Sleeper 94 by Mondiale Media

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

ME – DUBAI • HABITAS • FOUR SEASONS – MADRID

Sagara wall lights

astrolighting.com

CONTENTS ISSUE 94 096

HOTEL REVIEWS

086

Life House Denver

070

ME 076 Dubai © Veerle Evens

The Albion Rooms

081

Hotel Indigo

086

Soneva Fushi Water Retreats

092

Four Seasons Hotel

096

Yours Truly

104

Margate

Bath 092

Maldives

Madrid

Washington DC

FEATURES

104

Meeting... Habitas

048

Following the opening of its first hotel outside of the Americas, Sleeper sits down with the founders of experienceled hospitality group Habitas to talk music, manifestos and missions.

Meeting... Luxury Frontiers 056

Luxury Frontiers tunes into the environment to create meaningful experiences through inspirational resort design. Graeme Labe, Principal and Managing Director, tells more.

CONTENTS ISSUE 94 FEATURES

070

AHEAD 119

From a colonial-style camp built atop giant boulders in the Namib Desert to an atmospheric château in Ardennes inspired by its hunting lodge heritage, the winners of AHEAD Europe and AHEAD MEA represented the very best that 2020 had to offer in hospitality experience and design.

Radical Innovation

128

Spotlight... Credible Group

140

The USA’s first year-round luxury tented camp, created by Luxury Frontiers, wins the top prize at hospitality’s forward-looking design competition.

076

Having rebranded in the midst of a pandemic, Canadian furniture manufacturer Credible Group has set its sights on international expansion while conserving its legacy of craftsmanship.

REGULARS

048

Check-In 024 Drawing Board

026

The Lobby

059

Business Centre

Floorcoverings 131

081

148

004

110

Specifier 143 Check-Out

154

Contemporary & modernist design inspired by the rich legacies of Mexico and Latin America.

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER ME Dubai © Laurian Ghinitoiu

Cautious Optimism ith a new year comes a sense of new beginnings;

Hotel Analyst also speak to Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian,

it’s a time to look to the future, set goals and make

who believes the first half of 2021 will be challenging, but is

plans. If you’re reading in the UK however, this may

cautiously optimistic about the recovery of business travel in

seem a little futile. Switch on the news channel and there’s

the second half of the year, encouraged by the advances in

ongoing talk of rising Covid cases, pubs and bars being

rapid low-cost testing. Roll-out of a vaccine has also offered

closed for months on end and even tighter restrictions on

hope, with hospitality expected to be the first to benefit thanks

movement. What was hoped to be a fresh start on 1 January

to pent-up demand.

quickly became a case of déjà vu as the country was plunged

Research from our colleagues at Tophotelprojects shows a

into a third national lockdown just a few days later. And the

level of optimism too. According to the data, there are over

same can be said for other parts of the world. It’s easy to get

1.6 million rooms in the pipeline globally, with Asia Pacific

caught up in the affairs of your home nation, but it’s worth

the most active and destinations in China seeing a rise in the

remembering that travel and hospitality is a global business.

number of projects in planning. Even Europe and the USA are

Market conditions in Paris are entirely different to those in

adding to their respective pipelines.

Dubai, Shanghai or Buenos Aires, for example. New Zealand is

Though cancellations have been inevitable, future

almost virus-free while Singapore has hosted its first large-

development across all regions is holding steady; hospitality

scale events. This is where the analysts come in. Sleeper has

is generally a long-term investment and leaders are showing

long published its Business Centre – featuring investment

their confidence by continuing with expansion plans. In fact,

news, performance data and pipeline reports from a range of

there’s been a flurry of new announcements in recent months,

partners – but never has it been so valuable in determining

and as such we’ve expanded our Drawing Board pages this

the state of play.

issue to look ahead at what’s to come. Elsewhere we continue

This issue we continue with STR’s Covid-19 update, which

to showcase the new hotels that have opened against the odds.

shows the first green shoots emerging through a sea of red.

So while ‘cautious optimism’ may be something of an

In India, RevPar is at its highest level since last March; hotels

oxymoron, we too are cautiously optimistic; in the case of

in the UAE recorded their highest absolute occupancy since

hotel development, it’s good to know that the data backs it up.

February; and China is close to pre-pandemic performance having successfully brought the virus under control. Although transaction volumes are significantly down, the current situation has given rise to some interesting scenarios. In news from Hotel Analyst, we hear from Gaurav Bhushan and Sharan Pasricha on the Accor-Ennismore deal, which will establish a new lifestyle operator with 12 brands; the pair say the deal would never have happened had life been ‘normal’.

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

019

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GUEST BOOK

028

081

076

086

081 The Libertines

076 Christos Passas

028 Jean Nouvel

086 Fettle

“It might be a while before we challenge The Savoy or The Grand Budapest in the hotel stakes, but we’ve put a lot of love into this,” says Carl Barât, co-frontman of garage rock band The Libertines on creating The Albion Rooms, a seven-bedroom boutique residence in Margate. Designed in collaboration with Rhiannon Sussex, the interiors take inspiration from the red, black and gold of the famous Libertines jacket and incorporate personal and treasured items from each of the band members.

“A lot of our buildings are geometrically very complex, so we wanted to play a game between a simple building but with an external void,” explains Christos Passas, Design Director at Zaha Hadid Architects on the vision behind ME Dubai – the only hotel to feature both architecture and interiors by the late Zaha Hadid. The project, which recently scooped the Newbuild prize at AHEAD MEA, is characterised by its cube form and the eight-storey, free-form void at its centre designed using digital 3D modelling.

French architect Jean Nouvel is no stranger to landmark buildings in the Middle East, having designed Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of Qatar. He has recently put forward a concept for Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert, where he proposes to carve a luxury resort into the sandstone rock of Sharaan Nature Reserve. Designed to sustainably respect and preserve the region while drawing on millennia-old Nabataean ways of life, the project is described by Nouvel as “the coming together of landscape and history.”

Since joining forces in 2013 to form interior architecture and design firm Fettle, British creatives Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker have overseen a variety of hospitality projects worldwide. The duo’s most recent assignment was to design the F&B spaces at the newly-opened Hotel Indigo in Bath. Field-to-fork restaurant The Elder honours the Georgian heritage of the building along with Bath’s strong literary history, while The Jib Door is a private members’ club that plays on the more eccentric elements of the design narrative.

021

FRONT DESK @SleeperMagazine

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

FINANCE

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner

Design Manager David Bell

Finance Director Amanda Giles

Production Dan Seaton

Group Financial Controller Sarah Healey

EVENTS & MARKETING

Group Credit Controller Lynette Levi

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Managing Editor Catherine Martin

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Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard

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Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

PORTFOLIO

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xxx

CHECK-IN

Nicola and Brett Watkins As they embark on setting up their own design studio, the founders of By Watkins take a fantasy break at a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed resort by Lake Tahoe.

Where are you?

Who are you sharing your room with?

Who are you dining with this evening?

Incline Village in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, a secluded

Our son, Howard.

Ray and Charles Eames, record label owner Tony

resort overlooking a private cobalt-blue bay just north of Sand Harbour.

Wilson, Sir Terence Conran, Ralph Lauren and Is there anything you would like waiting for

our fictional friend Howard Roark.

you in your room? How did you get there?

A bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, a Loewe

Who’s manning the stoves?

We flew via recommissioned Concorde from

juniper berry candle and a chest full of Lego.

Justin Smillie, chef and partner of Upland NYC,

London to the San Francisco Bay Area, where

who brings his Californian simple pleasures-

we picked up our dark red metallic 1967

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

Porsche 911R. The vintage 911 was superlative

Pine trees and granite stone stretch to the sky,

on the winding roads through the Santa Cruz

bolstering the resort’s privacy. Dotted along the

And what’s on the menu?

Mountains. We then took our Supermarine S6.B

landscape are a series of small villas, custom-

Penne all’arrabbiata to start, followed by Kobe

seaplane from the local harbour over the valley

designed to fit the naturally occurring ledges.

beef steak served with scalloped potatoes. For

and through the Sierra Mountains. We touch

Each villa is unique, but they share a common

dessert we feast on cannoli made with Sicilian

down steps away from the resort and wander

language; vast windows invite the sunlight and

lemons, accompanied by Muscat de Beaumes de

up the pine-lined pier.

capture the deep blue water, while granite, glass

Venise dessert wine.

style menu.

and pine bring shape and texture. Pierre Frey Who is there to greet you on arrival?

Pueblos Botanica fabrics envelop Christopher

Would you like something to drink with that?

The Pomeranc family. Michael, Jason and Larry

Gentner Corliss chairs for a pop of colour,

An Old Fashioned and a Bellini followed by a

are true visionaries, each of their endeavours

complemented by a Kevin Walz sofa draped in

glass of Alentejo with our main.

are outstanding and we can’t wait to see what

Mark Alexander Veranda natural fabric. What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?

they do next. Who designed it?

There is no mini-bar. Instead, there’s an app

And who’s at the concierge desk?

The building was designed by Frank Lloyd

for a private butler, on call 24-7. We can order

The entire team from Sixty SoHo in Downtown

Wright and the interior refurbishment was

anything and everything.

Manhattan are here.

recently completed by JW Anderson. Early morning alarm call or late check-out? What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Late check-out.

The sun is setting, the air is crisp and a light haze has settled on the lake. This Starr Restaurants

Bath or power shower?

gem is casual and understated, with candlelit

Power shower.

tables spilling out onto the terrace, meeting the

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS Sixty SoHo, New York; Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale, Thompson Hollywood www.bywatkins.com

sand just before the shore. From lounge chairs

And for breakfast?

around the fire pit, we watch boats undulate

We tuck-in to banana pancakes, strawberry and

gently on the water as Linda Ronstadt sings Blue

banana smoothies, a coconut milk cappuccino

Bayou in the background.

and English breakfast tea.

025

DRAWING BOARD

The Ritz-Carlton MALDIVES FARI ISLANDS

Set to open in Q2 2021 in the North Malé

colourways, while furniture, rugs and fabrics –

Atoll, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands

custom designed by KHA in collaboration with

is designed by Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) to

local and international artists – draw influence

embrace the circle of island life.

from Maldivian craft traditions.

Comprising 100 villas, seven restaurants

Minimising the impact on the fragile reef

and a spa as well as a range of experiences to

ecosystem was also paramount. By using

explore the surrounding ocean, every aspect of

prefabricated methods and materials, KHA

the resort’s philosophy flows from ‘beru’ – the

ensured that no cutting was necessary on

Maldivian word for drums and rounded shapes.

the island, reducing heavy operations and,

Its spherical footprint is inspired by swirling

crucially, generating zero waste or pollution.

ocean breezes and the ring-like forms of nearby

Where possible, natural breezes will be

lagoons, while architecture is characterised by

harnessed to cool the public spaces too, with

sweeping curves.

highly sophisticated glazing fitted elsewhere

Villas maximise panoramic views and a

to limit the use of air-conditioning. This,

connection to the elements, with sliding doors

along with the installation of solar panels, the

dissolving the barrier between inside and out.

inherent sustainability of its materials, and the

Interiors continue the minimalist approach

natural weathered finish, will enable the resort

and feature a palette of natural materials and

to achieve a low carbon footprint.

DRAWING BOARD

Sharaan by Jean Nouvel ALULA

Jean Nouvel has unveiled conceptual designs

of the summer and the cold of the winter. As

for a luxury resort built into the sandstone

such, spaces make use of the natural colours

mountains of northwest Arabia.

and materials of the region, and play with light,

Located in Sharaan Nature Reserve close

shadow and the passage of time; thousands of

to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World

years of geographical strata touch every detail

Heritage Site, the project is described by

of Nouvel’s design, from the permanent feel of

Nouvel as “the coming together of landscape

the rocks to the soft comfort of the armchairs.

and history”, and is designed to sustainably

“AlUla is a museum. Every wadi and

respect and preserve the region while drawing

escarpment, every stretch of sand and rocky

on millennia-old Nabataean ways of life.

outline, every geological and archaeological

An inner courtyard with towering sandstone

site deserves the greatest consideration,” says

walls forms the public space, while the 40

Nouvel. “It’s vital we keep all its distinctiveness

guestrooms and three villas are cut into the cliff

and conserve its attractiveness, which largely

face, with each featuring a terrace that offers

rests on its remote and occasionally archaic

vistas of the surrounding landscape.

character. We have to safeguard a little mystery

Inspired by the Nabateans, Nouvel’s design

028

as well as the promise of discoveries to come.”

plays on the old ways of living while meeting

Sharaan by Jean Nouvel is a key element of

the challenges of the future, highlighting how

The Royal Commission for AlUla’s long-term

the ancient Arab civilisation interacted with

strategy to develop as a global destination for

their environment to reconnect to the earth and

culture, heritage and eco-tourism. The resort is

build sustainable habitats, away from the heat

set to be completed by 2024.

PH BERNARD TOUILLON

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DRAWING BOARD

Hotel Green Solution House BORNHOLM

Hotel Green Solution House has unveiled plans

Trine Richterm, Director of Hotel Green

for a new wing that is thought to be Denmark’s

Solution House, comments: “We are excited

first climate-positive commercial building.

about the prospect of setting new standards for

Located in Rønne on the island of Bornholm,

Danish commercial construction with this new

the property first opened in 2015 as a showcase for

climate-positive building. Everyone talks about

sustainable and climate-friendly construction

it – we build it.”

solutions. The new extension – designed by

The hotel is naturally ventilated via skylight

3XN Architects and its sustainability-driven

windows eliminating the need for mechanical

think-tank GXN – will house 24 guestrooms,

solutions, while all building components are

a conference space and spa. It will be built,

designed for reuse with reversible joints,

clad and insulated with wood – a material that

meaning they won’t end up as demolition waste.

naturally absorbs CO2.

030

“It is a privilege to work with a developer who

“The idea is simple,” says Kasper Guldager

is completely uncompromising in her approach

Jensen, Partner at 3XN and founder of GXN.

to sustainability and the circular economy,”

“We believe that climate-positive architecture

adds Guldager Jensen. “I hope that the new

combines good design and good business.”

project can help to show others the potential

Besides being all wood, the new wing will

of wood construction. If we in Denmark want

upcycle construction waste to create the

to be able to achieve our climate goals, the

furniture and surfaces, while debris from local

construction industry needs to think and act

granite quarries will be used for decoration in

differently, and there is therefore a great need

the conference room.

for lighthouse projects like this.”

L AUFE N 1892 | SWI T ZERL AND

DRAWING BOARD

Torok Hill Resort

Invest Islands has unveiled designs for Torok

Reflecting Invest Islands’ commitment to

Hill Resort, a sustainable development on

sustainability, each of the units on site will

LOMBOK

the Indonesian island of Lombok. Slated for

have energy-saving features such as rainwater

completion in 2023, the project will be built on

catchment tanks, greywater reuse systems and

a 14-hectare elevated site, close to a beachfront

solar roof panels.

property also under construction.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Invest Islands Architecture: Inspira Main Contractor: Tunas Jaya Sanur www.invest-islands.com

032

“We designed the Torok Hill Resort with

the intention of creating a luxurious option

interior design studio Inspiral with the support

that could also have genuine, positive impact

of construction and fabrication company Tunas

on Lombok and we believe the final design

Jaya Sanur, the resort will feature 22 duplex

achieves this,” says Kevin Deisser, who founded

beachfront villas and more than 80 one, two-

Invest Islands with Jack Brown in 2015. “Half

and three-bedroom suites nestled in the hillside.

residential, half resort, the project combines

Inspiral’s design is a post-modern take

Lombok’s traditions with photogenic features

on traditional Indonesian architecture, and

that should create global exposure in a modern,

pairs monolithic stone platforms with the

connected world. It will also employ 80%

undulating lightness of a bamboo structure.

Indonesians and bring wider exposure to our

All villas feature private swimming pools and

charitable arm, the Invest Islands Foundation.”

are built using locally sourced materials. A

According to social media reports, the

two-storey beach club, restaurant and bar will

property – a joint venture between Invest

also be constructed from bamboo and honours

Islands and private investors – will be managed

indigenous architecture.

by a major international hotel operator.

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DRAWING BOARD

Mondrian

Accor and SBE have announced the 2022

development and six more to be announced,

opening of Australia’s first Mondrian hotel.

Mondrian has established itself as one of the

GOLD COAST

Developed in collaboration with Vitale Projects,

strongest brands in the SBE lifestyle portfolio,

the property occupies a prime site at Burleigh

showing staying power for the long term,”

Heads Beachfront, affording guests direct access

says CEO Chadi Farhat. “The Gold Coast has

to the white sands and world-famous surf.

grown into one of Australia’s leading travel

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: SBE, Vitale Projects Operator: AccorHotels Architecture: Elenberg Fraser Interior Design: Studio Cater www.sbe.com

034

The project is designed by Melbourne-based

destinations and the opening of Mondrian Gold

architects Elenberg Fraser and comprises two

Coast is the next step in our strategic global

distinct towers separating the 208-key hotel

expansion for the Mondrian brand, selecting

from 89 luxury residences. A three-level podium

communities at the heart of the most exciting

overlooking the beach and Burleigh National

cultural destinations in the world.”

Park unites the buildings, acting as a common

Accor’s Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, adds:

space and hub of activity complete with a fitness

“With the Mondrian brand, SBE creates

centre, spa, restaurants and swimming pools.

destinations within the destination, bringing

The structural design will visually transform

together regional authenticity with sophisticated

the site with striking arches, vertical and

design, creative programming and a lively bar

horizontal gardens and waterscapes, while

and restaurant scene. Mondrian Gold Coast

interiors – led by Studio Carter – will take

will be the embodiment of this philosophy:

inspiration from nature and celebrate the

providing residents and guests with elevated

region’s carefree beachside lifestyle.

hospitality experiences that match the beauty

“With five open properties, nine in

and vibrancy of Australia’s Gold Coast region.”

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DRAWING BOARD

Ashar Resort

French architecture studio AW2, led by Reda

architecture, the tented suites comprise a

Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, has been

solid structure atop a simple platform, with

ALULA

selected by The Royal Commission of AlUla

the ensemble protected from the sun by a

(RCU) in partnership with the French Agency

canvas covering. The main building material

for AlUla Development (AFALULA) to design a

is compressed earth bricks, a local resource,

luxury tented resort on an untouched site in the

with the resulting aesthetic a natural harmony

heart of Saudi Arabia’s Ashar Valley.

of colours and textures that integrate perfectly

Operated under Accor’s Banyan Tree brand,

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: The Royal Commission of AlUla Operator: AccorHotels Architecture and Interior Design: AW2 www.aw2.com

036

with the surrounding environment.

the development comprises 47 tented suites,

Interiors are designed with Nabataean-

a spa and several gourmet restaurants, all

inspired patterns and traditionally influenced

of which will pay homage to the picturesque

motifs, with materials and a colour palette

surroundings and developed in line with

extracted from the site. Each suite is positioned

AW2’s light-touch approach. “Our architecture

to enjoy views over the rock formations or

responds to the fragility of the site and aims not

desertscape, with the back of the tent opening

only to restore but also to protect it from future

up to a private swimming pool and outdoor

harm by consciously addressing the balance of

living space organised around a fire pit.

man and nature,” say Amalou and Ledoux. “The

Guided by Saudi Vision 2030 and the RCU’s

concept involves harnessing the natural beauty

sustainable development strategy, the concept

of the landscape with a project that seamlessly

responds to the nation’s ambition of preserving

integrates into the site.”

the rich heritage of the region and achieving

Inspired by the nomadic nature of Bedouin

long-term tourism and economic goals.

DRAWING BOARD

Rosewood

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed

while incorporating a contemporary style that

by CTF Amsterdam to manage a 134-key hotel

captures the energy of the capital today.

AMSTERDAM

in the city’s former Palace of Justice, marking

The hotel’s main restaurant – a fresh and

the operator’s first property in the Netherlands.

vibrant space flanked by two courtyards with

Originally constructed in 1665 and later

outdoor seating – will be envisioned by Concrete

expanded by Jan de Greef, the Palace of Justice

Amsterdam, while London-based practice

was Amsterdam’s main courthouse for over 175

Sagrada, led by David D’Almada, has been

years and regarded as one of the finest examples

entrusted with designing an intimate bar in rich

of the Dutch architect’s style, influenced by his

colours and luxurious finishes.

travels to Paris and Rome.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: CTF Amsterdam Operator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Kentie & Partners Interior Design: Studio Piet Boon, Concrete, Sagrada Landscaping: Anja & Piet Oudolf www.rosewoodhotels.com

038

“Through design, décor and service,

Working closely with the Bureau Monumenten

Rosewood’s properties worldwide mirror their

en Archeologie (BMA) and The City of Amsterdam

surroundings and the souls of the destinations,

to preserve the rich heritage and quintessential

and Rosewood Amsterdam will be no different,”

character of the iconic building, Halfweg-

says Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel

based architectural firm Kentie & Partners has

Group. “With a unique character and culture,

been selected to spearhead the development’s

Amsterdam is a fitting locale for which to bring

evolution into a luxury hotel.

Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy.

Taking the lead on interiors, Studio Piet

We’re looking forward to combining the city’s

Boon will balance functionality, aesthetics

quintessential charm with a modern sense of

and individuality, honouring the landmark’s

style to meet and exceed the latest standards of

original elements and distinctive Dutch identity

luxury hospitality.”

DRAWING BOARD

Grand Hyatt

SB Architects, EDSA and Rockwell Group have

the landscape that will bring people together

been appointed to lead the design of Grand Hyatt

and mediate between nature and culture. By

LIMASSOL

Limassol, the brand’s first hotel in Cyprus.

maintaining a holistic approach, we created a

Slated to open in 2025, the 300-key property

place where the connection between gardens

will form part of Zaria Resort, a mixed-use

and the sea will be strengthened alongside the

development with private apartments and villas.

landscape’s growth and maturation.”

Taking cues from the natural erosion of the

Leading the interiors, Rockwell Group will

coastline, SB Architects seek to create a dialogue

also take inspiration from the coastal landscape.

between contemporary built forms and the

Mimicking the way the sea meets sand, the

Mediterranean Sea, with indoor and outdoor

hotel’s public spaces organically flow into one

spaces blending to connect guests to the locale.

another; a grand foyer merges seamlessly into

“Drawing on our client’s vision, we’ve designed

surrounding courtyard gardens directing views

a contemporary resort that celebrates Cypriot

out to the sea, while pathways allow guests to

lifestyle and culture in balance with the island’s

meander from land to shore.

natural beauty,” says Mark Sopp, Senior Vice

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Allea Group Operator: Hyatt Architecture: SB Architects Interior Design: Rockwell Group Landscaping: ESDA www.hyatt.com

040

President and Principal at SB Architects.

The wide range of facilities on site include five F&B venues, a rooftop bar, beach club, a

Set across four hectares, the development

spa, fitness centre, two outdoor swimming

will feature promenades, outdoor terraces and

pools and a number of retail outlets. There’s

gardens, with landscaping by EDSA highlighting

also 1,400m2 of flexible event spaces, with the

native plantlife. Derek Gagne, Associate Principal

resort expected to attract corporate guests as

at EDSA, comments: “We imagined spaces in

well as leisure travellers.

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DRAWING BOARD

Hotel Indigo and Staybridge Suites NOTTINGHAM

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Conygar Operator: IHG Architecture: Jestico+Whiles www.theislandquarter.com

042

IHG has committed to bringing two of its brands

scheme as a whole,” comments Richard Watson

to Nottingham after signing terms with Conygar,

of Conygar. “The hotel forms a key element

the group behind mixed-use development The

of this latest phase, which is truly cohesive,

Island Quarter.

creating a range and fluidity of uses that will

Forming part of the multi-million-pound

spread across the whole site.”

regeneration scheme, the 17-storey hotel will

Architecture by Jestico+Whiles honours

comprise 223 guestrooms – 155 within Hotel

Nottingham’s industrial heritage with buildings

Indigo, and a further 68 aimed at multi-night

making use of the red brick and generous

business and leisure travellers in Staybridge

archways seen in the city’s former warehouses.

Suites. Hotel Indigo will take design cues from

“This design truly blends with Canal Turn and

the locale while Staybridge Suites will feature a

its surroundings,” comments James Dilley,

communal outdoor living room complete with

Director at Jestico+Whiles. “It is about place-

fire pit, grilling areas and covered seating. The

making, focused on a spirit of community,

40-acre development is also set to include 247

conviviality and collaboration. The design we

residential apartments, 3,000m2 of flexible

have brought forward really reflects the synergy

serviced office space, a day spa and extensive

of uses that the wider scheme will create, and

food and beverage facilities.

we hope will create a ripple effect across the

“This is a very important step for us as we

entire site and across Nottingham itself.”

move this development forwards and securing a

The latest phase will also see the creation of

hugely successful global operator in IHG shows

significant amounts of landscaped green space,

real confidence in the flagship element of the

forming links to the city centre and suburbs.

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DRAWING BOARD

Moxy South Beach

Lightstone Group has announced further details

food hall in Wynwood. At Moxy South Beach, the

of the new dining and drinking experiences at

six F&B venues draw on Mexican, Caribbean,

MIAMI

Moxy South Beach, set to open on Miami’s

Mediterranean and American flavours and

Washington Avenue in early 2021.

include Como Como, a seafood restaurant and

raw bar; Mezcalista, an atmospheric mezcal

Architects and Saladino Design Group to

lounge; Serena, an open-air rooftop restaurant

celebrate the cosmopolitan culture of Miami, the

and bar serving handcrafted cocktails and

venture is Moxy’s first resort location. It also

seasonal dishes; Los Buenos, a taco stand and

marks Lightstone Group’s first Moxy outside

bodega in the lobby; Bar Moxy, which doubles as

New York following the launches Moxy Times

a check-in area and social hub; and The Upside,

Square, Moxy Chelsea and Moxy East Village.

a rooftop bar with a pool and outdoor cinema

The 202-key hotel spans almost an entire city

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Lightstone Group Operator: Marriott International Architecture and Interior Design: Rockwell Group Architect of Record: Kobi Karp Architects Interior Design: Saladino Design Studios (F&B) Main Contractor: GT McDonald Enterprises www.moxysouthbeach.com

044

exclusively for hotel guests and private events.

block and occupies an eight-storey newbuild

“We knew that in order to create restaurants

behind a row of historic retail units, the façades

and bars that attract a real intermingling of

of which have now been restored to their former

guests and locals, we would need to work with

Art Deco glory.

a partner that embraced the city’s colourful

For the F&B programme, Lightstone Group

personality,” comments Mitchell Hochberg,

has partnered with Sven Vogtland and Alan

Lightstone’s President. “We’re excited to

Drummond, the co-founders of Coyo Taco – a

partner with one of Miami’s most popular and

popular Mexican street food experience with

successful restaurateurs to create concepts that

sites across Miami – and 1-800-Lucky, an Asian

are both innovative and authentically Miami.”

DRAWING BOARD

Dorsett

HBA and

Coast

into carpet designs while subtle references to

Consortium – a joint venture between The

lapping ocean waves and abstract underwater

GOLD COAST

Star Entertainment Group, Chow Tai Fook

scenes will be woven into the narrative of the

the

Destination Gold

Enterprises and Far East Consortium – have

lobby, artwork and wallcoverings to establish a

unveiled interior renderings of Dorsett

sense of place.

Gold Coast ahead of its 2022 opening.

of kinetic lighting and reflective materials

on Broadbeach Island, the 313-key property

will serve as a focal point in the main

is part of a AUS$2 billion masterplan that

lobby, enhancing the concept of soothing

will transform the district into world-class

tranquility and light dancing on the ocean’s

integrated resort destination. Along with a

surface, while guestrooms will be well-

number of hotels, The Star features 11 new food

appointed with custom-designed furnishings

and beverage outlets, an events centre, retail

and decorative lighting.

and entertainment venues.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Destination Gold Coast Consortium Operator: Dorsett Hospitality International Architecture: DBI Design, Cottee Parker Interior Design: HBA www.dorsetthotels.com

046

A dramatic chandelier installation composed

Located at The Star, a mixed-use development

In addition to the Dorsett hotel, the tower

Dorsett occupies a 53-storey tower and marks

will feature over 400 one- and two-bedroom

the brand’s entry into Australia. Interiors are

apartments, bringing residential living to

inspired by the coastline and lush vegetation

Broadbeach Island for the first time.

of the hinterland, with HBA seeking to achieve

Dorsett Gold Coast is one of a number of new

harmony with the surrounding environs through

hotels planned for the brand as it looks to roll-

a fresh, sophisticated and relaxing aesthetic.

out nationwide; other properties are slated for

Soft nods to botanicals will be incorporated

Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.

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Meeting… Habitas Following the opening of its first hotel outside of the Americas, Sleeper sits down with the founders of experience-led hospitality group Habitas to talk music, manifestos and missions. Words: Guy Dittrich • Portrait Photography: © Aleks Ol

“W

e owe it to the music,”

Granja in Ibiza. Habitas can be seen in a similar

says Kfir Levy of Habitas,

vein to Sendlinger’s latest venture, Slow, which

a hospitality business he

he describes as a collective of people, places and

co-founded in 2014 with

projects that reframe the way we live.

Eduardo Castillo and Oliver

By 2018, Habitas were winning awards,

Ripley, his two “brothers”

notably for best New Concept at AHEAD

as he calls them. Castillo goes further: “Music

Americas. They build destinations around

is quite literally the driving force of everything

community engagement using the bonds of

we do. It’s the ultimate connector.” They talk a lot about connecting at Habitas.

music, clearly, but also culture, conversation, learning, wellbeing and cuisine to deliver

About like-mindedness. About inspiration

memorable guest experiences – a key marker

and inspiring environments. About immersive

for success in the AHEAD programme.

experiences. Alternative experiences. Values. Habitas is not your standard hotel business.

What started out as curated, pop-up, musicled events have morphed into the bricks and

It has a manifesto and mission “to change

mortar of the two hotels – or homes as they are

people’s lives in a positive and lasting way, by

called – one in Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula

creating deeper human connections”.

of Mexico and one in Namibia. The pipeline

These ideals attracted much interest, including

has three more under construction in similarly

that of the foresighted Claus Sendlinger, who in

extraordinary locations, all feeding in to a

2016 invited them to join Arena*, the annual

brand that descibes itself as a global hospitality

members conference of Design Hotels. It says

group created by a diverse community of

much of Sendlinger’s openness that not only did

people seeking human connection, authentic

he invite a direct competitor to his Papaya Playa

experiences and a better future together.

Project – opened in Tulum in 2011 – to tell their

Though there’s not so much in the way of

story, but for them to curate a couple of weeks

bricks and mortar, there are several more

of programming at another of his initiatives, La

hotels in planning, and Habitas is less about

MEETING…

Combining nature with grounding experiences, Habitas Bacalar is an ecosustainable, holistic oasis on the Mexican coast

the physical and more about the experiential. The design of the venues within which those experiences will occur is, of course, important. A careful blend of privacy and exquisite communal spaces. The homes have an authentic simplicity, which together with a remoteness engenders both a close connection to nature and sense of community. Combined, these create a much coveted “prize” for guests and owners alike. The Covid-era has been tough for all hospitality businesses, but the Tulum

“We differ from other hospitality brands as we are fully vertically integrated, meaning we design, manufacture, develop and operate.” OLIVER RIPLEY

whole of the 2016 season. With the help of a local construction crew, the pop-up was under way. As things progressed, it was decided to add a lobby, pool and wellness centre. All of these additions took place without any change to the four-month timeline – the season waits for no-one. “We started out building a camp for a season and ended up with a full 35-room hotel,” explains Levy of the tented rooms on elevated platforms, thatched with palapa, dried palm fronds. Canvas walls they may have, but the rooms are also large enough for king-size beds

property was nevertheless very busy across the summer of 2020 during a time of lessened travel

with all the amenities. The comfortably raw

restrictions. The Namibian property opened just

interiors have strong textures. This is barefoot

as serious lockdowns took place and so has yet

luxury, not the Bottega Veneta sort. The flexibility to alter the building plan is

to operate at full capacity.

also indicative of the unusual Habitas approach.

The venture’s three partners can be classified as Ripley, the entrepreneur; Levy, the design

The no bricks and mortar idea enables this.

guy and Castillo, the creative programmer. Of

“When we opened our first hotel, we had no idea

course, there is more to it than that. Castillo

what to expect and this was key because we

has a strong musical background, ran a live

did things differently to a traditional hotelier,” explains Ripley. The Habitas model is unusual

music venue in LA and also has hotel operations

these pop-up hotels. Their success went viral

experience having opened the Tribeca Grand in

and this is how they met Ripley, who after some

in many ways including its structure. “We

New York. Levy studied art and design, going

time suggested they partner together to explore

differ from other hospitality brands, as we are

on to successfully run e-commerce and fashion

how they could meet the clear need of their

fully vertically integrated, meaning we both

businesses alongside ad hoc events. Ripley,

audience for intangible experiences.

design, manufacture, develop and operate,” he continues. Such a level of control throughout the

educated at Eton and Oxford University, is a

A pivotal moment came in 2015, when the

serial entrepreneur having started and exited

group were invited to stage one of their events

process allows Habitas to avoid compromising

several companies in tech and real estate. An

to mark the opening of Nômade Tulum. They

on their ideals. This can be illustrated by looking

unlikely combination perhaps, but as Castillo

had become friendly with Nômade’s owner at

firstly at design, and then programming for

describes, “we share the deep values that

a Burning Man event. As the 120 invited guests

guests, both of which share the same genesis.

shape Habitas and that’s the foundation of

were checking-in, the paint was still drying

Levy puts the Habitas design philosophy

everything”. Levy underscores this during

on the walls and ceiling fans were still been

simply: “We let nature speak for itself.” This

his #Sleeper2020 podcast, recalling his first

installed. Putting this chaos to one side, Levy

no straight lines approach speaks strongly of

meeting with Castillo: “We spent time talking

describes a stormy evening with high winds and

sustainability and begins with a careful review

not about what we wanted to create, but about

lightning that created the dramatic backdrop for

of the site to understand the topography, natural

our values and how we wanted to live our lives.”

a night of music and dancing. “Everyone was

features of the land, soil mechanics, access and

so hyperpresent,” describes Levy. The ensuing

any potential infrastructure and local crafts that

design and manufacture all their infrastructure, “bliss” overwhelmed the logistical shortcoming

can be used. Together these drive the strategy

The two ran the events for which they would which was transported in containers to

and “validated what we were doing, but we

for waste management, water access and solar

host 200-person, 3-7 day experiences. The

were also stepping into a new realm”.

energy. Taking Habitas Namibia as a case study

infrastructure was that of a pop-up hotel and

The new realm saw a full pop-up on an acre

in off-grid hotel development, Levy goes on

included full back-of-house, accommodation,

of beachfront in Tulum that was to run, not just

to describe the remote location deep in the

F&B and lounges. The events were built around

for the usual short interval, but rather for the

savannah as free from water mains, sewage

051

MEETING…

“Music is quite literally the driving force of everything we do. It’s the ultimate connector.” EDUARDO CASTILLO

or energy supplies. Its 65kW solar farm now

the on-site reductions. Less machinery

powers the hotel with as little as five hours of

required, smaller teams, less waste upon

sunlight per day.

reassembly. More impressive are the non-

This second home in Namibia is the

invasive groundwork techniques, with the use

Habitas version of a safari camp. Set within a

of low impact piles requiring less digging and

47,000-hectare game reserve, the big animals

less concrete. “We are trying to activate the

of Africa are clearly a major draw, but the

land rather than develop it,” Levy explains of

experience is more than the staple two game

their mindset. Built over several months, the

drives each day. The programming majors on

Namibia property illustrates the Habitas ideas

incorporating the cultures of the region’s many

of social architecture, with all the different

tribes and the chance to learn about their ways

elements built around and with easy access to

of life, music, food and how they use local flora

a ‘town square’ or activation hub.

as their pharmacy. The 15 rooms are located on top of a hill with incredible views alongside a tented lobby, pool and wellness centre.

052

With regard to guest programming, Castillo explains his goal as “trying to create a childlike state of wonder”. Appealing as this may

Following the group’s vertical model, all

sound, the rationale, according to Castillo, is

rooms were designed and built from sustainable

to rid guests of their expectations and create

materials in a factory in Merida, Mexico. “It’s

a sense of vulnerability that opens up many

a hybrid of construction and manufacturing,”

more possibilities. A brief look at the Habitas

says Levy, enthusing to this process that plays

website reveals a menu of activities tailored

to his strengths. They were then packed and

for each location – wellness (yoga and sound

shipped across the Atlantic for assembly. If

meditations), adventure (cenote exploration in

this doesn’t sound very sustainable, consider

Tulum or survival skills with the San tribesmen),

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MEETING…

live music and sustainability. “Destinations

Habitas Bacalar, set on a freshwater lagoon and

are incredibly important for our programming,

Habitas Todos Santos, in Baja California, both in

with nature being our biggest asset,” expands

Mexico. There are plans to open in Costa Rica

Castillo. Namibia sees programming around the

and other Mexican locations later in 2021. “Our

bush and the ancestral understanding of culture

vision is to continue growing into destinations

and the Earth, whilst in Tulum it is more about

that are off the beaten track, have stunning

the energy of the ocean and jungle.

The forthcoming Habitas AlUla is located amongst dramatic sandstone canyons and in close proximity to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site

054

natural surroundings and a strong sense of

Habitas also practice conscious tourism and

community and culture heritage,” enthuses

have set up an initiative, RISE, focused on

Ripley, with Bhutan listed as a prospective

strengthening local communities and promoting

future location.

social sustainability. In Namibia, they have

Habitas see themselves as facilitators. An

partnered with Saira Hospitality to support

appertain quote from Larry Harvey, founder of

communities by empowering locals through job

Burning Man, sits on the Habitas website: “We

opportunities and hospitality training.

make the hive. They bring the honey.” Habitas

Looking to the future, having hotels – sorry

bring together its travel tribe of like-minded

homes – in mostly warm locations allows

people in remote and beautiful locations, add the

Habitas to follow the open architectural ideals

magic of artistic and cultural programming and,

that put them in a good position despite the

hey presto, you have memorable experiences. As

restrictions around the spread Covid-19. “Whilst

Levy puts it: “In places like Tulum or Namibia,

timelines have had to adjust as a result of the

people are showing up as the best version of

pandemic, we are excited to be launching three

themselves. We get to experience people at their

new properties this winter,” explains Ripley

finest, so this is our opportunity to inspire them

of Habitas AlUla in Saudi Arabia, along with

at every level.”

Meeting… Graeme Labe

Luxury Frontiers tunes into the environment to create meaningful experiences through inspirational resort design. Graeme Labe, Principal and Managing Director, tells more. Words: Lauren Jade Hill

PROFILE Graeme Labe Principal and Managing Director Luxury Frontiers

Treetop suites, star-beds and biophilia: the ‘new

The pandemic has increased this demand

luxury’ puts a connection to nature and sense

further, as people yearn for meaningful travel.

of place front and centre. Resort design and

“It’s about values and understanding what

Over the past quarter-century, Graeme Labe has accrued a wealth of knowledge and experience in alternative building methods and sustainable development.

development specialist Luxury Frontiers is at the

is really important to you today,” he adds.

forefront of this hospitality design movement.

“People want to be able to disconnect in order

In the ten years it has been operating, the firm

to reconnect, and to really appreciate what is

has seen demand for experiential properties grow

around them.”

Prior to joining Luxury Frontiers nine years ago, he founded FTK Design and Development, working with companies such as Wilderness Safaris and Tourvest Africa to design, develop and refurbish tented camps and eco-lodges worldwide. As Principal and Managing Director, Labe is now responsible for spearheading the firm’s mission to go beyond today’s notion of luxury and seamlessly integrate sustainability into hospitality concepts. Recently Completed Projects: Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Utah (2020); Puku Ridge, Zambia (2020); Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica (2019)

056

with the evolution of the luxury travel market. “Ten years ago, luxury travel was less about

UNDERSTANDING THE SURROUNDINGS

the balance between location and design. For

“For each project, we try to understand the

many, exploration before meant sleeping under

location through contextual studies,” Labe

a mosquito net or in a hammock,” explains

continues. “Before we put pen to paper for the

Labe. “The market has changed so much that

design, we need to understand that environment

discerning travellers now want to travel to these

from a historical as well as physical point of view.

same remote locations but have that experience

We establish what makes that area important,

while staying in upscale accommodation.”

whether it’s jungle, desert or high altitude.

When founder Luca Franco set up Luxury

We look into the region’s traditional building

Frontiers, joining forces with architect and

methods and draw on social and historical

designer Labe, it was with the vision of creating a

elements like fabrics and basketry.”

holistic business that led the way in experiential

Now more than ever, the focus is on creating

luxury accommodation. Since then, the firm has

a dual relationship with nature, to not only

benefitted from the world’s recent social shift.

take inspiration from the wilderness but also

“When you go to an eco-lodge, you’re going

take care of it. Labe believes that it’s no longer

there to feel it and have an experience,” says

enough to leave a place as it was found. Now, the

Labe. “The accommodation needs to connect you

goal is to leave a place in better condition than

with the environment you’re in. The design has

it was previously through environmental and

to provide a sense of place, whether that’s based

community components: “It is about making the

around nature or social context. More than just

right decision, taking aspects of the surrounds

bringing nature in, it’s about creating a seamless

into account and trying to have little impact,” he

connection between indoor and outdoor.”

says of Luxury Frontiers’ sustainable approach.

MEETING…

“For each project, we try to understand the location through contextual studies. Before we put pen to paper for the design, we need to understand that environment from a historical as well as physical point of view.”

At any one time, the company is working on a

conscious ‘floating’ structures that integrate

they’ve done before: “This resort applies the

variety of projects in ranging terrains. “I would

Costa Rican craftsmanship, nature’s colours and

biophilic design approach,” he explains. “All of

say that 99% are in an environment that’s

amenities such as hot spring-fed plunge pools.

the buildings have been designed to represent

challenging in some way or another,” Labe

Showcasing the seamless integration of

nature’s elements.” He goes on to confirm that

confirms. “But those challenges are also huge

interior and exterior, the concept was recognised

once complete, this jungle wellness sanctuary will

opportunities from a design perspective.”

for placing importance on the site and creating

take guests on a transformational journey, with

a harmonious balance between nature and the

guestrooms inspired by the Monarch butterfly

luxury experience. “We try to emulate the natural

and spa pods referencing nature’s seedpods.

NATURAL SUCCESSES In April 2020, Zambian property Puku Ridge –

surroundings,” says Labe. “There’s so much

Meanwhile in South Africa, Labe is working

operated by Chiawa Safaris – reopened following

opportunity to incorporate these natural elements

on the accommodation for a 20,000-hectare

a revitalisation by Luxury Frontiers. The design

into a place where possible and relevant.”

nature reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. “The client

firm was tasked with creating a new sustainably

July 2020 saw the highly anticipated launch

has given us carte blanche to come up with a

focused concept for the South Luangwa bush

of Camp Sarika by Amangiri, an experiential

different kind of tent design,” he enthuses. “It

camp, which needed a new lease of life following

tented camp in Southern Utah, for which Luxury

moves away from the traditional shape of safari

15 years of environmental exposure.

Frontiers created several pavilions. The camp’s

tent and is set within the heartland of the Zulu

For Labe, this was among Luxury Frontiers’

intimate living spaces are designed to engage

nation, so our designs mimic Zulu shields. It is

most satisfying projects: “I like projects where

the senses, inspiring guests to experience the

a phenomenal project and one that benefits both

we have the freedom to experiment,” he observes.

surrounding wilderness and Navajo culture.

the environment and community.”

“I loved working on Puku Ridge because we were

Set at the foot of Utah’s towering mesas,

One of the firm’s biggest projects in progress

able to experiment as much as we wanted with

the lodge pays tribute to the heritage and

is the creation of a resort in Saudi Arabia. While

the materials, whether that was for sustainability

environment of this vast landscape. Each suite

Labe can’t yet reveal which hotel group this will

or to draw on local inspiration.”

blends a natural colour scheme with textures

be for, it is part of the country’s ambitious plan to

The transformed lodge now employs an

inspired by the desert and features sliding

make the shores of the Red Sea a destination for

abundance of eco-friendly solutions, maintaining

doors that open out to a deck and plunge pool.

sustainable luxury tourism. Merging desert with

the bush experience while providing sustainable

On completion, Franco described the project as

mountains and sea, this coastline offers a close-

luxury with local influence. The designers drew

one that “embodies the key principles of Luxury

knit connection to wildlife, marine habitats

inspiration from the geographical contours of

Frontiers’ approach to design by providing an

and local community. “More than just being

the land, using materials such as carbon-neutral

architectural platform that complements the

about the resort, this project is about creating

composite bamboo flooring and integrating

guest experience”.

something meaningful,” he affirms. “Hospitality

experiential features like star-beds, which allow guests to drift off safely under the night sky.

BOLD NEW CONCEPTS

is the driver for sustaining a conservation project that also supports the community.”

In 2020, Luxury Frontiers was then honoured

Now, the designers at Luxury Frontiers are

with the New Concept award at AHEAD Americas

immersed in contextual studies and conceptual

Wherever they may be in the world, each of

for Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica, another

designs for upcoming resorts in extreme

Luxury Frontiers’ projects is one-of-a-kind. By

of its most recent projects, which opened in

landscapes spanning rainforest, desert and shore.

defining the guest journey before envisioning the

December 2019. A three-year collaboration with

The team is currently devising a resort in

physical design, the firm ultimately succeeds in

Nayara Resorts resulted in environmentally

Mexico, which Labe describes as unlike anything

connecting travellers with their environment.

057

NoMad London The notorious Grade II listed Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station has been transformed into a luxurious lifestyle hotel and police museum as the first European offering for successful American lifestyle brand NoMad.

THE LOBBY

Sub-Zero Suites It’s that time of year when the aurora borealis

Working with Icehotel’s building and

dance across the northern skies, fresh snowfall

production team led by Creative Director

covers the landscape and the original Icehotel in

Luca Roncoroni, the artists were tasked with

Swedish Lapland opens its doors to reveal new

designing a new ceremony hall and 12 suites;

suites made entirely from snow and ice. Usually

frozen forests, giant lizards, a toy box and

created by artists from around the world, this

the world’s coldest sauna are just some of the

year’s concepts are by native designers. “The

unique designs.

pandemic forced us to think differently, but

For the 31st edition, the art suites have also

the result is a stunning homage to Sweden,”

been equipped with a QR code that can be

says Creative Director Luca Roncoroni. “The

scanned for an audio guide on the story behind

24 Swedish-based artists created concepts that

the concept. And for those unable to visit in

will mesmerise our guests, giving them a much

person due to travel restrictions caused by

needed escape from the reality of this year.”

Covid-19, a new online tour takes guests on a virtual journey through the exhibition from the comfort of their own living room. In all, 1,300 blocks of ice harvested from the Torne River were used during construction. Accompanying a year-round hotel, the cold suites are designed and built new each December and operational through the winter months before the ice melts in Spring and returns to the river.

Work from The Waldorf The Waldorf Hilton joins forces with Herman Miller to create an ergonomically-conscious service for remote workers.

Remote working is set to stick around for the

amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a studio

foreseeable, meaning the need for safe, accessible

quality Blue microphone for virtual meetings, a

workspaces that offer on-demand flexibility is

full HD monitor with keyboard and mouse, and

likely to become greater than ever. But those

a connectivity hub with an ergonomic laptop

lobby-turned-co-working spaces don’t cut it at

stand, brought together to help guests achieve

a time when people are urged to socially distance,

peak performance during their stay.

so brands are looking upstairs instead.

nights, the package also grants patrons access

has teamed up with furniture manufacturer

to printing, scanning and local postal services,

Herman Miller to develop a bespoke ‘Work from

while breakfast is delivered to rooms or served

The Waldorf’ package for its discerning guests.

in the hotel’s Palm Court depending on whether

Taking the form of a new room type comprising

they are required to quarantine. There’s the

a dedicated office space connected to an

unlimited use of a Nespresso machine – with

Executive Room, the offering provides travellers

capsules included – too, as well as a mini-bar

who are required to quarantine upon arrival, or

stocked daily with water, soft drinks and snacks.

professionals doing business in the capital, with an exclusive workspace in the heart of the city.

060

Available to book for a minimum of seven

As such, The Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London

“With many people in the capital now having to work remotely and travellers needing a place

Developed by experts from Herman Miller’s

to work whilst they quarantine in the UK, we felt

newly refurbished Kingsway showroom, the

it was important to review and adapt our current

workstations – made up of the Sayl Chair, Ollin

offering in order to provide professionals with

Monitor Arm and sit/stand adjustable desk – offer

well-crafted office space in our rooms,” says

the best in ergonomic design and are paired with

General Manager Guy Hilton.

THE LOBBY

The More of Less Swedish creatives Micha van Dinther and Magnus Wittbjer design a rural retreat geared towards the new normal.

The term ‘new normal’ has become synonymous

nature puts on; the play of light and shadows

with the current times, but what exactly does

throughout the day, the ever-changing seasons

the phrase mean? For Micha van Dinther and

throughout the year, and local wildlife such as

Magnus Wittbjer of creative agency TypeO, it led

red kite, deer and pheasants,” adds Wittbjer.

to opening a slow living retreat where guests can

Catering for just two guests to ensure

relax in a world that’s been turned upside-down.

maximum seclusion, the open-plan apartment

“Right now, travel is associated with a lot of

comprises a bedroom, kitchen and lounge, all

unease. We want to offer our guests a feasible

nestled beneath exposed beams and a pitched

alternative – a safe space, if you like,” says van

roof. In selecting materials and finishes, the duo

Dinther. “TypeO Loft is a secluded one-room,

opted for those that are natural and sustainable,

slow living bed-and-breakfast where guests are

handpicking pieces that bring meaning to the

invited to take a break from the expectations and

space. Most objects – from vintage furniture

demands of the daily grind without having to be

and bed linen and tableware – are available to

surrounded by other travellers.”

purchase, meaning visitors can try out items

Located in the southern Swedish region of

before taking them home.

Skåne and surrounded by a landscape of rolling

“The loft is about experiencing a different

hills and forests, the minimalistic loft occupies

kind of luxury. The luxury of silence, serenity,

the second floor of a 19th-century farmstead and

seclusion and taking the day as it comes,”

is specifically arranged for tranquillity, with a

Wittbjer concludes. “It’s about being present in

triangular floor-to-ceiling glass façade offering

the moment.”

an experience of nature in constant transition. “Guests have a front-row seat to the show

Could this be the new norm for travellers in the post-pandemic world? Only time will tell.

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THE LOBBY

Bucolic Bliss Restorative retreat Troutbeck introduces The Barns, a trio of cabins built around wellness.

It already counted a chapel, a restaurant headed-

structure provides a warm wood ceiling and cosy

up by a Michelin-starred chef and direct access to

space that can also double as a lounge area by

the wilderness as part of the experience, but for

opening a set of French doors and sliding up a

Anthony Champalimaud, founder of Troutbeck, a

portable bar.

key element to the country retreat was missing.

While the 4,800ft2 Long Barn is a dedicated

As such, the property – which opened in 2017 as

wellness facility comprising a fully equipped

a member of Design Hotels – has recently added

exercise room kitted out with Technogym

a trio of cabins built around wellness to its offer.

equipment, saunas and treatment rooms, the

Located in Amenia just a two-hour drive

200-capacity Tall Barn is a space for guests

from Manhattan, the 250-acre estate hotel

and members to practice selfcare and inward

features 36 guestrooms and three standalone

reflection together with partaking in studio

cottages designed by Alexandra Champalimaud.

classes. Boasting 23ft ceilings, the latter bears

The Barns meanwhile have been designed by

the classic proportions and glazing rhythms of

Shelter Architects to honour the rich history,

a rural chapel. A neutral colour scheme with

natural beauty and woodland environment of

whitewashed walls alongside an abundance of

the location.

windows make the surrounding nature almost

The Long Barn and Tall Barn are situated close to the existing Pole Barn, creating a collection of simple gable buildings crafted from reclaimed larch wood. An open porch between the two new cabins connects guests to Troutbeck’s historic grounds and landscape, while an exposed roof

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tangible, establishing a bright and calm space ideal for meditation and movement. For city dwellers in need of an escape from the Big Apple, there’s no better place.

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06/01/2021 14:42

THE LOBBY

Self-Isolating in Style Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort partners with Bangkok Hospital to reimagine the Thai government’s Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) programme.

Throughout these unprecedented times, the

Despite being confined to their room for the

hospitality industry has rallied together to play

mostpart of the stay – the ASQ programme is

its part in the battle against Covid-19, from

available for a variety of room types, ranging from

designing and manufacturing personal protective

the 42m2 Deluxe Rooms to the 164m2 Presidential

equipment (PPE) to offering free rooms for front

Suite or Royal Suite – visitors are encouraged to

line workers. Now, hotels around the world are

keep fit and healthy thanks to an activity booklet

transforming themselves into self-isolating

containing workout and stretch suggestions,

sanctuaries for those needing to undergo a

while fitness equipment like spinning bikes and

mandatory quarantine period. In Thailand,

rowing machines can be hired to accompany

Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort has teamed up

in-room yoga mats and sleep therapy speakers,

with Bangkok Hospital to offer Thai citizens and

which come as standard. Guests residing in the

expats a 15-night, government-certified long-

Wellness Suite are also provided with a stability

stay experience, meaning they can relax amidst

ball, exercise bands and foam roller.

the property’s spacious guestrooms and lush tropical gardens on their return to the country.

For mental stimulation, over 7,000 newspaper and magazine titles are available for free via the

Blending luxury hospitality and medical

PressReader app, while Wi-Fi is complimentary

monitoring, the Alternative State Quarantine

throughout the stay. There’s also a daily garden

(ASQ) package includes three meals per day from

walk across 1.2 acres of lush greenery and

a rotating menu that features over 150 dishes,

waterfall zones, meaning guests can enjoy the

two Covid-19 tests – on the fifth and twelfth

fresh air, despite having to wear a mask.

day of their stay – and transportation from

To enhance its ASQ offer further, the hotel has

Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport. Guests

launched a pocket concierge app – HandiGo –

will also receive twice-daily temperature checks,

which allows guests to keep in touch with staff

as well as supplements to boost the immune

24 hours-a-day, make personalised requests and

system and on-demand consultations.

order meals, all while keeping at a safe distance. Shoppers can even indulge in a spot of retail therapy without leaving the resort, courtesy of Bangkok lifestyle mall Siam Paragon. By accessing the Paragon Chat & Shop @ ASQ account via Line or WeChat, patrons can browse for fashion, electronics, stationary, toys and games, cosmetics, and grocery items – with same-day delivery offered across the board. “Since the programme started, our blend of spacious accommodation, natural wellness, intuitive guest experiences and premium medical services has been extremely popular with inbound visitors,” says General Manager Bruno Huber. It comes as no surprise. While quarantining in the confines of a hotel may sound like an unpleasant experience to many, Mövenpick’s ASQ programme will certainly be a welcome reprieve for Thai citizens and expats, allowing them to self-isolate in style upon their return home.

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here’s a paradigm shift taking place in

“Having spent much of 2020 apart, guests

the tourism industry at present, with

want to enjoy spending time with their loved

travellers valuing quality over quantity

ones in total privacy, and with the growing trend

when planning their next adventure. On the

towards longer stays and remote working, villas

horizon for some time, it has been propelled into

have become the perfect option,” say Aman.

the spotlight by Covid-19 and will undoubtedly shape hospitality in the post-pandemic era.

Late Parisian designer Christian Liaigre’s trio of villas at Le Sereno in St. Barths echo

One sector that has proven resilient in the

this notion, providing guests with plenty of

face of the coronavirus outbreak is the branded

exclusivity – private chefs and 24-hour butler

residences market, and in particular those

service to name but a few perks – while placing

operated by luxury hotel chains. Why? Because

them within touching distance of the hotel’s

more than ever, globetrotters are turning to

pool and restaurant. Designed with serenity in

destinations that offer ‘bubbles’ the privacy of

mind, the 7,000ft2 apartments contrast the warm

self-contained accommodation while granting

textures of woods and stones with vistas of the

them access to all the facilities and services of

island’s Grand Cul-de-Sac quartier, creating an

a luxury hotel.

idyllic getaway from which to relax the mind.

The Best of Both Worlds As globetrotters look to rediscover the world while keeping their distance, will villas become hot property?

Take The Langham Nymphenburg Residence,

Sensing this increasing demand for greater

self-sufficiency amongst jetsetters, Mandarin

forming part of Langham Hospitality Group’s

Oriental Hotel Group has led a funding round into

European portfolio. Occupying an 18th century

home rental membership firm Stay One Degree,

cavalier’s lodge – one of ten Baroque buildings

enabling the company to accelerate the expansion

staged along the Schlossrondell in Munich’s

of its global portfolio – comprising 3,500 homes

western suburbs – the 900m2 manor house can

in 250 destinations, available to members in 70

be hired out in its entirety and comprises four

countries – and move into new markets.

bedrooms, a kitchen and several lounges, plus a dining room, cinema, spa and office. “We’ve seen a growing interest in exclusive

than 50,000 apartments and chalets, drawing on

residences, similar to more demand in jets

its 15 extended-stay chains and assemblage of

and charters, where people are seeking more

branded private residences – including the likes

privacy,” explains Langham CEO Stefan Leser.

of Raffles, Banyan Tree, Delano, Fairmont and

Aman is another to have held a presence in the sector for some time; Amanyara in Turks

066

Likewise, Accor has launched a new Apartments & Villas website showcasing more

SLS – to enable today’s generation of travellers to “feel at home anywhere in the world.”

& Caicos will celebrate its 15th anniversary this

Have we all become more reclusive as a result

year, marking the occasion with the complete

of Covid lockdowns? Perhaps. But the desire for

refurbishment of its 38 pavilions – a timely

greater privacy has been brewing for some time,

makeover that will see the timber-shingled

as travellers look to take control of when and

villas receive new custom-made beds, indoor and

where they interact with others. The coronavirus

outdoor furniture, and deep soaking bathtubs.

pandemic has simply accelerated the process.

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y nature, a socially distanced hostel

to comply with distancing regulations. Further

shouldn’t work. Such establishments

reassuring patrons, the group has installed

attract travellers on the promise that they

Plexiglas protective shields that separate guests,

can mix and mingle, with a typical night’s stay

as well as implementing contactless water taps

seeing backpackers socialise, share dorms and eat

and open doors in public areas.

breakfast shoulder-to-shoulder while recounting

Another obstacle that hostels face concerns

their adventures. So, much like the rest of the

their F&B, with most offering communal

hospitality industry when the pandemic hit,

cooking and dining facilities that, in the current

hostels were forced to adapt, reconsidering their

climate, are unfavourable. Now at A&O, allocated

concepts and the ways in which they operate.

breakfast times between 7am and 11am limit the

Brøchner Hotels for example was all set to

number of guests sharing the dining space at

open Book1, its design-led hostel in Aarhus last

one time, while at Generator, the pandemic has

March, but the pandemic led to a decision to

had its advantages. “Food and beverage has been

postpone – with good reason. A study conducted

an unbelievable success story for us,” Thomann

by the WYSE Travel Confederation in 2017

notes. “We were lucky enough to be able move all

estimated that almost 100 million travellers stay

of our F&B outside, and in some markets, where

Hostels Hopeful Despite the challenges faced by shared accommodation models, hostel operators are optimistic for the future.

068

in hostels globally, that’s a lot of different heads

we’ve been working for years to get planning

in beds. Hostels in some parts of the world have

permission for outdoor cafe’s and terraces, the

been closed for months, leading to significant

permits came through immediately.” Thomann

financial loss, but it’s worth remembering that

also points out that because Generator’s F&B

these establishments are generally less costly

concepts are developed largely for the local

to run than typical hotels. This rings true for

market, the fall in overnight stays had little

Generator. “The good thing about Generator’s

impact on revenue.

model is that we are GOP-positive from around 8

While the sector has its challenges, most

or 9% occupancy, so if we know we can get 10%

operators are optimistic that the market will

occupancy, we’re better off open,” explains CEO

return. Despite experiencing a revenue decline of

Alastair Thomann.

60% in 2020, A&O still managed to clock up 2.5

Hostels now find themselves working within

million overnight stays and maintains a positive

the parameters set by governments, altering

outlook for 2021 and beyond. The company plans

their operations to create the safest possible

to continue its expansion throughout Europe,

environments for travellers. Disinfectant and

with a total of 50 A&O locations projected by

hand sanitisers are a common sight, and dorms

the end of 2023, with proposals for properties in

that once slept as many as 15 people will now

Lisbon, Istanbul, Rome and Reykjavik.

bunk just half as many, with guests scattered

Generator is equally confident. “The magic of

across top and bottom bunks to ensure distance

the hostel won’t disappear,” Thomann concludes.

between them. Such changes can be seen over at

“My gut feeling is that once the pandemic is

A&O Hostels too, which has adapted by booking a

under control, we’re going to going to be back

maximum of four people per room (50% capacity)

where we were before.”

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09.12.20 15:02

Life House DENVER Hotelier Rami Zeidan ventures to Denver’s Lower Highlands to create a neighbourhood hotel deeply rooted in the locale. Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Matt Kisiday

amed by Forbes as one of the top hipster neighbourhoods in the USA, Denver’s trendy Lower Highlands – or LoHi as it is simply referred to by

locals – is a haven of microbreweries, artisan coffee houses and plant-based eateries. So it was fitting that Rami Zeidan, founder of the emerging lifestyle brand Life House – with outposts in Miami’s Little Havana and an upcoming opening in Brooklyn – chose it as the home of his latest hotel. A happenstance meeting with prominent local developers, who remained closely involved throughout the design process, kickstarted the venture and resulted in a shared vision of locally-rooted hospitality. “John Reilly and Carmelo Paglialunga have been key to the growth of the up-and-coming Lower Highlands community over the past decade,” Zeidan explains. “Working with owners who truly understand the context of the neighbourhood has been key to building something authentic and responsive to the community that already exists.” For the interiors, Life House’s Vice President of Design Jenny Bukovec looked to Victorian-era industrialism, the contextual 1800s design movement that defined the area, and the natural landscape of the Wild West. “We drew the Victorian inspiration from the history of the neighbourhood, which is where many industrialists built homes in the late 1800s,” she explains. “The goal was to pay homage to the styles of the past while ensuring we respect the context of modern architecture and frontier design detailing that has

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Interiors marry Victorian-era industrialism with the natural landscape of the Wild West

072

evolved over time. It made for an interesting and

a cosy spot to one side, while a communal table in the

sometimes challenging dichotomy.”

centre is ideal for sharing the tapas-style cuisine that

Occupying a contemporary shell that nods to the

highlights locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal

industrialists that built the city, Life House Lower

fare. The beverage programme also celebrates native

Highlands layers rich materials with dusty florals

flavours, and true to the restaurant’s name, serves a

across guestrooms and public spaces, which include

variety of floral cocktails featuring ingredients foraged

a bar, restaurant and café collectively known as

from the proprietary garden.

Wildflower. The aesthetic is immediately apparent in

Naturally, wildflowers are ever-present in the design

the living room, where low-slung seating in leather

scheme too. “Details throughout the space reflect the

and Victorian florals sits atop cowhide rugs and warm

spirit of our muse,” confirms Bukovec. “Vintage club

timber flooring. In one corner, a statement fringed

chairs with wild flora velvet flank a rust-tone leather

lampshade is juxtaposed with a raw concrete check-

wraparound sofa; Victorian candlestick holders are

in desk, while cacti line a window wall that bathes

filled with local dried flowers; William Morris prints

the space in natural light. In the adjacent bar, an

glow on vintage brass lamps; and custom-made and

illustration by Lei Xing, a member of the in-house

vintage seating displays tones of cacti and bluebonnet

design team, tells the tale of a sweeping Western

from the natural landscape of Colorado.”

landscape; his artistic prowess is once again displayed

One of the elements that really sets this hotel apart

in a hand-drawn mural that lines the walls of an

is its solution to guestrooms, which are designed to

outdoor courtyard.

accommodate larger parties. In a bold move, Bukovec

Victorian archways are a subtle reminder of the

and her team capitalised on the high ceilings to create

theme and lead to Wildflower’s dining room, where

banks of handsome bunkbeds. There’s a host of room

ebonised walnut and brass panelling create an intimate

types to choose from; some feature a standalone king-

space with a range of seating options. Booths make for

sized bed and bank of four bunks, others have four sets

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of double bunks as well as a lounge, sizeable

creatives to feature in our seasonally rotating

bathroom and storage lockers for each of the

gallery, we serendipitously found Georgia Amar;

eight guests. “This solution stemmed from the

the partnership was quite organic, and now

problems we saw in group travel, particularly

four of her large-scale prints are displayed in

for the luxury boutique consumer,” Bukovec

Wildflower’s dining room.”

explains. “There are plenty of hostel-style

The group has also embarked on creating its

shared room options at economy to midscale

own line of room fragrances and candles in a

hotels, but hardly any in the luxury sector. We

variety of infusions aligned to the locations of

saw the opportunity to create something that is

the hotels, and there’s plenty more to come.

more desirable for adults travelling together.”

Two more properties are in the works in

Along with being rooted in the locale, a key

Miami, and there’s the conversion of a Beaux

element of Life House hotels are the brand

Arts train terminal in Chattanooga, Tennessee,

partnerships. In Lower Highlands, all rooms

where a collection of Pullman carriages will be

feature Le Labo bath products, Marshall

transformed into suites. International expansion

speakers and Revival linens, though it’s the

is also on the cards with plans for outposts

local partners that capture the attention. Here,

in Mexico and Bali. In keeping with Zeidan’s

Bukovec collaborated with artists who frequent

mission, each will be designed bespoke with

the district just a stone’s throw from the

a focus on the unique nuances of the location

hotel. “The art programme at each Life House

and, as Zeidan says: “These are the nuances that

is about sourcing local artists because they

transform our Houses from a place to stay into a

help us tell the history of the location in an

community of travellers who value authenticity,

authentic way,” she notes. “When looking for

meaning and wellbeing above all else.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developers: John Reilly and Carmelo Paglialunga Operator: Life Hospitality Interior Design: Life House in-house design team www.lifehousehotels.com

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076

ME DUBAI Zaha Hadid Architects play with void and volume to design a new flagship for Meliá Hotels. Words: Shiraz Randeria • Photography: © Laurian Ghinitoiu (unless otherwise stated)

hen ME Dubai opened on 1 March last

base and creating a skybridge at the top,” he

year, it wasn’t in Meliá’s masterplan

explains, describing how The Opus building

that they would have to close just

came into being, dispelling the myth that it was

22 days later. Then in May it was announced

inspired by a melting ice cube.

that the UAE’s hosting of Expo 2020 had been

“We had already completed the architectural

postponed. So it came as something of a relief

plan for the commercial offices and retail

to the local tourism industry when the Emirate

podium when the client brought in Meliá, so we

opened its borders again in July. With a steady

removed the retail to make way for a hotel and

increase in traveller numbers throughout the

changed the top floors to serviced apartments,”

autumn, Meliá took its time with its grand re-

Passas continues, adding that the Spanish

opening, finally opting for late November.

group were a good fit for the scheme – “they

Anticipation was high, due in part to the hotel’s architecture, which recently won best

bring an interesting flair and are open to new architectural ideas.”

newbuild at AHEAD MEA. The Opus was first

The hotel occupies the first five floors of The

presented by Zaha Hadid back in 2007, and

Opus, which is located in Business Bay on a

is the only hotel for which she created both

new extension of the city’s Creek, adjacent to

architecture and interiors. After her passing,

the Downtown district where the Burj Khalifa

it was Christos Passas, ZHA’s Design Director,

resides. From the east and west aspects, the

who took the lead having been on the project

cube-like building has a remarkable anonymity

team from day one. “The original masterplan

for a ZHA design; its visual theatricality only

criteria called for two adjacent towers at 30

becoming apparent from the front and rear –

storeys high and the brief was to design an

it is seeing the void, that tumbling negative

office with a retail space below,” Passas recalls

space, that actually provides the essence of the

of the initial meeting with Mahdi Amjad, the

building. The Instagrammable wow-factor is

CEO of developers Omniyat. “Our idea was to

only there because of what hasn’t been built. It

unify the two buildings, joining them at the

is an impressive inversion.

077

In the lobby, balconies jut out like a bouquet of flowers with the curvilinear sofas becoming fallen petals floating on the surface of the water

“A lot of our buildings are geometrically very

lobby’s glass roof forming the bottom of the void,

complex so we wanted to play a game between a

through which you can see right up to the skybridge

simple building but with an external void,” Passas

at the top. “Although it looks spacious and airy, it is

clarifies. “It’s a building where the solid and the void

actually quite a compact lobby,” Passas notes. “It is a

are always in contrast. We wanted to subvert the idea

theatre for hospitality and it really does look like the

of iconicity. What is not is always there and what is

balconies of a theatre.”

there is missing something: it’s not a play on words,

The balconies jut out with pronounced structure,

it’s the construct of having these two worlds that

which Passas describes as a bouquet of flowers; its

co-exist. The idea of the melting ice cube is just a

form is subtle and not immediately apparent until

metaphor to explain this form.”

you stand beneath. Looking up to the first, second

The guest journey starts therefore by spotting the

and third floors, the underside of the balconies are lit

structure from afar. The cube’s double-glazed façade

to follow the veins of a leaf, almost like waterlilies,

incorporates a UV-coating and mirrored frit pattern

with the curvilinear sofas becoming the fallen petals

that primarily reduce solar gain, but it is also the

floating on the surface of the water.

stage for a continuous play of light varying between

Upstairs, past the open elevator lobbies are the

ever-changing reflections and transparency. “The

hotel’s 93 guestrooms. “We wanted a transitional

building’s colour changes throughout the day, from

experience from the urban lobby and white-clad

a bright blue to a steely dark grey,” Passas explains.

atrium through a series of dark, quiet corridors to lead

“It looks different every time you pass.”

to the rooms,” Passas confirms. “The bespoke doors

Inside, the lobby is an exercise in Zaha-ism. It’s a wide-eyed, head-raising experience to take in the

078

were designed to avoid having any visible frames and emphasise the undulating character of the veneer.”

large gold reception areas, the plum ‘Petalina’ sofa

The guestrooms seem to be an extension of the ideas

islands, the curving white balconies and above, the

present in ZHA’s rooms for Madrid’s Puerta America

Hotel. There’s a choice between midnight blue

coffee counter and DJ deck island amongst

and bright white rooms and the bed angularly

the Petalinas, which themselves now feature

flows into the wall, but here the rooms are

tropicana-style scatter cushions.

less sculptural and more practical. Furniture

Passas respectfully acknowledges the

throughout is bespoke from the ZHA design

boundaries any design team have: “It’s the

team with the beds as a centrepiece: “There are

nature of our profession, you have to give the

bespoke designs in every detail and both the

building away at some point and that’s a good

frame and shape of the bed underwent several

thing. Meliá have shown us what they intend

iterations taking into account colour, size,

to do and discussions are ongoing. They want

and integration with lighting and an inclined

to bring in some activation elements inside for

backrest,” Passas explains.

liveliness of the space. I believe buildings have

The bespoke finishes continue to the veneers,

to develop their own life.”

the leathers, the flooring and the lighting coves

So the hotel isn’t quite the 100% Zaha Hadid

– with pink gold highlights to give a warmer

completist project it was originally heralded to

light reflection – while bathrooms are fitted

be, and some spaces are still being repurposed

with ZHA’s Vitae range for Noken Porcelanosa,

and refitted, with a new rooftop bar and

from taps and basins, to mirrors and Starship

underground nightclub in the works. But this

Enterprise-like showerheads.

absolutely doesn’t detract from what is there:

Whilst they were closed, Meliá decided to

a fully rounded, practical and exciting hotel

make several alterations. A lobby lounge has

offering something genuinely new to Dubai’s

now become a tropical-print gin bar with

hospitality sector and all within the confines of

suspended wicker lampshades and furniture

an outstanding newbuild.

inspired by Zaha Hadid. There’s also a new

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Omniyat Properties Operator: Meliá Hotels International Architecture and Interior Design: Zaha Hadid Architects Local Architects: Arex Consultants, BSBG Interior Consultants: HBA Lighting Consultants: Studio Fractal, Isometrix, DPA, Illuminate Façade Contractors: Brookfield Multiplex, Alu-Nasa Structural Engineers: Whitbybird, BG&E, Agnes Koltay Façades Project Managers: Gleeds, Omniyat www.melia.com

079

The Albion Rooms MARGATE For their latest hit, indie rockers The Libertines have transformed a run-down Victorian seaside property into an offbeat boutique with masses of Gothic swagger. Words: Ianthe Butt • Photography: © Jason Knott

nnounced by a midnight black façade,

storey Victorian property in Autumn 2017. Back

gold railings and ruby-red neon signage,

then, it was a run-down, insalubrious hotel,

The Albion Rooms is undeniably eye-

“embodying the sadness of Margate’s lost

catching. Sandwiched amid a brick- and cream-

weekends, with spongy carpets and a seedy

fronted row of terraced houses on Margate’s

sauna,” according to Barât.

Eastern Esplanade, it’s no surprise that such

While architecturally sound, interiors-wise

an exterior was dreamt up by folk well-versed

it needed gutting. Fast-forward three years

in commanding attention. Better known for

and the hotel houses a chequerboard-floored

their rollicking indie numbers, this Gothic-

basement bar, restaurant, Arcady Coffee

glam seaside residence is the brainchild of The

House, seven bedrooms and a state-of-the-art

Libertines, who’ve added a hotelier string to

recording studio designed by The Studio People,

their collective bow.

with instruments – including Gary Powell’s

“At first glance, doing a hotel might seem off

Yamaha oak drum kit – available to use.

the mark, but we’ve spent twenty-odd years in

Living on-site for stints during the

them, and you learn a thing or two,” says co-

refurbishment, the band “anointed the place

frontman Carl Barât. While he didn’t anticipate

with their own drama, music and stories,”

becoming a hotelier, the band wanted to create

says Barât, before joining forces with bespoke

“an avant-garde, free hub for artists,” and, over

interiors specialist Rhiannon Sussex. Barât

time, realised this vision could be financially

likens the design process to making a record,

sustainable by including a hotel.

“you either build it bit by bit, or you have your

Attracted to Margate for the artistic freedom,

vision, but it’s a million miles to get there – or

coastal beauty and potential for a bigger site

a bit of both,” and felt it important to bring in

than in London, the band purchased a five-

Sussex to dream up things the group might not

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Each uniquely decorated guestroom – including The Emily Dickinson – features an overarching black and gold theme

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have considered. “They didn’t want it to feel

floorboards – lightly sanded and finished with

like a Libertines hotel, more a hotel owned by

Osmo oil – were retained to preserve character.

The Libertines,” says Sussex. To that end, she

The main staircase is topped by a theatrical

worked closely with the band to weave lyrics and

crimson Northdown Carpets runner with

subtle nods to their lives into the design scheme

braiding and golden stair clip detail, informed

to create a “Libertines-infused, glamorous rock

by the military jackets often worn by The

‘n’ roll aesthetic”.

Libertines. Part Gothic swagger, part eclectic

A gold and black palette was Barât’s idea: “I’ve

Soho gallery, walls are hung with the likes of

always loved the Gothic and wanted something

a retro David Bowie print, and a magenta and

modest, fantastical and a bit Liberace,” he

red neon crucifix by local artist Stuart Snapes.

quips. Farrow & Ball’s Railings emulsion was

An overarching black and gold theme

used for the exterior while its Off Black adorns

continues throughout each of the property’s

the interior walls and ceilings, complemented

uniquely decorated guestrooms, although some

by antique-look Millionaire’s Gold by Crown for

have caramel tones and red touches. Keen to

accents. Paint procurement proved challenging

steer clear from off-the-shelf homogeneity,

following England’s first lockdown, with Sussex

Sussex sourced vintage pieces from the band’s

“tracking down what felt like every tin of

lock-up – “a treasure trove stacked full of

Millionaire’s Gold in the country, from Basildon

old typewriters and travel finds” – as well as

to Canterbury.”

Margate’s renowned vintage shops.

Drama in the ground-floor lobby comes from

The Emily Dickinson – Pete Doherty’s room

a vintage chandelier with raindrop-shaped red

during refurbishment – features a brass bed

crystals along with collages of inky poetry and

from Scott’s of Margate, an Art Nouveau floral

brushwork by the band, while original pitch pine

glass lamp from Lost Property and a lacquered

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Chinese coffee table belonging to Doherty –

Downstairs, Arcady Coffee House has a

Barât describes his co-frontman as “the Citizen

brooding Dickensian feel, with a sprinkling of

Kane of furniture”. The room’s wallpaper, with a

skulls, leopard-print upholstered furniture and

recurring Biba-esque nude, was a labour of love.

retro Porter’s Chair. Menus are overseen by Joe

Inspired by “a piece of scruffy wallpaper Pete

Hill – the chef behind The Table in Broadstairs

had found at a flea market”, Sussex digitally

– and cuisine celebrates local ingredients and

photographed the original before having the

subtle Asian twists; think hand-dived Rye

holes and dirt edited out, and then used the

scallops and roast pumpkin in vegan dashi

image to create a bespoke wallpaper, printed by

broth, accompanied by Noble Rot-curated wines

Lancashire-based firm John Mark.

in Chef & Sommelier glassware.

Other guestrooms rock similarly louche-

In the basement meanwhile, The Waste Land

luxe looks, with crocodile skin Graham &

bar has burgers and bespoke BrewDog Wasteland

Brown wallpaper, restyled black bedside

IPA on offer. A bold mural by set designer Will

cabinets by Pieces of Eight, and velvet curtains

Bianchi, depicting an apocalyptic vision of the

accompanying Nimbus mattresses and Apple

Margate seafront, nods to the bar’s namesake

Beats sound systems. Slick bathrooms with

poem – penned by T.S. Eliot two doors down

Haeckels toiletries marry black bi-fold shower

– and feels fittingly artistic for a space where

doors by Victorian Plumbing with gold vintage-

drawing classes and live music will take place.

style shower heads from Sanctuary Bathrooms.

With inventive design and a bohemian spirit,

The top-floor loft – a collaboration with fabrics

there’s no doubt The Albion Rooms will inspire

guru Anna Hayman – combines the interior

residents. As for becoming a hotelier? “It’s

designer’s fringed lampshades and marbled

similar to the buzz of putting on a good party,”

Meredith wallpaper with a vintage velvet chaise.

says Barât, “but permanent.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: The Libertines Interior Design: The Libertines, Rhiannon Sussex, The Studio People (recording studio) Graphic Design: Chu Art Consultants: Carl Barât, Ronnie Traynor, Rhiannon Sussex www.thealbionrooms.live

The Beyond Collection

The Beyond Collection creates a statement, its elegant curves and soft lines contribute to its sleek and contemporary design; making it the perfect addition to any bathroom space.

www.uk.roca.com

Hotel Indigo BATH Hotel Indigo’s new opening nods to the cultural heritage of Bath – but with a contemporary twist. Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: © Veerle Evens (unless otherwise stated)

t’s not uncommon for operators to establish a consistent design aesthetic across their portfolio in order to strengthen brand recognition. IHG’s Hotel Indigo does not subscribe

to that philosophy; instead, the boutique brand prides itself on individuality, claiming the one thing its properties have in common is that they’re all different. While uniformity can make guests feel like they could be anywhere in the world, Hotel Indigo leaves no doubt as to the location of where its patrons are resting their head. The most recent opening to underline this deep-rooted philosophy is in the city of Bath, widely recognised as the UK’s original wellbeing destination – the World Heritage site is home to the ancient Roman Baths – as well as a cultural hub home to museums, galleries and attractions. Just a short walk away, South Parade is a honey-hued Grade I-listed Georgian terrace. Once host to the likes of Sir Walter Scott, William Wilberforce and the Duke of York, the 18th century row of buildings is now the site of Hotel Indigo. Originally designed by Georgian architect John Wood, the Elder – who created city landmarks such as the Royal Crescent and The Circus – the nine individual townhouses have been transformed into a 166-key hotel, though not without challenges along the way. “Working within a Grade I-listed property in a UNESCO World Heritage Site certainly adds a layer of complexity; the

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Guestrooms celebrate all facets of Bath’s heritage from it’s literary past to traditional Georgian architecture

build interventions and level of care that was taken

just one style. It’s certainly a lot more work for us, but

on our building was extreme,” explains Henry Reeve,

we feel the results speak for themselves in offering our

Director of Interior Design at IHG. “It was important

visitors a variety of styles to suit their taste.”

to ensure that the design elements were true to the

One of the most impressive of these is the

historical significance of the building and the rich

Underground Vault suites, located beneath the

history of Bath. From individual floorboards being

pavement on which guests enter the hotel. Due

removed, restored and then replaced in their original

to South Parade’s historical significance, the new

location, to the discovery and subsequent restoration

development required council approval as well as a

of numerous hidden original fireplaces that were a

promise to return each paving stone to its original

surprise to all.”

position after construction. Combining exposed

Reeve was tasked with translating the cultural

brick walls, vaulted stone ceilings and black timber

significance of the surroundings into the property’s

finishes, the suites feature separate lounge areas and

design narrative. “We wanted to make sure that the

minimalist furniture.

hotel was stylish yet approachable, with an aesthetic

Across in the main building are guestroom styles

rooted in storytelling by combining local character,

focusing on romance and literacy. The Romance &

distinctive design cues, vibrant colours and rich

Mischief rooms take inspiration from the infamous

textures,” he reveals. “We wanted the hotel to feel

Debutante Season in Bath, with timber panelling

thoroughly influenced by the grandeur of the Georgian

and dark green headboards complementing vibrant

past, but never stuffy or overly contemporary.”

red velvet soft furnishings. As a nod to the gambling

The team certainly achieved what they set out to

culture of years gone by, side tables resemble

accomplish; the result is an eccentric interior scheme

playing cards, while the wall art plays on the theme

embodying the heritage of the building, yet with a

of romance with love birds and portraits that have

contemporary twist. Public spaces such as the lobby

been ‘vandalised’ by ex-lovers. Designed to reflect a

and lounge area follow a more traditional style,

writer’s getaway meanwhile, the Literary Hideaways

featuring wall-to-ceiling panelling and ornate scones,

celebrate famous authors such as Jane Austen, who

hardwood floors and original fireplaces, with plush

called the city home; here, a headboard is fashioned

velvet textiles accompanying antique furniture.

from books while a traditional writer’s bureau acts as

Another common thread throughout the hotel,

a desk accompanied by a captain’s chair.

and all Hotel Indigo properties for that matter, is the

Also paying homage to the building’s past are the

different guestroom styles on offer. Here there are

Georgian Architecture rooms, which showcase original

five, ranging from literary hideaways to underground

elements. High ceilings, ornate ceiling sconces and

vaults. “We do this deliberately to provide our guests

bold, symmetrical patterns are visible with a deep and

with more choice and to ensure we are authentically

rich colour palette intended to accentuate the period

representing the neighbourhoods in which we sit,”

features. Completing the set at the rear of the property,

Reeve confirms. “Our neighbourhoods are so very rich,

a newly built one-storey extension houses the Garden

often it’s hard to truly represent a destination through

rooms. These spaces channel a more contemporary,

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light and youthful aesthetic that focuses on

stages to ensure harmony between spaces.

nature; bifold doors adorned with leaves open

“There’s a common thread throughout the

onto a patio courtyard furnished with elegant

hotel, especially in our restaurant, where we

tables and chairs.

have dialled up the feeling of refinement and

Across from the lobby is The Elder, a

prestige so prevalent in the Georgian period,”

restaurant situated within the same building

explains Reeve. “With its strong use of bold

though independent from the hotel. Named

velvets, aged brasses, crackle paints and solid

after the renowned architect, the venue is a

oaks, The Elder demonstrates this well.”

celebration of seasonality and sustainability,

Still to come is The Jib Door, a members’ club

with a clear emphasis on wild food. The bespoke

occupying the basement. Playing on the more

dining concept is the brainchild of restaurateur

eccentric elements of the narrative, taxidermy

Mike Robinson following the success of The

and artwork will join statement lamps, butterfly

Woodsman at Hotel Indigo’s Stratford-upon-

display cases and candles for a sense of drama.

Avon outpost, which opened in 2019.

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Hotel Indigo’s new venture in Bath

epitomises what the boutique lifestyle brand

Fettle, the restaurant flows from a traditional

does best: creating hotels that are a living,

timber panelled bar through to different dining

breathing embodiment of their surrounding

spaces spread across four of the nine adjoining

neighbourhoods – the more unique, the better.

townhouses, each with its own charm and

Reeve agrees: “There’s not a single room the

character conveyed through the carefully

same shape, size or layout in the building, but

selected palette and materials. Though The

of course these factors are what makes the

Elder has its own distict identity, Fettle worked

property wholly unique and a true one-of-a-

with Hotel Indigo’s design team in the initial

kind – I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Somerston Capital Operator: Hotel Indigo Architecture: Darling Associates Interior Design: IHG in-house design team, Fettle (F&B) Graphic Design: Proud Robinson Main Contractor: ISG www.bath.hotelindigo.com

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Soneva Fushi Water Retreats MALDIVES The new additions to Soneva’s flagship resort plunge guests in barefoot yet sustainable luxury. Words: Chris Dwyer • Photography: © Sandro Bruecklmeier

t’s called a Water Retreat for good reason.

location of the villas followed a comprehensive

The world’s largest two-bedroom overwater

environmental assessment to ensure the Baa

villa, perched above the turquoise hues of the

Atoll’s ecosystems remained unharmed, and

Indian Ocean, lets guests retreat somewhere

like the group’s other carbon neutral properties,

very special indeed and is a game-changing

construction materials were sourced sustainably

addition to Soneva Fushi in The Maldives.

and upcycled styrofoam used as wall insulation.

Having opened in 1995, the resort is widely

The Water Retreats sit on a curving jetty –

regarded as the first luxury accommodation

far enough apart for complete seclusion – and

in the archipelago, so the development of

offer either sunrise or sunset views. At 585m2,

eight new villas marks just the latest step in

the one-bedroom villa is spacious, while the

the brand’s journey, as co-founder and CEO

two-bed spans an impressive 857m2. Despite

Sonu Shivdasani tells Sleeper: “These villas

the scale, they don’t feel impersonal thanks to a

are 25 years in the making. We always thought

connection with the seascape achieved through

Soneva Fushi would be the jungle and beach, not

all-natural materials and gentle colouring of

overwater, but there are only eight low-density

soft blues, greens and beiges.

water retreats, all totally private.”

Soneva’s in-house design team, led by co-

A beguiling combination of privacy and

founder and Creative Director Eva Malmström

barefoot sustainable luxury would make them

Shivdasani, was in charge of establishing this

a draw at any time, but in the current climate,

connection to the locale. All of the furniture

their lure is greater still thanks to Soneva’s

pieces, many of which feature maritime

substantial investment in a Covid testing

motifs, were crafted on the island from trees

machine. All guests and staff are tested on

or driftwood for example, while any aluminium

arrival, before enjoying the whole resort mask-

used in the construction came from melted

free once a negative result is confirmed.

down soda cans washed-up on the shore.

As quarantine destinations go, it’s difficult

The ground-floor sala, a living and dining

to imagine anywhere more idyllic, and with

area, sits in the middle of the property, with a

sustainability at the heart of everything Soneva

master bedroom and inside-outside bathroom

do, the low impact design maintains the

on one side, and a smaller bedroom and

natural beauty of the setting too. The exact

bathroom on the other. A pantry, dressing rooms

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and children’s room complete the picture, while

all in. Entering the perfectly azure Indian Ocean

upstairs is a deck with another sala and more

is no hardship either thanks to multiple steps,

fabulous views out across the Indian Ocean.

a dedicated snorkelling deck, but most of all,

All the tech highlights one would expect are

a ridiculously-fun 19m water slide that spirals

subtly integrated in the master bedroom, but

from the villa’s top floor into the sea below. Just

guests will have to make do with Apple TV and

don’t forget to check the tide level first!

Netflix, as happily there are no TV channels.

Thoughtful touches abound. Two planks have

As the Soneva brand mantra goes, ‘no shoes,

been removed from the outer wall for a perfect

no news’ – although you can add ‘no masks’

view of the ocean from the outdoor bathtub.

to that now. A Bose sound system bolsters the

The occasional glass floor panel allows guests

entertainment factor, but it’s the retractable

to watch the sealife swim beneath their feet and

roof above the bed that will likely be the most

are another reminder of the location. A Smeg

popular feature. Press a button and the sun or

fridge comes stocked with drinking water,

stars above are quietly revealed. There’s even a

desalinated locally and served in bottles crafted

weather sensor, so if a single drop of rain falls,

in Soneva’s very own glass workshop. Bamboo

the roof automatically closes.

bikes for exploring come with personalised

True to it’s name, the Water Retreats come

wooden name plates featuring engraved initials.

with plenty of access to the ocean. Along with

And, ideal for pandemic times, the desk in the

the private swimming pool, the deck is more

study faces the wall to create a picturesque –

than large enough to spread out, while sun

and for once not virtual – backdrop for Zoom

loungers, daybeds, a sunken dining area and

calls, meaning those in attendance can look on

catamaran nets above the waves are just some of

with envy as they admire the ocean beyond.

the settings from which to lay back and soak it

What’s not to love?

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Soneva Investor: KSL Interior Design: Eva Malmstrom Shivdasani Lighting Design: PLH Italia www.soneva.com

Creative TUUCI for SLEEPER 2020 (CONTOUREN).indd 1

9-4-2020 10:00:12

Four Seasons Hotel MADRID Uniting seven historic buildings – all impeccably restored – the new European outpost from Four Seasons is a showcase of Spanish heritage. Words: Agnish Ray • Photography: Courtesy of Four Seasons (unless otherwise stated)

adrid has waited a long time for this hotel. Eightand-a-half years, to be precise. Construction challenges, planning hurdles, changes in government

and, not least, the coronavirus outbreak have left the city on tenterhooks in anticipation of what is one of Spain’s most significant hospitality openings in recent years. Pandemic or no pandemic, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

would be held back no longer. The 200-key property opened last September, unveiling the result of a gargantuan development project. When OHL Desarrollos seized the enormous unused plot in 2012, it presented an opportunity like no other – in size, location and heritage – for Four Seasons to take on Spain for the first time. Now co-owned by Mohari Hospitality, the property hopes to be a game-changer for the capital, despite the unforeseen circumstances. Aside from the hotel, the complex also incorporates 22 private residences and Galería Canalejas, a new shopping mall with over 40 outlets including Hermès, Cartier and Rolex. Together, they form Centro Canalejas, a €500 million project whose construction unifies what was previously seven different buildings, now covering a total of almost 8,000m2. Banking remains the strongest legacy of these buildings; The Banco Español de Crédito, Banco Hispanoamericano and Grupo Santander are among the financial institutions to have occupied the site over the decades. The hotel’s lobby was

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Interiors feature vintage pieces and contemporary artworks along with accessories from Czech glassblowers Sklo

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the former credit bank’s operations hall, with

mix of uses on top of one another – parking,

reception and concierge staff now standing at

retail, hotel and residences – was complicated

the counters where bankers once served.

because each use requires different installations

Tasked with transforming the historic site

and structures.”

into its new incarnation was Spanish architect

Accompanied by the sound of flamenco

Carlos Lamela, whose studio is famed for its

guitars strumming, the sight of a majestic

work on Terminal 4 of Madrid-Barajas Airport

oval staircase greets the visitor upon entering

and The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Lamela’s

the lobby. It might look like an original 19th

hotel portfolio includes Meliá properties in

century structure, but the stairway is in fact

Madrid and Torremolinos, as well as the

a contemporary creation by Steve Henry and

extension of Hotel Bahía Real in Fuerteventura.

Lindsay Noelting of Bamo, the San Francisco-

For this project however, the studio had to

based studio in charge of the hotel’s interior

maintain most of the protected façade while

design, intended to add a sense of grandeur

hollowing out the entire block from the inside,

to what was previously a more functional,

breaking down the divisions between the seven

bureaucratic space.

buildings in order to reconstruct as one. They

“There are a lot of angular aspects in the

built both upwards and downwards, with a new

lobby, so we wanted the staircase to be sensuous

400-space car park underground taking two

and flowing as a contradiction,” explains Henry.

years alone to construct.

“Its placement has a playfulness to it.”

“We wanted each part to have the same

Although the stairway itself is new, its

language and to be read as one united project,

golden banisters are from the original building.

rather than seven different ones,” says Ana

Approximately 4,000 such vintage pieces

Guasp, Project Lead for Estudio Lamela. “The

recovered from the space pre-demolition have

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Steel enamel bathtubs by Kaldewei feature in the guestrooms

been used around the new hotel, including the lobby’s green marble pillars and teller line countertops, the skylight overhead and the flooring, as well as various doors, door handles and decorative pieces. “We had to find ways to make the green counters feel like they had a place inside a hotel lobby,” says Noelting. “We used them for our custom-made banquettes, creating little social areas; they really helped to define the space.” A walk upstairs leads past an art installation by Barcelona-based sculptor Eduardo PérezCabrero featuring an array of small brass pieces strewn across the wall, resembling a starry night’s sky. This is one of the over 2,000 contemporary artworks displayed in the hotel and curated by Paloma Fernández Iriondo. Almost all are by emerging artists, creating an unusual juxtaposition of new against old. Beneath the contemporary art and design touches, the property remains saturated in the buildings’ history, from the Art Deco elements of the façade to the original plaque engraved

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THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2020

with the Banco Español de Crédito logo found

Its F&B offer has played a crucial role in

in the fireplace of the Royal Suite – a one-

doing so. The lobby space, named El Patio, is

bedroom, 400m2 apartment fit for, well, royalty.

a place to enjoy refreshments whether staying

The interiors are also scattered with glass

overnight or not. The rooftop restaurant,

accessories from Sklo’s Object collection, as

well as the fertile, natural imagery synonymous

the latest venture from Michelin-starred chef

with the Four Seasons brand. Green and purple

Dani García, whose name alone is enough to

orchids sprout abundantly from tall black

draw in Madrid’s dining aficionados. Here, a

vases in the lobby, while petal-shaped metal

patterned olive-green cloth lines the walls and

sculptures sit as lighting features on the walls.

is accompanied by bold splashes of colour and

All the guestrooms also display floral-patterned

antique fittings. AvroKO meanwhile has crafted

plaster reliefs produced at the city’s San

the Asian-Spanish fusion lounge bar, Isa, due

Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, located

to open very soon.

opposite the hotel and home to 1,400 paintings, 600 sculptures and 15,000 drawings.

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Before the pandemic hit, the hotel’s unveiling was planned during the folkloric San Isidro

This opening has long been hailed as a major

festivities, a centuries-old annual milestone in

step in solidifying Madrid’s position as a luxury

the city’s calendar. So, the spirit of aligning Four

European destination. However, it came during

Seasons Madrid with the heart and soul of the

one the most challenging years imaginable for

capital in fact preceded the ‘new normal’. Now,

large-scale tourism. As the city fluctuated in

during times of restricted international travel,

and out of localised lockdowns, the hotel had

it seems especially fitting for an establishment

to focus on appealing as much to domestic

so steeped in the history of its location to be

clientele as to international visitors.

catering to the local population.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Mohari Hospitality, OHL Desarrollos Developer: OHL Desarrollos Operator: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Architecture: Estudio Lamela Interior Design: Bamo, BG Architecture, Martin Brudnizki (F&B), AvroKO (F&B) Art Consultant: Paloma Fernandez Iriondo www.fourseasons.com

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Yours Truly WASHINGTON DC Ilan Segal enlists Simeone Deary Design Group to breathe new life into a Brutalist building in the US capital’s West End. Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Nathan Kirkman

wave of renovations has taken over Washington DC of late. Last year, Sleeper reported on an old Marriott’s stunning gut-reno to ritzy boutique, and this time

the turnaround is so dramatic that guests may lose track of what city they are in once they walk through the doors of what used to be a nondescript business hotel. Today, it’s an entirely different scene. Yours Truly’s lobby is a space for morning coffee, social meet-ups and where young professionals gather with laptops in hand. At one end, a lively pastry and coffee bar serves lines out the window while a cocktail bar holds court in the centre of the room. Terraced platforms lead to an outdoor patio, where heat lamps allow for al fresco dining among whimsical ferry lights. Music – everything from jazz to retro funk – blares, and every now and then, songs played on vinyls from El Donut Shoppe, the hotel’s vintage record store, capture the audience’s fleeting attention. You wouldn’t be wrong to lose your bearings for a moment and think you’re in Brooklyn. But no, this is the affluent West End of the US capital, just down the street from where a more stoic lot are making history-altering decisions. Birthing a new hotel concept is no easy task, and one that takes a bevy of talent. In this case, it was a well-rounded

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A cocktail bar holds court in the centre of the lobby while songs played on vinyls from El Donut Shoppe, the hotel’s vintage record store, capture the attention

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team of developer Brookfield Properties, hotel

“We were inspired by the tongue-in-cheek,

guru Ilan Segal of The Standard and Gansevoort

mix-and-match look of The Hoxton hotels,”

fame, and interior and branding designer Lisa

Simeone notes, explaining that an abundance

Simeone, owner of Chicago-based Simeone

of live plants curated by local horticulturist

Deary. Segal recalls the state the property was

Holly Simmons add a feeling of escapism.

in and the tall order he and Brookfield gave

“The biophilia movement has gone back to the

to Simeone. “It was a traditional corporate

importance of live plants,” says Simeone. “It’s

hotel with no vibe but we saw a lot of potential

really changed the landscape of design, and our

in the bones,” he explains. “We wanted to

bohemian concept is centred around greenery.

create a hotel that would become a hub for the

We couldn’t have done a boho concept without

neighbourhood, so challenged Simeone Deary to

layers and layers of leafy plants and, of course,

take us from the dark into the light.”

woven macramé!”

Simeone rose to the occasion. Her first order

Crochet and macramé – curated from Etsy, of

of business was to demolish walls to brighten

all places – play a large part in the design, as does

and lengthen the space. “The lobby was very

a funky-retro array of customised furnishings

small; there were meeting rooms and a three-

meal restaurant blocking the windows. It was

Jack. These accompany furniture, fixtures and

quite a gloomy space,” she recollects. Today,

finishes from an array of quality manufacturers:

the three-meal restaurant, Mercy Me, is part of

there’s pieces from Stellar Works, RH and

the large, sweeping lobby that opens to the back

Sancal; lighting by Preciosa and Chelsom; and

courtyard. The design takes cues from the 1970’s

fabrics by Elitis and Brentano.

bohemian culture of nearby Dupont Circle and

Upstairs in the hotel’s spacious guestrooms,

combines with the stark, Brutalist architecture.

the themes of thoughtful attention to detail and

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boho whimsy continue. Fun tack boards with

and F&B occupancy – if the queues out the café

flyers from around the community greet guests

door are anything to go by. Opening during a

upon entry, while custom-designed bathroom

pandemic was never part of anyone’s plans,

and bedroom vanities – complete with backlit

as General Manager Kristofer Carlson recalls.

mirrors featuring integrated magnifying panels

“We planned to open in early April when the

– flex Simeone Deary’s design prowess. “We

cherry blossoms are out and the government is

read some comments on Trip Advisor that

in full swing, and to do that we were moving

said you can tell the rooms were designed by

a million miles per hour, so we knew we were

women,” Simeone quips, as she points out

missing details. The pros that came out of the

neat shaving ledges in the spacious shower

two-month delay in opening were that we were

stalls, which complement sleek sanitaryware

able to peel back, make some tweaks and open

by Kohler.

thoughtfully. By May, we saw that everyone

One of best displays of bespoke wizardry are

wanted something to cheer for – a reason to

the queen-sized pull-out sofas in the larger

come out. Our goal was to make Yours Truly

rooms, which feature French mattresses,

the cleanest, safest place where you could just

built-in side tables and charging ports. Floors

come an unwind.”

are hewn in concrete to recall the building’s

The hip, cashew latte-sipping patrons would

Brutalist nature, while plush rugs and alluring

unanimously agree that this goal was more than

artwork curated by Kalisher add character.

met. As for the nascent brand’s future plans,

Perhaps the most commendable feature about

Segal says: “We want to get it right here before

Yours Truly DC is its ability to draw a crowd in

we go to other locations. Right now, we’re

a time when hotels are struggling with room

treating it as one-of-a-kind.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Brookfield Properties Operator: Aimbridge Hospitality Interior Design and Graphics: Simeone Deary Design Group Lighting Consultant: CM Kling Art Consultants: Kevin Barry, Kalisher, Paleck Procurement: Slate Procurement Landscaping: She Loves Me Main Contractor: Turner, DYA Project Manager: PDSI www.yourstrulydc.com

A STYLISH BLACKOUT FABRIC drapilux 170 is a true all-rounder. With its slightly textured surface and muted shades, this plain-coloured fabric is extremely versatile in a whole host of applications, either on its own or in combination with semi-transparent fabrics. Moreover, this blackout material guarantees a peaceful night’s sleep by ensuring that light does not penetrate the room. Discover more innovative fabrics at: www.drapilux.com

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03.12.20 15:03

Hotel Construction Pipeline Global Though 2020 has been catastrophic for hotel performance, future development around the world is holding steady. According to the latest data from Tophotelprojects, there are a total of 7,420 hotels in the pipeline globally, accounting for over 1.6 million rooms. The research shows that Asia Pacific is the most active region with 2,549 projects, followed by North America (1,885 projects) and Europe (1,814 projects), and much like the global report published early last year, the USA, China and the UK lead the way. Honing in on the top cities, Dubai continues to build, counting more than double the number of rooms in the pipeline compared to London or New York. Destinations in China meanwhile take five of the top 10 spots thanks to growing domestic travel and a near-return to normality following the successful control of Coronavirus. Joining Chengdu and Shanghai in the rankings, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Xian are seeing a rise in the number of hotels in development. However 2020 did see a number of projects cancelled or put on hold. Throughout the year, researchers tracked the status of projects across eight hotel groups and found that in Q3, a collective total of 75 projects were cancelled out of 3,484 in progress. Though this figure is higher than usual, it’s not the wholesale collapse some commentators were forecasting last spring.

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

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TOP CITIES DUBAI Projects 147 Rooms 44,699

CHENGDU Projects 62 Rooms 13,885

LONDON Projects 108 Rooms 18,105

DUBLIN Projects 61 Rooms 9,867

LOS ANGELES Projects 51 Rooms 10,757

HANGZHOU Projects 45 Rooms 10,688

NEW YORK Projects 66 Rooms 17,289

SHANGHAI Projects 52 Rooms 13,188

NANJING Projects 46 Rooms 9,509

XIAN Projects 45 Rooms 9,534

TOP COUNTRIES

Projects Rooms

USA 1,528 296,544

CHINA 1,373 324,741

UK 465 67,306

GERMANY 357 57,222

UAE 211 62,633

INDIA 151 23,372

MEXICO 134 32,770

INDONESIA 124 22,643

AUSTRALIA 182 35,432

SAUDI ARABIA 168 73,464

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 1,607,077 rooms in the pipeline globally, 29% (2,311 projects) are in planning and 48% (3,297 projects) are under construction. A significant proportion are in the pre-opening phase, in some cases waiting for local lockdowns to lift before becoming operational.

VISION

PRE-PLANNING

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

PRE-OPENING

Projects 151 Rooms 39,405

Projects 1,032 Rooms 213,677

Projects 2,311 Rooms 461,190

Projects 3,297 Rooms 771,167

Projects 629 Rooms 121,638

GROUPS AND BRANDS Marriott International has the most projects in the pipeline, with growth coming primarily from the Marriott and Courtyard brands. Hilton Worldwide meanwhile is set to bolster its Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand with 45,472 rooms planned globally.

971 783 516 436 347

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

156

45,472

Hilton Garden Inn

137

25,419

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

115

31,671

Hampton by Hilton

114

16,806

Courtyard by Marriott

17,911

Doubletree by Hilton

20,791

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

22,452

Hyatt Place

14,233

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts

15,344

Citadines Apart’Hotels

13,368

YEAR OF OPENING

2021 (41%)

2022 (24%)

2023 (10%) 2024 (4%)

UNCONFIRMED (21%)

111

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Ennismore likes the lifestyle with Accor

join forces with many of the most creative and

hotel guests. At Hoxton, the equivalent figure

talented ones. This new powerful combination

is said to be around 60%.

is set to become the engine of our exciting future growth.”

Accor has announced it is in advanced

The French group will pay out somewhere

negotiations with Ennismore to create what will

short of US$500m to buy out all the partners in

Last year, Bazin had reorganised the Accor

be the world’s largest lifestyle hotel operator.

its existing lifestyle partnerships. The largest

team, integrating food & beverage with hotel

The move, which looks close to being finally

partner share bought in will be the 50% stake in

teams, declaring: “It’s a time to be bottom-up

agreed, will split off Accor’s lifestyle brands and

SBE, which Accor will acquire with a US$300m

rather than top-down as an organisation.” He

put them under the control of a joint venture

payment. Accor will acquire the asset light

also spoke of the creation of specialist teams to

based out of London. Accor, it is understood,

element of the hotel business, along with SBE’s

grow the ultra-luxury and lifestyle segments,

will hold two thirds of the new venture, with

food & beverage brands. Two US properties

where he sees great growth potential.

Ennismore creator Sharan Pasricha holding the

being sold to independent investor Eldridge,

The restructure saw eight regional hubs

other third.

while SBE founder Sam Nazarian will retain the

created. Among those left without portfolio in

Accor will buy out the remaining stakes of

group’s Disruptive Group Restaurant Platform

the restructure were Accor Europe CEO Franck

joint venture partners and put Ennismore head

along with 15 restaurant and nightclub venues.

Gervais, Asia Pacific CEO Michael Issenberg,

Pasricha at the core of growing the new entity

Accor will also be buying the balance of

food & beverage and lifestyle CEO Amir Nahaï,

alongside Accor’s head of lifestyle, Gaurav

25hours, which it bought into by acquiring a

Bhushan. With the new vehicle destined to be

30% stake in early 2017. And there will be a

“We’ve known each other for years,” Bhushan

asset light, a parallel company will be set up to

further settlement at Mama Shelter, which

told Hotel Analyst, “and started to talk after the

take hold of the property interests of the group.

Accor bought into in 2014, with a 35% stake.

first lockdown finished.” Over a lengthy dinner,

and CEO of new business Thibault Viort.

The venture, which will retain the Ennismore

Accor has indicated the new Ennismore will

Pasricha told his old friend it was tough working

name, will start with a portfolio of 73 properties,

be an arms-length operation. In a statement, it

out how to scale up his innovative brands, to get

under a dozen established brands. The pair say

said: “This new, unified and powerful venture

them into a really profitable state: Bhushan had

they have a pipeline of more than 110 hotels

will benefit from an in-house global creative

a word with his people and helped to come up

already committed and are in active discussions

studio, designing award-winning interiors

with a solution. “It would never have happened,

over a further 70 sites. In addition, there are

and brand communication; an expert digital

if life had been normal.”

a slew of food and beverage brands, which

and technology team innovating the guest

“We have over 30 F&B brands and concepts,

Ennismore has launched, alongside the SBE

experience; and a team of restaurant and bar

that we intend to build – it’s a formidable

portfolio of bars and nightclubs.

specialists crafting unique concepts rooted in

platform. And some of these concepts are quite

their neighbourhoods.”

applicable to other Accor brands.”

“Over the last nine years, our mission with

112

from local residents and visitors, rather than

Ennismore has always been creating hospitality

Bazin commented: “Lifestyle, entertainment,

Typically, food & beverage sales account for

brands that inspire discovery,” said Pasrisha.

places with a soul have been at the heart of our

around 45% of total revenues at these lifestyle

“I’m passionate about how brands make you

development and growth strategy over the last

hotels, and Bhushan said that will force Accor

feel, from the personalised digital experience

years. Partnering with Ennismore’s founder

to measure trevpar, not the traditional metric

to the design, and with an incredible team

Sharan and his great teams will take our lifestyle

of revpar. “The whole point of lifestyle hotels

of operators and creatives around me, we

ambition to a new and exciting level. With this

is to get more revenue out of the real estate.”

have expanded The Hoxton across the globe;

combination, we are leading the hospitality

“Our hub will be London – Europe is our

reimagined Gleneagles; and crafted unique

industry by creating the largest and fastest

number one market, followed by the US at 40%

restaurant and bar concepts.”

growing ecosystem of world class brands.

– but it will rapidly build up.”

Accor CEO Sebastien Bazin has previously

Lifestyle is a sector fuelled by passionate and

The scale of the opportunity is evident, from

said that the big attraction of lifestyle hotels is

daring entrepreneurs, constantly pushing the

Accor’s revelation that its lifestyle businesses

that they can typically make more than 40% of

boundaries of a reinvented vision of travelling

currently deliver around 5% of group fees, but

revenues from their non-room activities, often

the world. I am proud Accor has been able to

over 25% of pipeline fees projected.

BUSINESS CENTRE

HA PERSPECTIVE

Accor has done an extreme version of this. London

lagging Marriott, Hilton and IHG. Shorn of the bits

By Chris Bown: If anyone can be said to have had a

was the obvious location given that both Guarav

that separate it from its rivals, Accor risks being

good pandemic, Pasricha and Bhushan can. Deprived

Bhushan and Sharan Pasricha are currently based

seen as an also-ran. It has huge strengths, such

of their normal jet-setting, deal-chasing world,

in the UK capital, but it surely tests the link to the

as its presence around the globe outside of the US

when the pair might have swapped tales of flight

Accor mothership.

and China, but these do not compensate for its scale weakness against its biggest rivals.

delays via WhatsApp, they were forced into actually

The appeal to Accor is unloading its lease

spending time together, over dinner – and so the

exposure, taking EUR52m from its balance sheet.

In the meantime, the progress of the new

conversation flowed.

And it presumably believes separating lifestyle out

lifestyle hotel giant will be fascinating to watch.

Pasricha, frustrated by the challenge of scaling

will lead to faster growth. Yet at the same time,

The creativity and energy of the lifestyle sector has

up, has had the opportunity to team up with a

Accor is diluting the benefit it derives from this faster

long been envied by bigger corporates, but they have

corporation that, on recent evidence, is entirely

growth. With Ennismore taking a third share of the

struggled to work out the secret sauce.

comfortable maintaining partnerships, rather than

new opco, it says something about how fast Accor

demanding complete control. Long may that attitude

thought it could grow on its own.

The challenge is to scale-up without losing the essence of what makes a concept special. Ennismore

last – it looks far better than killing the golden geese.

Ennismore is a great company but it brings only

has come further and faster than most in making this

With its minority stakes in these brands dating

Hoxton and new budget brand NoCo as a growth

work. Now, however, it is taking on the babies of a

back to 2014, Accor has had plenty of time to

prospects (Gleneagles is surely a one-off). It is now

number of other creators and Ennismore will have

watch the lifestyle hotel space, with its focus less

at the helm of the world’s biggest lifestyle hotel

to gently persuade each to move in a direction that

on overnight rooms revenue and much more on

chain that includes trendsetting brands like Mama

benefits the greater whole.

total revenues – often with the bar, restaurant and

Shelter, 25hours and Mondrian.

nightclub providing the lion’s share. The company

After spending many years trying to be the most

has also created new brands in this space internally,

innovative of the global majors, notably with

in the form of Jo & Joe and Tribe.

acquisitions of technology disruptors like One Fine

Herding cats is the metaphor that springs to my mind. But if it can be done, then Ennismore looks better placed than most to do it.

Food & beverage has famously been the weak

Stay, the French giant seems to be content to stop

suit of hotel brands, and here’s a bunch of creatives

thinking outside the box. In fact, given that it has

who have come into the hotel space from leftfield

now written off most of the disruptive investments

and delivered. Time to round them up, scale up and

and is exiting direct control of its lifestyle hotel

take the bounty. In these cases, the challenge is

business (the use of the word “autonomous” in the

Embattled hotel owners are beginning to

always scaling up while keeping the bean counters

PR for the JV stood out), it appears to have climbed

reassess relationships as they struggle to

and corporate management at arm’s length. The

back into the box.

contain cash losses, further trim costs and

Asset owners ponder relationships

wonder when large-scale business and events

moment the accountants start questioning the

That it has done so reflects the pressure from

purchase of artisan vodka, you know you’ve started

investors to make its business more clearly

snuffing out the golden goose.

understood. Richard Clarke, analyst at Bernstein,

CUS Reits Park Hotels and Host Hotels both

commented: “We have long considered simplification

continue to juggle reopenings of their large

a key catalyst for the stock.”

footprint properties in the face of demand

HA PERSPECTIVE

income will return.

that improved through the summer but is now

By Andrew Sangster: This is an intriguing decision

A key part of simplification is becoming more

by Accor. It has spun-out the highest growth part

clearly asset light. Next to go will be its stake in

of its business into a new JV vehicle in a move that

AccorInvest and the property assets of Australia’s

At Park, more heavily leveraged, a new

is reminiscent of what Whitbread did with its fast-

Mantra portfolio. It is then job done, and stock

US$750m bond issue helped to reshuffle debt

growing Premier Inn (then Travel Inn) outfit. The

market investors will have a more straightforward

and give the group more breathing room.

difference was that Whitbread retained total control

job of applying an EBITDA multiple on Accor’s

“During the third quarter, we made significant

of Travel Inn as it separated it from the rest of the

business in a comparable way to Marriott or Hilton.

improvements to our liquidity and balance sheet

business including locating it over the road from its

The problem now, however, is that Accor is also

by reducing our monthly burn rate, completing

more clearly the number four of the global majors,

another successful senior notes offering to

existing head office.

flatlining once more.

113

pay off our 2016 term loan and extending our

replacing. But in terms of the supply growing

using similar safety protocols, events could be

Revolver, pushing out significant debt maturities

at the kind of clip that we’ve seen in the past,

encouraged to return to the US hotel market.

until 2023,” said CEO Tom Baltimore.

I just don’t think the math will compute. And I

“On the operations front, we continue to

“On the group business front in China, we continue to host new product launches

make significant progress reopening hotels,

In contrast, Jim Risoleo, CEO of Host, was

for car manufacturers as well as luxury

and witnessed a steady increase in demand

in an expansive mood. “We continue to focus

goods companies with extraordinary new

across our portfolio during the third quarter

on opportunities where we can leverage our

programming that leverages our deep strength

as September occupancy topped 42% for our

competitive advantages, such as deep owner,

in banqueting and events.”

opened hotels.” Park has opted to keep its city

broker and operator relationships and our

We’re cautiously optimistic about recovery

centre properties closed until spring 2021 at

ability to do large transactions. Our reputation

in business travel in the second half of 2021,

the earliest. It had more success through the

for providing speed and certainty of closing

and we are encouraged by the advances in

summer with drive-to properties, which picked

and ability to offer tax-advantaged structures

rapid low-cost testing. We’ve seen events in

up decent leisure business.

to sellers are additional distinguishing factors.”

Southeast Asia facilitated by testing protocols,

Baltimore said Park was in active discussions

“We entered this crisis as one of the lodging

and travel authorities in the US and Europe

to sell further assets, in a bid to reduce

REITs with the lowest leverage and greatest

continue to advance the procedures that would

borrowings, but deals are not imminent. “We

balance sheet capacity and believe these remain

be put into place for bilateral market travel

thought the Covid discount was too wide – but

key attributes necessary to create meaningful

without quarantine requirements. Having said

we do believe that Covid discount is going to

long-term value in this new lodging cycle.”

this, we’re prepared for the first half of 2021 to be challenging.”

narrow, and we are cautiously optimistic that

Quizzed on the opportunity to share equity

you will see asset sales from us in the coming

investments, Risoleo commented: “I think we

“We’re spending a lot of time on looking

months. We do not, at this point, see the need

would be very open to exploring club deals and

at how we can use rapid testing platforms

for any operating partners this time, and we

JVs, off-balance sheet formats, if it makes sense

to basically create highly assured bubbles,

certainly do not see the need for a dilutive

to us. We are in a unique position where, under

environments where all the people that you

equity offering at this time.” He confirmed his

our existing credit facility waiver agreement,

interact with when you come into a venue have

commitment to large, events-driven hotels,

we can acquire up to US$1.5bn of hotels out of

been tested. And we effectively can guarantee

which he felt would deliver once more in the

existing liquidity. We were very successful in

that nobody is infectious as you walk into that

medium to long term. “More painful for us

putting together a club deal in Europe with GIC

space. And I think that’s going to make a big

today, but as we get to the other side, that

and APG, the Euro JV, where we acquired over 20

difference with respect to leisure group travel,

advantage for Park will be a huge tailwind.”

hotels as general partner, and we would be very

weddings and other gatherings, but also very

happy to do something like that again in the US,

importantly, business.”

Baltimore also had a warning for the brands. “I think we were getting out of balance right

if the opportunity presented itself.”

In Europe, asset-heavy PPHE reported it was

before Covid, and… I think this crisis is forcing a

He said the opportunities would present

cashflow positive in the third quarter, at the

reset and a wake-up call. While their businesses

themselves before too long: “A record 26%

operational level – if debt service and lease

are capital light, their businesses are also

of CMBS hotel loans were in special servicing

expenses were excluded. Total revenues of

dependent on having a really healthy ownership

in September 2020, compared with 1.9% in

GBP31.2m came from an average occupancy of

community. The owners and the franchisees

December 2019, and 70% of hotel loans are

29.8%.

have been hurt, and they’ve been hurt hard.”

either in special servicing or on special servicing

“I suspect that you will see these supply

114

feel pretty strongly about that.”

watch list according to Trepp Research.”

“Performance throughout the summer months was driven predominantly by domestic

numbers continue to reduce over the near and

Hyatt, as an operator with substantial assets,

leisure travel,” said CEO Boris Ivesha. “Whilst

intermediate timeframe. I think there’ll be

reported a net loss of US$161m for the quarter,

this demand unfortunately slowed following

less debt capital. I think you’re going to see

but CEO Mark Hoplamazian remained in high

further government restrictions imposed during

less development, and so I would respectfully

spirits, looking ahead. He pointed to a record

the second half of August and September, the

refute some of those pretty optimistic growth

tally of new openings in the quarter, while the

performance during this period is testament

scenarios the brands have. In the select-service

pipeline grew year on year by 9.8%.

to the group’s excellent customer proposition,

side, that business has become more and more

With Hyatt’s Chinese hotels performing

flexible model and readiness to capitalise on

like a commodity and newer, fresher wins.

strongly, he was also encouraged by the return

customer demand once the trading environment

So, for those older assets, I do think you see a

of corporate business – and hopeful that by

normalises.”

BUSINESS CENTRE

The group’s cash position slipped from

showing that there for every dollar spent there is a

GBP137m in June to GBP132.4m in September,

US$3 return on profit and US$10 on revenue. Travel

though PPHE has an undrawn GBP63m overdraft

makes up just 2% of operating expenses for US

facility in place. It is keeping a few properties

corporates. Risoleo said: “We continue to believe that

closed, and operating others in more restrictive,

business travel will recover in line with the broader

limited service mode.

economic recovery because of the ROI it generates for businesses.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

Risoleo was also complimentary about how

By Andrew Sangster: If you were to pick a segment

brands “get it” today. “They’re at one with us when

you would not want to be in, it is surely high-end,

it comes to understanding the challenges owners

big box hotels. But this is precisely the segment that

face,” he said.

is the focus for Host and Park, and to a lesser extent

Marriott has restructured and reduced above

Hyatt. Even PPHE, with its big full-service properties,

property shared services for sales and marketing,

is in an unenviable position.

revenue management and IT. Hyatt has reduced the

At Hyatt, the reaction has been to cut capex (it has halved to an expected US$125m in 2020) and it

fixed component of their above property IT costs by 15% and chain marketing fees by as much as 50%.

has reduced SG&A (corporate expenses) of US$320m

“Moving forward [Hyatt is] really committed to

by 25%. Owners have been offered fee reductions

making their fees more variable, so that the cost

in return for a reduced level of services and brand

is actually tied to [...] the value proposition to the

standards have been relaxed.

owner,” said Host CFO Sourav Ghosh.

Although Hyatt has 80% of its owned and leased

Host reckons that it will see between US$100m to

hotels open by the end of the third quarter, revpar

US$150m shaved off expenses from its operators. On

levels were down a symmetric 80% too on Q3 last

recovery, there will be a permanent reduction on the

year. Hyatt generated 57% of its EBITDA from fees

fixed portion of above property cost of as much as

compared to 37% 10 years ago and this proportion

10% to 20%.

is set to climb further as it sells down US$1.5bn

Less complimentary about brand companies,

of assets. Its move towards a fee-focus has not

however, was Tom Baltimore of Park. His comments

been diminished by the pandemic and it remains

reflect a widely held view that the relationship

committed to selling its earmarked assets by March

between brands and owners is out of balance.

2022.

While the brands are going to need to work harder

CEO Mark Hoplamazian did admit, however, that

on addressing some of the concerns, I think he is

“there is not a lot of price discovery going on” in

profoundly wrong in expecting growth rates of brand

what is a stalled market. Where transactions had

companies to slow. It is in the interests of owners just

taken place, discounts on 2019 prices were in the

as much as brand companies for there to be a gap

range 10% to 30%.

between what a property flagged under a big brand

Not diminished is the desire to grow the pipeline.

can generate and what a similar property under

Hyatt outshone its peers in 2019, adding 7.4% net

either no flag or a more minor brand. This brand

rooms growth, (against 6.6% for Hilton, 4.9% for

premium is at least partly a function of market power

Marriott and 3.8% for Choice). In the NUG wars, Hyatt

and bigger companies are critical to this.

has the upper-hand even if it has arguably the most

The bigger the brand premium, the bigger

vulnerable portfolio in terms of market segment. But

the amount owners and brand companies can

Hyatt’s vulnerability in the depths of the pandemic

haggle about. This is always going to be an area of

also makes it the most geared to potential upside.

contention but unless the brand premium grows,

And there is going to be an upside despite all the talk

nobody is going to be a winner.

of fundamental changes to business travel. Host was explicit about this. CEO Jim Risoleo quoted stats from a 2013 Oxford Economics report

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

115

Performance Data November 2020 (year-over-year % changes and absolute values)

Covid-19 Update: Global Hotel Performance Variance persists in hotel performance recovery as regions of the world navigate different pandemic circumstances. While some countries push closer to normal levels of performance, others are grappling with a second wave of Covid-19 and a new round of economic closures.

CANADA

Key performance metrics are slightly lower than October.

Occupancy 54.6% to 27.7% ADR 25.1% to CAD110.80 RevPAR 66.0% to CAD30.64

At the time of writing for instance, occupancy in the US, Canada and Europe was on the decline from recent months due to rising Covid-19 case counts, new restrictions and a continued lack of business and group demand that only worsened into the holidays.

USA

On the other hand, China has shown more traditional seasonal fluctuations as the country closest to pre-pandemic performance levels, and the Middle East has improved consistently in recent months with some markets even posting year-overyear growth in the metrics.

Occupancy 34.5% to 40.3% ADR 27.7% to US$90.92 RevPAR 52.6% to US$36.67

Domestic travel became the pillar on which the tourism industry stood during an unprecedented year. And while domestic sources have pushed demand, other incentives have been implemented to bring international travel into the mix for some countries. However for most markets, domestic demand cannot push full recovery on its own.

The USA shows lower performance from the month prior. As a whole, the country’s top 25 markets show even lower occupancy than the rest of the country.

PERU

Each of the three key performance metrics are up from October levels.

Occupancy 35.7% to 42.1% ADR 51.3% to PEN199.25 RevPAR 68.7% to PEN83.88

BRAZIL

The absolute occupancy and RevPAR levels are the highest in Brazil since February, while ADR is the highest since March.

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116

Occupancy 44.2% to 35.7% ADR 10.8% to BRL288.68 RevPAR 50.2% to BRL103.00

BUSINESS CENTRE

Reflecting the impact of a second lockdown, each of the three key performance metrics are down from October, and the occupancy level is the lowest since June.

Occupancy 64.6% to 27.6% ADR 42.8% to GBP54.14 RevPAR 79.8% to GBP14.92

UAE

Hotels in the UAE recorded their highest absolute occupancy level since February. Occupancy in the country has risen steadily with strong domestic demand and local carriers opening to more destinations.

GERMANY

Occupancy fell to its lowest level since May, while ADR is lower than any month in 2020.

Occupancy 32.6% to 56.0% ADR 35.0% to AED371.84 RevPAR 56.2% to AED208.27

Occupancy 80.3% to 14.8% ADR 32.4% to EUR71.64 RevPAR 86.7% to EUR10.61

CHINA

China’s key performance metrics are slightly lower than October, when the Golden Week national holiday provided a performance boost.

Occupancy 7.7% to 62.6% ADR 11.6% to CNY403.66 RevPAR 18.4% to CNY252.56

SAUDI ARABIA

Each of the three key performance metrics are up from October levels. Monthly ADR increased year-overyear for the first time since April.

Occupancy 38.7% to 34.7% ADR 5.2% to SAR498.11 RevPAR 35.5% to SAR172.70

INDIA

The occupancy level is the highest for any month in India since February, while the ADR and RevPAR levels are the highest since March.

Occupancy 50.0% to 36.4% ADR 33.7% to INR4,232.57 RevPAR 66.8% to INR1,540.21

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AHEAD

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From a playful retreat that speaks of craftsmanship, reuse and repair to an atmospheric château inspired by its hunting lodge heritage, the winners of AHEAD Europe represent the very best in hospitality experience and design for 2020. Despite the challenges the sector faced in the wake of the global pandemic, the AHEAD community gathered online to see the winners announced across 14 categories, with each entry having been discussed and deliberated by a panel of judges chaired by Stuart Adolph, Senior Vice President of Development at Sydell Group. The judging day took place via Zoom, with the panel – comprising owners, operators, architects and designers – asked to assess projects on their commercial viability, creative excellence and ability to provide a memorable guest experience. The resulting winners showcase the top new openings across the continent over the past 12 months, and come as a timely reminder of all that is great about the hospitality sector. ARCHITECTURAL GREATS For the Newbuild category, the judging panel were on the lookout for projects that are in architectural harmony with their surroundings. Beating off competition from Nhow Amsterdam RAI and Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh, Lindley Lindenburg in Frankfurt was named the winner, with Franken Architekten commended for designing a fullyglazed façade that makes the guest community a visible part of city life. In the Conversion category, it was The Standard London that impressed, with Orms and Archer Humphryes Architects receiving praise for transforming

a 1970s Brutalist building into a distinctive hotel. And triumphant in the Renovation & Restoration category was Château de Vignée in the Ardennes, which sees a respect for the existing building combined with a rich and sumptuous interior scheme designed by We Want More, who looked to honour the region’s hunting heritage. SOCIAL SPACES There may not have been much opportunity for socialising in 2020, but that didn’t stop the continent’s hotels from submitting their new F&B concepts, with Great Scotland Yard’s speakeasy-style whisky bar, fine-dining restaurant Memories at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and the popular lobby lounge at Rooms Hotel Kokhta in Georgia all in the running. Though there was plenty of debate across the judging panel, The Standard London, designed by Shawn Hausman, swept the board in the three public spaces categories. Decimo, the 10th-floor eatery headed up by Michelinstarred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, took the Restaurant accolade for its intelligent space planning and vibrant interiors, which make it equally suited to a dining set-up as a dance floor. On the ground floor, Double Standard – the hotel’s own take on a British pub – beat an all-London shortlist to win the Bar category; the Seventies-inspired interiors, easygoing vibe and hearty fare ticked all the boxes when it came to guest experience and design. And finally, The Standard’s Lobby Lounge – which combines a library, co-working desks and a recording booth – was triumphant in the Lobby & Public Spaces category having become a popular hangout for both locals and guests.

A LOVE FOR THE LANDSCAPE With a hotel’s outdoor spaces becoming increasingly important in a Covid world, The Newt in Somerset can rest easy in the knowledge that its vast gardens are now awardwinning. Owners Koos Bekker and Karen Roos, together with architect Patrice Taravella and a dedicated horticulture team, impressed judges in the Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces category. The country house gardens have been revitalised to serve both as a tourist attraction, and to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the hotel’s restaurant. Guided tours, a treetop walkway and an immersive Story of Gardening showcase are all part of the experience. Also with one eye on the landscape is Apfelhotel Torgglerhof in South Tyrol, where the new generation of owners have gradually been enhancing and expanding the property with the help of noa*. Taking home two AHEAD awards – for Guestrooms and Spa & Wellness – the farm-hotel is set amongst mountains, orchards and meadows, with interiors taking cues from the surroundings. In the new Garden rooms, judges applauded the smart layout and use of natural textures and materials, while the recently-opened spa is unique for having been built into the landscape, with the north face of the structure seamlessly blending into a green slope. MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC New hotels in the Mediterranean showcased their award-winning credentials, with three properties across Greece and Spain scooping accolades. In Mallorca, Casa Palerm – a standalone addition to an existing hotel – won the Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps

category thanks to a scheme by OHLAB that beautifully blends the indoor spaces with the outdoors; and in Halkidiki, Ekies All Senses Resort won in the Suite category following the addition of ten new suites designed by owner Alexandra Efstathiadou together with Agarch+ Architects. Here, the judges were bowled over by the less-is-more approach and emphasis on natural materials. Hopping across to the island of Crete, Domes Zeen Chania beat off competition from neighbouring finalists Cretan Malia Park and Parilio to triumph in the Resort category; the panel were particularly impressed with the warmth, charm and personality of the design, a collaboration between Lambs & Lions, K-Studio and Annabell Kutucu, calling it a standout project with a true sense of place. REUSE & REPAIR As one of the most talked-about UK hotel openings of 2020, Birch – a new venture from Chris Penn and Chris King – received praise

from the judging panel for its fresh take on the lifestyle sector. Featuring interiors by Red Deer and branding by Studio AS-CC, the Hertfordshire retreat won in the Visual Identity and New Concept categories, with judges describing it as refreshing, unexpected and fun. The design scheme was commended for its reuse-and-repair concept, which sees local collaborators come together to upcycle furniture, create handcrafted accessories and lightly restore the building’s original features. The brand identity meanwhile tells the story of the hotel’s sense of community and the wide-ranging programme of on-site activities. HOTEL OF THE YEAR And finally, AHEAD Europe’s coveted Hotel of the Year 2020 was awarded to The Standard, making for a well deserved five-trophy haul for the property. Speaking via video, Standard International CEO Amar Lalvani, commented: “It is such an honour to be here with you virtually to accept this award on behalf of

the so many talented people who worked tirelessly to bring The Standard to life over six years. We took a 1970s Brutalist town council building that was left to rot, and against all odds, brought it back to life to what I believe is one of the most magical hotels in the world.” Lalvani went on to thank those involved, including Crosstree Real Estate, Orms, Archer Humphryes Architects and Shawn Hausman, and concluded with a message of hope for the sector: “It’s been a tough year for our industry. Sadly we had to close The Standard again given the government regulations, but we opened it brilliantly the first time, we opened it brilliantly the second time, and the third time is going to be even better. What I really look forward to when we’re allowed to travel, is to welcome you all to The Standard London to see how remarkable it really is. Thank you to AHEAD for bringing our industry together and recognising the hard work that goes into creating a project like this.”

AHEAD

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MEA WINNERS WEBCAST

In a busy month of awards, the winners of AHEAD MEA were also announced. Spanning the length and breadth of the region, triumphant projects ranged from an architectural wonder in Dubai to a colonialstyle camp in Namibia, which propels guests back in time to the life of a 1920s explorer. Each of the 14 winners had been carefully assessed during a judging session chaired by Pallavi Dean, founder and Creative Director of Dubai-based studio Roar, with leaders from a wide spectrum of disciplines coming together virtually to seek out projects that are not only aesthetically impressive but also meet the needs of their clients and customers alike. Those victorious represent the pinnacle of hospitality experience and design across MEA, reinforcing that in times of crisis, innovation and creativity often flourish. LUXURY LODGES The Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category was expanded for 2020 thanks to a host of new openings across Africa, from King’s Pool in Botswana to Puku Ridge in Zambia. Taking home the trophy in a hotly-contested category was andBeyond Ngala Treehouse in South Africa, with judges praising Fox Browne Creative for an original and poetic lodge. The property also scooped the New Concept award for its sustainable approach, which judges said showcased where hospitality ought to be heading. The operator’s third accolade came in the Renovation, Restoration & Conversion category, with Namibia’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – originally opened two decades ago and recently given a top-to-toe refurbishment by Fox Browne Creative and Jack Alexander

– impressing judges with its faceted surfaces that echo the mountain scape. Namibia reigned supreme in the Visual Identity category too; Zannier Hotels Sonop struck a chord with the panel, who praised the camp’s contextually inspired branding as well as the group’s “finesse for storytelling”. IN THE CITY With its hotels often making for strong contenders, Dubai underlined its design prestige once again with several of the winners hailing from the city. Rooftop lounge St. Trop at Waldorf Astoria DIFC, which aims to bring a slice of the French Riviera to Dubai’s financial hub, was awarded best Bar, Club or Lounge after beating off competition from Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar at W Muscat, Twenty Three Rooftop Bar at Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City Dubai, and Archer Bar & Eatery at Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. LW Design’s playful style and yacht-like ambience, achieved through a combination of transformative furniture, aqua-coloured fabrics, bold patterns and ambient lighting, was appaluded for enabling the multifunctional space to double as a relaxed pool deck by day and a vibrant party bar by night. Topping the entries in the Lobby & Public Spaces meanwhile was the Lulie Fisher-designed Vida Hotel Emirates Hills, considered the perfect delivery of the client’s brief and admired for its simple and relaxing atmosphere, which marries rich, layered textures with neutral colours. Also highly regarded were the Guestrooms at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, with judges unanimously commending Stickman Tribe’s approach. The

characterisation of two eclectic guests gave rise to two room designs: Penelope, with its killer curves, daring patterns and quirky colour palette, and George, which exudes effortless luxury by embodying classical details in a contemporary fashion. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi also picked up the Restaurant prize, with Mina’s Kitchen coming out on top despite local competition from Waldorf Astoria DIFC and Four Seasons Dubai Resort, Jumeirah Beach. Stickman Tribe’s second win was celebrated for its bold aesthetic, with judges concurring that it stood out from Dubai’s crowded dining scene and has become a destination restaurant in its own right. MAGICAL MARRAKECH Another destination that shone brightly amongst the winners, and the shortlist for that matter, was Morocco and its cultural epicentre of Marrakech. The centuries-old trading hub is a place where the legacies of Europe, Africa and the Middle East meet, and the triumphant projects that call it home only go to echo that statement. Taking cues from classic Moroccan architecture, The Oberoi Marrakech – winner of best Resort Hotel – was lauded across the board for its cohesive aesthetic, from the onbrand guestrooms to the intense detailing of the public spaces and the tranquillity of the gardens, with the panel in agreement that architect Patrick Collier and interior designer Hayat Kabbaj had created a resort that ticked all the right boxes to be a success in its field. Across the city, Gil Dez was congratulated for capturing Marrakech’s colour design heritage in a playful yet glamorous way at Le Palais Ronsard – victorious in the Suite category. The

AHEAD

whimsical scheme drew the eye with intriguing interior details at every turn, enchanting the judges and leaving one begging for an invitation to stay. BIOPHILIC BEAUTY An undergrowth of biophilic design emerged as a common theme in several of the shortlisted projects, but was most prominent in the Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces and Spa & Wellness categories. The Oberoi Marrakech was one of those who encapsulated this notion, and handed the Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces trophy – notwithstanding competition from Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas in Tunisia, Palais Ronsard in Marrakech and The Farmstead at Royal Malewane in South Africa – for its 28 acres of Mediterranean orchards, fragrant citrus trees, olive groves and water features that, according to the experts, give the resort a European aesthetic of great beauty. In Johannesburg, the Amani Spa at The Houghton Hotel – triumphant in

the Spa & Wellness category – was described as an immersive and tranquil escape, just like a good spa should be. Drawing inspiration from the indigenous flora amd fauna of the region, interior consultancy Dsgn developed a colour palette that is carefully linked to the terraces outside terraces, where curvaceous pools form part of the landscape. COHESIVE CONSTRUCTION Coming out on top in the Newbuild category, despite being up against The Museum Hotel in Turkey, Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch in Johannesburg and The Social House Nairobi in Kenya, ME Dubai was commended for its consistent look and feel, from the exterior architecture to the lobby seating, guestroom washbasins and shower doors. The futuristic aesthetic, a fitting style for its location, left one judge remarking that Zaha Hadid Architects are building the cathedrals of our time, while others lauded its cohesive approach for meeting the criteria of the category perfectly.

HOTEL OF THE YEAR And then there was one. Lifting the most coveted award of the night, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – which sits poetically within Namib Rand Nature Reserve, a 12,715-hectare expanse deep in the Namib Desert – was considered a truly sustainable reuse of an existing building by the judging panel, who believed that the solar-powered lodge should set a precedent for new developments. Others hailed the respect that Fox Browne Creative and Jack Alexander’s scheme shows for Mother Earth as not only commendable but also necessary in today’s world, giving particular praise to the raw and Brutalist styling of the interiors for making the visual dynamic of the entire hotel, quite simply, breathtaking.

12 MARCH 2020

9 NOVEMBER 2020

10 JUNE 2020

16 NOVEMBER 2020

2021 DATES ANNOUNCED SOON

ORGANISED BY

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GLOBAL SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

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TROPHY SPONSOR

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EVENTS

Radical Innovation

Radical Innovation, the annual competition

to transform disused quarries into hotels – to

that seeks new ideas in hospitality design,

take home the US$10,000 prize. In a change to

WINNER ANNOUNCED

has announced Camp Sarika by Amangiri as

the usual format, the event took place online,

its grand prize winner. Created by Luxury

with the three finalists presenting their designs

Frontiers as an extension to Aman’s Utah

virtually, before an audience vote of almost 1,000

resort, the camp comprises ten pavilions that

hospitality executives determined the winner.

The USA’s first year-round luxury tented camp scoops the top prize at hospitality’s forward-looking design competition.

128

combine the touchstones of Aman luxury with

In total, over 80 entries from 20 countries

increasing guest demand for more meaningful

were submitted to this year’s Radical Innovation

and contextual experiences. Surrounded by 600

competition, with each assessed by an expert

hectares of wilderness in the heart of the desert,

panel for their design, creativity and feasibility.

the tents are made from recycled plastic bottles,

Previous winners, including Connetic by Cooper

woven to produce a soft canvas that is durable,

Carry Architects and Zoku by Concrete, have

lightweight and long-lasting, able to withstand

been a showcase for the quality of entries

the region’s extreme weather conditions.

submitted over the years, with the latter – a co-

Interiors are characterised by bespoke walnut

working/living hybrid – opening in Amsterdam

and leather furnishings, and etched timber

in 2016, a year after winning the competition.

headboards that echo the undulating landscape,

Having made its debut last Spring, Camp Sarika

while sliding doors open to a spacious outdoor

is already making an impact, inspiring travellers

deck with a fire pit and private plunge pool.

to seek out more adventurous experiences, and

Camp Sarika beat off competition from

operators to enhance their existing properties

two other finalists – Dream Pod, an airborne

in new ways. Could the industry soon see more

accommodation concept by Populous, and The

tented camps appearing across the USA?

Modern Monastery by Indidesign, which seeks

www.radicalinnovation.io

Responsibly tailor-made uniforms for contemporary hospitality.

WWW.DAYSEVEN.COM.AU

SPOTLIGHT FLOORCOVERINGS

From geometric rugs to marble mosaic tiles, new floorcovering innovations breathe life into the ground underfoot.

Salvatori Stone Parquet From innovative wall and floor textures to bathroom items and home furnishings, award-winning Italian design company Salvatori – a specialist in natural stone – fuses contemporary aesthetics with old-fashioned craftsmanship. Designed by Piero Lissoni, its Stone Parquet range is a reinterpretation of the classic wooden flooring traditionally found in historic noble buildings. The softened surface recalls the eﬀect of well-trodden floors, which bear the marks of centuries of footsteps. Whether installed in a staggered or herringbone pattern, its gentle lines create an elegant, peaceful eﬀect. The stone parquet texture is available in four stones: Bianco Carrara, Crema d’Orcia, Imperiale and Pietra d’Avola. www.salvatori.it

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1. Otto Tiles & Design Marble Mosaic

2. Topfloor by Esti Matrix

3. Malmo Senses

4. Janus et Cie Eclipse

Designed in the UK and handcrafted in Turkey from Italian and Turkish marble, the new Mosaic Marble tiles from Otto Tiles & Design are set on a flexible mesh backing for easy installation. The classically shaped, solid stone, fish scale mosaic design – also known as a fan or scallop shape – creates a distinctive and unique floor pattern and is available in a single white colour option for a neutral backdrop, or in a traditional pairing of natural marble tones. The new additions are suitable for a wide range of installations, both indoor and outdoor, while bespoke alterations and colour options are also available on request for the contract market. www.ottotiles.co.uk

Topfloor by Esti, a luxury rug and carpet atelier based at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour in London, bridges the gap between floorcoverings and artwork; its distinctive designs combine premium materials and craftsmanship with innovative techniques to create statement pieces. The rug company’s latest project, Matrix, is a partnership with Italian artist Gianluca Franzese. Based on Franzese’s artwork, the collection comprises a series of limited edition hand-knotted and hand-tufted pieces. According to Topfloor founder Esti Barnes, transposing Franzese’s geometric designs onto rugs has been “the most challenging, yet rewarding collaboration so far”. www.topfloorrugs.com

The Senses multi-width luxury vinyl tile collection by Malmo features the latest registered and embossed technology, which sees the printed design mirror surface textures to achieve the look and feel of real woodgrain. As such, the visual patterns of reclaimed flooring can be applied to the Brada designs from the range. Available in two colourways – Brada Storm and Brada Chestnut – the tiles replicate the aesthetic using random plank widths and lengths, yet offer all the convenience of easy-to-fit rigid vinyl flooring in a single plank. Malmo’s multilayer construction adds to the dimension stability and performance of the flooring too, making it durable and hardwearing. www.malmoflooring.com

Janus et Cie has introduced two new finishes to its existing Eclipse rug collection: El Nido Platinum and El Nido Wheat. The new additions are quiet and elegant, making them ideal for creating a sophisticated, serene environment. Made from 100% solution-dyed polypropylene, the rugs provide residential and commercial designers with the opportunity to create a complete look indoors and out. For more than 40 years, Janus et Cie has been an industry leader in design-driven outdoor furnishings and fabrics. The manufacturer offers a diverse catalogue of over 6,000 pieces including furniture, decorative accessories and performance textiles. www.janusetcie.com

SPOTLIGHT

1. Bolon Emerge

2. Ice International Andaz Dubai The Palm

3. Ulster Stock

4. Deidre Dyson Paper and Stone

Swedish design company Bolon has unveiled Emerge, a new flooring collection woven with weft threads in both warm and cold shades to create character and texture. Building on its existing portfolio, Bolon has come full circle with a series of neutrals; Emerge comprises one textured design in six different colours, including shades of blue, green, grey, brown and beige. Available in roll, 50x50cm tiles and as Bolon Studio tiles, the new range allows for greater individualisation and contains recycled material. It is also easy to maintain, boasts a high-performance classification – 33 heavy commercial – and comes with a 15-year warranty. www.bolon.com

Ice International specialises in creating bespoke handmade loose rugs and wall-to-wall carpets for high-end projects around the world. In collaboration with GDS and FG Stijl Amsterdam, the company designed and crafted all rugs and carpets featured at Andaz Dubai The Palm. To capture the hotel’s eclectic style, the family-run business envisioned a one-of-a-kind contemporary rug that extends from the floor over the wall up to the ceiling, using raised pile and refined loops. Elsewhere, the lobby rugs evoke a ‘basket weave’ look, while the guestrooms are equipped with easy to maintain, hand-tufted rugs made from natural New Zealand wool. www.rugs.nl

Ulster Carpets has been weaving the finest quality Axminster and Wilton carpets since 1938 and continues to demonstrate the required flair and flexibility to meet the specific needs of the hospitality industry. As such, its Stock collection is suitable for projects that require a faster turnaround than the bespoke service. Created specifically for the contract market, the diversity of the range means there are extensive colour and design options to choose from. Combining the skills of its trusted artisans with innovative weaving technology means that Ulster can offer this higher degree of design intricacy and an enhanced colour spectrum. www.ulstercarpets.com

Inspired by two everyday materials, Paper and Stone focuses on the ‘beauty of simplicity’. Having previously explored paper in the past, Deirdre Dyson has rediscovered ways to manipulate the material with an emphasis on form, texture, light and shade, using a subdued colour palette. The collection features seven Paper carpets including Fold Out, reminiscent of childhood pastimes with a paper-chain design, and three Stone themed wall hangings such as Blue Stone, which is crafted entirely in silk with wool grouting. Handwoven using Tibetan wool and pure silk, each carpet is bespoke and can be made to order in a variety of shapes and sizes – fitted or freestanding. www.deidredyson.com

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SPOTLIGHT

134

1. Fameed Khalique Semiprecious Stones

2. Gan Thay and Modica

3. Loloey Kelly Hoppen

Comprising precious stones, resin and glass all available in a wide range of finishes, Fameed Khalique’s Semiprecious collection is a testament to the company’s sourcing ability and the creative flair of its clients. Available as solid surfaces or veneered onto a variety of substrates, the selection of handcrafted mosaics and tiles features over 50 varieties in numerous styles and sizes including agate, amethyst and quartz. A specialist in manufacturing unique surface materials for the hospitality and marine industries, Fameed Khalique also offers a bespoke service from its headquarters in London, which allows the brand to match or source materials and solve design difficulties. www.fameedkhalique.com

Gan has partnered with longstanding collaborator Maria Mengual on two new kilim rugs: Thay and Modica. Geometry, shape repetition and neutral colours are combined in Thay, a design that evokes the motifs typical of Thai textiles and reinterprets the lines of traditional Persian kilims. Alternatively, taking inspiration from street tiles as an aesthetic reference, Modica presents a contemporary and abstract composition based on the apparently random reproduction of basic forms. Made entirely from wool, both models are reversible and come in three sizes, while two colourways – taupe and grey, and blue and grey – afford designers greater creative freedom. www.gan-rugs.com

World renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE has joined forces with Italian rug and carpet specialists Loloey to create a collection of hand-tufted and textured rugs. Showcasing the designer’s award-winning ‘east meets west’ style as well as her passion for neutrals and dynamic surfaces, the range combines luxurious materials and textures such as silk, linen, merino wool and metallic yarn. The resulting collection comprises 20 unique designs inspired by Asia, nature, geometric and linear shapes, each of which is characterised by pared back shades and accents of gold and silver. One of the standout pieces in the series is Brushstroke 02, an abstract modern carpet featuring shadowed strokes and intersecting blocks. “This collection is exquisite and I am so proud of what Loloey and I have created together,” says Hoppen of her latest foray into the world of fabrics. “Each of the designs balance colour, texture and materials so beautifully. I’m excited for people to discover that rugs can be more than something lying underfoot and can make a real design statement, bringing a touch of luxury to a space.” Established in Milan in 1963, Loloey provides rugs and carpets for the contract, hospitality and residential sectors. With over half a century of experience in the industry, the company is esteemed for its extensive collection of techniques and materials. www.loloey.com

Silhouette Outdoor 100% Recycled PET

Silhouette The new Indoor and Outdoor rug design by Jaime Hayon

Quick ship for standard products and tailor made solutions available. nanimarquina.com sleeper_gener.indd 1

7/1/21 15:45

SPOTLIGHT

136

1. Creative Matters Four Seasons Resort Whistler

2. Limited Edition Fearless Living

3. Ferreira de Sá Vila Foz Hotel & Spa

4. La Manufacture Cogolin Botanical

For more than 25 years, Creative Matters has produced floorcoverings for hotels around the world. Most recently, the Toronto-based company devised a variety of carpets for Four Seasons Resort Whistler. Understanding how to balance the needs for luxury, wear, cost, scale and personality, the Canadian design studio selected the Axminster style for the hotel’s ballroom, meeting rooms, events corridors and guest walkways, while nylon broadloom was used in the guestrooms. Bath mats were also handwoven and the guestroom entry rugs were hand-loomed, while the lobby and private suites were outfitted with handtufted carpets for a touch of luxury. www.creativemattersinc.com

In a bid to transcend the boundaries of modern flooring and strengthen alternative approaches to design, Limited Edition has launched Studio Limited Edition. Fearless Living, the first of many collaborations with artists and creatives under the new concept, has seen Belgian interior designer Jean-Philippe Demeyer create a tufted carpet with an imaginative pattern, which breaks through the boundaries of classical design while simultaneously giving a nod to the old world. Available in Cloud Blue, Pistachio and Silver Pink, the carpet features various eyes – a recurring symbol in Demeyer’s work associated with fear, misfortune and protection against evil. www.le.be

Founded in 1946, Ferreira de Sá is one of the oldest and largest existing handmade rug manufacturers in Europe. Offering three different production techniques – hand-tufting, hand-knotting and hand-weaving – all Ferreira de Sá carpets are bespoke according to each client’s request and desire. One such client is Vila Foz Hotel & Spa in Porto, for whom the luxury rugmaker recently produced bespoke tapestries. Displayed in the guestrooms and bar, as well as the Vila Foz Restaurant, the yellow, green and brown pastel tones complement the hotel’s interiors by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva, which combine history and modernism. www.ferreiradesa.com

La Manufacture Cogolin has introduced Botanical, a new series of hand-knotted rugs created in collaboration with Tim Simpson and Sarah van Gaeren, co-founders of London-based design agency Glithero. Handmade from silk, wool and linen, the collection depicts pressed flowers composed into intricate designs. The patterns are influenced by the Millefleur tapestries of the early Renaissance, while the background colour gradients reference the botanical photographs of 19th century botanist and photographer Anna Atkins. Available in four colourways – Blue, Moss, Corn and Copper – the range is designed to evoke the atmosphere of the natural world. www.manufacturecogolin.com

SPOTLIGHT

138

1. Egger Pro Flooring 2021+

2. Tarkett iQ Natural

3. Nanimarquina Telares

Building on the success of Egger’s current offering, the Pro Flooring Collection 2021+ features upgraded products, on-trend decors and realistic textures. Designed to meet the demands of both residential and commercial interiors, the wood-based collection comprises Laminate, Comfort and Design GreenTec flooring variations; each features bespoke benefits that contribute towards a safe, long-lasting, comfortable yet functional floor. The range will also use the brand’s new flexible installation system, Clic it!, which offers three installation methods as well as enhanced protection from moisture, whether that be for woodgrains, marble or terrazzo decors. www.egger.com

Demonstrating Tarkett’s commitment to sustainable innovation, iQ Natural is eco-designed to replace fossil-based raw materials by biomass, made to last for decades and recyclable at the end of its life. The collection substitutes 100% of fossil-sourced vinyl with bioattributed vinyl, Biovyn, recognised by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials. Available in 35 colours with a subtle blend of tone-on-tone hues and neutrals inspired by outdoor atmospheres, iQ Natural provides architects, designers and property owners with a flooring solution that boasts a greenhouse gas emission reduction of more than 50%, compared to average homogeneous vinyl floors. www.tarkett.com

By combining the techniques used in kilims and typical dhurries, Nanimarquina has created a unique rhythm and set of textures through the variation and pressure of fibres. The changes in pattern, which are born from the tension applied between weft and warp, embody the insistent trial-and-error process from which such designs arise. Following considerable groundwork and prototyping to find the desired texture, the manufacturer has created Telares, a new handwoven rug made from Afghan wool. Telares is a looser kilim of curved shapes with curled fringes, rather than the geometric and rectilinear formations of traditional kilims. Both the irregularities of the wool employed and the rug’s rustic appearance allow users to appreciate the authenticity of craftsmanship. Available in five colours – ebony, carmine, pine, indigo and fog – each model features a range of contrasts thanks to the combination of Afghan wool’s natural characteristics and a juxtaposing tone. Established in 1987, the family-owned Spanish brand is considered one of the pioneers in the field of contemporary rug design; the firm is on a constant search for new handcrafted techniques and materials. By working with both local and international designers, the Barcelona-based company ensures a diversity of themes and experimentation with various textures, materials and shapes among its products. www.nanimarquina.com

Creative Matters. Carpets for the real world.

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CREATIVE MATTERS INC. 532 ANNETTE STREET, TORONTO, CANADA M6S 2C2 T 416.934.9771 WWW.CREATIVEMATTERSINC.COM

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SPOTLIGHT

A New Way of Thinking Having rebranded in the midst of a pandemic, Canadian furniture manufacturer Credible Group has set its sights on international expansion while conserving its legacy of craftsmanship. Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Ken Hayden

n 1996, Anthony Marcucci had a vision to

seven-Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, for

When we collaborate with owners, operators or

create extraordinary furniture pieces that were

which the manufacturer created custom pieces

designers, they count on our expertise to make

built to last. His journey began from humble

by utilising special dyes, textures and high-end

certain that everything happens on time, on

beginnings in his parent’s garage, where he

finishes, all inspired by Art Deco – a nod to

budget and in line with their vision.”

would sketch, craft and sew bespoke pieces to his

the city’s golden era. Tasked with meeting both

To be able to better compete globally, the

heart’s content. 25 years on, Marcucci has seen

Brudnizki’s and Keller’s meticulous standards,

company is also exploring the use of AI, which

Credible Group grow into a market leader with

Marcucci was also up against the clock to get

will allow for total control on production and

hundreds of designers and artisans, each with a

the job finished on time. “I got a call from the

ensure that every one of its pieces leaving

hand in constructing casegoods and seating at

studio director, who said that the restaurant was

the factory is identical. “We’re looking at

his company’s 100,000ft2 manufacturing facility

opening in less than 40 days, but the furniture

automating to the point where most of our

in Concord, Toronto.

had arrived and it wasn’t to their liking,” he

company will be fully AI-integrated by 2025,”

“We’re in an industry, or a community if

recalls. Within 35 days, Marcucci had sourced

says Marcucci, who is quick to emphasise

you like, that’s all about relationships,” says

bespoke leather from Italy, flown it to Toronto

the role his skilled artisans will continue

the self-taught furniture-maker, who credits

to recreate the pieces at the factory, and sent

play, enabling the furniture-maker to carry

his business’ reputation to the strength of

the finished products to Miami in the hope that

on producing bespoke pieces in a variety of

partnerships he has built over the years, citing

they would fit the existing millwork. They did,

finishing options. “For our artisans, this would

an inherent desire to go “above and beyond” as

and Marcucci continues to be thanked for his

mean that we wouldn’t need them to make

a key factor to Credible Group’s success.

dedication to this day.

1,000 of these and 1,000 of those. What we’d

This trademark ethos has remained ever-

Having firmly established itself in North

need is for them to make one.” Larocque agrees,

present in each of the brand’s 15,000 projects,

America, Credible Group has now begun to

adding that instead of simply replacing workers

with a highly tailored service ensuring that

look across the pond to Europe and beyond,

with technology, the group will look to harness

the vision, requirements and timeline of every

with Marcucci bringing in former Four Seasons

the “dying art of craft” going forward so that

client, whether that be operators such as

Executive Isabelle Larocque as his new Vice

each piece comes out “exactly as inspired”.

Belmond, Soho House and The Ritz-Carlton

President of Design & Project Management

On whether he has achieved the goals he set

– the latter entrusted the Credible team with

to provide a fresh perspective, co-steer the

himself upon founding the business a quarter

adorning its Toronto outpost in rich walnut

rebrand and help the company to enter new

century ago, Marcucci suggests that as the

casegoods – or acclaimed interior designers like

and emerging regions using her wide-ranging

industry has evolves, so too do his targets: “The

David Rockwell, Yabu Pushelberg and Martin

network of hospitality contacts.

pandemic gave me an opportunity to reflect on

“Every project we work on needs to elevate

where I came from, where I am and where I

“We do various projects for Martin Brudnizki

its environment and offer guests a unique

need to go. I see it taking us to new heights, it’s

and he really sees the value in what we do,”

experience,” says Larocque. “Regardless of

just a matter of mindset and perception.” With

Marcucci explains. One notable example is The

whether it’s a two-star or a five-star property,

that kind of mentality, the world is his oyster.

Surf Club Restaurant in Florida, helmed by

we need to think outside of the box and step-up.

www.crediblegroup.com

Brudnizki, are met with aplomb.

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SPECIFIER

HMD Interiors Bolacha Lamp Balancing the robustness of solid timber with the soft lines of metal, HMD’s Bolacha lamp is characterised by a cookie-shaped shade and comes in three colours – gold, silver and matte black. Crafted from stained ash and aluminium, the lamp uses touch-activated LED technology to offer five different light intensities. Bolacha is also completely wireless and can be recharged by USB cable, available with a single or multiple piece that can charge up to five lamps at a time. “I wanted to create a light from wood,” says Mónica Hedderich, owner and designer at HMD. “The main aspect was always the wood, so I imagined this ‘bolacha’ – Portuguese for cookie – from solid timber. From there, the structure started to appear as a way to make it the star of the piece.” www.hmd-interiors.com

Sanipex UK Slab Tiles Sanipex Group now offers hundreds of indoor and outdoor tiles, from concrete and terrazzo effects to metal and marble. Lightweight, durable and versatile, the slabs allow designers to create seamless walls or build bespoke solutions like basins or kitchen islands, bringing a luxurious look and feel to hospitality environments. The Alpine range offers ready-made solutions together with a profusion of finishing options, while the Boutique collection comes in both polished and matte styles including Bloom Shine, Onice Fantastico, Amani Gray and Slab Calacatta Oro. www.sanipexgroup.com

Marset Dipping Light Marset’s Dipping Light – envisioned by Spanish designer Jordi Canudas – is now available in portable, suspension and wall versions, while a new table lamp size measuring 20cm has been launched to bridge the gap between its existing small and large versions. The suspension Dipping Light comes in three variations – with 12.5, 20 and 30cm diameters – and six finishes; the handblown glossy white glass lamp is ‘dipped’ in layers of paint, from green to blue to amber, during the manufacturing process. A polycarbonate cover at the top rounds out the spherical shape, while Marset’s Cluster accessory allows designers to connect several suspension lamps into a single point of light, helping to illuminate larger spaces and create striking compositions. www.marset.com

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SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Hi-Macs Moxy Lisboa Oriente

Hi-Macs, supplied by Banema, has been selected by architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan as the material of choice for the reception area and guest bathrooms at Portugal’s first Moxy hotel, set to open in the heart of Lisbon’s Parque das Nações neighbourhood this year. In keeping with the millennial-focused brand’s ethos to combine stylish design and approachable service at an affordable price point, the interiors look to create a memorable guest experience by placing a particular emphasis on the lobby area, regarded as the beating heart of the hotel and frequented by locals and travellers in equal measure. Here, the U-shaped dual height reception desk and bar – which provides both seating and standing areas – draws the eye immediately with its contemporary geometric tiles, which reference traditional Portuguese patterns and are topped with Hi-Macs in the solid Marta Grey colourway. The sleek countertop offers a sense of calm amidst an explosion of shapes and colours, meaning

guests can collect their keys in peace after a long journey before enjoying a drink and relaxing on the lobby’s sofas or hanging chairs, which are set around a feature island fireplace. By contrast, the hotel’s 222 guestrooms upstairs are elegant and subdued. The glossy bathroom counter, made from Hi-Macs in the classic Alpine White colourway, features an integrated rectangular basin that is seamlessly joined to the countertop, meaning there are no grooves for dirt and germs to hide, while a milled hand towel holder further exudes grandeur in these sanctuaries of calm. Outside, the podium of the property is wrapped in a façade of vertical columns, which provide both a screen to shade the lobby and car park while also projecting a constantly changing lined shadow that animates the space as the sun moves around the building. Thanks to its extremely hygienic and easyto-clean nature, Hi-Macs is ideal for high traffic areas like lobbies, while its durability means it can be used for exterior elements too. www.himacs.eu

SPECIFIER

Lasvit Icons Czech lighting manufacturer Lasvit has unveiled Icons, a curated selection of its bespoke designs in ready-to-order pieces. The collection comprises five styles – Herbarium, Dancing Leaves, Alice, Midsummer and Cipher – each with its own author, design approach, glassmaking technique and aesthetic. Herbarium reflects the brand’s Bohemian nature and distinctive style, while Alice became iconic for the delicate fragility of its glass flower. Dancing Leaves reflects an alley of plane trees in front of the Peninsula hotel in Paris; Midsummer is a symbiosis of metal and glass; and Cipher – first developed as a chandelier by Yabu Pushelberg – fuses glass and metal dots and dashes. www.lasvit.com

Sklo Float Vessels Designed to embody the simplest expression of glassblowing, the spherical Float Vessels by Sklo are blown without the use of moulds and are intentionally imperfect in their shape. The piece is dipped twice in molten glass to create a rippling layered effect, before being broken by the glassblower’s pipe while still hot, and then flame-polished to a smooth finish. Ranging in diameter from 15-51cm, the vessels are available in five sizes and multiple colour palettes. “Glass offers unparalleled opportunities for expressing colour,” says Design Partner, Karen Gilbert. “Yet colour as it has been traditionally used in glass can be unsophisticated, even gaudy. We like colours that tell a different story about glass.” www.sklo.com

Gubi Stay Lounge Chair Gubi has introduced its Stay lounge chair with a higher back, providing extra comfort for users while making a bold statement with its upright yet rounded form. Designed by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou of Danish studio Space Copenhagen, the chair evokes a singular continuous pencil line wrapping around a solid texture, creating a sense of volume and opulence by way of soft edges and plush solidity. Fully upholstered with a black base, the new addition joins the brand’s wider Stay collection, which is characterised by sculptural and organic shapes and provides interior settings with a contemporary look and feel. It can also be combined with an ottoman for optimal relaxation. www.gubi.com

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tableplacechairs.com +44(0)0330 1222 117

TABLE PLACE CHAIRS

The Banking Hall, 74 Goswell Road Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 7DA

The Banking Hall, our new Flagship showroom located in the heart of Clerkenwell. A space designed to embrace the idea of ‘comfort away from home’ in the bustling city of London. Each visit is tailored to fit you, giving you full access to try our furniture, utilise our specifications room and even explore the old vaults if you’d like! Look out for the icons in the window - pop in and say hello!

SPECIFIER

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COLLABORATION

CASE STUDY

RH Alison Berger

Thonet Stilwerk Hotel Heimhude

After 20 years of creating bespoke pieces in her Los Angelesbased atelier, glass artist Alison Berger has teamed up with RH to design four exclusive collections. Inspired by elements found in nature, each range – Rain, Fulcrum, Pearl and Ice Table – comes in a multitude of finishes and styles, including lighting pieces such as single, double or triple sconces, pendants, lamps for the table and floor, and round and linear chandeliers. Engaging the viewer in an ever-changing pattern of expansion and compression – much like the rhythm of a rainstorm itself – the Rain collection is suspended from slim black cords and features drops of handblown glass that encase the bulbs, creating the illusion of underwater illumination, while Fulcrum blurs the lines between lighting and sculpture, drawing inspiration from antique scales and other instruments of measure. The latter sees cloches and spheres of handblown glass suspended from metal frames, with each piece acting as a radiant focal point and a potent symbol of balance. Elsewhere, Pearl takes cues from the inciso technique developed by Venetian glass makers; its glass pearls are carved with intricate grooves to create shimmering layers of light. Completing the quartet, the Ice Table collection features a sculptural metal base that elevates a slab of glass as thick and rippled as a block of ice, inviting light to pass through it and skim its surface, transforming it throughout the day. Available in three finishes as a round or square piece, each table is one of a kind due to hand-casting and the fluidity of molten glass. www.rh.com

German furniture manufacturer Thonet has supplied a number of its Sebastian Herkner-designed 118 chairs to Stilwerk Hotel Heimhude in Hamburg. The picturesque Art Nouveau villa, which is over 150 years old yet possesses a timeless charm, was equipped with the seating in its meeting room as well as its Living Kitchen, which functions as a reception area during the day and a bar come evening. Stained black and with a seat made from wickerwork, the elegant wooden chairs provide comfort and a calm atmosphere in the meeting room, while their minimal style is combined with benches in a warm sunny yellow in the Living Kitchen. “Our concept focus is on bringing to life a variety of highquality manufacturers who are based and produce in Europe. Of course, the traditional Thonet brand should not be missing,” say the creative team around Stilwerk’s owner Alexander Garbe and Managing Director Tatjana Groß. “Specifically, we were looking for a classic chair with a strong character, which – like our Art Nouveau villa – is interpreted in a contemporary way and thus brings together old and new in a wonderful symbiosis. The modern coffee house-style of the 118 chairs fits perfectly with the original mosaic floor tiles from the Wilhelminian period, which we discovered in our Living Kitchen during the renovation and restored with great attention to detail. We were also immediately taken with the filigree wickerwork of the chair. No wonder, because natural, handcrafted materials are a design theme throughout the hotel.” www.thonet.de

Luxury Hotel Collection

Since 1924, Sleepeezee is proud to have been working in partnership with world-class hotels to find the perfect sleep experience for their guests. www.sleepeezee.com/contract contract@sleepeezee.com E V E R Y T H I N G’S E A S Y W H E N YO U S L E E P E E Z E E

SPECIFIER

Vincent Sheppard David Collection Belgian manufacturer Vincent Sheppard has unveiled the David Collection, a new range of outdoor furniture comprising a lounge chair, lounge sofa, side table, coffee table, dining chair and dining table. Reinterpreting the look and feel of classic teak pieces, the series features a muted grey wash that provides a light and contemporary aesthetic, which is enhanced by sleek and elegant legs. Woven backs and rope details in soft earthy tones further match the solid teak frame and add a sense of tactility. The collection’s refined silhouette is balanced by outdoor cushions for added comfort. Made from quick-dry foam, they are available in a variety of high-quality fabrics. www.vincentsheppard.com

Hector Finch Clio Wall Lantern The Clio Wall Lantern is the latest addition to the range of outdoor wall lanterns synonymous with the Hector Finch brand, joining popular models such as Hermes, Etna, Zeus, Olympic and Sir John Soane in the portfolio. Offered in small and large versions, Clio features a rounded top and is designed to be used in both traditional and contemporary schemes. It is available in zinc, antique brass and black finishes, and is IP44 rated as standard. www.hectorfinch.com

KE Outdoor Design KE Cool & Safe KE Outdoor Design has launched an integrated misting system for two of the pergola models in its Gennius range. Available for the bioclimatic Kedry Prime and Isola 3 with low roof, KE Cool & Safe pressurises water by means of a high-pressure pumping system, creating an ultra-fine mist that allows for a drop in temperature in the selected area. The product can also sanitise rooms and surfaces – as well as the pergola itself if equipped with side closings – by using a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide, while adding oils such as lemongrass will help keep mosquitoes away during the summer months. www.keoutdoordesign.com

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24th August 2021 Villa Copenhagen - Denmark Book your ticket and get more info at www.thelobbycph.com

“Best hotel conference we’ve ever attended. Great speakers, informal, genuine vibe and lovely organizers.” Hans Meyer, Founder of Zoku and Former Founder of CitizenM

SPEAKERS INCLUDE: