Sleeper 106

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

AETHOS – ERICEIRA • BARANOWITZ + KRONENBERG • THE RITZ-CARLTON NOMAD – NEW YORK

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HOTEL REVIEWS

The Ritz-Carlton NoMad 056 New York

Aethos 064 Ericeira

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi 070 Dubai

Mandarin Oriental Palace 078 Lucerne Capelongue 083 Bonnieux

&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge 088 Tanzania

The Other House 095 London Rezydent MGallery 100 Sopot

The Pavilions, The First Musica 105 Rome FEATURES

Meeting... Baranowitz + Kronenberg 036

Having designed for a wide range of hospitality settings over the past two decades, Tel Aviv-based architects Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg reveal how storytelling and a focus on people have been key to their success.

Meeting... Ruby Hotels 042 As Ruby Hotels prepares to launch a new property in London’s Notting Hill, Head of Design Matthew Balon discusses his love for delving into local history and culture to create hotels with a tale to tell.

Six Senses Ibiza, Spain Winner of two AHEAD Europe Awards (2021)

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INTERCONTINENTAL LYON – HOTEL DIEU. FRANCE

Studio Jean Philippe Nuel.

Turning Point

2022 marked a turning point for the hospitality industry. It was the year of recovery for many: increased leisure demand saw more heads in beds and restaurants and bars were bustling once again, resulting in performance returning to 2019 levels for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.

Though there are undoubtedly challenges ahead, the uptick in performance is bringing renewed confidence to the sector. Deals are being inked, architects and designers are sharpening their pencils, and manufacturers are making new collections as fast as their production lines can manage.

2022 was a big year for Sleeper Media too, with a return to business for all activities across the portfolio as well as new ventures. The print magazine has gone from strength to strength, and following a full cleanse and continual update of our database, we can more confident than ever that it is being delivered to a targeted readership of leaders and decision-makers actively working on new hotel developments worldwide. Our online community has also grown, with the digital issue and website attracting record numbers, peaking at 36,000 page views in March. On social platforms, the number of Instagram followers is fast approaching the 20,000-mark and our LinkedIn audience has doubled over the past 12 months, with posts collectively averaging 75,000 monthly impressions and an engagement rate well above the benchmark.

Across the wider Sleeper Media portfolio, Starboard – the magazine for style in travel – has gathered pace once again thanks to the new concepts coming to the seas and skies, and Supper continues to serve up the most compelling F&B openings from across the hotel sector.

On the events side, 2022 was the first time since the

pandemic that all four AHEAD award ceremonies took place in person, with gatherings in Singapore, New York, Dubai and London, celebrating the best in hospitality experience and design. The year also marked the launch of Sleeper Sessions – a new style of meetings-driven events connecting specifiers and suppliers – which debuted to a rapturous response.

And finally, in the closing weeks of 2022, we announced the acquisition of Top Hotel Projects, the online database of in-progress hotel projects. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working closely with the core team in Germany to reposition the platform under a new brand identity of THP, and the coming months will see the roll-out of various enhancements.

The acquisition not only cements our position as the market-leading media company for hospitality design and development, it means that we can now track a project from planning, through design, build and fit-out to completion; from the initial signing and input into the THP database, to featuring in the pages of Sleeper and being entered into AHEAD. The combination of digital, print and events will provide our entire community with a full-spectrum media offer to support and enhance activities; at a time of increased competiton for all businesses, finding the right partner is key. If you would like to find out more about working with Sleeper Media, please don’t hesitate to contact the team. As always, we appreciate your support and wish you a prosperous 2023.

Martin • Managing Editor

ON THE COVER Aethos, Ericeira © Pion Studio

Catherine

070 Clint Nagata

“Through the notion of storytelling, the owners wanted to create something fresh both for Dubai and the W brand,” says Clint Nagata, founder and Creative Partner at Blink Design Group, on the inspiration for W Dubai –Mina Seyahi. Working alongside Stickman Tribe to bring tales of Arabia to Dubai’s ancient port district, Nagata and his team paid homage to traditional dhow boats in the guestrooms, and drew from the mythical landscapes and creatures in One Thousand and One Nights for the spa.

064 Benjamin Habbel and Jeff Coe

When entrepreneurs Benjamin Habbel and Jeff Coe decided to create a high-end hotel in the Portuguese town of Ericeira, they weren’t after the typical surfing crowd, but rather those that appreciated – and could afford – a more refined experience after their session on the open water. So, they turned to native architect Luis Pedra Silva and interior designer Ala Zreigat to create Aethos, a laid-back yet elevated resort that captures the textures, diversity and spirit of its coastal surroundings.

095 Marie Soliman

As co-founder of Bergman Design House, Marie Soliman is accustomed to working with to limitless budgets on luxury residential and superyacht projects. But she’s adept at spending effectively too, as proven by the interiors of The Other House, a new residents’ club developed by Naomi Heaton. “I think what Naomi liked about our proposal was that we understood the budget – where to spend the money and how to make an impact through colour, texture and pattern,” she explains.

048 Ruud Belmans

“We felt it would be nice if the bar could literally be grown for the event,” says Ruud Belmans, co-founder of Antwerp-based design firm WeWantMore, which collaborated with organic material artist Côme Di Meglio and creative agency La Succulente to construct a mycelium bar at HIX. Taking cues from the shapes and textures of shells, the bar highlighted the potential of the root-like fungus while showcasing the future of sustainable design, illustrating how nature can be inspirational both aesthetically and structurally.

© Alison Emerick

© Francisco Nogueira

FRONT DESK

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Managing Editor

Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Assistant Editor Ben Thomas b.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Eleanor Howard e.howard@mondiale.co.uk

Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich

ADVERTISING

Business Development

Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Business Development

Charlotte Gowing c.gowing@mondiale.co.uk

DESIGN

Design Manager

David Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Production

Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

EVENTS & MARKETING

Commercial Lead

Kirsty Studholme k.studholme@mondiale.co.uk

Content & Research Olivia Mavers o.mavers@mondiale.co.uk

Data & Marketing Lauren Blain l.blain@mondiale.co.uk

Subscriptions enquiry@sleeper.media

FINANCE

Finance Director

Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Group Financial Controller

Sarah Healey s.healey@mondiale.co.uk

Group Credit Controller

Lynette Levi l.levi@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Assistant Kerry Mountney k.mountney@mondiale.co.uk

CORPORATE

Chairman

Damian Walsh

Annual subscription (6 issues): £120.00. Subscription records maintained at Sleeper Media. Sleeper (ISSN: 1476-4075 / USPS: 21550) is published bi-monthly by Mondiale Media Ltd and is distributed in the USA by RRD/Spatial. Pending periodicals postage paid at South Hackensack, NJ. Send USA address changes to Sleeper, c/o RRD, 1250 Valley Brook Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA. Mailed by Spatial Global • Printed by Buxton Press

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POWERED BY

PORTFOLIO

© Alexander Jordan

CHECK-IN

Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́

Escaping his busy city life in London, the founder and Creative Director of Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co journeys to East Africa for a fantasy break amidst nature.

Where are you?

On a safari beach retreat in Kenya.

How did you get there?

I sailed from Southampton to South Africa on a cruise ship, before stepping aboard a private yacht for the final stretch to Nairobi.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

I’m greeted by Sharan Pasricha of Ennismore and a Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

Nick Jones, founder of Soho House, is at the concierge desk ready to walk us through the resort and share his experiences.

Who are you sharing your room with?

My wife, Blessing.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?

Just the essentials – perfectly ironed, fresh linen bedding, a bouquet of Annabelle hydrangeas and a tropical fruit platter, as well as a Trudon Classic Reed Diffuser to create a warm and inviting sensory ambience.

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

Located on Kenya’s tropical coast in the Serengeti National Park, the hotel is characterised by organic textures and finishes. A host escorts us to our standalone villa, where a doubleheight room features a neutral and moody palette with dark timber, leather and bronze detailing. There’s a custom upholstered bed and bespoke, locally crafted furniture. The views are spectacular from dusk till dawn; in the scorched savannah, big cats, elephants and giraffes roam free among ancient baobab and acacia trees.

Who designed it?

We designed the interiors in collaboration with Adjaye Associates, founded by Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye OM OBE.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Effortlessly balancing the natural setting with luxurious comforts and modern amenities, the restaurant and bar are inspired by the region’s diverse culture, the soothing colours of nature, and local materials. The enchanting exterior is composed of timber beams and a thatched roof, while the elegant and authentic interiors have been designed for a variety of dining experiences with custom furniture by native artisans. From every seat, there are panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Who are you dining with this evening?

Blessing and I are dining with architect and interior designer Paul Dupré-Lafon, sharing his love for Cubism and functional forms of furniture with multiple finishes.

Who’s manning the stoves?

American chef, restaurateur and author Thomas Keller. He has established a new paradigm in hospitality and is cooking up a storm.

And what’s on the menu?

Fresh seafood that the local fishermen bring to the shore from their catch of the day.

Would you like something to drink with that?

A glass of 2014 The Sadie Family Palladius White from Swartland, South Africa.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap? An assortment of Nespresso pods.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

The Purpose Driven Life by American author Rick Warren and a remote to control lighting, music and temperature – I’m not getting up.

Would you like a newspaper in the morning? No, thank you. I prefer to practice mindfulness and meditation in the morning.

What toiletries would you like to freshen-up? Tom Ford please.

Early morning alarm call or late check-out? Late check-out.

Bath or power shower? Power shower.

Full English or continental breakfast? Continental with African flavours.

NOTABLE HOTEL PROJECTS

Waldorf Astoria, Doha; London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square; MSC Grandiosa www.adeko.co

DRAWING BOARD

Ulvsnesøy Island

NORWAY

London-based interiors firm Nous Design has unveiled plans for a new mixed-use island resort in the West Norwegian fjords. Nestled between Osterøy’s steep mountain crevasses, the ultra-sustainable development comprises a luxury hotel, spa and residences, combining the old buildings at the centre of the isle with a series of modern standalone villas. The newly developed structures will be contemporary in their aesthetic yet take their inspiration from traditional Norwegian boat houses called Nausts, which Nous Design founder Nir Gilad describes as “extremely practical cabins” for storing vessels as well as sailing and fishing equipment. “The marine proximity and iconic look of the Nausts form beautiful and scenic settings throughout West Norway’s coastline,” he explains. “The boat houses inspired us to develop a unique offering of a modern-day fisherman’s village that feel as if it has organically developed over time.”

Facilities will include several restaurants, a spa with cliff-edge outdoor infinity pools, an events space and a gym. There are also plans to incorporate boat huts that will be used as workshops, such as a smokery, art studio and music room, the idea being to build a community. As it stands, the little-known island is home only to a small herd of mountain goats. “Over the past 140 years, Ulvsnesøy has been kept away from the public eye as it served as a rehabilitation centre for wayward teenagers,” says Gilad, who adds that it was once referred to as ‘bad boy’s island’. “After centurieslong insulation, the area is finally opening up to the public, incorporating its rich history – with the help of the regional community – to create a true locally immersive hospitality offering.”

Soho House

MEXICO CITY

Following expansion into Scandinavia with new clubs in Copenhagen and Stockholm, Soho House has now revealed it will open its first property in Latin America in 2023.

Situated in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez neighbourhood – considered the hub for the city’s international activity – the luxury hotel and members’ club will occupy a restored private residence, with a ‘Casa’ and ‘Annex’ housing three bars and lounges, a standalone restaurant, and a courtyard with outdoor dining.

indoor and outdoor seating with a Pool House bar, as well as a dining room that evokes the romanticism of a European greenhouse through a bright interior filled with greenery.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Orca Holding

Developer: Grupo Sordo Madaleno

Operator: Membership Collective Group

Interior Design: Soho House Design www.sohohouse.com

Conceived by Soho House Design, the interior scheme will reflect the building’s Baroque heritage and historic French influences with a mixture of locally made custom furniture and vintage pieces from Mexican designers. The space will also display an art collection featuring more than 100 works from artists born, based, or trained in Mexico.

The surrounding grounds meanwhile will be anchored by an outdoor pool, offering

“Mexico City is an exciting opening for Soho House as it marks our first location in Latin America,” says Jarrett Stuhl, Chief Operating Officer, Soho House Americas. “We’ve had a presence in the city since 2017 through our Cities Without Houses programme, and we are now delighted to introduce a physical space that is both historic and grand. This House is one of our most ambitious design projects to-date, and we look forward to welcoming our existing and future members to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Mexico City.”

Soho House Mexico City will be joined by another debutant in 2023, with Membership Collective Group set to mark its entry into Southeast Asia with an arts and culture-inspired property in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district.

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Six Senses

VICTORIA FALLS

Six Senses will make its Sub-Saharan Africa debut in 2025 with a wellness resort on Zimbabwe’s Princess Elizabeth Island.

In bringing the project to life, the operator is working with the development team of Worth International, comprising SIP Project Managers, DSA Architects International and CKR Consultant Engineers. Their scheme sees a collection of stilted lodges – fabricated off-site to minimise construction impact – connected by raised walkways and bridges. Engineering innovation will ensure the lightest possible footprint while still able to withstand a heavy knock from a passing elephant.

amenities include a raised restaurant, specialty dining and braai bar, and a sunset look-out bar.

A Six Senses signature spa will comprise four treatment rooms, a jungle gym accompanied by a ranger, a yoga deck, heated outdoor pools, a panoramic sauna, and an integrated retail and concept store.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Developer: Worth International

Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

Architecture: DSA Architects International Interior Design: Dsgn

Consultants: SIP Project Managers, CKR Consultant Engineers www.sixsenses.com

Each of the 22 lodges will be equipped with private terraces, whilst 15 deluxe lodges are to feature suspended pools. There are also plans to add 17 individual pool villas, nine of which will offer multi-bedroom accommodation.

Amongst the communal areas are a main welcome pavilion and a lobby lounge, where

Johannesburg-based interior design consultancy Dsgn has been tasked with capturing the eclectic and authentic spirit of Zimbabwe. Timber floors and natural finishes will serve as a canvas to showcase bespoke furnishings and artwork, with the aim to achieve sophistication and comfort overlayed with colours, textures and craftsmanship.

Six Senses Victoria Falls is part of The House of Chinhara initiative to restore Zimbabwean tourism by elevating the accommodation count and quality for visitors to Victoria Falls National Park, as well as providing host accommodation facilities and hospitality training opportunities.

The emotion of light .

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by Matteo Cibic

Dorchester Collection

TOKYO

Dorchester Collection has announced plans for its first hotel in Asia, located within Japan’s tallest building. Slated for completion in 2028, the hotel will form part of Tokyo’s Torch Tower, currently under development by Mitsubishi Estate and Tokyo Century Corporation.

tranquillity, where residents can immerse their senses in nature and experience the Japanese art of omotenashi – the nation’s own spirit of hospitality and customer service.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Developer: Tokyo Century Corporation, Mitsubishi Estate

Operator: Dorchester Collection Architecture: Sou Fujimoto Architects, Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei www.dorchestercollection.com

Located on the upper floors of the tower with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji, the hotel features nature-inspired design motifs throughout its interiors, marking a continuum from the nearby Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, Hamarikyu Garden and the water of Tokyo Ba. Personal touches and collector’s items such as fine art and antiques will add character and storytelling, establishing a warm residential atmosphere. Visitors can also expect a soothing colour palette and warm lighting that is synonymous with the Dorchester brand.

New for its Asia property, Dorchester Collection is set to debut an indoor garden dubbed Sky Hill, which will serve as an oasis of

“This new development will become a beacon for Japan’s ultra-luxury hotel landscape and set new benchmarks,” comments Christopher Cowdray, CEO at Dorchester Collection. “Worldclass architects will inspire with their symbolic design torch concept, lighting up not only the future of Tokyo and Japan but also the world.”

He continues: “Tokyo has long been an integral part of our growth strategy, given its status a gateway to Asia and its global significance, and to be partnering with the highly esteemed Mitsubishi Estate Co and Tokyo Century Corporation is a true honour.”

Dorchester Collection currently comprises nine hotels across London, Paris, Milan, Rome and Los Angeles, with The Lana scheduled to open in Dubai later this year.

© Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei

Legacy Hotel & Residences

Real estate developer Royal Palm Companies has landed a US$340 million construction loan from New York City-based Silverstein Capital Partners for Legacy Hotel & Residences, a 51-storey mixed-use building planned for the 27-acre Miami Worldcenter development.

Designed by Kobi Karp with interiors by ID & Design International, the Art-Deco inspired tower will comprise 310 residences and 219 hotel rooms, as well as a spa, Sky Lounge on the 45th floor, and a cantilevered pool deck with bar. It will also be home to the world’s first-ever Blue Zones flagship, a wellness centre with services ranging from acupuncture to cryotherapy and nutrition. Beyond the facility, the property will integrate Blue Zones into its DNA, offering nonalcoholic beverage menus, circadian lighting and stay-active reminders.

“One reason we’re building Legacy Hotel & Residences is to meet the ongoing demand for wellness travel, an industry that’s skyrocketing in value every year,” says Daniel Kodsi, CEO of Royal Palm Companies. “While many hospitality groups are shifting to meet the wellness demand, we’re introducing an experience unlike any other. Our guests will be part of a Blue Zones community, with access to medical practitioners, cutting-edge technology, and smarter lifestyle choices. Other hotels are offering wellness amenities, but we’re offering the chance to live a longer and healthier life.”

The project broke ground last August, with site work and excavation already under way. Construction is expected to complete by 2024.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Silverstein Capital Partners

Developer: Royal Palm Companies

Operator: Accor

Architecture: Kobi Karp

Interior Design: ID & Design International www.legacymwc.com

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Straubingerplatz

AUSTRIA

Vienna-based architecture practice BWM Architekten has been commissioned by real estate firm Hirmer Immobilien to restore Bad Gastein’s Straubingerplatz to its former glory with two new hotel projects – Hotel Straubinger and Badeschloss.

Slated for completion in 2023, the heritageprotected buildings will “work with the layers of the past” according to BWM architect Erich Bernard, who confirms that the studio’s planning ideas “are always preceded by a precise historical analysis”. “It is important to us to work with – and not against – the remnants of the past,” says Bernard. “They give old buildings their charm and special appeal; it’s what makes them attractive and unique.”

will be inspired by the chiaroscuro of historical oil paintings, resulting in an expressive use of light and dark shades, while the signature restaurant and bar on the ground floor will be housed within an impressive historic hall.

The cosmopolitan-style Badeschloss opposite is set to feature 100 guestrooms, with design taking a playful approach to bathing culture. Individual areas in the lobby – such as the restaurant, bar and kiosk – will transition smoothly into one another, while a concept store and rooftop spa round out the facilities.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Developer: Hirmer Immobilien

Operator: Travel Charme

Architecture and Interior Design: BWM Architekten www.bwm.at

Named after a prominent local hotelier family, Hotel Straubinger will comprise 46 guestrooms that combine a natural patina on the walls, surviving doors and other original artefacts with new elements. The colour palette and lighting

Badeschloss will be fronted by a doubleskin, coloured-concrete façade and topped by an infinity pool, with upper storeys featuring bay windows that serve as “display cabinets” for bathtubs. Markus Kaplan, Architect at BWM, explains: “The fact that the skins have different thicknesses gives the façade a lively appearance and a relief-like character that blends well into the Alpine surroundings.”

Art’otel

LONDON HOXTON

Squire & Partners has revealed its inspiration for Art’otel London Hoxton, slated to open in early 2024. Occupying a prominent site in the South Shoreditch Conservation Area, the hotel will comprise 340 guestrooms, co-working spaces, an art gallery and cinema. Additional facilities include a spa, gym and pool, as well as several restaurants, bars and lounges.

Spanning 26 storeys, the building responds to the cultural identity of the nearby Silicon Roundabout – a hub for many technology companies. As a result, its architectural form and cladding take cues from the mechanical components of early analogue computers, with a cylindrical shape that evolved into a fractured cogwheel throughout the planning process, rising and adapting in response to its context and interior functions.

Each section of the cogwheel is extruded over two floors, separated by a horizontal aluminium shelf that allows every level to read individually

within the overall composition. Double-height floorplates are then rotated in order to give the illusion of a series of moving components.

Twisting metal fins in a variety of sizes rise vertically, positioned in syncopated rhythm around the tower, giving a depth of articulation to the exterior façade.

Framing the tower at first-floor height, two large-scale original Banksy artworks –which were already part of the site – are being conserved and incorporated into the design.

“The project was conceived in 2008, and after several design iterations, I am excited to see our ideas developing into an important part of Shoreditch’s urban fabric,” says Murray Levinson, Partner at Squire & Partners. “The design concept makes a subtle nod to the development of the computer – without which Silicon Roundabout would not have its name –providing another example of how our work is influenced by the distinct context of a location.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: PPHE Hotel Group

Developer: AKT II

Operator: PPHE Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group

Architecture: Squire & Partners www.artotel.com

Meeting… Baranowitz + Kronenberg

Having designed for a wide range of hospitality settings over the past two decades, Tel Aviv-based architects Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg reveal how storytelling and a focus on people have been key to their success.

Words: Guy Dittrich • Portrait Photography: © Sharon Derhy

It’s difficult to categorise the work of Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg. Over the several times we have met, the duo describe themselves not as architects, but as storytellers. Anthropologists is another of their preferred identifiers, as is agents of change. Whatever the terminology, they are talented hospitality designers. Partners in business and life, they are intelligent and erudite, engaging and thoughtful. At Sleeper Sessions in Mykonos, they were both delighted with the serendipitous meetings with likeminded souls. Seeing them in their matching Birkenstocks was as endearing as hearing them finish each other’s sentences.

The partnership was established with the founding of Baranowitz + Kronenberg in Tel Aviv in 1999. Prior to that, they had both been working in their own practices, with Kronenberg graduating from the Technion School of Interior Design in 1981 and Baranowitz from the Pratt Institute of New York in 1990. Together, their portfolio includes work in the realms of workspace and product design, from chairs to a new form of basin. There is also output in the

retail and cultural sectors, restaurants and bars plus, of course, hotels.

“We know it’s a cliché, but we are storytellers,” said the pair when we first met in 2019. And stories they duly told to the audience at Sleepover Ibiza, Sleeper’s event for hotel innovators. Stories of their work on the island for Sir Hotels and W. Sir Joan is just one of the properties they have completed for Sir Hotels, whose interiors major on stories of personal connection. Yet the storytelling idea began long before this in 1999 with Zozobra, a Far Eastern restaurant in Herzliya, an industrial area about a 15-minute drive from Tel Aviv. Here, Baranowitz and Kronenberg began the transformation from a purely functional approach of fulfilling a brief towards developing a conversation. “I remember the exact place, the chair, the dialogue with the client,” explains Baranowitz as if it was last week. Zozobra was one of the first projects the two worked on together; they still talk of it fondly. The restaurant first sparked a creative synergy that continues to drive all that they do today.

Their approach to new projects is novel;

© Lutz Vorderwuelbecke

conversations are not necessarily about aesthetics, but knowledge and context. The duo see these two items helping to avoid the trap of repetition. Similarly, they try hard not to come too readily to solutions, fearing the easy answer is usually not the best. They describe their methodology as the “down-up” approach. “We dig into the future and by the act of digging we go through many layers until we see the light at the other end,” explains Baranowitz.

The playfulness of their narrative can be seen in the design of Tapas Ahad Ha’am, a restaurant that opened in Tel Aviv back in 2010. The interiors are described using a recipe format of ‘ingredients’, including 20 different kinds of typically colourful Spanish tiles, sturdy wooden chairs – no matter what kind – and a handful of simple yet robust tables. This is followed by the ‘preparation’, which involves ‘pouring’ the ingredients into the container – the restaurant space – before adding the finishing flourishes. The recipe narrative is apt, as cooking is close to their hearts and shown in their love for restaurant projects.

But it was a bar, Gorky, that set the designers on their way. The owner of Zozobra requested they design the “most upscale bar in Tel Aviv”. Having accepted the challenge, the pair became anxious about their lack of specific experience. I questioned this modesty, suggesting that their restaurant portfolio surely gave them sufficient knowledge. “It’s different,” retorts Baranowitz of bar design. “A different galaxy,” adds Kronenberg, explaining that whilst restaurants are open to all, bars are very specific.

To overcome this perceived weakness, they hopped off to New York and visited 24 bars in three days to get some ideas. “People were looking at us quite strangely,” relates Baranowitz. “We were sitting at the bar with a notebook and sketching at all hours of the night.”

To which Kronenberg adds: “We didn’t have iPhones back then so we couldn’t take photos.” They go on to talk about the different energies

of each bar and the people in them. Here, we see the anthropology coming through. A focus is on people; how staff efficiently operate the space and how guests move through it. People are the driver in a Baranowitz and Kronenberg world that is free of prior conceptions.

A tipping point came in 2008 with the opening of Momo, billed as ‘one of the first cosmopolitan restaurants in Amsterdam’ with its East-meets-West cuisine. The restaurant was the first project of Yossi Eliyahoo and Liran Wizman, co-founders of The Entourage Group – a creator of high-end culinary concepts. The success of this initial collaboration has seen an ongoing relationship with Wizman, including the design of the first-ever Sir hotel, Sir Albert in Amsterdam in 2013. Here, the design narrative was based on the concept of a 21 st century aristocrat – a well-travelled gentleman of the world who populates his mansion with artefacts collected on his travels.

Sir Albert opened under the umbrella of

the Europe Hotels Private Collection, now re-branded Sircle Collection, founded by Wizman who is described by Kronenberg as “a true visionary”. Their successful collaboration continued with the 2015 opening of W Amsterdam, an asset management deal of Wizman’s. Here, Baranowitz and Kronenberg looked to the history of the hotel’s former post office and telephone exchange building for inspiration. The tolerant culture of Amsterdam is reflected in the honesty of the materials palette, which features poured concrete, epoxy resin, steel and brass tubes – 5km of them in fact, reflecting the telephone exchange cables.

Prior to designing their second W hotel in 2020 came several other projects, including many restaurants in a portfolio that exceeds 30 to date. Sir Victor in Barcelona sees the transformation of the former Hotel Omm based on interpretations of life at the junction of mountains and sea. The property also includes Mr Porter, a modern take on the steakhouse and just one of the many restaurants they have designed for The Entourage Group. There is another Mr Porter in W Amsterdam, along with the grand brasserie style of The Duchess and upscale burger option, The Butcher. The latter also arrived in Sir Joan and Sir Savigny in Berlin, as well as a standalone outlet in Manchester. Baranowitz and Kronenberg’s designs for the Isakaya restaurants meanwhile, serving AsianJapanese fusion cuisine, can be found at Sir Albert and Sir Joan in Ibiza.

And it is on Ibiza, the small party island that has slowly been reinventing its existing hotel stock, where the duo’s site-specific approach comes into its own. At Sir Joan, a tricky roadside location was deftly handled, and Baranowitz and Kronenberg believe the strict planning restrictions required them to be more creative, eventually resulting in a better product. The 38-key hotel follows a design narrative that pays homage to the yachting lifestyle of this port neighbourhood. Along the coast at W Ibiza,

“We know it’s a cliché, but we are storytellers. We dig into the future and by the act of digging we go through many layers until we see the light at the other end.”

For W Ibiza (top) and Sir Joan (bottom), Baranowitz + Kronenberg overcame strict planning restrictions to produce designs that speak to the laid-back, bohemian lifestyle of the Balearic isle

situated in Santa Eulalia del Rio, Kronenberg saw a “mission impossible” with extremely low ceilings. A major intervention was needed, and a strong storyline followed from their investigation. This centred on the image of a naked woman viewed from behind with her arms spread open to the sea, the wind and the sky. A poetic ode that speaks of a lifestyle language melding the bohemian, flower-power image with the island’s mystique and intrigue.

The re-use and re-purposing of existing buildings is something that excites Baranowitz and Kronenberg. They are keen to develop dialogues with buildings and in their view, the older ones have more to say. Baranowitz sees such sustainability reflected best in the word ‘caring’ – both for one another and for our shared environment. The preservation of an existing structure being clearly more environmentally friendly when compared to a newbuild replacement.

Talk of sustainability in this vein leads to another hotel-related idea, Co-Hito, a project that illustrates the pair’s search for change. Developed in 2018, CoHito allows city spaces to be used more effectively. Guestrooms in existing hotel stock would be converted

to hybrid spaces that move between workspaces during the day to sleeping quarters at night, essentially built around a disappearing bed amongst other tricks. “This resonates with sustainability in that we are not adding a square metre in the city and the hotels can run up to 120 and 130% occupancy,” notes Baranowitz.

The future for Baranowitz and Kronenberg includes numerous projects closer to home, as Israel goes through something of a hotel boom, particularly in Tel Aviv. Here is Dizengoff 99 within one of the buildings of the White City area of preserved Bauhaus architecture. There’s also Pinsker on the city’s most important piazza; a luxurious property to be managed by Isrotel alongside high-end residential apartments; and Rothschild 24 Hotel, inspired by the spirit and vision of Baron de Rothschild. Further afield comes The Migdal, a resort on the Sea of Galilee in the north of Israel, which references the religious connotations of the region – a story in its own right. These five hotel projects, along with many more bars, restaurants and others, will deliver further opportunities for storytelling. For born storytellers, writing the next chapter is what it’s all about.

Sir Victor in Barcelona sees the transformation of the former Hotel Omm based on interpretations of life at the junction of mountains and sea

© Amit Geron

PROFILE

Before joining Ruby Hotels in 2017, Matthew Balon worked with major operators such as Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group during his time at Munich-based studio RaumConcept. He now oversees the design strategy for Ruby’s global portfolio, managing a team of architects, interior designers and buyers.

Ruby Hotels was founded in 2013 by CEO Michael Struck, who has since opened 15 hotels, with a further 18 under construction or in the planning phase.

Recent Openings: Ruby Lucy, London; Ruby Claire, Geneva; Ruby Rosi, Munich

Upcoming Openings: Ruby Zoe, London (2023); Ruby Giulia, Florence (2023); Ruby Molly, Dublin (2024)

Meeting… Ruby Hotels

As Ruby Hotels prepares to launch a new property in London’s Notting Hill, Head of Design Matthew Balon discusses his love for delving into local history and culture to create hotels with a tale to tell.

Words: Ben Thomas

“Being part of the company’s growth process was something that really attracted me to the role,” says Matthew Balon, Head of Design at Ruby Hotels, as we sit down to discuss his career trajectory at the group’s debut property in London. Having worked with Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group during his time as an interior architect at Munich-based studio RaumConcept, Balon joined Ruby Hotels in 2017 when the brand was still in its infancy, and has since built an in-house design team that oversees every aspect of the aesthetic. “The ability to design in-house gives us the freedom to be creative and try new things,” he explains. “It also means the entire design-and-build process is faster, which makes things more fun as we’re able to see our vision progress quickly.”

Efficiency is something that Ruby has championed from the outset, establishing a ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy that provides only the essentials, like a comfortable bed, a good shower and a vibrant bar, ensuring that guests aren’t paying for unnecessary extras. But that doesn’t mean skimping on soul or character, far from it. From a design perspective, the idea is to amplify the essentials with layers of decoration that draw on the locale. “We’re always looking to tell a story inspired by the location of a hotel,” Balon confirms. “And while there is a connecting factor between all of our sites – predominantly in the

guestrooms, where around 80% of the elements are standardised – the public spaces provide an opportunity to try something different, for ourselves and the city.”

In writing these stories, a deep dive into the destination is Balon’s first port of call, whether that be the history of the area, its culture or the surrounding architecture. “I love research and spend as much time as possible on this part of the design process,” he explains, recounting tales of his explorations into the South Bank area and its centuries-old market for Ruby Lucy.

At Ruby Zoe meanwhile, opening in London’s Notting Hill this Spring, interiors will take cues from the Caribbean culture of the neighbourhood and its iconic carnival. “The design scheme is inspired by the post-war period, which saw an influx of Afro-Caribbeans,” says Balon. “The district soon became a melting pot for characters and stories, with a spirit of generosity created by those who came to call it home.” As such, Balon is hoping to provide a feel for what the place is all about, painting a picture for both Londoners and international guests.

The locally inspired approach begins with the façade, which speaks to the surrounding vernacular using a clever two-tone skin. “The building has an interesting method of communicating with the area,” Balon explains. “When viewing it from the Holland Park side, it

Matthew Balon Head of Design, Ruby Hotels

presents a neutral façade that references the Brutalist architecture of Notting Hill, but when viewed from the other side, it presents more of a playful look with coloured ceramic tiles that mirror the shades of Portobello Road.” The exterior also pays homage to the district’s musical heritage, with soundwave-like panels that “dance across the front of the structure” in the words of Balon, who reveals that Ruby’s design team loved the architectural concept so much, they decided to incorporate similar elements within guestroom panelling, as well as an installation of speakers and music-themed lighting fixtures.

Music will take centre stage at the hotel’s bar too, which blends the pastel tones of the iconic street nearby with warm textures and sun-bleached surfaces that tip their hat to island life. Building on Ruby’s brand standard of having a performance stage within each of its properties, Zoe will feature two podiums, where artists from the neighbourhood can tell their stories or play their songs. “The bar is the heart of our public spaces; it’s the first thing that guests see when they enter any of our sites,” says Balon, adding that the space in Notting Hill will feature large picture windows, plenty of greenery, and vintage furnishings and materials that develop a natural patina over time. “Our bars must channel a laidback atmosphere. We want passers-by to look in from the street and feel comfortable coming inside for a drink, without the impression it is exclusively designed for hotel guests.”

This sense of community will be championed

through a piece of public art outside the ground floor of the development, which will honour the traditions of carnival and masquerade. Designed by BritishTrinidadian visual artist Zak Ové, the mosaic will bring together hundreds of pieces of glass and tile, becoming a symbol for the Notting Hill neighbourhood. “We felt strongly that artwork should be integrated into the building, sending a meaningful message that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” Balon stresses.

The same message will be conveyed at Ruby Giulia in Florence, which presents a completely different climate, history and design world than in London. As such, materials will be reflective of their surroundings, with many of the 19th-century building’s original features preserved. “Some locations are more historically inspired,” explains Balon, stating that the traditional Florentine arcades on the ground floor will allow for dramatic public spaces with high ceilings and loose furnishings that harmonise with the city’s heritage.

“We’re always looking to tell a story inspired by the location of a hotel. While there is a connecting factor between all of our sites, the public spaces provide an opportunity to try something new.”

At

The forthcoming Florence hotel will also house a workspace, continuing the same philosophy as the brand’s core portfolio with the aim of using space efficiently and delivering on what guests really need. Stuttgart and Dublin will follow suit, learning from the blueprint set by Ruby Workspaces in Vienna, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Amsterdam; the latter was Ruby’s fifth co-working space to-date, but the first to occupy the same structure as a Ruby hotel, offering 138 workstations across three floors.

Ruby Emma in Amsterdam’s Omval neighbourhood also marked the operator’s first re-flagging project, with the former QO hotel transformed into a Ruby property that takes its visual cues from the area’s nautical history.

Likewise, a debut in Edinburgh in 2025 will see the conversion and partial new construction of three connected buildings on the city’s famous Princes Street, with 300 rooms and a 24/7 bar once again paying homage to the locale.

With the group’s pipeline continuing to grow across Western Europe, Balon is relishing the

opportunity to take that first step into different markets, though he is the first to admit that scaling up also brings with it the challenge of new regulations and ways of thinking. With this in mind, could Ruby look to outsource the design of its hotels? “We would never say never and it’s certainly something we are keen to explore in the future,” Balon confesses. “For now though, we must collaborate in ways that make sense for the way we work.”

Passing the ten-year mark does however mean that the group is starting to think about refreshing its older properties. “Ruby Hotels is still young, so it’s difficult to say for certain what the lifecycle of our hotels is,” Balon concludes.

“We recently visited our first site in Vienna to see what shape the project was in and whether it stood the test of time. I can tell you I was surprised at how well it looked! That comes down to our core values of using quality materials, like real wood and brass, which can develop a patina over time. They are perfectly imperfect, and that’s what we’re all about.”

“The bar is the heart of our public spaces; it’s the first thing that guests see when they enter any of our sites.”

Ruby Louise in Frankfurt (left) and Ruby Lilly in Munich (right), the interiors take cues from bygone eras, blending vintage furnishings and objects with more contemporary elements

© Gregor Hofbauer

DESIGN

THE LOBBY

Hang In There

Bedouin tents have been a symbol of hospitality in the harsh terrain of the Arabic deserts for centuries, but suspending them between two rocky ridges is an entirely new prospect.

Hanging high above the mountains of Sharjah, Floating Retreat by Dubai-based Ardh Architects comprises a series of tents, which rest on an architectural framework inserted amidst adjacent cliffs. The platform is secured with crisscrossing, high-stress cables – much like a suspension bridge –to provide stability in windy conditions, with the pods using a motorised system to be raised and lowered according to guest desires, leaving them suspended in mid-air.

Built to withstand the elements, the floating suites are crafted from lightweight, breathable materials that have a minimum lifespan of five years, after which they could be repurposed to create new products.

Inside, the tents feature a bed, armchair and private bathroom, while mod-cons include an entertainment system with WiFi access. Guests can also visit a spa at the top of the mountain, while down on the ground are a reception, restaurant and concierge offering activities such as mountain climbing, desert treks and cycling.

“The pointed tops of the tents celebrate the past and evoke a sense of adventure,” says Omran Alowais, founder of Ardh Architects, which is working with Shurooq Investment Company to explore new potentials in the hospitality industry. “These cliff-edge sleeping pods are typically built for professional climbers, but our proposal delivers them to the general public. Floating Retreat is a new type of camping experience that allows travellers to connect with nature in a way that is simply not possible within a concrete jungle.”

Great Things Will Grow

The bar is much more than a place to grab a drink. It’s a place to encounter, to have meaningful conversations and even talk business. But at an exhibition representing the hospitality design sector’s best and brightest, any old bar simply won’t do, so why not grow one specifically for the occasion? That’s exactly what Belgian design studio WeWantMore did for the 2022 edition of HIX, collaborating with organic material artist Côme Di Meglio and creative agency La Succulente to showcase the future of sustainable design and highlight the potential of mycelium –an intertwining network of fungal threads.

Embodying the show’s ‘Great Things Will Grow’ theme, The Mush Room drew inspiration from shapes and textures found on shells, illustrating the infinite source of inspiration that nature can be both aesthetically and structurally. “We felt it would be nice if the bar could literally be grown for the event, creating a link to the show while also providing an example of what

one of these great things might be,” says Ruud Belmans, co-founder of WeWantMore, adding that the space featured a fragrance by EcoScent – offering notes of sandalwood, bergamot and citrus – as well as fixtures and furnishings from Ege Carpets, Muuto, Hoad & More, Antalis, Elm London and Wisdom Audio. Evo Design handled the fit-out, producing an area that transformed waste into an experimental installation that, for Di Meglio, signifies the latest in a line of myco-structures that connect spirituality and spatial experience with physical materiality. “Mycelium has intrinsic sensory qualities that creates a virtuous resonance within our bodies,” he explains. “I’ve been working with this material for four years, and applying my research to the bar was the perfect embodiment of my practice: hospitality and conviviality. With The Mush Room, the binding power of mycelium was expressed through the human interactions it nurtured.”

The Road Less Travelled

“Our world is packed with incredible places. Places we often miss if we stick to the tourist trail,” states the introduction to Go Here Instead: An Alternative Travel List.

Published by DK Eyewitness Travel, the 224-page hardback features a comprehensive round-up of alternatives to the world’s most visited destinations, from the northern powerhouse giving London a run for its money, to the fun-filled festival taking the shine off Coachella, and the island blooms just as beautiful as Japan’s cherry blossoms.

The guidebook is divided into seven different types of trip: Architectural and Historical Sights, Festivals and Parties, Great Journeys, Architectural Marvels, Natural Wonders, Art and Culture and Cities. Alongside 100 entries, each focusing on an alternative to a wellknown spot, sight or experience, Go Here Instead offers impressive photography and stylised locator maps that pinpoint the alternative sights, experiences and destinations.

“You might have heard of a few of the places inside this book – when is anything completely off the beaten track? But we bet you’ll still find plenty of hidden gems to inspire your future travels,” concludes the introduction. “So don’t stick to what you know; take the road less travelled instead. The world is waiting.”

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A Kaleidoscope of Hope

British artist Damien Hirst has a longstanding affiliation with Claridge’s. Having transformed its lobby during London’s Frieze Art Fair in 2019 – filling the space with a collection of mythical sculptures that told the story of an ancient shipwreck – the visionary returned to the hotel two years later for the launch of an art gallery, which showcased his very first NFT collection as well as whimsical works – including the iconic pipe cleaner animals and Colour Chart series –available for purchase using cryptocurrency.

Continuing his collaboration with the property, Hirst has topped its seven-storey staircase with a butterfly-inspired mosaic that seeks to capture the circle of life. Marking his debut in stainedglass, the skylight spans 8ft x 6ft and references the artist’s use of butterflies as a form of beauty and tool of provocation; something that began in 1991 with his first solo exhibition, In and Out of Love, for which Hirst attached live pupae to

white canvasses, allowing the insects to hatch, fly, mate and die throughout the installation.

Best viewed from the foot of the main staircase, the mosaic upholds the legacy of the artist’s Kaleidoscope series, bringing together a mass of cerulean, scarlet and lilac glass pieces. The compositions reinforce Hirst’s deep-rooted connection with butterflies, which in the past has seen him turn real butterfly wings into dazzling mosaics. Since then, the artist has used the insects to address questions around mortality, exploring the idea of life and death by highlighting their iridescent beauty when both alive and dead.

“I love Claridge’s, I love light and I love butterflies, so I was delighted when asked to design a stained glass window for the hotel’s staircase,” says Hirst. “I love how it’s turned out; I wanted to create an optimistic kaleidoscope of hope and I think the result speaks for itself.”

Idyllic Islands

“Cut off from the commotion of the mainland, surrounded by waves and the high drama of the elements, islands have been a Xanadu for centuries of writers’ and explorers’ most idyllic fantasies,” writes John Burns, Editor-inChief at Kinfolk, in the first of a new series that fosters thoughtful perspectives on the places we visit. Published by Artisan Books, the 256-page hardback takes readers on a journey off the beaten track, to islands big and small, through a collection of 18 new travel stories. Burns has split the tome into three sections, each comprising six different destinations with a long-form essay: Escape transports the audience to otherworldly landscapes and ponders the meaning behind the buzzworthy term, ‘armchair traveller’; Explore stretches the definition of island to its boundaries, visiting islands that offer new perspectives on urban settings; and Unwind ventures to some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, from bougainvillea-fringed Mediterranean sands to rugged and remote Nordic shores. Alongside considered destination coverage, Kinfolk Islands comprises 280 vibrant photographs and practical guidance for travellers, as well as thoughtful reflections on why the idea of an island embodies so many travel fantasies.

© Prudence Cuming

HIX teams up with a trio of hospitality designers to launch a collective dedicated to supporting the recovery of Ukraine’s hospitality industry.

Over the past few years, the global hospitality industry has deftly navigated a once-in-a-generation crisis, and through a process of adaptation, evolution and innovation, the sector is returning stronger and more dynamic than ever. But it’s important to recognise that not everywhere has bounced back as quickly, and some – like the Ukrainian hospitality scene – are facing new challenges, such as war. Now is the time to use and share the lessons learnt from the pandemic to aid the recovery of the country’s hotel market in its time of need.

“War changes everything around you,” explains Ukrainian designer Yova Yager, who recently opened a new restaurant in Odessa despite

At HIX 2022, the collective established a student competition – focused exclusively on Ukraine – to envision the future of hospitality design. Open to all Ukrainian architecture and interior design students, the competition provides entrants with access to mentorship lectures from the three judges covering numerous aspects of the hospitality industry, with prizes set to include internship opportunities at partner studios. The resulting winners will be invited to attend HIX 2023 and the AHEAD Europe 2023 awards ceremony, with Yotel hosting them for the duration of their stay in London.

“I have always been motivated by attracting the next generation of architects and designers into the world of hospitality design and, to that

Hospitality, Not Hostility

the ongoing conflict. “You begin to appreciate what you always thought was a given – access to drinking water, the ability to communicate with loved ones and even to speak in a native language,” she explains. “But when the sirens begin and people hide in bomb shelters, they continue to live, and, crucially, continue their education. At such times, the primary things become secondary; education may not save your life at a time of war, but it is a question to the future: what comes after victory?”

Building on this spirit of resilience, HIX has partnered with Yager, alongside London-based firms ReardonSmith Architects and MKV Design to form Kindling – a design collective launched to support, showcase, elevate and mentor Ukrainian architecture and design students. Together, the trio of designers will foster hospitality excellence in all its forms, recognising the social value of design and the emerging talent that could drive the reimagination of these spaces as centres of cohesive, post-war communities.

end, ReardonSmith Architects ran a European student award for a number of years,” says Executive Chairman of the practice, Patrick Reardon. “Our dedicated focus on architecture and design students in Ukraine, together with our decision to expand our mission into a programme of mentoring for all students involved in the competition will, I believe, add greater value and demonstrate our support for the hopes of the Ukrainian people for a future where hostility will be replaced by hospitality.”

Maria Vafiadis, founder and Managing Director of MKV Design, concludes: “All wars mean destruction. By contrast, architecture and design is about creation, and hospitality embodies the act of bringing people together, bridging cultural differences and giving people the chance to engage in positive new experiences. Our aim is to give Ukraine’s emerging architects and designers an opportunity to express themselves, learn and be part of a programme that looks to their futures.”

New A&D Centre open in Clerkenwell

As the hotel sector goes green, Essraa Shaaban of Dubai-based studio Ema reveals why a collaborative approach will be key.

The return of leisure travel post-pandemic has brought with it a greater demand for truly sustainable destinations, with consumers becoming more critical of hotel operation standards than ever before. Such shifts have forced hotel operators to step away from greenwashing shortcuts and move towards more holistically sustainable practices. And while ecoresorts and incentivising reward systems have kickstarted the transition towards a greener future, what’s next for hospitality could be a game changer, according to interior architect Essraa Shaaban of Dubai-based studio Ema –which is committed to balancing human need, economic requirements and environmental responsibility in every step of its hotel projects.

architects, designers, contractors, consultants and end users – to partake in sustainability goals early in the design process. Everyone gets a seat at the table, and this collaborative approach is key to locating cross-discipline synergies and solving problems in a project’s infancy.

It is time to stop looking at sustainable design as being solely environmentally conscious and start looking at it as a holistic design process. The reality is that sustainable design is about building in harmony with the triple bottom line, a conceptual tool that aims to develop longterm sustainable businesses and measure their success against three main factors: economic impact, social impact and environmental impact. Building design is not much different

An Integrative Process

The hospitality market is one of the most challenging with regards to sustainability due to the many moving parts at play – something that became more complex during times when disposable products were a necessity for safety reasons. But with the hotel sector on the mend, well-established developers and operators are striving towards more holistic sustainability goals, redefining the industry under the watchful eye of a client base that is now more informed.

When it comes to more holistically sustainable operations, the process does not start with hotel operation; rather, it begins at the project’s conception by getting all parties involved in the initiative from the get-go. In recent years, we have seen a dramatic rise in collaborative design across the industry and while challenging, this type of design process is vital in achieving holistic industry goals. There is also now a Credit Category within the LEED Rating system titled the Integrative Process, which calls for all stakeholders – including developers, operators,

on a hypothetic level, so it can be used as a tool to push the eco-initiative forward in ways that do not compromise the economy or the safety measures required in the past few years.

Setting sustainability goals and addressing them from the early stages of a project will allow for the improvement of operational costs, guest comfort and the experience. This would consequently lighten the load on hotel operations, resulting in a more holistic approach to sustainability and a hospitality sector that is deeply rooted in how hotels are integrally run.

Sustainable design should not only operate intuitively but also be informative; part of the social impact design is to provide information to end users, and in hospitality this means helping guests to understand their own responsibilities as well as how to behave in order to achieve these environmental goals. The increase in collaborative design is creating a condition within the industry that enables holistic hospitality to grow and replace greenwashing on a large scale.

© Ema

The Ritz-Carlton New York NOMAD

A stellar line-up of designers join forces to create a new landmark in Manhattan, marking a new direction for Marriott’s classic luxury brand.

The 106th Ritz Carlton is part of the brand’s new direction. It’s an evolution, not a revolution. “The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad is a terrific proof point of our future vision,” explains Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for Ritz-Carlton of the efforts to meet the needs of a changing luxury consumer in a thoroughly modern way. It is a view shared by Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, President of real estate developer Flag Luxury Group, which now has five Ritz-Carlton hotels in its portfolio. “Eight years ago, we set out to create the next generation of Ritz-Carlton in North America to attract a younger and more affluent customer,” she posts on LinkedIn of the new property in this neighbourhood north of Madison Square Gardens.

The structure itself, a slender tower of 50 storeys, is an all-new construction by Rafael Viñoly Architects. A gleaming façade looks southwest over several fortuitously low-rise Manhattan blocks. Viñoly has made the most of this. The tower sits on a podium and with the guestrooms only starting on the eighth floor, they offer striking views of the city.

Its position on a corner of Broadway, the boulevard that slices diagonally across the island’s rigorous midtown grid, also results in a uniquely shaped plot. The L-shaped podium creates a plaza, providing some welcome distance between the hotel’s reception, lounge and bar and the bustling pavement. The Broadway corner element meanwhile engages directly with both streets and is home to a vibrant restaurant, attracting a strong local following. The set back of the tower on the podium generates space for Madison Terrace, offering

Empire State Building views that can be utilised by the adjacent events spaces. The podium is also home to Bazaar, a fine-dining restaurant, and spa with polished shellac walls matching beautiful stone floors.

Above are 219 guestrooms and 31 suites, plus sixteen one- and two-bedroom penthouse residences. Then comes a rooftop bar with a small open terrace. Further up, high columns support mechanical rooms that mimic those on intermediate levels at the base of the tower. The upshot is an uncommon lightness of structure.

Guestrooms feature large picture windows framing a city of lights, stretching southwest between the Hudson and East Rivers. Some rooms have sunrise views of the Empire State Building and further away the Chrysler Building. Cleverly, this vista is available to all through a cheeky horizontal slot window in the lift lobbies. Add in the nearby Flatiron building and guests have the landmarks of mid-Manhattan tourist guides. But it is from the flower district a block away on 28th Street, choked with buckets of cut flowers and plants, that the hotel draws its design narrative. “It feels exactly right for the location,” quips McNamara, referencing other hotels in the portfolio in Mexico City, Amman and the Maldives as recent examples of the brand’s design evolution.

The lobby vestibule here in New York City is a jungle gangway of ferns and greenery to lift the spirits, with a small and discreet flower trolley beside the concierge stand set against more erudite botanical leitmotifs. Stepping past the petal-like Cirrus crystal screens designed by Yabu Pushelberg

Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Björn Wallander (unless otherwise stated)

Envisioned by Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, the lobby lounge features an organic-shaped chandelier by Canadian designer Randall Zieber, beyond which is a jungle-like bar

and manufactured by Lasvit, large artworks by Ross Bleckner and Donald Baechler bring waterlily canvases into a lounge area. Above and representative of falling petals are light fittings by Canadian designer Randall Zieber.

Beyond this is the bar, another jungle of green hangs from the ceiling, where it is joined by a capacious organic-shaped chandelier also by Zieber. This whole lounge area was designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio and adjacent to the bar is the firm’s tour de force – a huge light fitting formed of lamella-like fins that floats lightly on the ceiling. The blooming analogy continues with a colourful mosaic pixelated floor pattern of oversized flowers.

Other public areas are given their own expression and see an A-list roster of designers involved. On the ground floor, Rockwell Group leads the way at Zaytinya, a restaurant accessible from the lobby or its own separate street entrance. Spanish Chef José Andrés is responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s F&B, and his mezze menu is a joy to behold, its

small sharing plates like the pops of blues in the design. “We have put the influence of the Mediterranean menu into the interior design,” explains Angeline Yang, Associate and Senior Interior Designer at Rockwell Group, pointing to countless examples. Columnar effects are reminders of Greece, as symbolic as the uplit olive trees reigning over a central banquette seating arrangement upholstered in a collage of four different blue fabrics. Custom-made blue-black porcelain tiles by Imagine Tile are “inspired by a Gio Ponti design that mimics an olive within an olive leaf”, advances Yang. Clusters of fabric chandeliers are painted with archaeological, livestock and foliage imagery. These illustrations were developed internally by Rockwell Graphics and then handpainted by Alpha Workshop, a non-profit organisation just a few blocks away, dedicated to helping those with disabilities via art education and employment. The soft curves of these interior elements, white oak and macramé wall hangings, offset the angularity of the building.

© Michael Kleinberg

At rooftop bar Nubelez, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has maximised the views of the city using varying seating heights and low shelving behind the bar

The eye-catcher of Zaytinya, meaning olive oil in Turkish, is the bar. A spray of bluegreen glass discs arcs up and over the counter with its beautifully chiselled front. The twotone modules are hand-blown with a subtle bubble-effect by West Coast fabricators, Savoy, and reference the protective Evil Eye. They are reflected in the enamelled finish of the lava stone countertop by Pyrolave of France in a bespoke blue colour. At the joint between the shades of each disc is a lighting element that allows for a noticeable diurnal change.

Up top, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has maximised the 270-degree view from the Nubeluz bar that runs the full length of the building. “The view is the king,” explains Associate Luke Garcia, motioning to the furniture arrangement orientated towards the full-length windows. Each window is topped with faux, ruched, relaxed Roman blinds. Selected seating heights ensure all guests get the view, while low and open shelving behind the bar means that those sat at the backlit onyx

stone bar do not miss out. Aside from the gold effect, colour tones are limited to red and teal, except for in the step-up private booths. Here are plush, deep-red velvet upholstery and a woven, peacock feather wallcovering which, like the blinds, help with acoustics. All seatcoverings are dressed in red tones but in four different fabrics including leather and mohair. This detailed layering, as well as the use of rounded shapes – including the circular brass chandeliers by Bluebird Lighting from California – juxtapose the modernity of the architecture too. That and the endearing 1950s-style pink dresses worn by the waitresses, bring a happy vibe to this proper bar with its grown-up cocktails. Truly a star in the sky.

In between these two is Bazaar, yet to open at the time of review but set to be part of Andrés portfolio, which includes nearly 30 restaurants and four Michelin stars. Designed also by Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, Bazaar follows the firm’s sophisticated, layered and atmospheric style. Upholstery and drapes at the high windows

Photographer: Constantin Meyer, Interior: Design Post Cologne

are in warm colour tones with ornamentation, patterning and texture at the fore.

Guestrooms are suave spaces with the crisp modernity of a limited colour and materials palette of brown-grey tones seen in leather, wood, stone and lustrous metals. The focal point is that view again. The sophisticated interiors by Cristian Pinedo at Sussurus International, described as the project’s Chief Creative Officer by Olarte de Kanavos, are a worthy match.

Pinedo plays subtly with the flower association through “beauty but also contrast, asymmetrical yet balanced and harmonious compositions”. The bed set-up is a perfect example. “A daring asymmetrical composition with the artwork completely to one side, leaving the centre empty for the petals of the pendant lamp, ready to be blown away with the breeze,” describes Pinedo. Hanging from high ceilings are interlinked hoops of light, Pinedo’s petals. A canopy installation by Extra Ordinario includes two cleverly hidden adjustable pin lights to spotlight artworks. A mirror screen meanwhile

stretches around a corner, its branchy geometry rooting it to the background, balancing the unfinished flower of Ross Bleckner’s artwork across the Maya Romanoff wood wallcovering.

The leather headboards were produced in Italy and are totally integrated, including recessed reading lamps. Adjacent are Pinedo’s rocky nightstands. Massif and made from dark Nero Marquina marble, they appear to float but in fact rest on recessed reflective black bases. Their mitred edges are a delight of precision, crafted by Indonesian manufacturer Saniharto. Matching this solidity and lightness are solid stone basins, at a pleasing above-average height, within four-piece bathrooms lined with lighter and darker marble terrazzo.

In a city of world-renowned landmark buildings, Viñoly’s architecture now stands out amongst them. The evolving, locally centred design concept realised at The Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad by a taskforce of visionary designers has the chance to do the same in a city of luxury hotels.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Flag Luxury Group

Operator: Marriott International, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

Architecture: Rafael Viñoly Architects

Interior Design: Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Rockwell Group, Martin Brudnizki

Design Studio, Susurrus International www.ritzcarlton.com

SCAN ME!

Working in close collaboration with the professional team, BECK are delighted to have been the main contractor on NoMad London. To find out more, please contact Vanessa Budd:

vbudd@beckinteriors.com

Aethos

ERICEIRA

Aethos is designed to appeal to surfers with a taste for the finer things in life, though a passion for the waves isn’t a prerequisite for check-in.

When entrepreneurs Benjamin Habbel and Jeffrey Coe decided to create a high-end hotel in Ericeira – declared Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve in 2011 – they wanted to appeal to a specific demographic, drawn to the fishing village not for its idyllic whitewashed houses or delicious seafood, but for its world-class waves.

Unlike the majority of hospitality business owners in the small town 40 minutes north of Lisbon though, they weren’t after the typical “barefoot, backpacking surfers”, as Ala Zreigat, interior designer and co-founder of Barcelonabased Astet Studio puts it. This demographic is already well served with hostels and guesthouses, many even bring their own accommodation with them, setting up campervans in car parks, campsites and on cliff edges along the rugged coastline. Aethos was to cater to surfers who appreciated – and could afford – a more refined experience after their session on the open water.

With surfing such an integral part of the Ericeira lifestyle, Zreigat and Portuguese architect Luis Pedra Silva did everything they could to ensure guests feel connected to the ocean through the design of the property, capturing the textures, diversity and spirit of its surroundings. The first order of business was to open up the interiors of the building, which was originally conceived as a rehabilitation centre back in the ‘90s but has since sat unused. Where once there were segregating walls is now a double-volume lobby, with tall arched windows announcing the proximity of the waves

Words: Elly Earls • Photography: © Pion Studio (unless otherwise stated)

immediately upon arrival. “There’s a sense of serenity when you’re in the lobby and looking out at the ocean through the huge windows,” reveals Zreigat. It is quite the welcome.

The designer also wanted guests to experience that connection to the water the minute they walk into their room, and so optimised views from the floor-to-ceiling windows – some dual aspect – allowing plenty of daylight to pour in.

“The rooms are airy, open and casual, and the furniture is minimal with no clutter,” he says, adding that glimpses of the surroundings can be seen from every angle; mirrored headboards reflect the ocean while the bathroom layout enables guests to shower with a direct view of the sea. “We looked to bring the views in and blur the lines between inside and out,” he continues. “All the views that you can see, even when showering, are the same as you would have if you sat on the terrace.”

As the best waves in Ericeira come when summer is winding down, the rooms and the public areas are designed for year-round

occupancy. “One of the challenges was making the hotel work for every season, but we solved this by proposing a dialogue between cold and warm materials,” explains Zreigat. “We wanted it to feel fresh and cool during the summer and cosy and warm in winter.”

A laid-back yet elevated scheme defines the lounge area of the multi-purpose lobby; leather sofas and deep-pile rugs balance out cold stone floors, while white porcelain tiles contrast with a ceiling of natural fibre panels. “Wherever you are, you feel like this could be a summer or a winter setting,” Zreigat stresses.

Surf enthusiasts will not only appreciate the hotel’s individual storage for boards and wetsuits but can also tap into the expertise of surf conceirge Joana Andrade, the only Portuguese woman to ride the skyscraper-sized waves at nearby Nazare, who is on hand year round to deliver lessons to guests of all levels and offer tips on where to find the best waves.

Of course, surfing is not a prerequisite for a stay at Aethos. Habbel and Coe also want their

property to be a gathering place for Lisbonites, locals and other travellers. Entrepreneurs can share ideas over the co-working table, and the entire property is designed to encourage socialising, from the pool with its enormous day beds to the lobby with its many different seating areas. The menu at Aethos’ restaurant, Onda – translated as wave – is also curated for sharing. Guests won’t forget the delights of Executive Chef Afonso Blazquez in a hurry; worth a mention are the smoked eel burger and cured mackerel with coriander puree. Dinner is also wont to continue into the night, spilling out onto the ocean-facing terrace.

The decision to create more of an upmarket offering was something of a gamble in this setting; Habbel and Coe could see that Ericeira was growing in popularity, but had no way of knowing whether that would translate into demand for the property they had in mind. Fast forward to the hotel’s opening in late summer 2022 and they needn’t have worried. Ericeira was ready.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: Limestone Capital

Operator: Aethos

Architecture: Pedra Silva Arquitectos

Interior Design: Astet Studio

Signage: Bindopor

Landscaping: Topiaris

Main Contractor: Novos Construtores

Project Manager: Massiv Bau www.aethoshotels.com

Proud to play our part in the conversion and restoration of some of London’s most significant hospitality projects

Clockwise from top: The OWO / Raffles London, Rosewood London, NoMad London, Kimpton Fitzroy and The Ned

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi

Words: Ben Thomas Photography: © Owen Raggett

When entering a hotel room, it’s not often you are greeted by a chocolate viper head and a mock-up magazine starring your portrait as the cover shot, but at W Hotels, they like to do things differently.

Having debuted on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah in 2019, applying its energetic ethos to an area of the city dotted with similarly lavish resorts, the brand has now made its mark on the Mina Seyahi district, paying homage to the Middle East through a locally rooted design scheme.

Situated on an offshoot of Sheikh Zayed Road, the 31-storey structure harmonises with its glitzy counterparts but in fact speaks a different architectural language, soaring above the marina with an exterior by architecture firm Aedas that nods to the city’s rich seafaring history of pearling, fishing and boat-building. “The concept is inspired by Dubai’s strong relationship with the sea, and by local craftsmanship of boat-building fused with biomimicry,” says Aedas’ Global Design Principal Ignacio Gomez, adding that the roof of the tower forms a graceful swooping shape of the dhow – a traditional two-masted sailing boats used for trading goods and fishing activities – to reinforce the nautical theme, while the steel and aluminium façade shimmers gold in the sun to create a mirage-like effect.

Arabian influences permeate through the arrival experience too, with a giant sculptural tree flanking the hotel’s approach, a tribute to the Al Hakawati book – said to be the book of the storyteller – greeting guests at the entrance, and a seductive snakeskin floor providing a path to the reptileinspired reception area. Adding to the rich layers of visual

DUBAI

Stickman Tribe and Blink Design Group bring the Arabic tradition of storytelling to a new hotel on Jumeirah Beach.

The W Lounge features a cosy bar with a jungle-chic aesthetic, brought to life by rainforest wallpaper, feline figurines and lampstands shaped like snakes

tapestry, the lobby channels the atmosphere of a Middle Eastern souk through warm tones and gold accents, while a flying carpet explodes into a crystal chandelier, and a seating area takes cues from the halqas – or storytellers’ circles –that brought people together in days gone by.

“We wanted to open up the pages of the history book, with each area telling the story of the location,” says Marcos Cain, founder of Stickman Tribe, the Dubai-born studio entrusted with envisioning the hotel’s ground floor spaces. “Our aim was to be culturally and regionally aware, so we conducted research on local fauna and flora, as well as indigenous reptiles and animals, and landmark locations like the city’s Old Souk – where gold, spices and textiles have been traded for hundreds of years. In every space, guests will quickly get the idea they are in the UAE.”

The same principles were applied to The W Lounge, where a striking oryx sculpture rises above a central leather banquette, black marble flooring and winged armchairs. To the

rear of the space, a cosy bar takes on a jungle chic aesthetic, with rainforest wallpaper, feline figurines that honour the Arabian leopard, and lampstands shaped like vipers. And stepping outside, the wildlife theme continues in the form of a larger-than-life scorpion sculpture, while Arabic heritage is imbued through canopies above the bar and seating areas that mirror the shape of tagine dishes.

But perhaps the most captivating artform on street level is a beaded installation that arches above the hotel’s retail outlet, which features names of the stories from the book One Thousand and One Nights – another nod to storytellers of the Middle East. “The ground floor has a whimsical approach, with an eclectic mix of colours, materials and finishes that reference the regional culture,” Cain explains, noting that Stickman Tribe sought to create a crescendo of elements that unified each zone. “Ultimately, the thread that knits the design together contains five key pillars: storytelling, poetry, art, history and tradition.”

This quintet of inspiration was also in the mind of Blink Design Group, which “channelled its alter ego” for the property’s signature restaurant, guestrooms and spa according to founder and Creative Partner, Clint Nagata. “With signature restaurant Ginger Moon, we wanted to create a beachless beach club,” says Nagata. “It’s barefoot luxury on steroids; somewhere guests can walk around without their sandals amidst a tropical theme featuring driftwood-like columns and handcarved elements.”

Returning to the wider theme, the 318 guestrooms and 27 suites tap into the ancient Arabic storytelling tradition of Al-Halqa, while at the same time referencing the traditional dhow boats that would dock in the Mina Seyahi port – or the ‘Port of Travellers’ as it is otherwise known – when the area was a hub for the copper trade during ancient times.

Before guests reach their rooms, the transition experience from public to private space takes them on an intriguing journey down a dark, moody corridor, which plays on the art of celestial navigation and its significance before the days of GPS. This creates a dramatic interplay with the lightfilled guestrooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows – neatly framed by Forest Group’s CS and KS curtain tracks – reveal views of the harbour below. Nowadays, modern vessels now throng the jetties, though Blink did pay tribute to the voyaging boats of old through headboards that evoke sails.

Other locally inspired touches include Arabian lighting that hangs by the bed to cast sunset tones over the neutral wall finish, as well as a shimmering fringe veil that tips its hat to the Arab Islamic culture of long floating abaya robes. “Our goal was to give the rooms a local feel, with touchpoints based on the hotel’s location within the city,” says Nagata. “Historically, this part of town was a port, so we fused references to the dhow with the essence of storytelling.”

The pièce de résistance of Blink’s scheme is the 160m2 E-Wow Suite on the 30th floor, where Nagata and his team were given free rein with the visual narrative. In keeping with the hotel’s aesthetic, they explored the centuries-old souk

In the lobby, the reception area pays homage to the Saharan Viper, while a curved bead installation nods to the famous Arabic book One Thousand and One Nights

battles of poetry, where the winner would have their words written in golden ink and hung at the gates of Mecca. Putting this thread of history into practice, the firm incorporated golden fixtures – including a bedside chest reminiscent of a traveller’s trunk – and a lighting feature that flows like calligraphy. Such details are set against a sunset-inspired colour palette and an intricately crafted marquetry panel that echoes the storytelling ethos apparent throughout.

Adhering to the W brand’s typically audacious brand standards, the E-Wow Suite is also fit to host a get-together, with a bar that doubles as a DJ station and a living area separated from the two bedrooms by an airlock concept created using pressed metal embossed with poetic words. Acoustically, this means residents can throw a party in the living area while people sleep quietly on the other side of the wall. They can also head one floor up to newly opened rooftop bar and lounge, Attiko, which travels further afield to Asia for its verdant aesthetic; think lush greenery and an earthy palette.

In amongst these bursts of creative chaos, it was equally important for the hotel to offer a place of sanctuary that turns the whimsical experience down a notch while retaining the soul of storytelling and the spirit of the souk. The result is Bar-B Spa, an escapism-inducing space on level 30, for which Blink drew from the mythical landscapes and creatures gracing the pages of One Thousand and One Nights.

Taking centre stage here is a deep green manicure counter that doubles as a working bar – above which hang a series of Murano-style, organically shaped glass pendants that glisten in the light – while in more private areas like the couple’s treatment room, design details such as fairy-tale lighting and leopard print wallcoverings speak to the wider theme.

“Through the notion of storytelling, the owners wanted to create something fresh both for Dubai and the W brand,” says Nagata. It appears that their objective has been achieved, with guests flocking through the doors to discover what the mystical bazaar has to offer.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: Wasl Hospitality & Leisure

Operator: Marriott International Architecture: Aedas

Interior Design: Stickman Tribe, Blink Design Group

Landscaping: Terra Firma

Main Contractor: Dubai Contracting Company

Fit-out Contractor: Dutco Interiors www.w-hotels.marriott.com

Mandarin Oriental Palace

LUCERNE

Swiss firm Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles bring about a new chapter in the life of a century-old lakeside palace.

Words: Mary Lussiana • Photography: © George Apostolidis (unless otherwise stated)

Iused to come here as a child to visit my grandfather,” says Marco-Antonio Diemer, Director of Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne as we tuck into scones and a pot of Lapansi Antlers white tea at the newly opened property in Switzerland. On the other side of the windows, at the edge of Lake Lucerne, people stroll down the avenue of chestnut trees, leaves already golden in the autumn sun, as the water glistens beyond. Just as it would have when Hotel Palace, as it was then, first opened in 1906. And again when Diemer came to visit.

History and heritage have been central to the renovation of this lakeside palace. That and its promise of excellence, built on a reputation of a century and more, all of which have resulted in a continuity across the generations as families grow up and return, keen to add another layer of memories to the rich mix. It was exactly what Swiss entrepreneur Franz Josef Bucher, who built the Belle Époque hotel, dreamt of when he said upon its completion: “Now I want people to experience what I have done.”

And Bucher has not been forgotten in this renovation, with local architects Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles –responsible for Hotel Villa Honegg just across the lake – both respecting his original vision in the five years it took them to bring about a new chapter in the

life of the palace. The iconic chequerboard terrazzo marble flooring, the scagliola columns and the stuccoadorned walls have all been carefully restored, as has the hotel’s original colour palette of terracotta, rich greens and chalk whites, inspired by Bucher’s journeys around the Mediterranean. It is a fitting homage to this legendary man, who brought both hotels and the railway to Lucerne.

But it is not just the presence of Bucher found in the details here, for under the curation of Visto, many of the 74 modern art pieces lend weight to the sense of place. It may be in the pattern of the rugs in many of the rooms by Swiss company Tisca, which has created an abstract interpretation of light and colour rippling across the water. Or the hand-tufted rug by Tai Ping in the Presidential Suite, which resembles the pattern of densely packed feathers on the wing of a swan – the logo of Lucerne. Or perhaps the sculpture of thinly sliced mica by Christina Watka, cascading across the wall behind the reception area to create reflections of light. The slices echo the shapes of the dappled light as it moves across Lake Lucerne, with the form of the whole installation mimicking that of the lake it overlooks. And just to emphasise the point, across the room in one of the many historical paintings is a rendition in oil paint of the same glistening lake.

In the 136 bedrooms, small brass crosses in the

In the guestrooms, crosses on the joints of bespoke wooden furniture nod to the Chinese art of cabinetry – representing Mandarin Oriental’s roots – as well as the Swiss cross

joints of bespoke wooden furniture nod to the Chinese art of cabinetry – to represent Mandarin Oriental’s roots – as well as the Swiss cross. Carrying the attention to detail right across the board are a selection of local apples grown in the sunny hills close to Lucerne. Guests can gaze out from their balcony whilst munching on the fruit as they soak up vistas of the lake and Mount Pilatus beyond, a view which many rooms are blessed with. The colours of the natural world outside are also reflected in the interiors, from the oak parquet floor to the palette of muted pistachio and dusky coral. And throughout, a mix of old and new ranges from restored heritage window frames to contemporary furniture produced by family-run Italian brand Molteni&C.

“The whole design was a matter of marrying elegance with longevity,” explains Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, Associate Director at Jestico + Whiles. “Thinking about how this hotel would continue to stand the test of time, we used materials that would last, like granite rather

than marble. Every single detail was considered, with quality being paramount. We felt as though we were custodians of the building, respectfully breathing new life into the faded palace to ensure she flourished for the next century.”

The design brief evolved for Jestico + Whiles once Mandarin Oriental became involved, necessitating an adherence to brand standards while still leaving room for the group’s trademark touch of slight irreverence. Unlike so many designers whose work is immediately recognisable, Jestico + Whiles revels in shapeshifting across its deliberately diverse range of projects. This ensures, as the firm reacts to the specific context of each, that it brings a freshness and authenticity to every piece of work it undertakes, rather than imposing a tried and tested format.

The biggest change that Jestico + Whiles oversaw at the property, which impacts on arrival, was the relocation of the main door. The previous entrance, which led into the centre of the hotel from the town, has gone. Now, the

entrance is at one end of the palace, meaning guests arrive in by the reception and benefit from the impressively long vista of gleaming marble and rust-red columns in front of them, around which swirl the hotel’s bespoke scent of edelweiss, lavender, citrus and bergamot.

Edelweiss is also the hero of the Bellefontaine spa, where the steam room comes clad in handcut Tuscan Cipollino marble, white Carrara marble and grey granite. Here, treatments use Swiss-made Bellefontaine, whose anti-ageing approach and research into the fight against free radicals is persuasive. Drawing on pure water from Alpine glaciers and extract from the edelweiss flower, the brand has created a range of treatments befitting of this location.

And finally, there are the restaurants. No self-respecting Mandarin Oriental would offer anything less than excellence in its restaurants, renowned as they are for the number of Michelin stars they have garnered globally. In Lucerne, four are promised under the patronage of Executive Chef Gilad Peled. The gourmet

Colonnade restaurant will offer modern French haute cuisine, while the intimate six seats at Minamo will deliver a Japanese omakase experience. Both are opening in Spring 2023. Outside on the terrace meanwhile, Quai 10 is all about lakeside views and al fresco dining with Mediterranean cuisine at its heart. The recently opened MOzern Bar & Brasserie was buzzing at the time of review; waiters navigating the original burnt umber scagliola columns beneath a vast chandelier, which throws light onto the central circular bar and rich walnut and wicker furniture. With its high ceilings, brass accents and moss green walls, Belle Époque charm radiates from the space. Asian accented all-day dining includes sharing dishes of steamed bao buns, crispy duck rolls and raclette cheeseburgers of Swiss beef, but save room for the MOzern noodles. Neither Chow Mein nor Pad Thai, according to the menu, rather something seriously good created in Lucerne with a nod to the Far East. A bit like Mandarin Oriental Palace itself.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Developer: First Swiss Hotel Collection

Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Architecture: Iwan Bühler Architekten

Interior Design: Jestico + Whiles

Lighting Design: Lichtteam

Art Consultant: Visto

Procurement: Invita

Landscaping: SKK

Project Manager: Itten+Brechbühl www.mandarinoriental.com

We know hotels.

A one-of-a-kind residence where comfort through the renowned DUX ® Bed and DUX® furniture are key. The DUXIANA® is our hotel in Malmö, Sweden, where we showcase the very best of our furniture and service.

We believe the greatest luxury of all is a good night’s sleep. Hotels around the world choose DUX® to give their guests the best sleep experience. These hotels know that their customers expect the highest level of comfort and luxury when they travel.

Our beds are designed to provide the ultimate sleeping experience, with a balanced combination of premium materials, expert craftsmanship and decades of sleep research and measurement. We’re serious about sleep.

In addition to providing unparalleled comfort, our beds are also designed with durability and longevity in mind. They are built to withstand the rigours of constant use in a hotel setting, and are made to last for many years with minimal maintenance. Designed as a modular solution, if a component needs replacing or upgrading, only that part is changed. Better for you, and the planet.

Entrusting DUX® to deliver a great night’s sleep is an investment not only in the longevity and comfort of your beds, but your total guest experience.

The world’s prestigious hotels trust DUX ® for their guests’ comfort.

A heritage of world-class furniture design.

Jetson Chair

This iconic easy chair, designed by Bruno Mathsson, reflects Swedish modern design and Mathsson’s obsession with comfort, with its bowl-shaped seat and ergonomically designed high back.

Karin Chair

This classically elegant armchair was designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1969 and was the first item of furniture in a successful collaboration that lasted for several decades. Comfortable stuffed cushions rest on a chromeplated frame with supporting web.

Ritzy 3-seater

An elegant 3-seater sofa for the home or office.

DUX® Pascal spring-core seat cushions provide optimal seating comfort.

Introduced in black, brown and cognac fullgrain aniline leather with stainless steel legs.

Alicia

Alicia is a modern sofa system with Italian lines and Swedish comfort. It is one of our favourites, built in different sizes on one base, with a backrest and cushions. The sofa also features a choice of slim or wide armrests which can be topped with, or without, marble or wood.

We know hotels.

A one-of-a-kind residence where comfort through the renowned DUX ® Bed and DUX® furniture are key. The DUXIANA® is our hotel in Malmö, Sweden, where we showcase the very best of our furniture and service.

Capelongue

BONNIEUX

Interiors agency Jaune presents a modern riff on tradition at Beaumier’s new French outpost, where escapism and elegance are offered in equal measure.

Words: Sarah Leigh Bannerman Photography: © Charlotte Lindet

Provence is famed for its rolling hills, quaint villages and abundant vineyards, but now there’s a new reason to visit. Capelongue, the latest addition to Beaumier’s French portfolio, opened its doors last summer on a hilltop spot in the picturesque commune of Bonnieux. Void of neighbours closer than a 15-minute walk away, its position alone omits an alluring sense of escapism and encourages complete departure from everyday life. For those in search of calm, Capelongue offers a retreat in the most literal sense of the word.

The vast estate is currently home to 37 rooms and suites, and further expansion is on track for the coming years. Guests who wake early enough for sunrise will be privy to a cloud of mist ascending from the depths of the valley. Night owls can stargaze as darkness cloaks the sky, spotlighting nature’s constellations against the soft soundtrack of crickets. Both are worth being outside for.

The oldest of Capelongue’s buildings dates back to the 18th century. Its sandy coloured

stone architecture, imperfect shape and timber shutters provided the blueprint for Studio Arch, the architecture firm behind the newer buildings in the cluster. All mimic the original and respect the region’s longstanding aesthetic in a way that’s unnoticeable to the untrained eye. This is what gives Provence and Capelongue their charm. There’s nothing glossy here. Everything about the space is reflective of its surroundings and feels evocative of an ancient French farmhouse.

Interiors present a modern riff on tradition that’s in keeping with Beaumier’s sister properties; considered luxury and impeccable taste are rooted in the brand DNA. Paula Alvarez de Toledo and Marine Delaloy – the creative duo of interiors agency Jaune – are the masterminds behind the look, which brings the outside in using exposed stone, ochre and terracotta. “Provence is very familiar to us,” says Alvarez de Toledo. “We’re native so we have a strong attachment to its crafts. The furnishings are inspired by memories from our childhoods.”

Bringing elements of the outdoors in, the hotel’s rustic design scheme fuses exposed stone with earthy tones like ochre and terracotta

Curvaceous design elements mimic the shapes of the surrounding landscape and infiltrate every room. Thonet chairs, tables and barstools in the café are rounded, as are mirror edges, lampshades and ceramics used to serve hot drinks and daily bakes. By contrast, slim rectangular wall tiles and decorative strips of timber at the doors of each storage cabinet run in horizontal lines. Juxtaposing shapes are at play. “Much of the furniture has been bought from Éditions Midi,” Alvarez de Toledo explains. “The founder Jérémie du Chaffautis is also a Provence native. We wanted to work with local artisans and materials to restore the original spirit of the estate.”

The most Instagram-worthy room meanwhile can be found through an archway in the wall. Purely decorative save for a winding spiral staircase that leads to a corridor of guestrooms, it is home to a cavernous white wall of cubby holes in varying sizes. Each is filled with a different ceramic, some of which are locally sourced or antique.

Expansive photography books and dried flowers decorate the smooth marble centre table, not just in vases but tied in clusters and attached to walls. It adds an element of texture and brings to mind the region’s famous lavender fields. In the grounds, wisteria, olive trees, rosemary bushes and bursts of pistachio green continue the theme, lining the stone path to one of two pools. Potted citrus trees pepper the courtyard and vines wind their way up the garden walls.

Every room boasts a similar aesthetic and consistency throughout the property is clear. Subtle commonalities surpass aesthetic. The lampshades used in several common areas, for example, were sourced from the same basketmaker in Salernes who provided the mirrors in the bathrooms. Each vanity unit is handmade by Jaune and pendant lamps have been selected from La Vannerie Pascal Lafon’s collection.

Artwork chosen by architecture and branding studio Saint-Lazare adds an element of differentiation and some bedrooms feature

unique design touches, but this isn’t the kind of place where each space has been designed differently to the next.

There’s confidence in the aesthetic choices, and duly so. Bright and airy, spacious and considered with hero furniture pieces in a mix of materials – every area feels calming without being sterile. The warmth of terracotta and oak offsets concrete bathtubs and lime plaster walls, while handmade tiles bring individuality among the uniform.

It’s a look that’s planned to continue as phase two of the property development commences in 2023. 16 new rooms will replace the current restaurant and spill across the gardens, the restaurant will be moved to where the spa and gym has been located until now, and the latter will be repositioned accordingly. Naturally, Jaune will be pivotal to the design plans. “The new spa will be more streamlined and minimal in its look than the current one,” says Alvarez de Toledo. “We will use much of the same materials as we have elsewhere.”

The restaurant plans are inspired by an old sheepfold – another nod to local traditions and the fruit of Provence’s land. Cooking will take place on an open fire, the goal being to create a homely atmosphere befitting to the French countryside. The on-site herb garden and vineyard will undoubtedly be put to optimum use too.

Beaumier’s plans for Capelongue don’t stop there. In 2024, the hotel will welcome the addition of a further 57 rooms. The two outdoor swimming pools will remain, as will the communal areas and courtyard.

Not just a picture-postcard example of considered hotel design but also a showcase of how aesthetics can enhance, as well as play into their surroundings, Capelongue is the kind of place that guests leave feeling a whole lot calmer than when they arrived. Jaune’s clever combination of colour and natural materials, coupled with the property’s rural surroundings, invoke a feeling of escapism while staying true to Beaumier’s established take on luxury.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Operator: Beaumier

Architecture: Studio Arch Interior Design: Jaune Art Consultant: Saint-Lazare www.beaumier.com

&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

TANZANIA

African culture and a wildlife-rich environment provide the inspiration for a new lodge in the western reaches of the Serengeti.

Words: Lauren Jade Hill • Photography: © Andrew Morgan

Sparse woodland and vast grasslands dotted with acacia trees span Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, home to herds of zebra, wildebeest and impala that are stalked by resident predators including the ecosystem’s thriving lion prides. Giraffes stand out on the horizon and a cornucopia of birdlife – from the tawny eagle to iridescent starlings and long-legged, flamboyantly feathered secretary bird – bring life to every patch of the East African wilderness.

And it is here that Grumeti Game Reserve occupies more than 400m2 of land. Within this sprawling oasis lies &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, nestled in a wooded area on the banks of the river. Pods of hippos and solitary crocodiles inhabit this body of water, with open plains and pockets of forest stretching out to the horizon beyond.

Originally built in the early 1990s, the lodge has undergone an extensive rebuild after the Grumeti River burst its banks and flooded the property in April 2020. Having worked on the original design, longstanding &Beyond collaborator Fox Browne Creative returned to create the new look. In partnership with the design practice’s in-house architect Jack Alexander, Fox Browne Creative founders Debra Fox and Christopher Browne dreamt up the concept for the lodge’s bold reinvention.

“We didn’t want to lose the spirit of the original lodge,” says Fox. “It’s situated in a remote area on the oxbow of the river with the sound of hippos as a backdrop. The wildness of its setting is magical, so we sought to retain the safari tent feel while bringing it into today’s contemporary era.” Browne adds: “It’s a powerful location – guests are connected straight to the hippo pond.”

Residents enter first into the main living and dining area, which is open on both sides to offer views to the wilderness. Though nature takes centre stage – the deck has been carefully laid around existing trees – interiors also make their mark. Immediately drawing the attention, a chandelier made from brightly-coloured strips of braided material threaded through handblown glass baubles hangs above the circular central bar. Artisanal design details, including more glass decoration hanging from the ceiling like jewels, feature alongside carefully curated curios and patterned furnishings in bold shades of red, purple and blue.

Outside, a boma provides open-air space on the riverside for outdoor dining and pre-dinner drinks by the fire and this area is joined by a newly built gym and swimming pool with a stylishly furnished deck, both with a privileged position on the river.

The lodge’s 10 suites, including a twobedroom option for families, extend along the water’s edge with the surrounding trees forming a natural privacy wall. Floor-toceiling windows in the bedroom and bathroom immerse guests in nature, as do the outdoor decks with private plunge pool, while interiors feature local patterns and warm earthy tones.

For the structure of the suites, which have doubled in size from the original build, the designers were briefed to reinvent the traditional safari tent while introducing a more luxurious, contemporary feel. In keeping with &Beyond’s environmental ethos, sustainability was key to the project, with recyclable materials used throughout and the installation of a solar panel system ensuring the lodge runs on 80%

Soft furnishings reference the vibrant colours and patterns of the kanga and kitenge fabrics worn by those living around Africa’s Great Lakes

renewable energy. “We used materials typical of a tent, canvas being the main ingredient but in a steel frame structure that is light on the earth and entirely reusable; the camp could essentially disappear and leave no footprint behind,” says Browne. “With timber and mesh, we also kept the ingredients the same as in the original lodge but applied them in a different way. We made use of banana fibre for the roof too – it’s a beautiful material as well as being sustainable and renewable.”

While some elements draw on the natural world, the central guest area takes inspiration from the nomadic Maasai people and their ways of life. The curving forms and organic materials of their Manyatta homesteads for example are mirrored in the ceiling niches and arrangements of furniture, while soft furnishings reference the vibrant colours and patterns of the kanga and kitenge fabrics worn by those living around Africa’s Great Lakes. “We’ve tapped into the vibrancy of the Great Lakes and for me that immediately means looking to the fabrics used

in different ways,” Browne explains. The Maasai necklace is also referenced throughout, as are the traditional baskets used for winnowing grain and storing food. And the design practice worked with a women’s collective in Arusha to create the recycled glass baubles dotted throughout, while all fabrics were sourced locally and woven matting comes from craftspeople in a nearby village. Other items were repurposed from the original lodge. “One of our philosophies in design is to repurpose and upcycle, to reinvent and reinterpret using what already exists,” says Fox of the approach.

The end result, combining this ethos and a wealth of local inspiration, is a contemporary wilderness retreat that fuses understated luxury with a connection to the culture and environment defining the area. “The lodge is a surprise,” explains Fox. “Guests expect the typical safari aesthetic of beige, linen and leather trunks, but this is different.” Browne concludes: “Our design was a little experimental; the aim was to push the boundaries.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner / Operator: &Beyond Travel Architecture: Jack Alexander Interior Design: Fox Browne Creative www.andbeyond.com

Daze | Vigil Neural Morpheus | Lucid Awake Trance Somnia

GLASS EFFECT and PALM by CHELSOM THE OTHER HOUSE, LONDON CHELSOM.CO.UK

Photography courtesy of Jack Hardy

The Other House

LONDON

Billed as the first of its kind, a new residents’ club opens in South Kensington, where interiors by Bergman Design House are a kaleidoscope of colour and pattern.

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Jack Hardy

Named after the expression used by second home owners to refer to their weekend bolthole, The Other House is making its mark as a new style of accommodation in the city. But don’t be fooled by the moniker. This is no home from home, it’s better.

Positioned somewhere between a hotel, a serviced apartment and a private members’ club, the venture is the brainchild of Naomi Heaton, an entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in the property sector. Having founded London Central Portfolio back in 1990, Heaton has witnessed first-hand the changing priorities of out-of-town real estate investors, and felt there was a gap in the market for a product that could serve both visitors and locals, day guests and overnighters. And so The Other House was born. “The concept brings together the best of residential living – in terms of placemaking, locality and experience – with the services of a hotel and ambiance of a club,” she reveals, adding that it’s a place to call home, whatever the length of stay, be it a day, a month or a year.

The property occupies a row of Victorian townhouses that span a city block previously known as Harrington Hall. Given its former use as a hotel, a simple refurbishment could have sufficed, but Heaton’s vision required more.

“We don’t have conventional hotel rooms, we offer club flats with a living room, bedroom and kitchen,” she explains. “To achieve this, we had to completely reconfigure the floorplan; the layout is very different to what it was before.”

Indeed, where most hotel rooms are entered directly into the sleeping quarters, rooms at The Other House open into the living space, much like at home. Taking the private residence approach a step further, every club flat has its own address, with the corridors on each floor named in honour of a local character. There’s even Amazon collection lockers on site and a dedicated street entrance for grocery and takeout deliveries.

From the outset, the development has been shaped through a residential lens rather than a typical hotel scheme; in fact, Heaton doesn’t

In the club flats, ranging in size from 23m2 to 61m2, the palette comprises deeply saturated hues of teal, racing green and oxblood red, layered with sumptuous velvets, British tweed and wool

refer to it as a hotel at all, opting instead for the term ‘residents’ club’. But despite the ‘place to call home’ ethos, the interior design scheme is – for most – nothing like home; whimsical, fantastical and flamboyant, it’s a bold departure from the restrained neutral aesthetic often seen in long-stay apartments.

“We wanted to create an experience through the décor,” says Heaton, noting that there’s nothing else like it in the area. To bring her vision to life, she turned to Bergman Design House, a London-based studio founded by Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund, whose portfolio spans luxury residential and superyachts as well as hospitality.

“We knew that this was Naomi’s first hotel and it would be challenging as the first in a brand, but we pitched and won it,” begins Soliman. “When we first met with Naomi, we had an idea of how the property would function in terms of the club flats, but we didn’t expect the brief we got; she didn’t want it to feel like a typical hotel, she wanted the unexpected.”

Soliman worked closely with Heaton on every aspect of the scheme, from defining the overarching concept to selecting the fabrics, fixtures and finishes. And though the designer is perhaps more accustomed to limitless budgets with her high-net-worth clients, she’s adept at spending effectively too. “I think what Naomi liked about our proposal was that we understood the budget – where to spend the money and how to make an impact through colour, texture and pattern,” she explains.

And colour, texture and pattern are delivered in droves. In the club flats, ranging in size from 23m2 to 61m2, the palette comprises deeply saturated hues

of teal, racing green and oxblood red, layered with sumptuous velvets, British tweed and wool. Every room is different, either by layout, colour scheme or upholstery – out of the 200 keys, there’s barely a single room alike. Some are open-plan with an ornate screen separating the bedroom and lounge, others feature a separate living room, ideal for entertaining guests. There’s adjoining rooms for families or groups, and a one-offs that span two floors or occupy the turrets.

In the public areas, the design ramps up a notch. On arrival, guests are greeted not by a row of formal checkin desks, but a lounge that immediately sets the tone. Cosy armchairs upholstered in a rich medley of colour and pattern are accessorised with plump cushions, often in contrasting shades or with flora and fauna motifs. Coffee tables are topped with weighty tomes and quirky ornaments. A 9.5m lighting installation by Cox London forms a leafy canopy overhead, and floor lamps make a statement thanks to their tassels and fringing. Standing proud by the lifts, a statement peacock chair has been a hit on Instagram, and even the public bathrooms are worth a visit for their exotic wallcoverings and distinctive faucets.

On the ground floor, Heaton has been savvy in the selection of F&B facilities, opting for an all-day street café rather than an à la carte restaurant, knowing that overnight guests will either head out or make use of their kitchenette. For the interiors of The Other Kitchen, Soliman has taken inspiration from nearby Gloucester Road tube station, selecting glossy metrostyle tiling to accompany checkerboard flooring and loose furniture featuring bronze accents. The venue, open until 6pm, is intentionally flexible meaning it

Bergman Design House has made impact through colour, texture and pattern, complemented by an upcycled art collection that has been enhanced to reflect the property’s eccentricity

can be reconfigured for pop-up restaurants, supper clubs or parties, as demonstrated at the hotel’s grand opening last October, which saw performers in body paint seemingly emerge from the ruffled-silk wallcoverings and a guest appearance from the West End cast of The Lion King, who sang and dance their way through the hotel.

The bar meanwhile is a venue that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Named The Owl & Monkey – carrying the tagline ‘wise as an owl, curious as a monkey’ – interiors transport guests to another world. Soliman has had fun in the contrasting animal prints and exotic wallcoverings, which depict the title characters frolicking in the jungle. A touch of glamour comes courtesy of the cut-bronze mirrored wall panels and Palm chandeliers in antique gold leaf, the latter by Chelsom, who have supplied much of the lighting throughout, including an elliptical ribbed-glass design that casts dazzling rays across the wall. There’s wit and whimsy at every turn; from the graphics on the menu to

the design of the crockery, it’s a visual identity that is carried through with confidence. With the ground-floor public spaces open to all, it’s the private club that is proving a key differentiator. Accessible only to overnight guests and a handful of members, the basement-level space is home to a spacious lounge, screening room, vitality pool and gym. There’s also a meditation hub that hosts sound baths, shamanic healing and chakra cleansing – the brand focus being primarily on spiritual and inner wellbeing. The spa lounge, known as Hogsmire, is a light-filled space beneath a glass atrium, where scalloped flooring, potted trees and an installation of flying birds take centre stage. The Keeping Room in the vaults meanwhile takes on more of a gentleman’s club feel, with subdued lighting, cosy armchairs and an open fire. With cubby holes and communal areas, the set-up is equally suited to working as it is to dining or socialising, feeding in to The Other House philosophy that encourages guests to make the space their own.

Enabling guests to make their own choices extends to the technology and sustainability approach too. Booking, check-in and ordering food can be done by the app or through a House Jack – the hotel’s name for the jackof-all-trades front-of-house team – depending on personal preference. And elements of the sustainability policy are optional too. A planetfriendly Housekeeping Lite service is included in the nightly rate but chargeable extras such as daily laundering of bed linen and towels are only on request. Energy usage can also be tracked via the app, with guests making their own choice as to whether they alter their behaviour accordingly.

There’s been no compromise on sustainable practices in the design-and-build however, so much so that the property is expected to achieve BREEAM Excellent status. Soliman has been steadfast in her commitment to materials, dedicating time to research the lifecycle of fabrics and finishes. Every tile can be recycled for example, while stone is composite and

leather is vegan. Fabrics and wallcoverings are primarily sourced from nearby showrooms in Chelsea Harbour and on King’s Road. Furniture and lighting is made in the UK, in some cases by small-scale artisans such as River Bespoke. Even the art is upcycled, having been saved from landfill after going unsold at auction. The 18th century oil paintings in varying styles remain in their timeworn frames, with Soliman adding her own flourishes to reflect the property’s eccentricity and sense of humour, giving them a second life.

The project is one that both Soliman and Heaton speak of passionately, having pulled out all the stops to ensure the debut doesn’t go unnoticed. The kaleidoscope of colour and pattern might not be to everyone’s taste, but for Heaton, that’s exactly the point. Plans are afoot for four to five clubs across London, each with its own style direction according to the personality of the neighbourhood, meaning guests can simply pick and choose whichever ‘other house’ they prefer.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

CEO: Naomi Heaton

Investor: London Central Portfolio, APG

Architecture: Falconer Chester Hall

Interior Design: Bergman Design House

Art Consultant: Melinda Ashton Turner

Lighting Design: Into Lighting

Main Contractor: Red Construction Group

Project Manager: Emmaus Consulting www.otherhouse.com

Rezydent MGallery

SOPOT

Following a complete refurbishment, Sopot’s Rezydent hotel reopens as part of Accor’s boutique MGallery collection.

Much like the British seaside towns of Brighton and Eastbourne that find city-dwellers flocking to their beaches every summer, Sopot is where the Polish go to escape the hustle and bustle of urban living. Positioned between cities of Gdańsk and Gdynia on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, the seaside resort is known for its long sandy beaches and leisurly atmosphere, as well as the longest wooden pier in Europe, earning it the title of Poland’s Riviera.

Plenty of hotels have set up shop both along the seafront and inland over the years in response to regular tourist arrivals, but the newest jewel in the coastal town’s crown is Rezydent MGallery. Located on the Bohaterów Monte Cassino promenade, the hotel occupies a site steeped in local history. Since the end of the 19th century, the spot has fulfilled various different purposes, from a marketplace and restaurant to a distillery, bakery and even a cigarette shop, though it spent the longest stint – over 100 years – as the infamous Dworcowy Hotel, until the building was demolished in 2001 and Hotel Rezydent was built in its place.

The replacement Art Nouveau structure is in keeping with the characteristic architecture of the surrounding townhouses, with subtle references to the flora and fauna of the Baltic Sea, making it one of the most recognisable properties in the town. Since then, the property was operated independently before joining Accor as part of its Eastern European expansion plans. Following a complete refurbishment, carried out by Warsaw-based studio

Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: Courtesy of Accor

Bistro-style eatery Grino is characterised by composite columns, grand arches and emerald floor-length drapery

Tremend during the Covid-19-induced national lockdown, the hotel is now part of the boutique MGallery collection, marking the brand’s third venture in Poland.

The new design scheme is a celebration of the traditional architectural features in recognition of the site’s history, whilst also introducing contemporary elements that symbolise the hotel’s future. Guests are now welcomed into the lobby by a statement Old Fables chandelier suspended above the front door, comprising handblown glass spheres of various sizes and colours that are reminiscent of sparkling soap bubbles. This is one of several statement glass pieces by Sopot-based studio Barańska Design displayed throughout the property, ranging from sculptures and paintings to light installations. The lobby in particular draws inspiration from the hotel’s seaside location, with a golden amorphous reception desk that mimics the rippled patterns left in the sand as the tide goes out.

To the right, double doors open into signature

restaurant Grino, complete with composite columns, grand archways and doors inlaid with panels of etched glass, contrasted by curvaceous boucle bucket chairs and emerald green brick tiling. Spread across the ground floor, the venue is divided into two dining areas; the former is more informal with a neutral palette of creams, beiges and browns, while the latter occupies a grand atrium with emerald floor-length drapery and dried floral arrangements suspended from the glazed roof.

The bistro-style eatery takes an innovative gastronomic approach to modern Polish cuisine, offering regional delights from local suppliers, cooked and served on hot lava stones. Head Chef Adam Ramutkowski’s signature dish of homemade cod and salmon sausages, which is a contemporary interpretation of a classic dish rooted in the history of Sopot fishermen, is complemented by the barl’s signature Baltic beach-inspired Amber Dream cocktail made using amber vodka.

Plush carpet bearing a pattern derived from

a photograph of Sopot pier lines the corridors leading up to the 63 guestrooms, several of which overlook the Neo-Gothic landmark, St George’s Church. Inside, the emerald motif continues through to the ceilings and select lounge furniture, while headboards resemble sand blown by the Baltic Sea, and floor lamps are inspired by amber, the native gemstone of Poland. Bathrooms channel a similar air of modern luxury with matte black accents, patterned wallcoverings and terrazzo floors accompanied by L’Occitane amenities.

Built upon the waters of the St Adalbert’s Spring, Sopot has also been a popular spa destination since the town’s first sanitorium opened in the 18th century. So what would be a spa town hotel without its own dedicated spa and wellness facilities? Hidden down a spiral staircase in the subterranean levels is the intimate Prana Spa, where guests can take advantage of beauty and relaxation treatments, three massage rooms and a dry sauna. The guest experience doesn’t end at the

perimeter of the hotel; in fact, as a member of the MGallery collection, the property offers a range of unique Memorable Moments, including a four-hour yacht trip on the Baltic Sea, on which visitors can admire the captivating coastal landscape while tucking into a champagne picnic. There are also opportunities to partake in a jewellery workshop, during which the history of Baltic gold is explored by a master amber craftsman, or to book guided tours of the neighbouring cities.

“Rezydent Sopot’s boutique character and locally inspired architecture, as well as its elegance and intimate interiors, make the hotel a perfect fit for the sophisticated style of the MGallery brand,” says General Manager Joanna Wolny. “It is a property for passionate guests expecting unique experiences related to history, architecture, art and travel. Thanks to its tasteful interiors, dedicated culinary offer and leisure facilities, the hotel slots seamlessly into the rich and beautiful tradition of the city it calls home.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Owner: Rezydent Operator: Accor Interior Design: Tremend www.accor.com

The Pavilions The First Musica

ROME

The First Roma welcomes a third member, designed by Studio Marincola to harmonise with the city’s rich tapestry.

Whizzing through the cobbled streets of Rome on an e-scooter – firmly in the camp that these should be permanent fixtures everywhere – each bump and knee-grinding bounce is a reminder of the history seeping up through the ancient city’s foundations. Aching with the weight of past stories but not stuck in former times, new pages are written every day in this metropolis.

Indeed, The Pavilions Rome, The First Musica began a fresh chapter on the west bank of the River Tiber this summer, injecting a flash of five-star pizzazz to the already elegant Prati neighbourhood, and joining sister venues The First Arte and The First Dolce, collectively known as The First Roma.

As Rome so pertinently conveys, heritage serves as an excellent tool when preparing for the future, and so it is in the case of The First Musica, housed in a Mid-Century building originally designed by architect Mario Docci. “To design in a city like Rome, you must know its history,” explains Antonio Marincola,

founder of Studio Marincola, which was behind the renovation. “For me, it is impossible not to consider it – the colours, materials and architecture are all inspired by the city.”

The most striking of these is perhaps the building’s bronze-gilded concrete and mesh façade, influenced by Richard Meier’s iconic Museo dell’Ara Pacis, situated just across the water. But it’s the collective impact of a slew of structural changes that has transformed the former office complex into the opulent address it is now. “The entire concrete structure was strengthened,” Marincola confirms. “The roof was completely opened up and every one of the 24 rooms and suites now features floor-toceiling windows.”

All these features draw guests’ attention to the Tiber, the river that was once the lifeblood of the city. The oversized windows frame its serpentine path as it cuts through the core of different quartieri, while up at Alto, the rooftop bar serving cocktails and Italian cuisine, sweeping views reveal its impressive scale.

Words: Abby Lowe Photography: Courtesy of The Pavilions Hotels

From here, notable monuments like the Trinità dei Monti, Mausoleum of Augustus and the Altare della Patria are also visible; constants in an ever-evolving landscape.

Tributes to the city’s beauty continue inside, where luxe fabrics come courtesy of Loro Piana; timber panelling is by Alpi; and rare Calacatta marble all combine to conjure a calm, cosmopolitan ambience away from the al fresco buzz. “The external and internal materials must be in harmony,” says Marincola. “The cladding of the structure was therefore repeated inside and many accessories in the bedrooms and bathrooms were crafted from brass.” The result is contemporary yet unfussy rooms, in which high quality furnishings speak loudest and comfort is key.

As the first light of day warms the city’s many spires, breakfast is served overlooking their apex at plush, fifth-floor restaurant Oliva. It’s a feast fit for a Roman, naturally, spanning so many courses that eventually one loses count. But it’s the service that’s most memorable.

Genuinely interested in their guests and keen to give recommendations, the team provide a local wisdom that paves the way for a no holds barred exploration of Rome’s well-pounded pavements. For those who like to get beneath the skin of a place, it’s invaluable insight.

That same innate curiosity and long-held knowledge brush up against each other within the walls of The First Musica. “Rome has taught me everything I know about architecture,” Marincola explains. “With over 2,000 years of history and overlapping architectural styles, the colours and materials of this city are unique. That’s why I always try and include them in my projects.”

Lying on the bed, gazing out over the capital as parakeets swoop from trees like tiny darts piercing a silhouetted skyline that’s been etched for thousands of years, the juxtaposition of then and now is tangible. Rome’s past may be set in stone, but hotels like The First Musica ensure that the contours of what comes next are still to be coloured.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT

Operator: The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Architecture and Interior Design: Studio Marincola www.pavilionshotels.com

DESIGN DETAILS

SUITE

Casa La Siesta

Tiles are more than just a surfacecovering at Casa La Siesta in Andalusia, where their presence within a new suite captures the rustic charm of the surroundings. Created by Bert & May founder Lee Thornley in partnership with London-based interiors studio Kitesgrove, the suite showcases a passion for craftsmanship and natural materials, fusing an earthy palette with organic finishes. The bedroom features reclaimed tiles from Bert & May on the floor, together with Quad tiles from the Irregular Collection, which Kitesgrove designed exclusively for Bert & May. The tiles continue into the bathroom, where their uneven, dance-like quality aligns with the perfectly imperfect design of the suite. “The Andalusian landscape informed many of our design choices, with a focus on deep earthy colours and natural, tactile textures,” says Katie Lion, Senior Interior Designer at Kitesgrove. “It was therefore important not to overshadow the warmth of the reclaimed woods and tiles, so our palette is subtle with accents of rich colour.”

Luteca.com @lutecafurniture

Contemporary design inspired by Mexican heritage

PARIS | NYC | LOS ANGELES MEXICO CITY

Leading lights from across the Middle East & Africa descend on The Palm Jumeirah to discover the fate of an illustrious shortlist, with a Hamburgborn hotel brand scooping the ultimate prize for its Dubai debut.

Following another stellar year of openings across the Middle East & Africa, the region’s leading hoteliers, architects and interior designers came together in Dubai to celebrate the projects that have got the industry talking, with the best and the brightest going head-tohead for a range of highly coveted awards.

After mingling with their peers over champagne and canapes in the glamorous surrounds of W Dubai The Palm, attendees were encouraged to take their seats for a pre-dinner presentation from hospitality consultant Nick van Marken, who gave an overview of the promising pipeline across the region, from the UAE’s soaring skyscrapers to Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects.

One of Saudi Arabia’s new hotspots came up trumps for the first category of the night, Sustainability, which was introduced by AHEAD in 2022 as a means of recognising hotel projects that demonstrably follow sustainable principles in both their development and delivery. Described by the judges as an “exquisite intervention in nature’s amphitheatre”, Habitas AlUla was praised for its low-impact integration with the surrounding environment, made possible through the use of ethically sourced materials and modular construction methods. “There is a purity in the way the resort is designed, constructed, laid out and programmed with an edited simplicity,” said one judge. “It remains subservient to the nature that envelops it and in turn heightens the guest experience.”

Similarly conscious credentials were possessed by the New Concept winner – a community-focused development in Africa. Comprising a series of traditional dwellings

made using local materials and traditions, The Capanne Huts Project on Rwanda’s Nkombo Island offers a more ethical form of tourism that aspires to preserve the area’s natural balance. The project is entirely funded by Sextantio members in the form of an NGO, which has helped provide health insurance to local Rwandan communities since 2008. “A remarkably empathetic concept,” said Sleeper’s Editor-at-Large Guy Dittrich, who was joined on stage by Dubai-based designer and co-host for the evening, Pallavi Dean.

Rwanda wasn’t the only African nation to take home a trophy on the night, with four other countries heralded for hotels that pushed the boundaries of architecture and design. Fairmont Taghazout Bay in Morocco was first to hit the mark, scooping the Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces award for its “thoughtful use of indigenous plant species” and a “real sense of softness” offered by Scape’s design, while Zambia’s Lolebezi Safari Lodge saw victory in a tightly contested Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps category, standing out from the rest for its “balance between luxury and integration with the landscape”. In the city, South African designer Tristan du Plessis was lauded for his interiors at The Penthouse Suite at Hallmark House Hotel in Johannesburg, which one judge billed as “beautiful, unique and relevant to its setting”, while AM Studio Paris bagged the Visual Identity prize for developing a comprehensive brand experience at La Maison Palmier, Abidjan’s first boutique hotel.

Though the wider region fared well across the board, Dubai proved why it is regarded as one of the hospitality heavyweights in MEA, picking up a total of eight awards including

the sought-after Hotel of the Year. Leon at The Dubai Edition was named best Bar, Club or Lounge for its “intimate and cosy” atmosphere that juxtaposes the rest of the hotel using dark walnut wood walls and black Marquina marble countertops. Bushra at Grosvenor House was labelled best Restaurant for creating “a thoughtful character that pairs with the culinary experience”. And W Dubai Mina Seyahi was handed best Guestrooms, with Blink Design Group commended for “incredible detailing and materiality” that captures the spirit of its location. Having narrowly missed out on a prize for its work on the ground floor of W Dubai Mina Seyahi, Stickman Tribe came out on top in the Hotel Renovation & Restoration category, in which The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina secured the accolade for achieving a sense of timeless luxury through a combination of Art Deco elements and lush greenery. “A game changer for the brand,” in the words of the judges.

Stealing the show for The City of Gold however was 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, which scooped four awards on the evening: Event Spaces, Hotel Newbuild, Lobby & Public Spaces, and the AHEAD MEA Hotel of the Year. Marking the group’s first property outside Europe, the project was described as “a fresh take on the region’s hospitality scene” by the judging panel, who were overawed by the “pockets of unique experiences” created by Hopkins Architects and Woods Bagot. Having congratulated the winners, those in attendance were invited to an afterparty hosted at SoBe, the hotel’s rooftop bar, where celebrations continued into the night.

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE

EVENT SPACES

GUESTROOMS

NEWBUILD

HOTEL RENOVATION & RESTORATION

SPA & WELLNESS

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES

LODGES, CABINS & TENTED CAMPS

HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Clockwise from top left: Lolebezi Safari Lodge; Bushra by Buddha Bar at Grosvenor House; The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina; 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central; The Penthouse Suite at Hallmark House Hotel; W Dubai Mina Seyahi

Blowing a Balearic breeze over Battersea, AHEAD Europe returned to Evolution London in November for an Ibiza-inspired awards ceremony held in collaboration with Global Sponsor RH Contract. In keeping with the signature ‘Black Tie with a Twist’ dress code, the community of owners, operators, designers and architects in attendance decked themselves out in their finest attire, taking cues from the laid-back luxury of the islands and the bohemian lifestyle they evoke. Having reunited with their industry peers over a drinks reception, guests were invited into the ballroom, where Awards Director Matt Turner welcomed attendees before Sleeper’s Managing Editor and AHEAD Europe Judge Catherine Martin shared opening remarks on the difficulty in judging such a high calibre of entries. The awards kicked off with the Outstanding Contribution accolade, presented by hotel consultant David Bailey to architect and designer Dexter Moren, founding director of Studio Moren. Since establishing his studio in 1992 with a team of three, Moren now has a 70-strong team focusing on both architecture and interior design. With a people-first approach – both in his projects and the way in which he runs his studio – Moren has built a vast portfolio of hotels that not only look good but operate efficiently too.

In the category awards, Madrid came up trumps this year with two different hotels receiving recognition from the judging panel. The Madrid Edition impressed on various fronts, from Hotel Conversion to the hotly contested Lobby & Public Spaces category. “Accomplished and bold, each area is considered with a clear identity and intention

of use,” said one judge, while another praised the “punchy injections of contemporary interventions that create a memorable and striking experience”. Madrid produced another winner in Rosewood Villa Magna, which collected the Hotel Renovation & Restoration prize. “It is often difficult to undertake a soft refurbishment as elegantly as the designers have done so on this project,” stated one judge. “The colour choices are impactful and the design is homogeneous throughout.”

Variety reigned supreme, particularly in the F&B categories. “This will be a space that stays in my memory having enlivened the senses” were the words of one judge when praising the Punch Room at The Madrid Edition, a contemporary reimagining of the brand’s signature bar. Described as “bold, brave and incredibly atmospheric”, the panel attributed the venue’s success to its ability to build anticipation. In London meanwhile, Mandarin Oriental was successful in the Restaurant category with The Aubrey’s Hyde Park outpost. Judges praised London-based interior design studio Brady Williams for its “exquisite use of materials and detailing”, declaring the Japanese izakaya as “a lesson in seductive design”.

Grecian resorts also fared well on the night, with Mykonos hideaway Kálesma celebrated for its suite design by Studio Bonarchi: “The attention to detail and understated design features have been beautifully executed,” said the panel. “Every single furniture and decor piece has its place and purpose.” On the island of Corfu meanwhile, Grecotel Corfu Imperial was credited for its impressive landscaping and outdoor spaces, as one judge stated: “The

landscape and hardscape work in harmony with the building architecture, placing a clear emphasis on vistas.”

This year’s Europe ceremony saw the return of the Transport award too, which went to Venice Simplon-Orient Express. With three new suites designed by Wimberly Interiors in collaboration with Belmond, the interiors of the iconic locomotive were described by the judges as “timeless luxury that harks back to a bygone era of luxury travel”, evoking a “real sense of wanderlust and exquisite escapism”.

Ultimately, London dominated the winners list, particularly amongst the special awards. 100% net zero property Room2 Chiswick took home the inaugural Sustainability prize, while Inhabit Hotels received the New Concept trophy. The big winner of the night however was The Londoner, scooping three awards in total including the most coveted of them all –the AHEAD Europe Hotel of the Year.

Standing 30m tall and 32m below street level in the heart of Leicester Square, the 16-storey hotel was “the most impressive architectural and engineering feat” according to the panel, which explains why the urban resort was handed the prize for Newbuild. Breathing new life into the Event Spaces category, the super boutique’s subterranean, West End-inspired “wonderland of event spaces” wowed the judges with a design characterised by mirrored ceilings, plus velvet drapery and artworks operated by a pulley system that “sets a new bar”. And as to why The Londoner was named Hotel of the Year, the panel said it best: “A visionary project, well executed and setting new standards in the West End – one of a kind and a worthy winner.”

The AHEAD season culminates in a Balearic-inspired ceremony celebrating the finest new hospitality experiences Europe has to offer, from a 16-storey super-boutique hotel to a converted monastery.

BAR, CLUB OR LOUNGE

EVENT SPACES

GUESTROOMS

HOTEL CONVERSION

HOTEL NEWBUILD

LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR SPACES

LOBBY & PUBLIC SPACES

LODGES, CABINS & TENTED

Clockwise from top left: Monastero Arx Vivendi; The Bathhouse at Castello di Reschio; The Londoner; Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; DistrictHive; The Madrid Edition

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For decades Waterbury Bathroom Accessories has been the ‘go to’ supplier for wall mounted bathroom accessories. This is backed up by a long list of leading Hotel Groups that have Waterbury as an approved or preffered supplier, an even longer list of Interior Designers that specify Waterbury time after time and a longer list still of Hotels and Commercial projects around the globe that are fitted with Waterbury products.

Please call the Waterbury Sales Team on 0121 333 6062 or 07881 361056 or sales@waterbury.co.uk and one of the team will be happy to help you with a solution for your project.

Web: www.waterbury.co.uk | Email: sales@waterbury.co.uk | Phone: 0121 333 6062

Hotel Construction Pipeline Global

Despite regional variation in performance, new hotel development remains steady according to the latest research from THP. The database currently shows a total of 7,383 hotels in the pipeline globally, accounting for more than 1.5 million rooms.

By region, Asia Pacific is the most active with 2,695 projects signed, followed by North America (1,855 projects) and Europe (1,844 projects). Honing in on individual countries, China, USA and UK top the listings, while Spain rises up the ranks following a surge in development across urban and coastal destinations; SLS Barcelona, Nobu Hotel San Sebastian and Four Seasons Hotel Formentor will open through 2023 and 2024.

Cementing its spot in the top ten, Saudi Arabia is moving at a record-breaking pace as it pushes forward with its grand Vision 2030 plan; the pipeline currently stands at 62,977 rooms across 168 projects. From The Red Sea Project, Neom and Qiddiya to Amaala, AlUla and Diriyah Gate, the country’s so-called giga-projects form a sizeable chunk of the US$7 trillion set to be invested by its government, with luxury hotel brands flocking to the sites – as well as cities like Makkah, Madinah and Riyadh – to capture increasing tourist arrivals.

With over 500,000 rooms set to enter the market globally in 2023, there’s clearly no let-up in demand for luxury hotel development.

TOP CITIES

DUBAI Projects 100 Rooms 23,976

LONDON Projects 93 Rooms 17,194

SHANGHAI Projects 66 Rooms 15,186

TOP COUNTRIES

CHENGDU Projects 62 Rooms 11,923

SHENZHEN Projects 59 Rooms 11,545

GUANGZHOU Projects 53 Rooms 10,971

DUBLIN Projects 45 Rooms 6,777

NEW YORK Projects 54 Rooms 12,328

RIYADH Projects 47 Rooms 9,598

BANGKOK Projects 43 Rooms 10,994

THP is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide.

For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

Projects Rooms Projects Rooms

CHINA 1,544 343,664

USA 1,522 295,165

UK 418 59,874

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SPAIN 170 23,350

SAUDI ARABIA 168 62,977

GERMANY 304 47,249

VIETNAM 142 56,011

UAE 135 35,116

INDIA 187 28,837 AUSTRALIA 173 29,510

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

VISION Projects 180 Rooms 42,920

GROUPS AND BRANDS

PLANNING PROJECTSROOMS

350 Projects 461 Projects 475 Projects 723 Projects 857

Projects

PRE-OPENING Projects 540 Rooms 107,275 BRAND

CONSTRUCTION Projects 3,202 Rooms 702,110

Hilton Hotels & Resorts 12039,843

Hilton Garden Inn 10922,730

Marriott Hotels & Resorts 9928,199

Hampton by Hilton 9814,444 Hotel Indigo 8815,851

Doubletree by Hilton 8718,612

Hyatt Place 8715,221

Courtyard by Marriott 7613,893 Hyatt Regency 7421,434

Home2 Suites by Hilton 7410,746

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Back to the future

Major hotel groups have declared their businesses in rude health, as they delivered third quarter results.

Slimmed down after the pandemic, they are now reaping efficiency savings, as business bounces back across all markets except China. For now, none can spot any evidence of consumers pruning their hotel expenditure, while returning group business and corporate travel are expected to continue rising into 2023, offsetting cost headwinds.

Typical of the temperature were these comments from Marriott International CEO Tony Capuano: “We have yet to see signs of a slowdown in global lodging demand. In fact, we have seen just the opposite - booking trends remain very healthy.”

At Hilton Worldwide, CEO Chris Nassetta pointed to a survey of customers, which found 85% of business travellers hope to travel as much or more next year. “Despite near-term macro headwinds, we’re not seeing any signs that fundamentals are weakening. Rising demand, coupled with historically low industry supply growth, should continue to drive strong pricing power. We are in the midst of a rebound with secular tailwinds that should support growth.”

With cash flowing in, acquisitions are in the air. In October, Marriott spent USD100m acquiring Hoteles City Express, giving it an additional 152 hotels, largely across Mexico. It marks a new presence for Marriott in the ‘affordable midscale’ segment, delivering new brands City Express, City Express Plus, City Express Suites, City Express Junior and City Centro. Marriott says it will expand the brands in Mexico, across central and Latin America, and in future, further afield.

“We are bullish on the moderately priced midscale space, which has meaningful growth potential,” Capuano told analysts. “We are

incredibly excited about the opportunity to expand in this segment in CALA, as well as other locations around the world.”

Wyndham, which acquired Vienna House in Europe during the period, has also now named its new brand, Echo Suites, which already has more than 120 committed US development sites.

Hyatt, too has been in acquisitive mode. A deal with European hotel group Lindner has given it substantially more presence in Europe - albeit this particular deal is, effectively, a franchise agreement.

There are concerns that a tightening financing landscape could hit the progress of some new hotel developments. But that concern is not sufficient to have the big groups changing their views on support for landlords.

“I don’t see our tried-and-true philosophical approach to investment in projects changing even in this environment,” said Marriott’s Capuano. “Certainly, the competitive environment gets more competitive by the day, but we will apply the same disciplined lens that we’ve applied in the past.”

Wyndham CFO Michele Allen was a little more generous: “We are really pleased with what we are seeing from a key money perspective. We are at the table today on deals that we hadn’t previously been invited to participate in. So, using the balance sheet to incentivise owners to our brands is really bearing fruit for us. I do expect the allocation to key money will increase slightly as we move through the seating of the Echo brand, but nothing that’s going to materially draw away from our ability to either invest in inorganic growth opportunities or capital allocation to share repurchase.”

Also back to normal is the approach to brand standards. These were relaxed during the pandemic - with such issues as daily room refreshes set aside, while everyone was concerned about catching Covid. But, said Capuano: “We obviously have brought back all of

our quality metrics, so our QA audits, our brand standards. You might think that the owners would baulk at that. I think quite the contrary. They care deeply about their neighbours within the portfolio and continue to encourage us to bring back and enforce those standards.

“And then similarly, we obviously gave our owners and franchisees a measure of relief on renovation cycle at the very bottom of the trough of the pandemic. We’re bringing those requirements back but with some pragmatic perspective on hotels that are doing a terrific job on service, as evidenced by those quality metrics and giving them the ability to selectively extend some of those renovation cycles.”

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Bown: All of the big brand chief executives are declaring a bright few months ahead. But, with shorter booking windows among both leisure and corporate customers, there are fears they are deluding themselves in the manner of a ship’s captain staring at a fog bank off the bow.

It’s been a characteristic of the post-pandemic recovery, that plenty of consumers have money, and are keen to travel. Questions remain about how long this reserve of money will last. Set against this are economic concerns, though there are plenty of economists predicting a relatively short inflationary and interest rate spike, which may fizzle out within a year. If - and it’s a big if - the Ukraine situation gets resolved, then the bumps in the road of 2022 will soon be forgotten.

With the profits flowing in once more, there’s the question of where to spend. American CEOs – as they’re typically rewarded with share bonuses - love buying back shares, and there’s debt to be paid down too. But surely the bigger prize has got to be M&A. Hyatt set the bar high with its Apple deal, and Choice Hotels followed with its Radisson Americas acquisition. In comparison, Wyndham’s acquisition of Vienna House, and Marriott’s new Mexican deal, are small fry.

Bigger opportunities may well await. Club Med owner Fosun, for example, is looking to sell down assets to cover debts - and based on Hyatt’s experience, who wouldn’t love to add an allinclusive brand to their portfolio?

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: There is a real puzzle around Accor’s share price. Nobody can explain why it has failed to recover like its peers. It is a company most people seem to regard highly and yet its share price continues to lag.

Morgan Stanley said after Accor’s results that it was trading on 10 times EV / EBITDA against the 11 to 14 times of its equivalents. The share price yearto-date was down 19% against 14% for peers.

Accor’s results were good, with RevPAR stronger than IHG, Marriott and Hyatt, but not Whitbread nor Melia. And when it comes to net unit growth guidance, Accor at 3.5% was ahead of Marriott’s 3% but behind Hilton’s 5% and Hyatt’s 6.5%.

What may help is the big reorganisation of Accor into two units, one that groups its “power brands” like Ibis and Novotel together with other more “industrialised” brands such as Movenpick and Pullman; the other that encompasses luxury and lifestyle bringing together the brands under Ennismore with Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel. This new structure is formally activated in the New Year.

As we wrote when this structure was announced last July, there remains the risk that the new look highlights a perceived conglomerate discount. The luxury and lifestyle operation looks ripe to be taken private by Qatari investors, perhaps giving Jin Jiang, Accor’s single biggest shareholder with a holding of 12.9% at the end of June, an opportunity to exit.

Beyond Accor, the bigger question remains how long hotel company performance can remain decoupled from current economic trajectories. Tailwinds, particularly travel recovery momentum, still seems stronger than recessionary headwinds.

My view is that as long as this recession does not create widespread unemployment, hotel demand

should remain strong. While consumer spending power is suffering, there is evidence that other consumer spending segments are being cut back to maintain travel spend.

But there are limits to this, particularly if the recession proves longer than anticipated. And there are also other potential problems ahead for some of the global majors. In my view, the problems in China are under appreciated and if growth stalls in the PRC this will seriously dent many NUG projections.

Overall, the situation looks remarkably positive given the dark clouds elsewhere in the economy, particularly in growth sectors such as technology.

For the hotel sector to thrive, it is not just absolute performance that matters but relative.

The weight of money that investors still have to spend means that it is not if but where to deploy. There is short-term hiatus while debt markets stabilise but by Q2 next year deals look ready to start in earnest once again.

Hotel brands will have relatively easy comparables in Q1 thanks to lingering impact of the Omicron outbreak in late 2021. Thereafter, trading will be judged on largely recovered performances. Providing the recession is short-lived, the hotel sector may escape largely unscathed.

Hospitality seeks green leadership

The hospitality industry wants to be a champion in sustainability, according to two initiatives launched in October.

Lobby group the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA) and trade body UKHospitality both announced plans to raise the industry’s environmental and social action efforts.

The SHA is a 30-year-old body that started life as the International Hotels Environment Initiative, part of the then Prince of Wales’ International Business Leader’s Forum. It has now broken away and is forging a new “covenant”, according to CEO Glenn Mandziuk.

Chairman Wolfgang Neumann, a former CEO of Rezidor, said, “the hospitality industry is a force for good” but warned there was now a need for “much more action and much more urgent action”.

The SHA’s membership, which currently encompasses 35% of the world’s branded hotel stock, faces a challenge with the traditional linear consumption and production model, according to Mandziuk. Too few companies have set science-based targets for sustainability, perhaps less than 1%, warned Mandziuk, even though 28% of the industry has a climate strategy. “We need to rethink what success looks like and confront zero-sum thinking,” he explained. “We must focus not just on the customer but on the community.”

Blackrock CEO Larry Fink was referenced in his view that we must be deliberate about what we are doing to the planet, people and place. “Hospitality needs to be an agent of positive change,” added Mandziuk.

At the conference and gala dinner SHA hosted, and in the following few days, a series of new partnerships were announced, including with the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

In addition, phase two of the SHA’s Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative was released. This provides an updated way to calculate carbon output and is supported by the WTTC, AHLA and the Global Business Travel Association.

Alongside the HCMI, there are similar water and waste measurement tools. All three methodologies are used in the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking index.

The same week as SHA’s summit, UKHospitality hosted its own rescheduled seminar to launch its Sustainability Commitment. This document set out 10 pledges in four areas – waste, supply chain, skills and biodiversity.

The simultaneous launch of the Environmental

Sustainability Guide for the Hospitality Sector SMEs was revealed in a presentation by Burger King UK CFO Tim Doubleday. “You need a resilient business and this means taking account of ESG,” said Doubleday at the seminar. He also noted that focusing on simple actions can reduce energy consumption by 30%.

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: There are profound challenges as a journalist when covering the green agenda, particularly if your focus is on numbers rather than emotions. Right now there are no standardised measures of carbon and therefore no agreed way of ranking the performance of companies in their efforts to be sustainable.

At the UKHospitality seminar, Sky’s Stephanie Landymore said that carbon measurement is today where accountancy standards were 50 years ago. It was an intelligent answer to my questioning of why there were so many different ways of measuring carbon. But accountancy has never generated the level of emotion that the green agenda does.

Attending any sustainability themed event is like being at a religious service. Almost everyone there is a true believer and questioning anything makes you feel like you’re farting in a lift.

For progress in actually doing something, there must be more focus on the trade-offs, and these must be informed with meaningful numbers. You do not have to be fully subscribed to Milton Friedman’s notion that “the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits” to worry that imprecations to “do more now” without proper cost-benefit analysis will likely not end well.

There is active and meaningful pushback to the concept of net zero. It reminds me of where the Brexit debate was a decade or so before the UK voted to leave. We know how well that went. The Brexit vote was lost, in part, because there was a failure to engage with the sceptics and to do the heavy lifting of persuasion with facts and data. Having a single, agreed way to measure carbon is the first essential step to engaging in discussion about trade-offs.

Back in 2006, Hotel Analyst extensively covered the launch of Nicholas Stern’s The Economics of Climate Change. For me, the key message was not

around evangelising the green cause but framing it as a debate about probabilities and the need to see action as an insurance policy. We need far less proselytising and far more rational discussion of how much we need to be investing as an insurance policy. There are challenging and awkward conversations ahead about who will bear the cost.

At the SHA Summit, it was pointed out that the hospitality industry will need to be able to defend itself against regulators. Knowing exactly what our industry contributes to carbon output is a good start. Reducing the number of ways we are currently measuring carbon down from the current couple of dozen plus methodologies will take us another step towards being able to make a credible defence.

For the true believers, I urge you to tone down the rhetoric and use more grown-ups like Wolfgang Neumann. If we cannot even agree on how carbon should be measured, then it is certain the debate will be lost and with it any chance of implementing the steps needed to tackle climate change.

Staff shortage forces creativity

A post-pandemic shortage of staff continues to hinder the ability of hospitality businesses to meet the demand from consumers, for service with a smile.

The shortfall has led to some hotels cutting seasonal capacity and events offerings, as they strive to do as much as possible with less on the team. And a broader range of initiatives are now coming forward to help drive more skilled staff into hospitality. In the UK, an industry-wide initiative is seeking, through private funding, to build a campaign that will reposition the sector’s reputation among those looking for work or a career opportunity.

The shortage is an international issue - and some governments have already committed to action. In July, the German government said it would ease ways in which companies could recruit workers from source markets such as Turkey. Faster residency and work permits were promised, initially to help airports as they struggled to scale up for returning travellers.

The French government, too, has looked at ways to get people back into work, not least in hospitality. In the summer, the country recorded a 7.5% unemployment rate, something President Macron is keen to get down to 5%, with one option being to make it tougher to access unemployment benefits.

Spain, too, has struggled, and started the busy summer season short of 200,000 staff. Riu Hotels has launched a pilot hotel school at one of its properties in Playa de Palma. For five months, starting in November 2022, the hotel will run courses with Riu committing to hire 60% of the school’s graduates. The initiative is being supported financially by the SOIB, the employment service for the Balearic islands. Other hotel groups including Viva, THB and Iberostar have said they will wait for the outcome of the pilot, but are interested in similar initiatives.

The problem is also evident in the US, where a shortage of staff is hampering restaurants and driving hotel operators to get imaginative.

In the UK, it is reckoned there is a 10% vacancy across hospitality as a whole, effectively meaning a shortfall of 200,000 workers.

“Only two-in-five people working in hospitality would recommend it as a career - we need to increase that,” said Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality. Currently just 20% of young people look to the sector as a career path when leaving education, and the aim is to double that number. “The challenges we face are so severe, it really needs a big, all-industry call to action to address them.”

An industry-wide marketing initiative, Hospitality Rising, is gathering momentum across the UK and at the end of October 2022 launched a cross platform, sector-wide advertising campaign to get the attention of potential employees.

Hospitality Rising was created in 2021 by Mark McCulloch, CEO of consultancy Supersonic, who explained the initiative: “Hospitality Rising is a call to arms for the sector. It is an opportunity to unite and face the challenge collectively, rather than going it alone as has been the way

in the past. Inspired by the other industry campaigns, most notably the famous ‘Be The Best’ initiative by The British Army, we want to shine a fresh light on hospitality that will inspire a new generation of people to consider jobs and careers in a sector that we know can be both rewarding and fun.”

The movement has already gathered GBP850,000 on its way to an initial GBP1m target, with a range of supporters including many pub and restaurant groups, as well as hotel operators like Hilton.

The changing environment has also led to a situation where hotel companies now announce pay rises not as an increase in overheads, but an investment in their people. Whitbread recently touted a GBP15m spend on pay rises and bonuses as an “investment in team member pay”. In December 2022, staff received their second pay rise of the year, along with a one-off cost of living bonus payment for many.

“We’re hot off the heels of another very busy summer, where our hotel and restaurant teams have continued to deliver the outstanding guest service for which they are famous,” said Simon Ewins, Managing Director of UK hotels and restaurants for Whitbread. “We want to thank our guest-facing team members for their continued support.”

And owner-operator L+R Hotels recently announced a GBP500 per person bonus for staff at its Strand Palace Hotel. Other improvements promised include an upgrade to back of house staff restaurant areas, and a wellbeing zone for team members.

It is also pushing other hotel groups to invest directly in growing talent. UK third party operator Bespoke Hotels launched a management training programme in late 2022, with a two-year course aimed at developing stars of the future. “Our trainee management programme has been created to inspire future development of our team and is an exciting opportunity for successful trainee managers to take the next step on their career pathway,” said CEO Thomas Greenall. “The programme is open both internally and externally and

every programme is tailor-made to suit the individual’s development needs. We take a maximum intake of only five candidates a year, so it really is an exclusive chance for potential leaders of the future to develop and grow while learning on the job.”

There is also growing interest in ways to hire staff on a more flexible basis. Qwick, an ondemand staffing app for restaurants, has just raised USD40m in a series B funding round, to help it scale up. The business expanded this year from 13 to 23 markets. It is not alone. Other platforms such as Hotel Effectiveness and Busy are also in the space, while in the US, third party hotel operator Aimbridge recently told Hotel Analyst it is trialling this Uber-style way of hiring staff in some larger city markets.

HA PERSPECTIVE

By Andrew Sangster: It is almost beyond parody how many times I have heard hospitality industry executives wail about why so few people choose hospitality as a career and seem to stick their fingers in their ears as everyone else explains that it is directly related to low pay, unsociable hours and little career progression.

Maybe, then, employers could help fix the problem by increasing pay and offering better working conditions. But of course, that can only be done if businesses remain profitable and individual businesses are not compromised against their rivals.

Pay is certainly going up. Growth in total pay across all sectors went up 6.0% for the three months July to September 2022, year-on-year, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics. There was the strongest growth in regular pay ever seen outside of the pandemic period when the data was a little wobbly. And leading the way is the wholesaling, retailing, hotels and restaurants sector with a bumper growth rate of 7.3%, beating the next placed finance and business services sector at 6.2%.

Thanks to inflation, however, real terms pay is dropping, down 2.7% for regular pay in the period across all sectors. But inflation can be a friend when it comes to resetting. If hospitality employers want to improve the status of the sector now is the time. Push up prices, push up wages and improve productivity.

Easier said than done but it is what will distinguish the better operators over the coming years.

In the meantime, the hospitality star is beginning to rise. Despite the much touted negatives, there are huge positives about working in the industry, which marketing campaigns like Hospitality Rising do a good job of highlighting.

The sociable, groovy aspects of hospitality are too often ignored. This is a changing world where skills like empathy, sociability and craft are being re-evaluated and, albeit slowly, better rewarded.

Much routine knowledge work, which is overcompensated, I would argue, relative to the hand and heart – terms expressed by British journalist David Goodhart – can be replaced by artificial intelligence. Those at the top of “head” or knowledge-based professions will continue to enjoy outsized rewards but the base of the pyramid is narrowing.

Hospitality is an industry of the future for the economy, both in terms of economic growth prospects and employment. Goodhart’s book, ‘Head, Hand, Heart’, is subtitled: ‘The struggle for dignity and status in the 21st Century’. Hospitality is at the frontline of this battle.

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

1.

2. 3.

Performance benchmarking for the global hospitality industry

1. London

Following a mixed performance over the summer months, London’s hotel industry fared better in autumn, with both ADR and RevPAR surpassing pre-pandemic comparables according to preliminary data for October 2022. Occupancy was down 4.0% on October 2019, however this is a marked improvement from the August 2022 level, which was 10.5% below the 2019 comparable.

Occupancy 83.8% ADR GBP199.95 RevPAR GBP167.60

3. Jeddah

According to preliminary data for November 2022, Jeddah’s hotel performance came in lower than the month prior, however it surpassed pre-pandemic comparables. Each of the three metrics showed significant improvement based on November 2019 levels, with occupancy gains of 16.2%, ADR up by 13.0%, and RevPAR demonstrating an impressive 31.3% uplift.

Occupancy 54.5% ADR SAR586.71 RevPAR SAR319.50

2. Berlin

In Berlin, hotels reported lower performance month-over-month for November 2022. Further to the monthly decline, RevPAR also remained below the pre-pandemic comparable, down 4.4% on November 2019, while occupancy trailed by 15.8%. On a positive note, the German city performed well on weekdays, peaking at 86.1% on 9 November, signifying increased business demand.

Occupancy 69.0% ADR EUR109.75 RevPAR EUR75.73

4. Sydney

Sydney’s hotel industry recorded its best performance of the pandemic-era in November 2022; ADR was higher than any other month on record except for September 2000 when it hosted the Olympics. Occupancy was the highest since November 2019, but despite the pandemic-era high, this remained 7.9% below the 2019 comparable.

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.

For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com

An Incubator For Ideas

To gain a better understanding of what it means to be an operator, DUX is using its very own hotel as a testing ground for new and existing products.

Our Chairman had the vision to buy and operate a hotel for two reasons,” says Kevin Slade, Head of Next Gen at Swedish bed and furniture maker DUX, as Sleeper checks in to The DUXIANA in Malmö. “Firstly, so we could understand what it means to be a hotelier and secondly for brand awareness; this is a real-life environment where designers, specifiers and consumers can come to experience our products first-hand.”

Having first refurbished the property upon purchasing it 14 years ago, DUX decided it was time for another revamp in 2021, and so set about upgrading the facilities. The lobby, bar, lounge and restaurant on the ground floor were redesigned as individually defined spaces for both guests and Malmö residents, while private areas for dining, meetings and functions were introduced throughout the building. Then came the guestrooms, where DUX’s bed collection takes centre stage whilst being complemented by its furniture. While all rooms were updated with different solutions for different guest requirements, the pièce de résistance is the full rebuild of two suites on the top floor, as well as a further room that offers a DUX bed for the guest and a mini version for their four-legged companion. The ultimate aim, in the words of Slade, was to create an “innovative testing ground” for its new products.

After experiencing the company’s beds and furniture in a hospitality setting, guests and visitors can visit the DUXIANA showroom next

door – a three-storey townhouse that was renovated in 2018 and today serves as a natural extension of the hotel, providing a space where the brand can retail from but also meet to discuss collaborations with industry partners.

“We begin by asking about a hotel’s values and types of guests,” Slade reveals. “From here, we look to understand their needs so we can suggest solutions. Only then comes the commercial element, which is typically where most brands start. We like to turn the process on its head; from our experience, this enables us to build a more long-lasting relationship.”

Such has been the case for hotel projects like Pater Noster in its native Sweden, where DUX worked closely with Erik Nissen Johansen of Gothenburg-based design studio Stylt, as well as The Audo in Copenhagen, where it partnered with Danish art director Bjarne Hansen. Further afield, the brand’s mattresses grace the guestrooms at Aman Kyoto, winner of AHEAD Asia Hotel of the Year 2021. Here, the beds – described as ‘vehicles for wellbeing’ by the manufacturer – feed into the property’s zen ethos, with guestrooms blending into the surrounding forest to create a calm and quiet atmosphere warmed by the use of timber.

The same philosophy was applied to the newly opened Runo Hotel Porvoo in Finland, for which DUX created a customised bed that harmonises with its rustic yet modern style. And so too at Hotel Villa Carona in the mountains above Lake Lugano on the border of Italy and

Switzerland, where the bedmaker is currently installing products from its new hospitality collection, which incorporates each of its innovations, starting with Pascal – a system of adjustable comfort zones that are spread across the shoulders, hips and legs.

Across all of these projects, DUX has placed a clear focus on sustainability, not only in the selection of materials and build practices, but also in the longevity of the finished product. “We are seeing more desire for sustainable products that stand the test of time and therefore offer better value for money,” explains Slade, citing the launch of the hospitality collection as a response to this demand.

With that in mind, the mattresses – from the classic H1 to the frameless HF3 – achieve Oeko Tex 100 certification, meaning they meet human-ecological requirements by being free of toxins and other harmful substances. They have also been engineered in a way that allows each component to be swapped or upgraded, meaning that if a layer gets damaged, hoteliers do not have to replace the entire product.

As DUX continues to evolve its product offering, so too will the company evolve the experience at The DUXIANA, using the hotel as an incubator for new ideas. “The near future will see us further the room refurbishment programme and fine tune the F&B side of the business,” Slade concludes. “Who knows, maybe soon there will be new locations to unveil!” www.duxiana.com

Words: Ben Thomas

Oliver Hemming

BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS AND ALARM CLOCKS

SPOTLIGHT FLOORCOVERINGS

From travertine marble to bio-attributed LVT, these new floorcovering innovations are shaping the world underfoot.

Amtico Amtico Bio

British manufacturer Amtico has introduced Amtico Bio, the company’s first bio-attributed, low-carbon LVT flooring option created for projects that demand the highest levels of sustainability. Available to specify across the Signature, Spacia and Form collections, Amtico Bio is manufactured using sustainable PVC derived from renewable raw materials. This process saves more than 90% on CO2 emissions released in production compared to fossil fuels. Amtico Bio is chemically and physically identical to the company’s standard LVT and works on the Mass Balance principle; for each order, Amtico sources the required amount of bio-attributed PVC, before incorporating it into existing manufacturing processes. The bio-attributed LVT maintains the same variety of designs and high-quality products that Amtico’s popular collections are known for, but with a lower carbon footprint.

www.amtico.com

1. Stone Circle

Bespoke Service

Stone Circle has fabricated and installed marble flooring in many of London’s most prestigious hotels. One of the techniques available as part of the company’s bespoke service is book-matching, wherein the marble’s veins are mirrored and matched. This was used to dramatic effect in one of its London projects, where the firm installed a polished Black Wave marble floor in the bathroom of a suite. To create a truly unique look, it is also possible to inlay different marbles to create patterns within the floor. This is carried out on Stone Circle’s waterjet machines, which cut stone into the required design before bonding it on to sheets to allow for accurate installation. www.stone-circle.com

2. Shaw Contract Dye Lab

Shaw Contract’s Dye Lab carpet tile collection is now available for the EMEA market. Featuring intensely saturated hues, softer washes and a range of neutral tones, the collection draws inspiration from natural dyes and mimics the colour shifts rendered in naturally dyed textiles, creating an elegant and unpredictable visual with organic progressions from lightly pigmented to deeper saturation. Dye Lab carpet tiles are installed with Shaw’s Cradle to Cradle-certified EcoWorx backing. Seven Dye Lab colours are now stocked at the company’s carbon neutral facility in Scotland, resulting in significantly reduced lead times. www.shawcontract.com

3. Atlas Concorde Marvel Travertine

Designed in collaboration with hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), Marvel Travertine is a porcelain tile range with travertine marble effect. Reimagining the prestige of iconic materials used for classical architecture in a contemporary manner, HBA has created a collection of extreme realism and versatility of application. The series comprises two variants of Vein Cut and Cross Cut, which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use covering walls, façades and floors. The former reproduces the striped appearance typical of travertine, while the latter showcases its rich colours with a stonelook surface characterised by shading. www.atlasconcorde.com

4. Topfloor by Esti Abaca

Abaca is a super-strong fibre that can be harvested from its stem to make textiles. Topfloor by Esti has partnered with an Abaca farmers’ cooperative in the Philippines to develop next generation rugs that combine the material’s best natural qualities with a strong, graphic aesthetic. The Essential collection for instance comprises plain colours or simple two or more toned weaves, while the Dis-coloured range – created by Dutch designer Claire Vos – plays with asymmetrical shapes, graduated colour and contrast borders. Topfloor’s Abaca fibre is available in a broad palette of natural shades, though it can be dyed in every Pantone colourway. www.topfloorrugs.com

1. Madera Atelier

Developed as an ode to the process, the Atelier Collection by Madera explores various textures, colours and finishing techniques used to highlight the natural beauty of wood, while adding just enough je ne sais quoi to create truly unique hardwood floors from European Oak. Combining dry-ageing, surface planing and variable brushing, the texture of Atelier is as much a part of the finish as the colour. Starting with a slate of 50 colour combinations, the design and fabrication firm spent several months eliminating, then adjusting until it was left with seven high-quality floorcoverings. Atelier products are manufactured and hand-finished in Europe.

www.maderasurfaces.com

2. Ege Carpets Colortec Stucco

Founded in 1938, Ege Carpets is one of the leading companies in the design, development and manufacturer of premium carpets with a clear focus on sustainability. In fact, the Danish company has been given an EcoVadis Platinum rating and is the only carpet manufacturer to offer 100% Cradle to Cradle-certified carpets. Colortec Stucco is a carpet collection that oozes exclusivity and style. The surface appears elegantly disrupted across a large-patterned, multidimensional flooring canvas, while the randomised pattern creates the illusion of handcrafted construction, though it is actually the result of the company’s technological capability.

www.egecarpets.com

3. Ferreira de Sa Flatweave

The Flatweave range by Ferreira de Sa reflects the Portuguese manufacturer’s expertise and dedication to the art of weaving, which it has developed over the past 75 years. Inspired by Portugal’s magnificent landscapes and modest villages that best represent the country, the series follows a journey through the history and territory of Portugal to create timeless designs with rich colours and attention to detail. With a high resistance to foot traffic, the floorcoverings are suitable for residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Established in 1946, Ferreira de Sa is one of the oldest and largest existing handmade rug manufacturers in Europe. www.ferreiradesa.pt

4. Creative Matters Hand Axminster

Creative Matters recently added Hand Axminster (HAX) to its portfolio of production methods for hospitality carpets. Developed in response to client requests to enhance typical woven Axminster, HAX is a technique that combines the woven Axminster and handtufted methods of production to create added texture and definition with raised or lowered loop and cut pile, while retaining the structural durability required for hotel interiors. The firm recently completed floorcoverings for a hotel where HAX was used throughout the guestrooms and lobby. The Presidential Suite (pictured) showcases the integration of warm gold handtufted elements. www.creativemattersinc.com

1. Ragno Decora

Nature is the focus of the Decora collection, comprising four different subjects that create highly expressive decorative patterns for use on both walls and floors, which can be combined with five colours in the rectified 60x120 and 30x120cm sizes. Extremely durable, 8.5mm-thick porcelain stoneware also permits plain tiles and decors to be freely alternated for modular installations and versatile combinations. Made from 40% recycled material, Decora’s ceramic surfaces are integrated with the innovative CleanOut technological treatment, which specialises in active defense against germs and bacteria for residential and commercial spaces. www.ragno.it

2. Bolon Botanic

Sustainable Swedish design company Bolon has expanded its Artisan and Botanic collections with new colourways. Inspired by the natural world, the Botanic collection (pictured) comprises a range of soft, warm and intelligent tones. Having proved popular since its launch, Bolon has expanded the collection’s colour palette with eight new shades: Blanche is creamy and mild bringing a sophisticated softness associated with a new kind of luxury; Honey is thoughtful with a natural warmth; Chestnut is an intriguing brown; Canyon is a heated terracotta; Rain is a refined blue tone with a hint of purple; Spearmint is a brightening colour; and Library is a classic green. www.bolon.com

3. Deirdre Dyson Angles

Deirdre Dyson has launched Angles, with ten new designs that celebrate the striking effect of interplaying angles and linear shapes. Dyson’s hand sketches were transposed into computer designs, with the artist using her eye for colour to create different illusions, such as a 3D appearance or to give a sense of depth and distance. “I set myself the challenge of avoiding any curves and circles to see what could be achieved solely with angles,” explains Dyson. “All these designs were created with just a set square and a ruler. Once I was happy with them, I concentrated on applying a variety of colours, using them to create a feeling of space and dimension.” www.deirdredyson.com

4. Nanimarquina Tones

Designed by Spanish artist Clàudia Valsells, Tones is the latest collection by Nanimarquina, comprising four rugs that bring a distinctive, harmonious, rhythmic and sensitive touch with colour as the primary tool. Tones has been developed using two techniques: the handtufted technique allows Valsells’ work to be transferred literally, and is the closest thing to creating on a blank canvas; and the ancestral technique of kilim, which provides an aged and irregularly woven appearance by using of Afghani wool that gives it a new perception. The series features an infinite wealth of shades, highlighting the chromatic harmony reminiscent of musical notes. www.nanimarquina.com

STEP INTO THE…

SPECIFIER

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg to replicate the natural phenomenon of a cirrus – or a cloud forming wispy, filamentous tufted streaks at high altitude – Lasvit’s new screen system features panes of clouded glass affixed to a freestanding vertical rail, giving the impression of layered organic shapes and hues floating in space. The panels are characterised by soft, imperfect radiuses and moody colours, while the wall references the ice crystals that form the cirrus clouds. Its shades also come from nature; the clouds range in colour from white and grey

in bright light to dawn-like blues, purples and dusky pinks at sunrise and sunset. The system similarly changes its effect according to the intensity of the lighting. In daylight, the glass components are more transparent, while in the evening, they create a feeling of intimacy. Cirrus can be used as an independent piece as well as an optical divider of interiors, including restaurants, offices and hotel suites. It is also adjustable to individual needs and adapts to a diverse range of interior purposes. www.lasvit.com

Lasvit Cirrus

Coco Wolf Tamarindo

Designed and developed by Coco Wolf’s co-founder and Creative Director Rebecca Lorimer, the Tamarindo collection takes cues from the Costa Rican town and comprises a range of outdoor furniture pieces, including a two- or three-seater sofa, a modular sofa, armchair and swivel armchair. The series also offers a footstool, daybed and lounger, together with a dining chair, bar stool and drum chair. Rounding out the range are a dining table, coffee table and bistro table in oval, rectangular and round options. “Tamarindo draws inspiration from Costa Rica’s tropical wonderland of jaw-dropping natural scenery, where nature cradles the soul, inspires new adventures and brings people together outside,” says Lorimer. “With organic curved edges that reflect the natural world, these designs add softness to outdoor areas and create a calming sanctuary – a stylish yet relaxing space where people can unwind.” The elegant flowing lines and sweeping curves mimic forms found in nature, with deep-seated sofas, circular swivel chairs, pebbleshaped footstools and well-rounded drum chairs all designed with comfort in mind. As sustainability is at the core of Coco Wolf’s ethos, the collection also features interchanging seat cushions, recycled fabrics and FSC wood as well as natural materials iroko wood, porcelain and stone. “Like our existing collections, Tamarindo pieces can also be made bespoke,” Lorimer explains. “From tailor-made heights and widths to swivel mechanisms and fixed or adjustable bases, the opportunities are endless.”

www.cocowolf.co.uk

CASE STUDY

Kettal W Algarve

Kettal has collaborated with AB Concept to supply a range of furniture products to W Algarve in Portugal. The destination’s curved Benagil caves inspired the flowing design of the hotel’s interior spaces, while a colour palette of blues, aquamarines and turquoise nods to the azure sky and surrounding Atlantic Ocean. Fabrics and surfaces reflect the textures of the region, with curated art and lighting telling the story of local traditions and heritage –from ceramics, mosaic and crochet to Moorish costume, fishing livelihoods and the surf culture. Amongst Kettal’s collections on display is Bitta, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni and characterised by a combination of aluminium frames, seats of braided polyester and comfortable cushions. “My aim was to create dense braiding that would still let the air through, reminiscent of the braiding of the ropes used to moor boats – hence the name Bitta, which means ‘mooring’ in Italian,” says Dordoni. “This makes the pieces look lightweight but, at the same time, feel like cosy nests in natural colours.” Also supplied to W Algarve is the Basket outdoor club chair, which is a modern interpretation of the piece first created in the 1950s by Danish designers Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel. The chair comes in an original version crafted from oak and hand-braided wicker, as well as an outdoor version made using artificial fibre and teak to help combat the elements. Patricia Urquiola’s Maia Egg Swing makes an appearance at the property too, boasting a natural lightness with a structure and woven shell in fresh white tones. www.kettal.com

Wood Couture FF&E

The importance of loose Furniture, Fixes & Equipment (FF&E) is often underestimated, but for Wood Couture, the benefits of having an expert manufacturer at the start of the design phase is clear and well advised. Knowing exactly how much the design will cost to implement based on the designer’s vision is the most important benefit of all. Secondly, knowing the availability of materials and fabrics helps control production times and prevents the developer from incurring any delays. Additionally, having a trusted manufacturing facility helps get the job done. Above all, what this methodology ensures is the ability to deliver projects on time, on budget and with the right quality. www.woodcouture.com

Unidrain GlassLine

The GlassLine shower screen features a black frame and 10mm of clear tempered glass available in three sizes: 800-1000mm and a height of 2104mm. Installed without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings or joins, it can be mounted to the left or right and fits tile thicknesses up to 15mm for walls and 20mm for floors. The screen is lowered into a shower base – located under the bathroom floor – before its black frame is attached to the wall, covering any edges for a smooth finish. The unseen groove-in-thefloor-flange also means the installation of the line drain is both fast and efficient. Enclosed in black powder-coated metal, the interior panel of each screen is treated with Cleantech nano-treatment. www.unidrain.com

LSA International Balcony

Compact urban spaces grounded in nature inform LSA’s Balcony collection. The mouth-blown glass planters borrow their structural, offset shapes from city balconies laden in growth and natural, untamed abundance, with a design that mirrors the stepped levels seen in terraced agricultural landscapes. Biophilia sits at the core of the range; a concept centred around our affinity to engage with the natural world. Each two-part planter is self-watering, using sub-irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots of the plant. A trailing cord carries hydration from the built-in reservoir to the soil, enabling users to grow a variety of indoor plants and embrace biophilic design by improving the environment of interior spaces. www.lsa-international.com

Shaping the Future of Commercial Interiors

With a new name and renewed focus, the UK trade association for the commercial interiors sector gears up for the future.

Embarking on a rebrand is no easy feat, particularly for a respected trade association that has built a loyal community over the past 50 years. But for the BCFA – now known as Commercial Interiors UK – a new identity has helped frame the future, ensuring it can better support its 200+ members who manufacture and supply contract quality furnishing products for the hospitality, marine, workplace, healthcare and education sectors.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

“The rebrand is not something we approached lightly,” explains Chairwoman Carolyn Mitchell, who has served as a board director for over 20 years. “We had just celebrated 50 years of the BCFA, so it seemed a perfect time to look to the successes of the past, and then forward to the future years, identifying and driving through the change required to be ready for whatever happens next.”

Following consultation with members, Mitchell set up a subcommittee and embarked on an indepth strategic review to assess the effectiveness of the association. “It was important for us to review why the commercial sector needs an association, and how we provide support,” she continues. “We considered how we could be fit for the future, building on the support provided to our members to ensure their future business growth. We realised that as a sector we have to engage the next generation, and to do that we need to be more relevant, inclusive and representative.”

Mitchell describes the process as “incisive, challenging and far-reaching” in which nothing was off limits, not even the association’s name.

A NEW IDENTITY

Unveiled at the annual luncheon last November, the new name of Commercial Interiors UK was coined to better represent the association. “Communication is a fundamental part of what we do, and our research found that ‘Commercial Interiors UK’ as a name has much greater resonance around the world than the BCFA acronym,” Mitchell explains. “In order to promote our members effectively, it was vital people understood who and what we represent.”

And with a new name comes a new identity. “The visual branding has been created with three key pillars in mind: adaptability, vibrancy, and timelessness,” she continues. “The logo takes inspiration from Bauhaus-inspired letter forms and monograms; we represent a creative industry, so for me it was important to have a brand that is visually engaging.”

RENEWED FOCUS

Though it’s an all-new visual identity, the aims and objectives of the association are more of a progression, building on what has gone before.

“We have three key areas of focus where we can add tangible value to our members and community: knowledge and education, connecting the community, and business support,” Mitchell explains. “Our activity is based on member needs so right now, our priorities include: providing support on sustainability by speeding up the adoption of sustainable practices; access to export markets through a long-term UK plan and funding on trade; ensuring our sector continues to receive government energy support; and developing an education programme to bring new talent into the sector.”

Accreditation for membership will continue to require businesses to prove they operate ethically and sustainably in the UK. In return, members will enjoy even greater support through knowledge and education hubs, ensuring they have a competitive edge in a fast-changing global sector. For 2023 and beyond, there are plans for more forums to connect the community, as well as tailored business support to help members navigate challenges and futureproof their strategy.

APPETITE FOR CHANGE

So how has the rebrand been received amongst members? “Very well,” Mitchell concludes. “There was an appetite for change and an updated brand will help deliver a clearer message to our target audience. We will continue to raise industry issues that are important to the success of our members, their businesses and their clients. Our vision is to create a world with the most inspiring and productive commercial spaces, designed and furnished with exceptional UK product.”

www.commercial-interiorsuk.com

Tuuci Ocean Master Mega Max Classic

Tuuci has introduced its largest parasol yet, the Ocean Master Mega Max Classic, in a selection of colours and finishes. Ranging in size from 16-24ft, the parasol allows multiple tables or lounge areas to be covered using a single shade device, with a stainless steel bracketed hub system and stainless steel hinged anchor plate meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 75mph. A dual Ambia LED light also offers independent dimmable up and down light, while adjustable infra-red heaters pivot to warm those seated beneath the canopy. The system features a micro-switch too, which automatically cuts off the power when the umbrella frame is closed. www.tuuci.com

Oliver Hemming Drama

New to the Oliver Hemming collection for 2023, Drama is a highfidelity stereo Bluetooth speaker combining a classic look and feel with optimum performance. Its 77mm fibreglass cone woofers and twin passive bass drivers are complemented by two 43mm silk dome mid-to-high range tweeters that provide an orchestral sound. Finished in ebony veneer, the speaker also boasts a curved etched stainless steel grille, with its elegant form adding a sculptural focal point to a range of interior spaces. Hidden under the veneer on the top of the system is a wireless charging unit, while rounding out the features are two USB C charging ports as well as the latest Bluetooth 5.1 and Aptx HD from Qualcomm. www.oliverhemming.com

Panaz Meridian

Panaz has unveiled Meridian, a new collection for the hospitality sector comprising signature woven jacquards, as well as plain and sheer draperies. Inspired by themes of geology and natural structures, each of the seven distinctive designs – four organically textured jacquard drapery designs, a matching velvet jacquard upholstery, a wide-width sheer, and a wide-width plain with chintz and matte sides – are reminiscent of organic textures like tree bark, sedimentary stone and petrified leaves. Available in five classic colour stories, Meridian co-ordinates with Panaz’s wider upholstery portfolio, including dual-purpose velvet, Enchant. The range also adheres to fire-retardancy and technical performance standards. www.panaz.com

ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 106

AD Associates 016

Aliseo 012-013

Arte 025

Astro 002

Beck 063

Chelsom 094

Cosentino 093

Creative Matters 087

EE Smith 110

Ege 010-011

EPR 069

Ethimo 019

Gommaire 148

Gresham 033

Hector Finch 035

Il Fanale 027

Jung 061 Kohler 031

La Morzocca 045

LiGHT23 137

Ligne Roset 014

LSA 046

Luteca 109 Madera 049

Maison & Objet 129

Mandarin Stone 055

Oliver Hemming 132

Preciosa 029

RH Contract 006-007

Sanipex 053

Sleeper Sessions 104

Stellar Works 008-009

Stonecircle 041

Table Place Chairs 077

THP 138

Tribu 005

Tuuci 051

Warwick Contract 147

Waterbury 121

Wood Couture 075

All Embracing

With the frozen forests and icy iguanas of last year’s Icehotel long melted away, a team of 24 artists from across the globe have been busy carving up new creations for the 33rd edition of the Swedish site’s winter showcase. Constructed over six intense weeks, Icehotel 33 has brought together the artistic nous of 13 teams from around the world to create a three-dimensional sleeping experience that sees supersized mushrooms and Japanese gardens sprouting from the walls, ceiling and underfoot. “Yet another Icehotel is completed and yet another unique experience has been carved for our guests,” says Creative Director Luca Roncoroni. “Every year I’m amazed at what this team can achieve; talented international artists, flanked by a team of iceprofessionals, producing true magic.”

The star of the show for 2023 however is

Embrace, a new ceremony hall crafted from blocks of ice that are kept cold in a sub-zero warehouse in nearby Jukkasjärvi, having been harvested from the Torne River in the Spring. Designed by Bulgarian architect Viktor Tsarski in collaboration with Dutch designer and visualisation specialist Wouter Biegelaar, the celebratory cavern explores the potential of ice as a constructive material, with a vaulted ceiling that frames an intricately cut altar below. The altar itself resembles a stylised flower, which will slowly open up to the snowy surroundings as the winter season progresses. “Embrace celebrates life, love and positivity,” explain Tsarski and Biegelaar. “In a post-Covid world filled with war and hate, our aim was to create a peaceful place. No religion, orientation or race. Just love and embracing all that is good.”

Bulgarian architect Viktor Tsarski and Dutch designer Wouter Biegelaar create a celebratory cavern for the 33rd Icehotel in Sweden.

© Asaf Kliger