Check-In

Alex Holloway and Na Li

A remote island retreat beckons for the principals of London-based studio Holloway Li, as they take a fantasy break to reflect and re-energise.

Where are you?

It’s mid-August and we’re at a Six Senses resort on the island of Skomer in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. It’s their smallest and most remote resort, with six villas nestled into the landscape.

How did you get there?

We sailed by catamaran from the nearby village of Little Haven, arriving at the small harbour and boathouse next to a private beach.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Guy et Gauthier, the founders of La Maison D’Ulysse in Baron, Provence. Our tranquil natural setting calls for their specific brand of unimposing laidback luxury. The hotel strikes a balance between attentive service and privacy, with an intimate fine-dining experience – never overbearing or pretentious – where our Côtes de Provence rosé is topped up as if by magic.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

The concierge from the University Arms in Cambridge – they tend to our every whim.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Bermonds Locke, London; The Hoxton, Shoreditch (rooftop extension); Wunder Locke, Munich www.hollowayli.com

Who are you sharing your room with?

We are solo; the trip is our yearly business retreat together and partners are banned. We’re here to take stock of the studio’s progress whilst immersing ourselves in the inspiration of our surroundings. We set goals for the year and take time to reflect on our design output away from the distractions of London life.

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

The resort is a small collection of detached villas, each occupying a historic structure that had fallen into obsolesce until the recent conversion. Na’s room is a split-level suite in an old lighthouse; the bedroom at the top has panoramic views of the sea. Alex is staying in a converted concrete WW2 gun pillbox.

The entrance to the lobby is framed by an Iron Age standing-stones arch and the lounge, spa and pool are arranged around the remnants of a 14 th century Cistercian monastery. All new elements are formed from glass, concrete and wrought iron, making explicit the contrast of ancient relic and contemporary insertions. Interiors are softened through plush upholstery and decorative rugs, with large sculptures defining the journey through the spaces.

Who designed it?

The envelope structures are designed by Shin Takamatsu – the godfather of Japanese futurism – while interiors are by Stanley Kubrick and artist Matthew Barney. Furniture is made up of surrealist pieces by Galerie Gosserez, with decorative lighting by Studio Wieki Somers.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

The restaurant is a short walk down ancient steps to a private beach cove and has the kind of tranquil exclusivity only achievable with a cliff-bound site. We eat on an elevated angular timber platform that projects from the cliff, with waves and wildlife beneath. The lounge bar is a more sensory experience set around a central island bar formed out of a single mass of rock, like an altar. An interactive lighting installation moves and corresponds with constellations in the clear night sky above.

Who are you dining with this evening?

Writer David Simon; footballer Gianfranco Zola; painter Frida Kahlo; restaurateur Alan Yau; and author Philip Pullman.

Who’s manning the stoves?

Jiro Ono, a sushi master from Tokyo. He is regarded by his contemporaries as the greatest living sushi craftsman and is credited with innovating methods used in modern sushi preparation. He’s serving a classic Omakase tasting menu with locally sourced fresh seafood.

Would you like something to drink with that?

A whisky sour for Alex, and Yu-yu Junmai sake by Kuroobi for Na.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

A sketchbook. We have our smartphones but they don’t work here due to the remote location. Hotel policy allows just an hour of WiFi use per day – perfect for the digital detox we seek.