreement, SNCF would continue to operate Orient Express-branded train services, using seven restored railcars; the intention was that some of Accor’s other high end hospitality businesses in events and F&B, such as Potel & Chabot, Noctis and John Paul, would be involved in combined enterprises. Accor subsequently bought the remainder of the business from SNCF in 2022, and has been working on the arrival of the three elements of the brand since then.
“Orient Express has embodied adventure and elegance since its origins. Its name has become part of our cultural heritage and remains a source of inspiration for the greatest artists,” said Bernard Arnault, group chairman and CEO of LVMH. “We are delighted to be partnering with Accor to accelerate the renewal of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take Orient Express to the pinnacle of the art of hospitality.”
Three hotels are in development with Italian partner Arsenale. The first, the Orient Express La Minerva, is expected to open in Rome in late 2024. There, Arsenale is redeveloping the 17th-century Palazzo Fonseca to create a 93room luxury hotel. In 2025, a second hotel is due to open in Venice. This smaller property, with 45 rooms, is again being converted from a historic building, and will be in Palazzo Dona Giovannelli, close to the city’s rail station. A third hotel has been signed in Saudi Arabia, with early plans for an 80-room property in the city’s Diriyah Gate. This will be linked to a new luxury rail experience in the country, Dream of the Desert. The search is on for further sites in gateway cities, with Accor naming target destinations of Paris, Istanbul and London. On the tracks, Accor is trailing the relaunch of Orient Express train services with a series of eight different itineraries across Italy. These will offer guests trips with typically one or two nights on board a train with substantially refurbished original carriages. Bookings are now possible online for dates in 2025. A spokesman told Hotel Analyst that it is intended the Belmond and Accor train services will remain
separately operated in future, and will not be combined.
On the water, the first of two planned Orient Express sailing ships is under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France. Initially named Silenseas, and now possibly Corinthian, the vessel will have around 50 guest suites with 170 crew. It is expected to launch in 2025 and be ready for service in Spring 2026. It will feature three rigid sails on 100m high masts, promising emissions-free sailing supported by an LNGpowered engine. In early 2024, media reports suggested Dubai Holding would be providing up to EUR800m funding as an investment partner in the sailing ships venture, though officially a partner is still being sought.
While Belmond is the only other operator in luxury trains, Orient Express will find growing competition in the luxury cruise liner marketplace. Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton has opened reservations for Summer 2025, when the third yacht in its fleet will be setting sail. The first, Evrima, launched in October 2022 with a second, Ilma, joining it this year. The third, Luminara, will have 226 suites and is similar in scale to Ilma, while the launch vessel, Evrima, has 149 suites. The 2025 sailing programme focuses largely on European cruises of a week or more.
Four Seasons is also taking bookings for its new yacht, with reservations from January 2026. And Aman, which already operates a five-cabin yacht in Indonesia, is also joining the luxury cruise set. It expects to launch a 50-suite yacht in 2027.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Chris Bown: Well forgive me, but this one is unfolding like a Poirot mystery. Right now, Accor’s Orient Express brand is an enigma, details of which can only be smoked out bit by bit. Nobody from the group was prepared to speak to me, details were passed only by anonymous emails as I pieced the story together. Yes, there will be hotels, soon. Likewise, trains. Ditto, but a bit further off, yachts. But wait, there is an Orient Express train already. If you jump across to Belmond’s website, you can
book an overnight ticket on the Venice SimplonOrient Express from Vienna, bound for Paris in July - a snip at GBP4,275.
And perhaps that indicates a few solid reasons to get LVMH involved. For one, they’re great at curating super luxury brands - building a story around the name. Via their Belmond division, they’re quite good at luxury hotels, too. And, as detailed above, they’re already running super luxury train journeys (and, one imagines, doing so at a profit).
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Andrew Sangster: When I was a boy reporter on trade magazine Caterer, we used to log all of the restaurants that won a Michelin star in a particular year and then ring them around six months after winning the accolade to see how they were getting on. Often, we’d find a news story in that they had gone bust. The expense of maintaining those highend standards all too often proved a recipe for financial disaster. It seemed that luxury was not a route to riches but rather where you spent the riches.
LVMH is the counterpoint to any such notion. While no longer Europe’s most valuable company, its current EUR363bn market capitalisation is nothing to be sniffed at. To fully disprove my notion of hospitality luxury being a pathway to penury, LVMH has bought a majority stake in Parisian restaurant Chez L’Ami Louis. The premises is joining the LVMH Hospitality Excellence division. This division is headed by Stephane Rinderknech and includes brands (or houses as LVMH styles them) such as the five-strong Cheval Blanc chain, the yacht maker Royal Van Lent, the 47 hotels at Belmond and assorted other assets like Les Echos, Le Parisien, Radio Classique and the park Jardin D’Acclimatation.
The LVMH Hospitality Excellence division is a tiny pimple on LVMH’s giant corporate edifice. Its revenues were just EUR324m in 2023, compared to the group total of EUR86.2bn. The LVMH success story, which has chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault regularly listed as the world’s richest person, has been built by pursuing luxury without cutting corners on expenditure. To promote the company during this year’s Olympics in Paris, LVMH has paid EUR150m in sponsor fees and no doubt considerably more to maximise its presence during the sporting spectacle.
But if you want to understand LVMH’s secret sauce, it is perhaps better to study private equity house L Catterton in which LVMH and Financier Agache, the family holding company of Bernard Arnault, hold significant stakes. L Catterton describes itself as “first and foremost consumer-focused category investors.” It goes on to say: “Our proprietary research uncovers attractive, high-growth segments based on ever-changing consumer demographics, behaviours, beliefs, and economics.”
If you are planning to create profitable luxury brands, L Catterton’s themes seem like a worthwhile source of ideas.
Conversations to the fore
Hyatt has acquired the Me and All hotel brand from its German partner Lindner, giving it options to accelerate growth both in Europe and further afield.
The move will wrest the brand from its previous position, nestled under Hyatt’s JdV brand grouping. Instead, the half dozen operating properties in Germany, plus a pipeline of signings, will now be placed into Hyatt’s global brand portfolio. And for Hyatt, Me and All presents an opportunity for it to march into the increasingly busy conversion space, where others including Marriott and IHG are already making strong progress in signings.
All the big brands are, however, put in the shade in Europe by conversion king B&B Hotels. The group, which is quietly being offered for sale by owner Goldman Sachs, continues to grow aggressively, and has just signed five new hotels in the UK, as well as a second property in the USA.
B&B makes a virtue of its flexible model, which allows it to take on all sorts of properties, via a variety of operating models. The five UK additions in Birmingham, Derby, Inverness, Ipswich and Warrington are all takeovers of existing hotels, some believed to be Pentabranded, which will continue to trade with their existing staff; rolling refurbishments and rebranding will take place over the coming
months. The acceleration in the UK comes just months after B&B secured its first site in the UK, a former Holiday Inn near Heathrow airport that belongs to landlord Arora.
And in the US, B&B has signed its second property in the country, with a 156-room hotel in Jacksonville planned to launch in Spring 2025 following a refit. The hotel’s acquisition has been supported by B&B’s local investment partner Batipart, which also backed its first US hotel, now open in Orlando. As a group, B&B is closing in on 800 hotels, with a presence in 17 country markets.
The Hyatt acquisition builds on a relationship set in train in 2022, when Hyatt and Lindner signed a strategic collaboration that saw almost all of the Lindner properties, predominantly Lindner branded, but with several under its new sub-brand Me and All, migrate across to the Hyatt platform. Within a few months, the deal saw Hyatt substantially increase its European presence. Today, 20 Lindner-branded hotels are fully integrated into the Hyatt ecosystem, with three more properties marketed, but not yet participating in the Hyatt loyalty programme. While the majority of the portfolio is in Germany, there are also Lindner hotels in Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium and Spain.
Second brand Me and All was launched by the Lindner team in 2016, as an urban lifestyle offering, and since then has grown to six German sites. Hyatt says the brand is “a conversion-friendly development model in the desirable upscale lifestyle space, positioning it for scale and accelerated expansion across Europe and beyond.”
“The Lindner team has built an incredible brand with Me and All hotels, and we believe the brand has great potential for expansion across Europe and other global markets,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, Hyatt’s senior vice president of development in EMEA. The six properties trading under the brand so far have all been created with Lindner owning them; for the future, there are opportunities to work with hotel developers and owners of existing assets, as well as exploring franchising.
Lindner CEO Arno Schwalie acknowledged that the hard work of creating and launching the brand, and stabilising its first properties, had already been completed. “The combination of the successful work we have done to launch and position the brand in Germany, its vibrant pipeline and the potential for growth as part of Hyatt makes us confident that what has become a beloved lifestyle brand in Germany will soon shine on the global stage.”
Pipeline sites for the brand include an opening on Berlin’s east side, with the 223room property due towards the end of 2024. In 2025, a 282-key hotel is due to open in Leipzig. And in Hamburg, two sites have been signed, for openings planned over the next two years, First will be a site at the city’s main station, followed by conversion of the Molotow night club on the city’s Reeperbahn, expected in 2026. Also in 2026, a site in Lubeck should be ready to open, followed in 2027 by openings in Kellenhusen, and a site adjacent to Stuttgart’s main railway station.
The opportunity to add a conversion brand to the Hyatt suite of brands is an important one, as major hotel groups increasingly look to grow by signing conversions in an environment where new developments have been constrained by tougher access to funding. Pure franchise players Wyndham and Choice are past masters at signing conversions, but at IHG, Hilton and Marriott, upwards of one-third of recent signings are conversions.
IHG’s Voco brand was launched in 2018, and has become one of the group’s fastest growing, with 64 openings and over 80 projects signed. Marriott, meanwhile, has created Four Points Express by Sheraton as a conversion brand for EMEA, and is poised to reveal the format of another new brand, currently codenamed Project Mid-T, specifically designed around conversions. At Hilton, its recently launched premium economy brand Spark targets rebrands of existing properties, aiming for a rapid rollout.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Chris Bown:
Fishing trips to central Europe have
delivered well in the last couple of years for the big brands. Wyndham picked up Vienna House; Hyatt netted Lindner; and IHG has pulled in Novum. Who’s next - will it be Marriott or Hilton bidding for Ruby?
Hyatt’s move is indicative of a new way to do deals. Gone is the big bang marriage (or the takeover that can then go badly wrong). Instead, there’s a courtship that leads, over time, to consummation. While far less dramatic than the Choice-Wyndham alternative, it does provide the benefit of letting the parties get to know one another, work out a way to come together, and plan for the long term.
Of course, the big difference for Hyatt is its inclination to open the company cheque book. Mark Hoplamazian may have promised to dispose of USD2bn of assets, but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped buying. If Hyatt harnesses some cash, it could get this new conversion brand on the road and accelerating faster than IHG’s Voco. And, with Hyatt’s global reach, Me and All could soon be popping up for conversions around the globe.
HA PERSPECTIVE
By Andrew Sangster: While deal flow has been slow overall, acquisitions by industry incumbents have been a bright spot. And Hyatt has been particularly luminescent over the past couple of years.
Analysts at Bernstein like the latest deal, pointing out that it means there are more hotels for existing Hyatt members looking to travel to Europe, a region Hyatt under-indexes in; and it will enable Hyatt to grow its European loyalty base to feed its Spanish resorts acquired as part of 2021’s ALG purchase.
The Hyatt strategy appears to be going big into a strong source market, getting brand recognition to drive demand in hotels where that source market is already spending money. With Germany, Hyatt has alighted on Europe’s biggest source market. According to UN Tourism, Germans splashed EUR103.5bn overseas last year. Only the UK comes close with spending of EUR102.0bn by its citizens. France placed third in Europe last year at EUR45.4bn.
Meanwhile, B&B has managed to evade being a target for industry consolidation, instead finding appeal with a succession of PE owners. It is also contrarian in showing that there were still growth opportunities despite a succession of supposedly
hard-driving PE owners. Under Goldman Sachs ownership, B&B has significantly expanded.
Part of the success is down to B&B’s preparedness to take leases. The usual narrative is that leases are on the way out, with management contracts and franchising the way forward. But B&B is taking its triple net lease model to the US. B&B is betting that a passion for triple net leases can be stirred in the US, given that other sectors, like student housing or restaurants, are happy to use such contracts.
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. BARCELONA
Thanks to a boost from the annual Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona’s monthly ADR and RevPAR reached all-time highs in June 2024. According to preliminary data from STR, occupancy peaked at 95.3% on Saturday 22 June – the night before the final race – marking its highest point since October 2023.
June 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 87.3% ( 1.7%)
ADR EUR 231.30 ( 11.4%)
RevPAR EUR201.84 ( 13.3%)
2. COLOGNE
Germany’s hosting of the UEFA European Football Championship in June 2024 has helped lift hotel performance across the country, particularly in Cologne. ADR and RevPAR reached record highs – the latter a 46.2% increase on the previous year – while occupancy was the highest for the market since November 2019.
June 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 81.2% ( 7.9%)
ADR EUR174.18 ( 35.5%)
RevPAR EUR141.47 ( 46.2%)
3. BERLIN
Euro 2024 also had a positive impact on hotel performance in Berlin, with the German capital playing host to the 14 July final between Spain and England; this resulted in a 171.4% year-overyear increase in ADR and an 189.2% increase in RevPAR. The month’s highest daily occupancy was on Saturday 27 July (88.8%) during Berlin Pride.
July 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 77.9% ( 0.1%)
ADR EUR136.94 ( 17.3%)
RevPAR EUR106.73 ( 17.2%)
4. SYDNEY
Despite an increase in new supply, hotel performance is holding steady in Sydney owing to continued leisure demand. In June 2024, the Sydney Film Festival and Vivid Drone Show produced the highest ADR and RevPAR for any June on record, while occupancy averaged 72.6% – a marginal increase on the same period last year.
June 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy 72.6% ( 1.0%)
ADR AUD243.45 ( 1.5%)
RevPAR AUD176.81 ( 2.5%)
STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.
For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com
EE SMITH CONTRACTS, AT THE PINNACLE OF SUPER-PRIME FIT OUT ACROSS ALL LUXURY SECTORS
Bedouin-inspired interiors set amidst the dunes of Umluj; a fitness-focused hub within a bustling metropolis; and an art-filled riad in the maze-like medina of the Red City. These are just some of the hospitality projects across the Middle East and Africa shortlisted by AHEAD for its 2024 edition.
Following the first raft of openings in Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, Six Senses’ debut in a new Red Sea development has a strong presence on the shortlist, alongside a host of other projects in the country, including Marriott International’s St Regis Hotels & Resorts.
Given its vast and varied growth, Dubai is also strongly represented, with openings from Ennismore’s fashion-forward SO/ and Kerzner International’s One&Only making several appearances. Other destinations spotlighted
meanwhile include Morocco, Bahrain, Tanzania and the Seychelles.
The MEA judging panel – comprising owners, operators, developers, architects, interior designers and industry commentators – is chaired by Kristina Zanic, who sits alongside design experts including Andrew Moore, President (MENA) of HBA, and Christopher Browne, founder and Creative Director of Fox Browne Creative.
To ensure a range of perspectives, sharing wider insights from the hotel group side are Leila Abdul Rahim, Director of Design for Hilton Worldwide, and Mark Eacott, Global Vice President of Design at Ennismore, amongst others.
The next stage of judging will see the panel come together for an intensive day of discussions to determine who will be victorious in each category.
BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE
Broadway at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Social F+B By Design – a specialist studio of HBA
Writers Lounge at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain GFH Financial Group / Pace / International Design Associates / Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates
EVENT SPACES
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay – Dubai, UAE Hilton Worldwide / Edge Architects
One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE
Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Denniston / LW Design Group
Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel – Dubai, UAE
Aujan Group / Minor International / Ambient Studio / Kristina Zanic Consultants
GUESTROOMS
One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Denniston / LW Design Group
SIRO One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE Kerzner International / Zaha Hadid Architects / Denniston / LW Design Group
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea – Umluj, Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global / Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas / Foster + Partners / Muza Lab / SKS Studio
Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Denniston / LW Design / Rockwell Group /
Social F+B By Design – a specialist studio of HBA / Zaha Hadid Architects / Square M
The St Regis Red Sea Resort – Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global / Marriott International / Kengo Kuma & Associates / Kristina Zanic Consultants
The St Regis Riyadh – Saudi Arabia
Sela / Marriott International / Amsad Architectural Associates / Kristina Zanic Consultants
HOTEL RENOVATION
andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge – KwaZulu Natal, South Africa andBeyond Travel / Fox Browne Creative in partnership with Jack Alexander Studio / Gordon W Kershaw
La Mamounia – Marrakech, Morocco OCP Group / Oger Maroc / Jouin Manku
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain
GFH Financial Group / Accor / Pace / International Design Associates / Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates
LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES
Andaliman – One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE
Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / LW Design / Square M
The Boma – Madwalani River Lodge – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Babanango Game Reserve / Luxury Frontiers
Tapasake – One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE
Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / LW Design / Square M
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island – Seychelles
Platte Island Development / Hilton Worldwide / Eco-ID Architects / One Degree North
LOBBY
One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE
Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Denniston / LW Design Group
SIRO One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE
Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / LW Design Group
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain
GFH Financial Group / Accor / Pace / International Design Associates / Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island – Seychelles
Platte Island Development / Hilton Worldwide / Eco-ID Architects
LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS
Daunara Safari Camp – Okavango Delta, Botswana Daunara Investments / Fox Browne Creative in partnership with Jack Alexander Studio / Wentzel Coetzer
Madwaleni River Lodge – Babanango Game Reserve, South Africa Babanango Game Reserve / Luxury Frontiers
Melote House – Limpopo, South Africa Lepogo Lodges / Black Sable Designs / Yuji Yamazaki Architecture / Copperleaf Studios
Wilderness Usawa Serengeti – Tanzania Wilderness / Luxury Frontiers / Charlotte Berney Design
RESORT
Four Seasons Resort & Residences at The Pearl Qatar Q Bayraq Real Estate Investments / Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts / Dara Engineering Consultants / Wimberly Interiors / WATG
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea – Umluj, Saudi Arabia Red Sea Global / Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas / Foster + Partners / Muza Lab / SKS Studio
The St Regis Red Sea Resort – Saudi Arabia Red Sea Global / Marriott International / Kengo Kuma & Associates / Kristina Zanic Consultants
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island – Seychelles Platte Island Development / Hilton Worldwide / Eco-ID Architects
RESTAURANT
Arrazuna at One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Social F+B By Design – a specialist studio of HBA
En Fuego at Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai, UAE Kerzner International / Solutions Leisure Group / LXA / Bishop Design
Palma at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain GFH Financial Group / Infracorp / Katara Hospitality / Maria Zapata / Marta Dell’omo / Bishop Design
StreetXO at SIRO One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / LW Design
SPA & WELLNESS
Bab Al Shams, a Rare Finds Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE Kerzner International / LW Design
One&Only One Za’abeel – Dubai, UAE Ithra Dubai / Kerzner International / Nikken Sekkei / Denniston / LW Design Group
The St Regis, Riyadh – Saudi Arabia
Sela / Marriott International / Amsad Architectural Associates / Kristina Zanic Consultants
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som – Al Ruwais, Qatar
Msheireb Properties / Chiva Som International Health Resorts
SUITE
Dune & Coral Villas – The St Regis Red Sea Resort – Saudi Arabia Red Sea Global / Marriott International / Kengo Kuma & Associates / Kristina Zanic Consultants
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea – Umluj, Saudi Arabia Red Sea Global / Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas / Foster + Partners / Muza Lab / SKS Studio
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island – Seychelles
Platte Island Development / Hilton Worldwide / Eco-ID Architects
SUSTAINABILITY
Ezba – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara – Abu Dhabi, UAE Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas / Serex International SCTP Engineering Consultancy
Melote House – Limpopo, South Africa Lepogo Lodges / Black Sable Designs / Yuji Yamazaki Architecture / Copperleaf Studios
The St Regis Red Sea Resort – Saudi Arabia Red Sea Global / Marriott International / Kengo Kuma & Associates / Kristina Zanic Consultants
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island – Seychelles
Platte Island Development / Hilton Worldwide / Eco-ID Architects
#6 LANGKAWI
4 - 6 March, 2025
Pelangi Beach Resort – Langkawi, Malaysia
The Great Outdoors
On a mission to revolutionise the outdoor furniture industry, Akula Living revisits one of its most iconic collections, reimagining it for the next generation.
Words: Eleanor Howard
Born from a desire to revolutionise the outdoor furniture industry, Akula Living has been redefining hospitality spaces on land and at sea for over 15 years, with its dining chairs, tables, sofas and daybeds dressing the patios and terraces of luxury hotels and cruise liners around the world, from Atlantis The Royal in Dubai to the sailing Sun Princess.
Established by Tim Appleton in 2009, Akula is built on a foundation of three key pillars: innovation, quality and customisation. With headquarters in Europe and new international offices in Australasia and Latin America, the marine-grade outdoor furniture manufacturer has experienced more than a decade of steady growth, to the extent that some 95% of its revenue is attributed to overseas markets.
“My vision was to fill a gap in the market for high-quality, resilient outdoor furniture that could withstand the harshest conditions, from saltwater exposure to intense UV rays, making it suitable for both hotel and cruise projects,” explains Appleton. “I wanted to design products that not only meet the functional demands of these sectors but also elevate the outdoor experience for guests, making it as luxurious and comfortable as the indoor environment.”
It is this spirit that influenced Kona, a seating collection characterised by heavy rope crossweaving and a triple powder-coated aluminium frame. The latter is resistant to sea water, chlorine, fluctuating temperatures and UV
exposure, ensuring durability, while quick-dry foam technology enables the cushions to dry rapidly after exposure to moisture, maintaining comfort and usability. This commitment ensures that Kona pieces not only enhance outdoor spaces, but offer long-term value for clients. The fabrics used in the range are also antimould and anti-mildew, further strengthening their resilience and making them ideal for outdoor settings that demand high performance with minimal maintenance.
Following the success of Kona, Akula recently revisited the collection, expanding the range with new pieces that continue to elevate outdoor comfort and luxury. “Since the introduction of the Kona collection, our clients have consistently praised its striking padded rope design, which has quickly made it one of their favourite options. The unique aesthetic and high level of comfort provided by Kona have resonated deeply with the hospitality industry, seeking both style and functionality in their outdoor spaces,” reveals Appleton. “Recognising the popularity and versatility of the Kona collection, it was a natural progression for us to expand the range. These new additions are not just about expanding the collection – they’re about enhancing the overall guest experience by providing more options to create cohesive and functional outdoor spaces.”
New for 2024 is a sun lounger, a round daybed and modular seating, all designed with
the brand’s signature marine-grade properties and stylish aesthetics. The modular seating options in particular offer versatility, with individual left and right corner seats allowing clients to customise outdoor areas to suit any size or layout, a flexibility that is essential for hospitality settings. The new additions are also part of the company’s Quick-Ship programme, which was introduced to meet the demands of clients for whom short lead times are critical, such as large-scale hospitality projects.
Looking ahead, Appleton suggests that the Kona expansion is an indication of what’s to come for the brand, building a momentum that will drive the company forward for another 15 years. “The future is filled with exciting developments, particularly with the introduction of new products that are set to expand and enhance our offerings,” Appleton teases. “We are focused on bringing fresh and innovative collections to the market, each designed to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry while maintaining the high standards of quality and durability that define our brand.”
Ultimately, the brand’s success is rooted in its dedication to quality, innovation and customer service. By continuously pushing the boundaries of design and technology, Akula Living remains at the forefront of the outdoor furniture industry, delivering solutions that are as robust as they are elegant.
www.akulaliving.com
MAISON
BATHROOM
MIRRORS LIGHTS
SPOTLIGHT BATHROOMS & AMENITIES
From sweet-smelling shampoos to toilet technologies, these are the products making a splash in hotel bathrooms.
Kaldewei e15 Collaboration
Munich-based industrial designer Stefan Diez has conceived a new collection of bathroom furniture and accessories for German heritage brand Kaldewei. The range, developed and manufactured by e15, comprises an array of furniture made from solid European oak, including a stool, bench, footboard, towel rail and bathtub bridge. The furniture is complemented by a bag and towel loop made from water-repellent leather, which can be attached to the edge of Kaldewei’s steel enamel tubs thanks to a concealed integrated magnet. The collaboration is grounded in the companies’ shared values and extensive design expertise, as well as their previous partnerships with Diez. www.kaldewei.co.uk
1. Apaiser
Ode
Apaiser has launched Ode, a collection that pays homage to its Australian heritage and design traditions. The range comprises a freestanding bathtub, countertop basin and pedestal basin, handcrafted from ApaiserMarble in the brand’s atelier. Pieces draw on the textural qualities and versatility of corrugated iron – which is ubiquitous across the Australian landscape –referencing the material’s undulations through a series of subtle, minimalist lines. Each product purposefully alludes to the Australian bush, a place where the air is scented with eucalypt and warm earth, and the rain drums rhythmically on tin roofs.
www.apaiser.com
2. Laufen The New Classic
Laufen’s The New Classic range has unveiled a revamped look, courtesy of its original designer Marcel Wanders. The creative has envisioned three patterns for the new basins, available in a glossy white finish – Cosmopolitan exudes a sophisticated architectural style, Bohemian offers a more handcrafted feel and Ornamental showcases a detailed yet elegant design. “Laufen’s SaphirKeramik, a blend of ceramic and mineral corundum, boasts a strength comparable to steel,” explains Emma Mottram, Brand Marketing Manager at Laufen. “This results in basins with elegant lines, now further enhanced with beautiful, embellished designs, showcasing the material’s full potential.”
www.laufen.co.uk
3. Sanipex Group PVD Soft Burgundy
Sanipex Group’s Bagnodesign brand has introduced two new PVD finishes, available on many of its mixers, accessories and showering ranges. PVD Soft Burgundy draws on a modern aesthetic, with a rich colour and soft brushed metallic texture that caters to the increasing demand for warm-toned brassware, a popular trend in bathroom design. The finish features on two of Bagnodesign’s most popular and contemporary mixer ranges, Vitesse and Mezzanine. The second new launch, PVD Oyster, is a soft finish that can be used to complement soft-shaped mixer designs. Sought-after by bathroom designers looking for a finish that elevates interiors in a sophisticated way, PVD Oyster is available on Bagnodesign’s brassware ranges, including Bristol, Orology, M-Line and Corsair, as well as the newly-launched Nara collection. Both finishes are highly durable – resistant to finger marks, tarnishing, corrosion and wear – and come with a 10-year guarantee.
www.bagnodesign.it
1. Roca Targa
Minimalist in its aesthetic, the redesigned Targa collection by Roca showcases a commanding silhouette with clean, straight lines, designed to exude an air of modern refinement. The range includes washbasins in a number of sizes, including S, L and XL, ensuring a customised fit for every need. A variety of finishes are on offer, such as the new Everlux in brushed brass and stainless steel, along with matte black, matte white and chrome. The versatile faucets blend form and function, adopting technologies including a 5 litres per minute watersaving aerator and a Cold Start opening system to reduce energy consumption and encourage sustainable use. www.roca.com
2. Grohe Rainshower Aqua Pure
Grohe has launched Rainshower Aqua Pure, a new shower system that fuses design and wellness. An Aqua Pure filter, invisibly integrated into the thermostat, purifies the water of chlorine and subsequent odours, making it exceptionally gentle on skin and hair. A SmartControl thermostat meanwhile features seamlessly recessed metal operation buttons that discreetly emerge from the housing when activated, allowing users to tailor spray patterns and variants. The knurled texture of the thermostat buttons adds a tactile dimension, augmenting the visual and sensory experience, while also emphasising intuitive functionality. www.grohespa.com
3. Vola New Showroom
Danish design brand Vola has opened a new showroom in the heart of London’s design district. Behind a glass-fronted façade on Margaret Street, the new space not only displays the brand’s products, but functions as a hub for architecture and design, facilitating the sharing of ideas and inspiration through talks, masterclasses and training sessions for architects, interior designers, plumbers, property developers and other professional specifiers. Inside the non-selling studio, Vola’s team are able to provide ideas and solutions on specification, alternative designs and efficient consumption, as well as share colour and finish samples. Architect Torben Madsen worked with Vola to design the space, respecting the original details of the building, whilst also mirroring the brand’s design philosophy. “We wanted to give it local context through use of materials,” explains Madsen. “Its spirit is London, so we wanted to honour that. The space is long and narrow, so we needed to divide it into specific zones, each with a purpose. The public area is at the front and then we have a meeting room right at the back with sliding doors and a skylight that brings in lots of natural light. This acts as a great draw into the space and feels very positive.”
en.vola.com
SNOWSKY
1. Groupe GM Algotherm
French bathroom amenities brand Groupe GM has announced the relaunch of its hotel line in collaboration with Algotherm, a spa company that specialises in algotherapy. Inspired by the brand’s expertise in marine biotechnologies, the reinvigorated range captures the refreshing essence of the ocean – a blend of lemon and green foliage transitions into a subtle floral heart, ultimately finishing with a base of musk and vanilla. Continuing the products’ ode to nature, 98% of their ingredients are of natural origin, enriched with D-Panthenol and Laminaria Digitata algae, active components known for their regenerative and hydrating properties.
www.groupegm.com
2. Zenology Herbal Spa Collection
Zenology has unveiled the Herbal Spa Collection, a range of sustainable skincare products designed to create an in-room spa experience. The collection is formulated to cleanse, moisturise, exfoliate and protect, addressing concerns such as dryness, irritation and signs of ageing. It features an exfoliating wash in eucalyptus and sage; a multi-vitamin cleanser in geranium and rosewood; a hand and body serum in basil and mint; and a scalp therapy shampoo and leave-in conditioner in mandora and palo santo. Each product is part of a comprehensive step-by-step regimen that combines ingredient science with an olfactive journey, where scent follows function. www.zenology.com
3. Duravit Compact Bathroom Design
Duravit is spotlighting its compact bathtubs, showcasing a range of products designed to save space. Built-in tubs, with sizes starting at 1400 x 750mm, or narrow models with widths of just 650mm, can be integrated into any floor plan. Asymmetric bathtubs meanwhile are well-suited to irregular-shaped rooms, enabling a luxurious bathing experience with a comparatively low fill volume – with sizes starting at just 1500 x 800mm, the trapezoid Duravit No.1 design offers bathing comfort in the smallest of spaces. The brand also offers combined tubs for bathing and showering, with an integrated glass wall, cushion and ease of entry. www.duravit.com
Tece has unveiled TeceNeo, a shower toilet that places hygiene, simplicity and sustainability at the fore. Featuring no electronic devices, the product operates without motors or remote controls, making it ideal for hotels looking to enhance the guest experience without incurring high costs or additional technical challenges. The rimless design meanwhile ensures effortless cleaning and high hygiene standards, while the automatic flushing of the shower arm guarantees a clean experience. The userfriendly design allows guests to easily adjust water flow and temperature using intuitive rotary knobs, maximising both functionality and comfort. www.tece.com
4. Tece TeceNeo
1. Waterworks Finot
Marking a second collaboration, Waterworks has teamed up with Gachot to develop a bathroom and kitchen fittings collection named Finot. Varied in its offer, the range comprises over 50 pieces, from bath accessories to lighting and hardware. Inspired by sleek industrial design, tailored fashion and Modernist sculptures, the pieces celebrate minimalism by turning simple forms into nuanced pieces. “We have accomplished something special and rare with Finot,” says Peter Sallick, CEO and Creative Director of Waterworks. “Finally, a contemporary fittings collection done the Waterworks way. Finot reflects a painstaking integration of our experienced design eye with engineering expertise, and our instinct for humanity in the physical objects we make. In Finot, we see how the smallest details elevate the overall product and how refinement creates value. It’s a true expression of the unique capabilities and sensibilities of both Waterworks and our design collaborator Gachot, certifies our place in the contemporary world and our passion for its sleek, precise forms.” John Gachot, Principal and founder of Gachot, adds: “We found inspiration in the honesty of the objects that encompass our everyday lives and the many histories we study and draw from in our work. Finot, for us, represents the power and beauty of balance, rigour and simplicity.” www.waterworks.com
Atlas Concorde Habitat, a brand that specialises in the production of furnishings to match Atlas Concorde’s surfaces, has unveiled Evoluzione, a new range of washbasins. Crafted in collaboration with Studio Ferriani, the collection takes the Essenza range –originally conceived to support designers and architects in the development of customised bathroom solutions – to a new level. Evoluzione is available in three models: Mono (single basin), Duo (double basin) and Block (freestanding). The basins are made from pure acrylic, with bowls available in either matte white, taupe or grey, and in three shapes –rectangular, oval and circular. www.atlasconcorde.com
3. RAK Ceramics RAK-Valet
RAK Ceramics recently partnered with designer Patrick Norguet to create RAKValet. The collection comprises an array of stylish bathroom solutions, designed to serve as ‘valets’ for objects used in daily wellness routines – from functional surfaces to sleek mirrors, slender washbasins to bathtubs. Available in matte and glossy white finishes, RAK-Valet embodies Norguet’s creativity alongside the brand’s high quality production. Designs emphasise a dialogue between light and shadow, volumes and lines, and unique forms and materials, with all elements envisioned in service of the user to prompt them to reconsider their use of the bathroom. www.rakceramics.com
2. Atlas Concorde Habitat Evoluzione
MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO
Manufactured in Germany from titanium steel
PHOTOGRAPHER
BRYAN ADAMS
1. ADA Cosmetics
Refillution
ADA Cosmetics has launched Refillution, an automated refill system that allows cosmetics dispensers to be reused. The stainless steel machines are fitted with ADA’s proprietary 10 litre bag-in-boxes –each replaces 34 dispenser bottles and can be fully deflated – and a peristaltic pump system. They can refill a 300ml dispenser in a few seconds, avoiding contact with the liquid, which is contained within a flexible tube for maximum hygiene. The machine’s HMI interface includes a ‘ready for refill’ checkmark, while output speed can be adjusted via a potentiometer, and automated LED lighting makes the fill level of each bottle visible to avoid spillage. www.ada-cosmetics.com
2. Neolith Atmosphere
Neolith has launched Atmosphere: Breeze of Innovation, a range of surfaces available in four colours, named WhiteSands, Rapolano, Artisan and Ignea. Produced using a new digital technology, WhiteSands is inspired by the serene dunes of New Mexico’s White Sands National Park, its soft texture and pale colour creating a brightening effect. Rapolano meanwhile is a tribute to the design of 16th-century Renaissance Italian palaces; Artisan (pictured) is inspired by the limestone that covered Europe’s Gothic cathedrals in the 14th and 15th centuries; while Ignea evokes the aesthetic of volcanic landscapes, paying homage to the Earth’s magmatic cycles. www.neolith.com
3. Dornbracht
The Peninsula London
Dornbracht recently brought its expertise to The Peninsula’s London debut, integrating its fittings across the hotel. For the bathrooms, architect Peter Marino opted for Dornbracht products to enhance his design concept, which is inspired by neighbouring heritage manor Apsley House. Light-coloured onyx streaked with clay-toned veins covers the walls, complemented by natural stone mosaic floors, large mirrors and occasional chrome touches. Touch-free sensor taps have been installed in the public washrooms, while many fittings have also been made bespoke, featuring alongside pieces from the Madison, Meta, Lissé and Lulu collections. www.dornbracht.com
4. Devon & Devon My Love Water Vanity
Pierre-Yves Rochon has designed My Love Water Vanity, a collection of three vanity units for Devon & Devon. The pieces are made from marble-effect porcelain stoneware, and can be wall-mounted or freestanding. The Small version features a single washbasin; the Medium has two aligned washbasins; and the Suite version, with two staggered, mirrored washbasins, has been designed for master bathrooms. The units are available in three colours – Port Laurent, River Jade or Taj Mahal – and are created using new All-Over technology, which allows the texture of the ceramic slab to be reproduced on its edge, maintaining visual continuity. www.devon-devon.com
“At
Toni Simpson Good Training & Development Manager
SmartCare
The Good Hotel relies on SmartCare, the world’s most hygienic cosmetic dispenser system with patented membrane technology. Aesthetic. Sustainable. Hygienic.
Geberit
The Rise of Wellness-Focused Travel
Guests are increasingly prioritising health and wellbeing when making travel decisions. Notably, wellness in hotels extends beyond the bedroom, with well-appointed bathrooms also playing a pivotal role. Sophie Weston, Head of Marketing at Geberit, delves into the benefit of shower toilets in these spaces.
A Natural Connection
Water and wellbeing are intrinsically intertwined. Beyond ensuring optimal hygiene, water provides an unparalleled sensation of freshness and renewal. It is therefore crucial to a positive guest experience, and toilets are no different. In fact, when considering the design innovation taking place across many other spaces, there is no doubt that bathroom design deserves better, which is why shower toilets are increasingly being integrated into modern hotel designs.
The Benefits of Shower Toilets in Hotel Bathrooms
While shower toilets have long been considered a premium purchase, the Geberit AquaClean Alba aims to make them more commonplace in hotels of all sizes and design styles. Envisioned by Chief Designer Christoph Behling, Alba – a sleek entry-level shower toilet with integrated spray functionality – effortlessly complements any bathroom aesthetic with its understated elegance. Designed for user wellbeing, it utilises Geberit’s WhirlSpray technology, which harnesses the power of bodytemperature water to provide a gentle yet thorough cleansing experience. The invigorating shower spray ensures unparalleled personal hygiene, leaving guests feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after every use.
Hygiene by Design
In addition to an ergonomic rimless ceramic design, the Alba shower toilet features Geberit’s quiet TurboFlush 2.0 system that ensures optimum cleaning of the pan, as well as uncompromising hygiene for both hoteliers and users. It offers heated water for a comfortable cleansing experience and an automatic descaling programme for hassle-free maintenance. Also included is a remote control with wall bracket and integration with the Geberit Home app, allowing users to adjust the shower water temperature and spray arm position from their smartphone. This blend of technology, design, functionality and hygiene, together with an entry-level price point, opens up additional wellbeing design features for hotels at every level.
www.geberit.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT BEDS, MATTRESSES & LINENS
1. Yves Delorme Autumn/Winter 2024
For Yves Delorme’s 2024 Autumn/Winter offer, the French brand has unveiled a range of new bed linens inspired by the grandeur of Versailles. Named Allure, Joyau and Royal, the signature designs draw on the palace archives, capturing the essence of historic drawings, intricate marquetry patterns, frescoes and celestial models through sophisticated hues and elegant touches of gold. The new launches are complemented by two fresh colourways in the brand’s classic collection –Triomphe and Athena – both crafted from organic cotton. Yves Delorme has been bringing luxury linens to life since 1845, with outposts across the globe dedicated to showcasing its varied designs. uk.yvesdelorme.com
2. Silentnight Contract Lune Mattress
The Lune mattress from Silentnight Contract, the trade arm of the UK sleep brand, offers a user experience with comfort at the forefront. The mattress features a 3Mesh layer that prioritises breathability, ensuring optimal temperature regulation throughout the night. Unlike memory foam, it allows for effortless movement, while a honeycomb shape provides a rejuvenating bounce-back feel. Complemented by zoned pocket springs and a layer of conforming mini springs, Lune cradles users for a serene night’s sleep. Having partnered with hotels across the globe, Silentnight Contract creates flexible sleep solutions for the hospitality industry, with products tested for durability, comfort and fire safety.
www.silentnight.co.uk
3. EPOC Handcrafted Beds British Beds
EPOC Handcrafted Beds was founded in 1949 by Joseph James Cope with one overriding ambition: to build the finest handmade beds. 75 years later, this ethos remains at the core of the business. “Beds are our passion,” says Andrew Thorpe, the company’s Director. “With today’s technology we could make beds quicker, cheaper and in greater volume. We could, but we don’t! Although times and manufacturing techniques may have changed, at EPOC Handcrafted Beds we still use traditional methods passed down through the generations.” The brand’s clients include interior designers and hoteliers across the globe, from the Bahamas and the USA, to the south of France and Dubai.
www.epocbeds.co.uk
1. DUX
The Audio Headboard
DUX has teamed up with Bang & Olufsen to develop a new audio headboard. Crafted from solid wood – available in three finishes, with choices of stone top colours – the headboard features two Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level removable speakers, with wireless charging options. Pairing minimalistic design with audio technology and supportive padding for added comfort, the product can be attached using the DUX headboard bracket, and handcrafted to desired specifications. www.duxiana.com
2. Hypnos Contract Beds Tailored Sleep Solutions
Hypnos Contract Beds offers a diverse range of mattresses, bed bases, headboards and sofa beds. All of the brand’s contract mattresses are foam-free and recyclable, reflecting a commitment to responsible craftsmanship. “Our legacy is rooted in tradition, innovation and a passion for excellence,” says David Baldry, Group Managing Director at Hypnos. “I’m delighted to share we will be launching our first contract specification mattress in collaboration with the Eden Project this Autumn.” www.hypnoscontractbeds.com
3. Naturalmat
The Halstock
Devon-based organic bed and mattress maker Naturalmat has launched The Halstock. With a curvaceous 70s-inspired silhouette, the bed features a low-profile plinth base and an oversized, upholstered headboard, which can be customised in the client’s own fabric, or one of Naturalmat’s organic house fabrics. The combination of recycled denim and organic wool within the headboard provides a naturally cushioned and breathable surface, all designed to enhance the sleeping experience. Crafted from FSC-certified oak, The Halstock’s plinth base draws on the traditions of Mid-Century furniture, resulting in a bed that rests closer to the ground and offers a sleek and polished appearance. The ground-hugging design and low headboard makes The Halstock particularly suited to more compact spaces with lower ceilings, giving the illusion of taller walls and a more spacious environment. www.naturalmat.co.uk
2.
SINCE 1847
2. Sleepeezee 100th Anniversary
Amalfi by Bellino is a luxury bed linen set characterised by a subtle corded border. Varied in its offer, the range includes a duvet cover, fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillow cases, with each piece crafted from long-staple cotton. The fabric has a smooth texture with a 300 thread count, resulting in a subtle sheen. A preciselystitched border, which runs along the edges of the duvet cover and pillowcases, is available in coral, charcoal grey and navy blue, giving a clean, structured finish to the linens. www.bellinofinelinens.com
Sleepeezee is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of providing hospitality bedding solutions. With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and commitment to continuous improvement, the brand’s mattresses can be tailored to optimise any space, with bespoke bedding solutions customised to meet the unique needs of hotels and resorts worldwide. From premium mattresses to bed bases, each product reflects Sleepeezee’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. www.sleepeezee.com/hospitality
3.
While trends and thread count myths come and go, the Reed Family Linen ethos remains steadfast – to make timeless linens with integrity that last a lifetime, be it bedding, table linen or towelling. The brand has supplied its products to a range of hospitality projects, from London’s The Savoy, to Singita in the South African wilderness. Working with clients to produce bespoke designs and colours to suit each project’s demands, Reed offers a variety of embroidered, dyed or monogrammed options. www.reedfamilylinen.com
Adding to its portfolio of premium bedding, Brinkhaus recently unveiled Brinkhaus Blue, a range of duvets and pillows aimed at producing high-quality, sustainable sleep solutions. The collection uses Aerelle Blue filling fibres made from recycled plastic, sourced in partnership with Plastic Bank. All down and feather products in the range carry the Nomite mark, making them suitable for dust allergy sufferers, while casings are made from 95-100% organic cotton, certified by the Organic Content Standard. www.brinkhaus.de
1. Bellino Amalfi
Reed Family Linens British Bedding
4. Brinkhaus Brinkhaus Blue
FR Fabrics and Soft Furnishings. Specifying Statement Hospitality Interiors. Request samples of our fabrics using our next-day delivery service.
SPECIFIER
Neoz Piccolo
Australian lamp manufacturer Neoz has unveiled the new N1 Cordless Light Engine, which powers the Piccolo lamp, as well as a collection of more than 30 portable lamps. Designed and manufactured in Sydney, Australia, Piccolo is crafted from brushed stainless steel with gold, silver and bronze PVD-coated finishes. Adorned with a crystallike polycarbonate light diffuser, the lamp exudes playful elegance. With an IP64 rating, it can withstand the elements, providing illumination from the poolside or for dining under the stars. Beyond aesthetics, Piccolo incorporates 75% post-consumer recycled plastic in its modular internal structure and charging system for enhanced sustainability. www.neoz.com.au
Lemi Group Gemini Evo
Combining aesthetics and functionality, the Gemini Evo massage table embodies elegance with a dual-column covered painted wood base and sleek solid structure designed to ensure maximum stability and safety during adjustments. Equipped with the HBS mattress system, Gemini Evo ergonomically supports the head, shoulders and back, allowing the operator to adjust the table according to the specific needs of each treatment, whilst ensuring relaxation for the client. The table is equipped with three electric motors that adjust the height, backrest and legs, with a control panel that includes memory functions. This versatility extends to the table’s appearance with three standard colour configurations available: wengé, white and dove grey.
www.lemi.it
Ethimo Patio
Ethimo has teamed up with Studio Zanellato/Bortotto to design Patio, an outdoor furniture collection characterised by a creative combination of weaving and teak that recalls the traditional inner patios typical of Spanish architecture. The lounge pieces are rounded out by a hammock (pictured) that features a sophisticated weave emulating waves. “The Patio collection stems from our passion for the variety of weaves and patterns discovered on our travels,” explains Studio Zanellato/Bortotto. “We designed a series of motifs as 3D surfaces that could become the decoration and structure of a series of outdoor seating elements. The latter became true frames in wood and teak into which skilled craftsmen weave close patterns based on our suggestions, tests and inspirations, gathered with this new project in mind for Ethimo.” www.ethimo.com
Point Kubik
Spanish designer Gabriel Teixidó has envisioned Kubik, an outdoor furniture collection utilising Point’s innovative new TechTeak material. With clear, bold lines, Kubik is an ode to functionality, beauty and comfort. “The starting point for this collection was TechTeak, the new material developed by Point, which has a surprisingly similar appearance to teak but is maintenance-free and highly resistant to impact,” explains Teixidó. “When we designed Kubik, we wanted to respond to two essential challenges: to guarantee outdoor durability and to offer an ecological option. Unlike other collections, in this one it was the characteristics of the material itself that determined the final design.”
www.point1920.com
Creative Matters
Goldwynn Bahamas Resort
Premium rug brand Creative Matters has crafted stylish and innovative floorcovering solutions for Goldwynn Resort & Residences in the Bahamas, combining aesthetics with practicality. The Toronto-based floor and wallcovering designers were tasked with creating area rugs for the guest suites and residences that capture an ethereal, ‘sand-meets-ocean’ aesthetic. The primary objective was to fulfil the client’s vision for luxurious, natural-looking rugs, while carefully selecting materials and designs that were well-suited to the humid climate of the Bahamas. Creative Matters proposed using PET yarn, a sustainable, highly durable fibre made from recycled water bottles that is resistant to humidity. The team explored natural abrash textures and pile heights to create an elevated look. Mid-Century Modern design was one of the key inspirations, resulting in a selection of high-performing yet luxurious rugs, reflecting the blues and sandy colours of the resort’s setting. Creative Matters has been offering imaginative and practical wall and floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 25 years.
www.creativemattersinc.com
Quintiesse Eurofase
Elstead Lighting Group’s premium brand Quintiesse has partnered with Canadian company Eurofase to launch a new lighting collection. Among the new pieces is the Keplar pendant (pictured), made from solid alabaster stone blocks that have been cored and turned into spheres. The naturally occurring deposits of iron oxides in the soft calcite stone leave trails of clouding and veining, meaning each individual shade is unique. The Keplar pendant is available in small and medium single pendants, as well as a seven-light cluster pendant. www.quintiesse.com
CASE STUDY
LSA
Beacon
LSA has introduced Beacon, a modern collection of mixedmaterial candleholders with a modular design. The range pairs conical, mouth-blown glass with a removable powder-coated steel candleholder with low profile and wide rim. As such, the pleated glass vessel can be used separately as a vase and in some cases, as a storm lantern. The varying designs can be used individually or together, offering ambient light to table settings and interiors. “Texture, colour and materiality are used to create vessels that reveal the dynamic qualities of light,” says Monika LubkowskaJonas, LSA’s Creative Director. “Beacon’s modular design invites creativity.”
www.lsa-international.com
Samuel & Sons Belvedere
Belvedere is a collection of six luxurious borders, skilfully crafted with sumptuous velvet, intricate embroidery and refined cording techniques all presented on a variety of refined linen and cotton grounds. The interplay between the plush velvet and meticulous embroidery highlights the graphic, dimensional nature of each pattern, offering a striking focal point. Inspired by a classical egg and dart moulding pattern, the Dorian Velvet Border (pictured) features a series of lush velvet ovals and outlines with contrasting appliqué cording with embroidered arrows sitting in between each section. Dorian is available in six shades ranging from poetic neutrals such as Snow and Linen to more deeply saturated combinations such as Evergreen and Azure.
www.samuelandsons.com
Original BTC Christie
Original BTC has unveiled the new Christie wall light, featuring all the hallmarks of the brand. Hand slip-cast at the company’s Stoke-on-Trent factory, the gently fluted shade celebrates bone china’s translucency, luminosity and versatility. From the rise and fall of ocean waves to the corrugation of washed out shells, each ceramic fold echoes the movement and flow found in nature. Crisp white when switched off, Christie emits an ambient glow when on. Featuring the brand’s signature mix of materials, the 47cm bone china shade is secured by solid brass fittings in an antique brass finish. “One of our most decorative, large scale wall lights yet, Christie will soften the clean lines of contemporary spaces, while blending beautifully with more traditional schemes,” explains Director Charlie Bowles. www.originalbtc.com
Jung
Jung Unique by Graft
The urban switch collection, Jung Unique by Graft, is an ode to urban life, Berlin and individuality. Originally designed for the German architecture firm’s new headquarters, the range can now be used to create interior statements elsewhere. Each design in the collection is named after Berlin districts: Kreuzberg, Wedding (pictured), Fredrichshain, Schoneberg, Mitte and Grunewald. “Used and new, ugly and beautiful, ironic and serious – we wanted to explore the ambiguity of aesthetic perception and what is perceived as beautiful,” explains the Graft team. “We were attracted by the aesthetics of the everyday, of those things that we might experience in passing, without seeing their potential.”
www.jung-group.de
Secto Design Kumulo
The Kumulo pendant marks a new chapter in Secto Design’s wooden lighting collection. Inspired by the beauty of nature –from summery cumulus clouds to snow-capped trees – Kumulo embodies a light, airy elegance. Designer Seppo Koho first envisioned its undulating form during a winter trip to Lapland, later brought to life beneath a midsummer sky filled with fluffy clouds. “Kumulo can easily become the focal point of a room, providing a warm, soft light that beautifully reflects the natural shades of the birch wood it’s crafted from,” explains Seppo Koho. True to Secto Design’s ethos, Kumulo can be used individually or arranged in clusters to create captivating installations in both private and public spaces. Kumulo is the 30th model in the brand’s lighting collection, a significant milestone since its founding in 1999. Every model remains in production today, a testament to the timelessness of Secto Design’s creations. Handcrafted in Finland, each lamp is made from PEFC-certified local birch, produced using renewable energy in line with the company’s goal to achieve carbon-negative production within the next five years. Secto Design is celebrated for its Scandinavian design and versatility, with lamps that seamlessly complement a wide range of interiors. Built to last for generations, the lamps combine quality craftsmanship with a deep respect for nature.
www.sectodesign.fi
Arper Catifa Carta
Arper has reimagined its Catifa 53 chair – the company’s first product with an environmental declaration – through a material innovation partnership. The new model, Catifa Carta, features a re-engineered PaperShell, an innovative new material made from composite wood by-product, which provides the strength and comfort essential to Catifa’s now iconic, bi-curved silhouette. A first of its kind, PaperShell dramatically reduces Catifa Carta’s environmental impact by sequestering carbon dioxide. At the end of its life cycle, the material can be reduced to biochar, successfully retaining the CO2 sequestered during the previous life phases. The new Catifa Carta is as transformative in style and beauty as the original, whilst setting a new standard for sustainable design. www.arper.com
S-Contract New Collection
S-Contract, the custom furniture manufacturer from design group Shepel, has unveiled a new line of contemporary upholstered furniture designed to elevate both residential and commercial interiors. A natural progression from the custom designs that have become a hallmark of Alexander and Helen Shepel’s luxury residential projects, the range comprises a series of meticulously crafted chairs, sofas, ottomans and stools, each designed to complement modern spaces with their fluid forms, all while prioritising both functionality and comfort. The fusion of authentic materials with precise, sophisticated construction techniques has resulted in furniture pieces that are characterised by their enduring quality and style.
www.scontract.co.uk
Feelgood Designs Gorm
Focusing on natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, Australian brand Feelgood Designs partners with select designers from across the globe to create furniture solutions that facilitate warm, human-orientated spaces. Designed by Allan Nøddebo, the Gorm range comprises a chair, barstool with backrest, highback and lounge chair, highlighting the brand’s expertise in rattan weaving. The hand-crafted shell is made from high quality rattan peel that radiates warmth and elegance. The enveloping back ensures optimal comfort, while the powder-coated steel frame infuses the floating silhouette with solidity and elegance. The Gorm range is available for indoor spaces in natural and black, and for the outdoors in natural polyethylene. www.martaonline.eu
FREE
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
20 & 21 November 2024
Join us at LiGHT 24, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification.
For those working in design, it’s the best opportunity in the UK to explore new products, access design talks, and network with those across the sector. Now into its third successful year, LiGHT 24 will take place at the Business Design Centre in London. Join thousands of other industry professionals for a fantastic two days of design inspiration.
From the publishers of:
ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 116
Nap at the Museum
A museum installation opens up new realms within which hoteliers can engineer the perfect sleep experience.
Hotels typically focus on enhancing the guest experience in waking hours, but what of those all-important hours when heads hit pillows? Sleep is a science that the hotel industry continuously seeks to perfect, employing wideranging techniques to engineer a solid night’s kip. And while relaxation is commonly the ultimate aim, a new exhibit at Fondation Beyeler in Basel explores how hoteliers can orchestrate a more memorable sleep. Based on the latest advances in the neuroscience of dreaming, artists Carsten Höller and Adam Haar have created an installation that shows just how significantly surroundings can influence our subconscious as we snooze. Named Dream Hotel Room 1: Dreaming of Flying with Flying Fly Agarics (2024), the guestroom-style space can be booked for a rejuvenating 60-minute nap, though the
shut-eye is in fact part of an experiment. With the brain said to continue listening, feeling and seeing during sleep, the exhibit has been designed to encourage lucid dreaming, using sound, sight and somatic stimulation to elicit the sensation of flight. As visitors doze off in a specially-designed bed, a spinning toadstool above is illuminated by a fast-moving red light at a wavelength thought to spark the imagination. The bed then rocks in tandem with the flying mushroom, while acoustic stimulation sees the phrase ‘flying with flying fly agarics’ repeated out loud in a process known as targeted dream incubation. According to the artists, the sensation of flying is linked to increased dream recall – a hypothesis that is put to the test when visitors are asked to share their adventures, revealing whether the sleep experience really can be engineered.
