Drawing Board

Lago Maggiore Retreat TICINO

Oppenheim Architecture has revealed its design concept for Lago Maggiore Retreat, a development in the southern region of Switzerland comprising 108 private residences, a 61-key boutique hotel, and spa and wellness facilities.

Embedded into the hills overlooking Lago Maggiore, the design arises from the uniquely varied landscape, where Alpine peaks and dense forests meet a Mediterranean climate, palmlined lakes, and Italian-influenced cultural and architectural traditions.

The retreat spans three sites, each with a different purpose: the first sees the existing village revitalised with a central square and local artisan shops; the second is a reimagined botanical garden dotted with pergolas, orchards and pools; and the third is a hamlet of secluded buildings amidst a chestnut forest. Throughout the project, materials have been selected to integrate the structures within their different settings. For the town, regionally aggregated stucco complements the urban context, whilst the botanical garden incorporates locally-sourced granite and the forest site has been created in chestnut reclaimed from retired barns and fallen trees.

“I have a long been fascinated by Ticino vernacular architecture and the creative use of the local materiality,” comments Chad Oppenheim, Principal, Oppenheim Architecture. “We wanted to capture the essence of this spirit and create something new yet connected to the past.”

Habitas

ALULA

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: The Royal Commission for AlUla Operator: Habitas Architecture and Interior Design: Habitas www.ourhabitas.com

Global hospitality group Habitas has joined forces with The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to create a new resort in Saudi Arabia’s Ashar Valley – a canyon-filled desert close to Hegra, the archaeological remains of the ancient Nabateans and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With the first 50 keys set to be delivered by Q1 of 2021 – more are expected later next year – the resort will reflect Habitas and RCU’s shared ethos on social and sustainable development, focusing on light touch tourism that emphasises experiential luxury by way of cultural exchange. This includes showcasing regional artisans, localising food supplies and running experiences and classes hosted by native professionals.

“From our very first trip to AlUla, we were really inspired by the people we met and by its natural beauty and heritage. Travel is an incredible gift to create greater compassion and understanding in the world between different people and cultures,” says Oliver Ripley, CEO of Habitas. “RCU’s approach to sustainable development aligns very closely to our values and DNA and in our mission to support local communities. The world, now more than ever, needs to create places for people to reconnect with one another and with nature.”

The development will be constructed using Habitas’ unique vertical integration method, which sees sustainable materials manufactured in Mexico before being delivered and assembled on-site to minimise its environment impact.

Amr AlMadani, CEO of AlUla, comments: “This agreement reflects our commitment to making AlUla a global destination that offers visitors unique, authentic experiences as we protect, share and celebrate our natural and cultural heritage. Construction is under way, a fact that signals that we are actively opening up new opportunities for regional and international investors in the hospitality sector while empowering and enabling our community.”

Bvlgari Hotel Roma

ROME

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Edizione Properties Developer: CBRE Group Operator: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel www.bulgarihotels.com

Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to open a new property in Rome in 2022. Situated in the central Piazza Augusto Imperatore at the heart of the Campo Marzio neighbourhood, the hotel is close to the Spanish Steps and the Bvlgari flagship on Via Condotti.

Owned by Edizione Properties, who was assisted by CBRE Hotels in the tenant selection process, the magnificent building was designed by architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo. Dating back to the 1930s, it uses traditional Roman materials and colours such as ochre Travertine marble and burnt red brick.

As with other Bvlgari Hotels, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel will oversee the project’s architecture and interior design, which will blend Roman heritage with the contemporary and timeless Bvlgari style. A Latin inscription on the building’s façade, reading ‘This is the place where the Emperor Augustus’ soul flies through the air’, highlights the ruler’s vision, and will be translated through a design scheme that balances the rigour of the stones used in Imperial Rome, concise yet powerful details, and rich textures contrasting with the architectural essentiality of the building.

In total, the hotel will comprise over 100 guestrooms, as well as Il Ristorante – a restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito – and The Bvlgari Bar. Other facilities include a spa with an indoor swimming pool and gym, whilst a Reading Room, containing a collection of precious volumes dedicated to the history of jewellery, will be available for guests to enjoy by appointment only.

“We are particularly proud to have secured such an extraordinary location for the new Bvlgari Hotel in Rome,” comments JeanChristophe Babin, Bvlgari CEO. “This hotel represents a remarkable achievement for Bvlgari that will finally have its own ‘temple’ right in the city where the company was founded.”

The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa

WYOMING

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Ron Harrison Architecture: Rowland + Broughton Architecture www.rustyparrot.com

Following its destruction in a 2019 fire, The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson, Wyoming, has announced early details of its rebuild. Designed by Rowland + Broughton Architecture, a new 50,500ft 2 , three-storey, 40-key structure is currently awaiting approval ahead of a Spring 2022 opening.

“While the structure was completely lost, the spirit lives strong,” comments owner Ron Harrison, who is leading the rebuild with his son, Brandon. “The design team at Rowland + Broughton understands how important that notion is within a mountain resort community.”

Emphasising natural materials including wood and stone, the hotel’s exterior portion will feature references to the original structure whilst allowing the new façade to blend into the surrounding area.

The rusty parrot sculpture, which became something of a mascot for the property, will also be restored.

“After a nationwide search, Rowland + Broughton’s deep portfolio proved that they are capable of capturing the residential feel we wanted,” comments General Manager Brandon Harrison. “They have the technical expertise from hotel design experience and the bonus of experience in historic hotel renovations and preservation of western architecture. The team’s responsiveness to the intent and design guidelines has been impressive.”

Sarah Broughton, Principal at Rowland + Broughton, adds: “Being entrusted with the opportunity to work with the Harrisons to bring this iconic lodge back to the Jackson community is truly an honour. As a team, we acknowledge the importance of recapturing much of the ethos of the original structure. Maintaining distinctive exterior materials and giving a nod to previous design details will ensure that the structure relates to its past as it moves forward as a legacy project.”

El Nido Beach Spa & Resort

PALAWAN

The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of El Nido Beach Spa & Resort, set to open on the white sandy beaches of Palawan Island, Philippines in 2022. Once completed, the 10-hectare beachfront estate will feature 96 pool villas with tropical ocean views, an adventure park, dive centre, unique dining experiences and signature spa and wellness facilities.

“The new resort truly embodies our philosophy of delivering unique experiences to our guests,” says Gordon Oldham, founder and owner of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts. “We’re also very excited to be the first international luxury resort brand in El Nido.”

Featuring a mix of one- and two-bedroom villas, as well as 20 Maldivian-style overwater villas – each with private plunge pools and direct access to the ocean where guests can snorkel the house reef – the development is to be built with minimal environmental impact and sustainability in mind.

With a focus on adventure, the resort will offer guests ‘Curated Journeys’ – the group’s bespoke travel itineraries. Exclusive to El Nido is the Adventure Park featuring alpine slides, nature park stairs, rock gardens, fountain ponds, a butterfly garden and a cable car.

The resort also offers investment opportunities with prices starting from US$239,000 for a onebedroom villa with staged payments throughout the build. Buyers can expect guaranteed rental returns along with up to four weeks’ free usage per year, as well as Pavilions Hotels & Resorts owners global benefits.

Scot Toon, Managing Director, Asia, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, comments: “El Nido is a rising star in island destinations within Asia. We’re looking forward to offering our guests the opportunity to imbibe all that the island has to offer.”

ALLAPERTO & ANTONIO

BY MATTEO RODRIGUE

THUN Z

Showroom London, Che ea Harbour de M i an / Pari / Rome / Canne ign entre /

Lux* Grand Baie Resort & Residences

MAURITIUS

Lux Resorts & Hotels has unveiled plans for a new flagship property in Mauritius, set to open in October 2021. Located on the north of the island, Lux* Grand Baie Resort & Residences will blend seamlessly into its tropical surroundings, with interiors by British designer Kelly Hoppen combining a neutral colour palette, elegant soft textures and wooden accents.

The main complex will comprise 86 suites and eight two-bedroom villas with private swimming pools, while an additional 24 luxury residences will be connected via a footbridge. All rooms are set to overlook a sheltered beach and lagoon, with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces maximising the views of Grand Baie. To increase sleep wellness, the design team has also collaborated with an acoustics expert to eliminate external noise in the suites.

Spanning 420m 2 , meanwhile, the threebedroom Beachfront Lux* Villa will offer direct access to the beach and features a fully equipped kitchen, with a personal chef and butler on standby. Guests can opt to spend days at their own private pool and sun deck or visit one of the resort’s three communal swimming pools.

Elsewhere, Beach Rouge will serve locally sourced cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Ai Kisu will offer Asian cuisine, with an accompanying nightclub hosting sets from international DJs and native musicians alike; ICI will create artisanal homemade dairy and vegan ice creams, sorbets and popsicles; and Café Lux will brew fresh organic own-blend coffee.

The hotel’s adults-only rooftop area, with views of the Indian Ocean, will also be home to a 30m infinity pool surrounded by cabanas and natural greenery, while additional facilities include Bisou, an inventive raw restaurant and bar; a cookery school showcasing Mauritian cuisine; and an open-air wellness space for meditation and yoga classes.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Operator: Lux Resorts & Hotels Interior Design: Kelly Hoppen Interiors www.luxresorts.com

Nor Hotel

NORWAY

Bergman Interiors has revealed renderings of a new seven-star spa hotel in Norway, which will offer uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights thanks to its remote Arctic location.

The property will celebrate the refined metal detailing and carvings of ancient Norwegian crafts, and reference elements of the surrounding landscape through a rich base palette. Taking on a sophisticated residential feel, lodge villas will be decorated with handcrafted timber panelling, curated art pieces, feature lighting and open fireplaces framed by exotic stone.

In the main block of the hotel meanwhile, guests will find a reception, bar and a Michelinstarred restaurant. Separated from the reception by way of custom-designed screens honouring traditional Norwegian metal work, the restaurant will use a fully glazed sloping glass wall and anti-glare light fittings to guarantee guests a full spectrum of the Aurora Borealis without any interior reflections to distract.

Inspired by the country’s many glaciers, the spa draws strong reference from the movement of the natural phenomena, celebrating its smooth, curvilinear forms. The soft flow of water will be re-interpreted as an artistic and functional ceiling installation concealing ventilation and lighting, while a poolside relaxation area will combine a timber floor and hand-carved timber panels, which will clad structural columns and form a colonnade along the length of the space. “We immersed ourselves in history and then snapped back to the 21 st century; adapting, reinventing and applying some of our many influences with clever detailing, layering of materials or simply being inspired by the seasonal colours found in nature,” says Kirstin King, Design Director at Bergman Interiors. “The aim was to create elegant interiors with a simplicity in design that celebrates and maximises the views, bringing the outside in through the use of local materials and textures.”