Designing for calm and tranquillity at sea

Kelly Hoppen, CBE speaks exclusively to European Spa about the cutting-edge interior design onboard Celebrity Beyond

With 40 years’ experience in the design industry, Kelly Hoppen, CBE is one of the most acclaimed interior designers in the world. Her successful commercial projects include hotels, bars and restaurants around the globe.

Working with Celebrity Cruises, Hoppen brought her unique sense of style to The Retreat and all of the suites on the company’s first Edge-series ships, and on Celebrity Beyond she has reimagined these along with the main pool area and the spa.

We talked to her about how the impactful design concept for the spa enhances its connection with passengers.

Kelly Hoppen, CBE

What was the design brief for the spa onboard Celebrity Beyond? Next-level wellness; total relaxation; connection to the outdoors. We also wanted to continue the design narrative of Edge and Apex, with their calming neutral tones and carefully balanced interiors.

How did you realise the concept? We’ve maximised the use of natural light throughout the spa with floor-to-ceiling sloped windows, so there’s a real feeling of openness in there. I also wove plants into the fittings and around the space, as well as organic forms and welcoming textures such as the pebble-patterned flooring in the Float Room, to enhance that connection to nature and the serenity that flows with it.

What were the key materials used to complete the project? Beautiful veneers and mosaic tiles were used throughout – all perfectly balanced together and enhanced by rich marble and lacquer tones.

Can you explain the story behind the hanging sculpture in the spa reception? I just wanted something ‘wow’ and impactful, but elegant and serene at the same time to

greet people when they enter the space. The idea was to have floating ceramic petals that cascade down above my circular lacquered hall table. I wanted to make sure that the design kept with the idea of nature and maintained that connection between the outside of the ship and the inside of the spa.

Why is it important to connect guests with the ocean onboard the spa? Having that enhanced connection with the ocean and the sky is the embodiment of calm for most of us, so having the water just outside the window was the ultimate gift when designing the spa. It’s the perfect opportunity for mindful reflection and gratitude after a relaxing treatment. The calming balance of the sea evokes thoughts of escapism. www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com