GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services

Page created by Hazel Ryan
 
CONTINUE READING
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
VISION STYLE
GUIDE 2 0 1 9
 The definitive guide to hotel
   and restaurant interiors

                                 1
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
CONTENTS

    4 - 5 | Note from the Editor                 52 | Made to Order

                                                 54 | Go it Alone

    Meet the Judges                              56 | Breathing Space

    8 | Nigel Haworth                            58 | Winner’s Feature – The Chapel

    10 | Fraser Donaldson                        62 | Winner’s Interview – The Chapel
    12 | Lori Pinkerton-Rolet                    64 | Wining and dining
    14 | Marc Wynne                              66 | Dreaming in Colour
    16 | Bill Lumley                             68 | Conscious Consumerism
    18 | Abigail King                            70 | Winner’s Feature - Fivelements Bali

                                                 74 | Winner’s Interview - Fivelements Bali
    Trends                                       76 | New Lease of Life
    22 | Going Micro                             78 | Digital Detox
    24 | Adventurous Architecture                80 | Winner’s Feature - Fontsanta Hotel
    26 | Winner’s Feature – The Nautilus         84 | Winner’s Interview - Fontsanta Hotel
    30 | Winner’s Interview – The Nautilus       86 | Set in Stone
    32 | Culture Vulture                         88 | Buildings in Bloom
    34 | Tackling Terrazzano                     90 | Winner’s Feature - Bottega
    36 | Winner’s Feature – The Temple House     94 | Winner’s Interview - Bottega
    40 | Winner’s Interview – The Temple House   96 | Popping Up
    42 | Back to Black                           98 | Stripped Back
    44 | Doin’ it for the ‘Gram                  100 | Perfect Panelling
    46 | Winner’s Feature – Bisate Lodge         102 | Street Cuisine
    50 | Winner’s Interview – Bisate Lodge       104 | Farm to Table

2                                                                                             3
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR                                                               INTRODUCTION

                                                                                                    The Style Awards 2018 were undoubtedly
                                                                                                    an overriding success; not least because of
                                                      Whilst previously, hotels and restaurants     the impressive entries we were astonished to
                                                      were simply seen as somewhere to rest your    receive from around the world. We extended
                                                      head or taste exotic cuisine, they’ve now     the search globally this year for the first time
                                                      transformed into intimate, entertaining and   in the Style Awards history and we were so
                                                      unforgettable settings – in part due to the   pleased to see entries stretching as far as
                                                      changing demographics of today’s traveller.   Mexico, Maldives and everywhere in between.
            Anna Bolenkova Gillespie
                                                      The Vision Style Awards have always been
          Vision Style Guide Editor 2019                                                            Judging the 2018 Awards, we chose an
                                                      a great honour to be involved in as it’s
                                                      so fulfilling to congratulate and reward      esteemed and expert panel from various
    I’ve been involved in the Style Awards, and       those who really do go the extra mile in      corners of the travel and hospitality industry to
    the Vision Style Guide, for the last three        providing these memorable experiences and     give their take on what makes a venue stand
    years and it’s no exaggeration when I say the     breathtaking decor.                           out from the crowd. We’d like to thank our
    standard, year upon year, gets better and                                                       judges for taking part in the 2018 Style Awards
    better.                                           The Vision Style Guide acts as an extension   as we introduce them here in a series of ‘Meet
                                                      to our coveted Awards and gives us an         the Judges’ interviews and take a look at
    I’ve noticed a marked shift, certainly in the     opportunity to highlight some of the most     some of the biggest design trends across the
    last year, across the hospitality sector in       meticulously designed hotels, restaurants,    hospitality sector for 2019.
    providing guests and diners with something        spas and bars from around the world.
    never seen before and it’s something that
    hoteliers, architects and designers are putting   We hope you enjoy reading this year’s
    unbelievable effort into.                         Vision Style Guide.

4                                                                                                                                                       5
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
MEET
    THE
    JUDGES

6            Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus7
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
N I G E L H AW O R T H

                                                                    What made you want to be a judge this year?                        Is there anything you think is becoming less stylish and sought
                                                                                                                                       after in the world of hospitality?
                                                                    I have been a judge of many competitions and awards
                                                                    throughout my career including the Great British Menu,             Style is highly personal so something that is stylish to one may
                                                                    hospitality competitions, school and college competitions          be less so to another. I think the key to great style is to ensure
                                                                    but I’ve never been involved in awards dedicated to style and      it is kept simple – and it must be immaculate in the concept,
                                                                    design so I thought it would be great to be involved this year –   design, feel and authenticity.
                                                                    and I’m really looking forward to it!
                                                                                                                                       What do you personally look for when choosing
                                                                    What do you think will set an entry apart from                     a venue?
                                                                    the rest?
                                                                                                                                       The first thing I look for is a welcoming atmosphere. It’s got
                                                                    I’m hoping to see something unique – where the quality of the      to make you feel comfortable and that applies to everything
Nigel Haworth is Chef Ambassador for the Northcote.                 decor will shine through.                                          from the decor to the staff. It starts with engaging staff to the
The Northcote is a luxury, independent country house hotel in the                                                                      facilities, to the level of service and execution. Next, I definitely
Ribble Valley in Lancashire and winner of the AA & Visit England    What are you looking for in your winners?                          look for a venue that will offer me value for money.
Hotel of the Year 2016/17.
                                                                    I am looking for quality, originality and a strong work ethic
Nigel has worked for the Northcote, previously as their Chef        that shows a team at the top of their game.
Patron, for over 30 years and has helped the hotel achieve and
retain a Michelin Star for the last 20 years.                       What do you think will be some key design trends over the
                                                                    next 12 months?
One of the north west’s most celebrated chefs, Nigel has
appeared on The Great British Menu, Yes Chef, Masterchef and        I think the obvious one, in the food sector, is the interest
Sunday Brunch amongst many others.                                  in plant-based food across mainstream cooking. This
                                                                    undoubtedly influences the style and design of a venue. In
We spoke to Nigel, one of our Vision Style Awards judges, to find   design, kitchens are going for a more Scandinavian-type feel,
out his take on emerging trends across the industry.                with a big increase of wood being used.

8                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           9
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Northcote Manor, Blackburn
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
FRASER DONALDSON

                                                                   What made you want to be a judge this year?                       amenities and their service.

                                                                   Having worked in the industry for a number of years, I know       People choose the likes of Airbnb and Homeaway due to their
                                                                   how much of an impact a stylish interior can make. The            authenticity – and that’s what hotels will be trying to do. They’ll
                                                                   hospitality industry is no longer dominated by identical rooms,   be really making the most of ‘health and wellness’ and investing
                                                                   clinical lounges and monotonous restaurants – so it’s time to     in their spa facilities, integrating their hotels in the local
                                                                   really celebrate interior design and inspire other hoteliers.     communities and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor
                                                                                                                                     space.
                                                                   What do you think will set an entry apart from the rest?
                                                                                                                                     Is there anything you think is becoming less stylish and sought
                                                                   It’s interesting to see that hotels and restaurants are moving    after in the world of hospitality?
                                                                   into a brand new phase of design – aimed at the millennial
Fraser Donaldson is the Group Hospitality Director at Vision       traveller. Social media is now the norm and so the industry       Grey was definitely the colour of the moment a year or two
Support Services. With a background in travel and hospitality,     knows it has to be ‘Instagrammable’ in order to succeed and,      ago – I think these muted greys are on their way out as hotels
Fraser has worked for a number of hospitality management           therefore, encourage others to visit.                             get more and more inspired through motifs, murals and bright
companies and alongside some of the key players across the                                                                           colours designed to excite their guests.
main hotel brands.                                                 With so much riding on online review sites and word of mouth
                                                                   recommendations, I’ll be looking for the fantastic, the fun and   What do you personally look for when choosing a venue?
With a fantastic understanding of the hospitality industry and     the fearless.
years of knowledge, Fraser has developed strong working                                                                              I want it to be unmistakeable and not easily confused with any
relationships with some of the most prestigious hotel brands and   What do you think will be some key design trends over the         other venue. Not another anonymous room or building.
groups – so he knows a thing or two about stylish hotel design.    next 12 months?

We had a chat with Fraser to find out his thoughts on the          Personally, I think due to the influx of the serviced apartment
industry and what we’ll expect to see in the near future.          sector and the rise of Airbnb, we’ll be seeing many more
                                                                   hotels trying to compete. New hotels and openings will
                                                                   seriously need to think about their venue location, their

10                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             11
                                                                                                                                                                                                           King Street Townhouse, Manchester
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
LORI PINKERTON-ROLET

                                                                        What made you want to be a judge this year?                         add the necessary contrast to what guests are getting in their
                                                                                                                                            own domestic interiors. If all becomes trendy Hoxton-type
                                                                        I believe in the celebration of excellence. It inspires all of us   coffee bar aesthetic there’s nothing really new for guests to
                                                                        and raises the bar on standards.                                    experience.

                                                                        What do you think will set an entry apart from the rest?            What do you personally look for when choosing a venue?

                                                                        Ultimately it always gets down to creativity. Whether that be       Something truly unique… with personality.
                                                                        creatively responding to a challenging budget or space or an
                                                                        aesthetic which is both exciting and practical.

                                                                        What do you think will be some key design trends over the
Lori Pinkerton-Rolet has been the Director of the multi                 next 12 months?
award-winning Park Grove Design since 1993, and a past
president of the British Institute of Interior Design.                  Texture will continue to gain prominence as well as lighting
                                                                        systems designed to highlight this attribute. There will be
In 2012, Lori received the BIID Award of Merit for contributions        a greater appreciation for top quality materials and their
to the field of interior design in the UK.  A member of the             longevity. The ‘buy less, buy better’ movement is not only
International Interior Design Association, Lori also sits on the UK’s   sustainable, it directly relates to a better-informed sector
Construction Industry Council’s Programs Panel.                         overall.

An accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator in both the UK and          Is there anything you think is becoming less stylish and
the United States, Lori also specialises in assisting in contractual    sought after in the world of hospitality?
disputes within the creative industries.
                                                                        I think the uber-bling movement may have had its day here
We caught up with Lori to find out exactly what she’s hoping to         in the UK, with the exception of a few specific properties and
find in this year’s Vision Style Awards entries.                        groups. Softer, warmer-looking and enveloping interiors will

12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        13
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Santa Clara 1728, Portugal
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
MARC WYNNE

                                                                      What made you want to be a judge this year?                      I also think the trend for being green and becoming more and
                                                                                                                                       more sustainable in both the decor and the operation of the
                                                                      Having worked with some of the most renowned hoteliers           venue is set to get bigger and be brought to the forefront as a
                                                                      over the last few decades, I’ve seen the vast amount of effort   selling point. As a supplier of luxury linen, Vision know all too
                                                                      that goes into not only the design of a hotel but the day-to-    well how important ethically sourced linen is and it’s something
                                                                      day running of it too.                                           customers are asking for – more so than anything else, I’d say.

                                                                      I wanted to be involved this year in order to truly reward       Is there anything you think is becoming less stylish and sought
                                                                      the hard work, skill and determination of those involved and     after in the world of hospitality?
                                                                      to really say thank you to the venues which are providing
                                                                      something different to their guests.                             I think the industrial trend is over for hotels as well as extremely
Marc Wynne has worked as International Sales Director for the                                                                          lavish, opulent fixtures and fittings. Instead, I think there’s
Hospitality Division at Vision since 2010. Prior to this, he worked   What do you think will set an entry apart from the rest?         more of a trend of affordable luxury; guest bedrooms are
for the luxury Liddell linen brand.                                                                                                    concentrating on technology and doing away with huge
                                                                      For me, it needs to be highly individual. I’m looking for        wardrobes, dressing tables etc in favour of simpler, minimalistic
Marc is responsible for overseeing the sales activities to some       something I’ve not seen before – but it also needs to have a     rooms designed to encourage a visitor to have a great
of the most prestigious hotel brands and groups around the            feeling of authenticity; not forced.                             experience.
globe and has a vast knowledge and in-depth expertise of the
hospitality market.                                                   What do you think will be some key design trends over the        What do you personally look for when choosing a venue?
                                                                      next 12 months?
We spoke to Marc about exactly what he thinks will make a Style                                                                        For me, due to my area of expertise, it’s definitely the bed! I
Awards winner this year as well as trends he’s hoping to uncover.     We’re going to be seeing a lot more personalisation when         favour crisp linen, a comfy mattress and sumptuous pillows.
                                                                      it comes to hotels and offering something to their guests.
                                                                      Though they have to cater to the masses, they also have to
                                                                      provide something for each and every person that comes
                                                                      through the door.

14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              15
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Lo Sereno Casa de Playa, Mexico
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
BILL LUMLEY

                                                                      What do you think will set an entry apart from the rest?

                                                                      I’m looking for a strong sense of originality and wow factor
                                                                      combined with an effortless level of practicality.

                                                                      What do you think will be some key design trends over the
                                                                      next 12 months?

                                                                      I believe that minimalism, colour blocking, sleek technology
                                                                      and LED innovation will be leading the way in terms of trends
                                                                      across hospitality. I believe we’ll be seeing much more of these
                                                                      through 2019 and beyond.
Bill Lumley is the Editor of Luxury Bed & Breakfast magazine
and Innkeeper magazine.
                                                                      Is there anything you think is becoming less stylish and
                                                                      sought after in the world of hospitality?
Bill previously worked as a Marketing Director for a central
London high-end design agency, Jordan Design, was also
                                                                      I believe we’ve seen so many designs that feature shabby chic
previously the Editor of a global duty-free magazine between
                                                                      interiors, quotes on walls, nautical motifs, and Tuscan kitchens
2008 and 2013 and between 1989 and 2008 worked as a reporter
                                                                      and so these, I think, will slowly become less and less desirable
and editor for a number of titles covering insurance, investment,
                                                                      in the hospitality and B&B sectors.
banking and intellectual property.

                                                                      What do you personally look for when choosing a venue?
As a Vision Style Awards judge for 2018, we spoke to Bill to find
out his thoughts on the up-and-coming interior design trends
                                                                      I look for a venue that really stands out with a boutique
across the world of hospitality over the coming 12 months.
                                                                      appeal; something that’s original and unique yet luxurious.
What made you want to be a judge this year?

I was thrilled to be asked to be a judge this year. I have a strong
interest in the pursuit of the best and most stylish designs in the
hospitality world and I’m pleased I was able to reward some of
the venue’s who clearly put so much effort into their design.

16
                                                                                                                                          Lemongrass, Indonesia   17
GUIDE 2019 VISION STYLE - Vision Support Services
ABIGAIL KING

                                                                       What made you want to be a judge this year?                      Is there anything you think is becoming less stylish and sought
                                                                                                                                        after in the world of hospitality?
                                                                       I love and appreciate good design and, happily, have won a
                                                                       number of awards recently for my own work. I appreciated         Well, the fax machine doesn’t look to be making a comeback
                                                                       the boost and recognition they gave me and so felt it was time   any time soon; although I think receiving a newspaper first thing
                                                                       to pay back the positive vibes!                                  in the morning will remain a special and rare treat.

                                                                       What do you think will set an entry apart from the rest?         What do you personally look for when choosing a venue?

                                                                       Great photography and a clear story behind the project,          I look for a sense of place and a sense of daring. I don’t always
                                                                       particularly one that ties in to the destination or the issues   have to like the design but I do like to be surprised – and to feel
                                                                       that an area faces.                                              that someone tried to create something special. I look either for
Abigail King is the blogger behind award-winning website,
                                                                                                                                        bright white light or a deliberate sense of cosiness. And I love it
Inside the Travel Lab. Focusing on luxury travel with a different
                                                                       What are you looking for in your winners?                        when I learn something about the destination simply by walking
perspective; Abi rethinks stereotypes about destinations and
                                                                                                                                        through the door.
family travel as she goes.
                                                                       Something that looks spectacular, obviously, but that also
                                                                       makes the experience accessible to those with disabilities
Before becoming a writer and broadcaster, Abi worked as a
                                                                       or those travelling with elderly relatives or young children.
hospital doctor in the UK for many years – before swapping her
                                                                       Hospitality is only true hospitality when everyone is made to
stethoscope for the open road. Since then, she’s worked with
                                                                       feel welcome.
Lonely Planet, the BBC, National Geographic Traveler and more,
interviewing Japanese artists, Nagasaki bomb survivors and even
                                                                       What do you think will be some key design trends over the
fans of Paddington Bear.
                                                                       next 12 months?

Inside the Travel Lab carries accolades from Vanity Fair, Stylist,
                                                                       I think the move for more indoor plants will continue, along
Grazia and more and has been described as one of “the best in
                                                                       with the quest for the perfect selfie backdrop. I enjoy the
the world” by National Geographic Traveler, Lonely Planet and the
                                                                       mixed metallic trend (perhaps because my house is so old it
BBC.
                                                                       has that already!)

We spoke to Abi to find out exactly what she thinks makes a
                                                                       I’ve seen some places combine exhibits from world-class
luxury destination and what she’s expecting to come to the
                                                                       museums with their décor and I definitely hope that this will
forefront in terms of design trends across the hospitality industry.
                                                                       become a trend.

18                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 19
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Greyfield Inn, USA
TRENDS

              Lo Sereno Casa de Playa, Mexico
20                                         21
Moxy, Georgia
                                                  GOING MICRO

 Rolling Huts, USA                                                   The Dean, Ireland

 Moxy, NYC Times Square, USA                                         TuboHotel, Mexico

Certainly, the changing demographics          With many travellers favouring authentic    for a clean, minimalistic room featuring
of the traveller have a part to play in the   experiences over what’s included in their   super-fast Wi-Fi, comfortable beds and a
emergence, and growing popularity, of         sleep space, hotel owners are doing         sumptuous shower.
micro-hotels. Hoteliers actively prioritise   away with hefty wardrobes - instead
social spaces over guest bedrooms which       favouring small and compact clothes         Micro is big. And it’s set to get bigger.
means this ‘third space’ is top of the        rails, they’re doing away with trouser
agenda.                                       presses and swan towels – instead opting
                                                                                                                                      Ryo Kan, Mexico   Little National Hotel, Australia

22                                                                                                                                                                                         23
ADVENTUROUS ARCHITECTURE

                                  Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

                                                                                                                                                  Hotel Punta Caliza Mexico

 The Silo Hotel, South Africa

                                                                             Viceroy Los Cabos, Mexico

Hoteliers are providing something                guests are immersed in unique and                       seeing pioneering venues step into the
never seen before – and they’re doing            innovative experiences from the moment                  limelight and take centre stage.
it way before the interior design. Being         they step foot in the hotel.
architecturally adventurous is something
that’s coming to the fore and, as a result,      The hotel concept is changing. We’re

24                                                                                                                                                                            25
                                                                                                                                                  Alila Yangshuo, China
W I N N E R ’ S F E AT U R E

            The Nautilus Beach &
           Ocean Houses, Maldives

           WINNER OF HOTTEST HOTEL
                (INDEPENDENT)

       What if a holiday in the Maldives could be
        done differently, more meaningfully?

        The Nautilus was created to answer that
       question. A bohemian hideaway set in the
      otherworldly beauty of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO
          biosphere reserve, The Nautilus is an
       immensely private resort of only 26 beach
      and ocean houses where every guest should
            feel as if staying with a friend.

        The Judges said: “This makes it look so
      easy to be there – a sense of peace of mind
      added by the symmetry of the bedroom and
                        lounge.”

26                                                  27
28   29
WINNER’S INTERVIEW                                                                               Why did you decide to go for an eco-
                                                                                                                                          friendly space and what aspects of the
                                                                                                                                                                                         Nautilus stands for complete freedom,
                                                                                                                                                                                         and luxury that’s both simple and elegant
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         also looks good. We’re building quite a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         collection of rejected furniture on the
                                                                                                                                          hotel promote sustainability?                  Our philosophy is “a world of your              island!
                                                                                                                                                                                         making” and we’re very serious that a
                                                                                                                                          The Nautilus is in a UNESCO World              stay at The Nautilus should feel as though      What is your favourite part of The
                                                                                                                                          Biosphere, which means that being              a guest had rented the island privately.        Nautilus, on a personal level?
                                                                                                                                          eco-friendly is, without a doubt, a must.
                                                                                                                                          We’ve got a 400+ point plan outlining          To make that happen, we have a                  I couldn’t pick a favourite area, but I’m
                                                                                                                                          our commitment to the environment.             number of hallmarks that truly define           excited by the gold nautilus shell mosaic
       The Nautilus Beach &                     What inspired the design that we see in     Was it important to take into account the
                                                                                                                                                                                         The Nautilus. The first is: ‘time stands        in the main swimming pool, which has
                                                The Nautilus?                               location when designing The Nautilus?
      Ocean Houses, Maldives                                                                                                              One of our key points is that we’re            still’, which means that at The Nautilus        been a true architectural challenge to
                                                                                                                                          avoiding single-use plastics and we’ve         Maldives our guests aren’t slaves to            create, but will look beautiful. We’ve
                                                The inspiration was the nautilus shell –    There’s no place on Earth that’s like
     with Dr I U Maniku, Owner of the                                                                                                     received delivery of refillable drinking       the clock in the way they are in their          created a small event around it, called
                                                the only living fossil that has survived    the Maldives: it’s clean, beautiful, safe,
                  Nautilus                                                                                                                bottles for every one of our team              everyday lives. We have flexible opening        The Nautilus Rising, whereby at sunset
                                                in the Earth’s oceans for the last          unspoilt and our ‘one resort on one
                                                                                                                                          members so we don’t need to order any          and closing hours for our restaurants,          every evening the LED lights around the
                                                500 million years – which as well as        island’ concept gives visitors a sense
                                                                                                                                          more plastic water bottles. Our guests are     so our guests can simply come and eat           mosaic gradually start to glow making it
                                                influencing our name also lies behind       of isolated tropical paradise that’s both
                                                                                                                                          asked to join in this effort too: each guest   when they feel like it. We’re exploring the     seem as though the shell is rising up and
                                                the design and philosophy of the island.    remote, yet easy to reach. There are very
What’s the story behind The Nautilus?                                                                                                     is given their own flask which they can        possibility of not having appointment           floating in the pool.
                                                The nautilus shell represents one of the    few places where one can be so close
                                                                                                                                          refill with whatever they want to carry        times at the spa, so that our guests can
                                                finest natural examples of a logarithmic    to nature, and while still enjoying all the
I believe that there’s a niche in the                                                                                                     with them instead of single-use plastic        have a massage whenever they feel               Why do you think the judges chose your
                                                spiral, and as such was often used in art   pleasures of 21st century living such
Maldives – and worldwide too – for                                                                                                        water bottles. Likewise, our bathroom          they need one. Our second hallmark is           venue as a winner this year?
                                                and literature. We’ve drawn inspiration     as fine dining, a great wine cellar, and
genuine resort luxury that’s delivered in                                                                                                 amenities, which unfortunately must be         ‘unscripted dining’, which means that
                                                from the longevity, uniqueness and the      blissful spa treatments.
an unpretentious, modern style. That’s                                                                                                    in plastic packaging instead of glass for      guests are free to eat what they want and       I’d like to think that they enjoyed our laid-
                                                sophistication of the nautilus shell in
what we’re creating here: a place where                                                                                                   safety reasons, are in 225ml- size bottles     aren’t limited to what’s on the menu. Our       back boho-chic style which is a million
                                                the creation of the resort concept as       Without a doubt, the location is crucial
everything’s been designed around the                                                                                                     which can be used for a number of days         emphasis is on truly getting to know our        miles away from what standard luxury
                                                well as the inspiration behind the design   to our success. The Nautilus is on a tiny
guests’ needs, especially their need for an                                                                                               to reduce daily waste.                         guests so that we know, even before they        resorts are offering. I believe that what
                                                elements of our houses, residences and      private island set in Baa Atoll, which is a
escape from the busy-ness and formality                                                                                                                                                  do, what they may feel like eating and          The Nautilus offers speaks to people’s
                                                public areas which are often circular or    UNESCO World Biosphere. We have our
of their everyday lives in a way that’s truly                                                                                             There has been an increase in hotels           when.                                           hearts and I think the judges responded
                                                have spiral elements.                       own coral reef that encircles the entire
luxurious but still laidback and relaxed.                                                                                                 and hospitality establishments ‘blurring                                                       to that.
                                                                                            island and is only about 25 metres from
                                                                                                                                          the lines’ between indoor and outdoor          What advice would you give to someone
                                                The key theme to our design is: the         the beach, making it easy for guests to
We made an in-depth study of the                                                                                                          spaces. Why do you think this is?              looking to redesign their hotel over the        What advice would you give to someone
                                                comforts of home and a space to call        swim to.
leading luxury resorts around the world                                                                                                                                                  next 12 months?                                 looking to enter the Style Awards next
                                                your own. Here guests find that most
to ensure that we can match their                                                                                                         I think this is because human beings have                                                      year?
                                                elusive desire: total privacy, unimpeded.   Tell us a little bit more about the design
exacting high standards and also offer                                                                                                    gradually lost touch with nature and           I would advise them to deeply consider
                                                At The Nautilus, only 26 beach and          process of The Nautilus?
something that’s distinctly different. For                                                                                                when you’re in a location as beautiful as      whether they’re willing to let that project     Too many awards nowadays can be
                                                ocean houses line our shores – each a
example, we’re the only resort in the                                                                                                     the Maldives, that call of the wild really     take over their entire life! But seriously,     negotiated so it’s a true pleasure to be
                                                personal sanctum with its own separate      It helps to have local expertise when
Maldives – and possibly even the world –                                                                                                  re-captures our hearts and souls. It’s all     my advice is to be open to doing                involved in an award that’s genuinely
                                                living room and private pool, infusing      building in such fabulous but remote
to greet every guest with a VIP welcome                                                                                                   part of a sense of freedom.                    something new and not simply re-create          decided by an expert panel of judges.
                                                the comforts of home with a bohemian        locations, so I turned to my favourite
at the airport, where they’re met outside                                                                                                                                                what’s been done before. At The Nautilus        It’s worth taking the time to think over
                                                whimsy that invites guests into the         architect and interior designer. In their
the plane on the runway tarmac and                                                                                                        We’re seeing a rise in the need for            we started from the point of view of what       the entry and ensure that all the right
                                                barefoot life. Handpicked materials and     safe hands, I knew I could realise my
taken through to a private lounge for                                                                                                     personalisation in hotels. How does The        would make our ideal guest happiest, and        information is provided.
                                                custom-designed furnishings ensure          vision of a luxury retreat that looked and
immigration and customs procedures                                                                                                        Nautilus create a personal experience for      that drove our design choices.
                                                every abode is a cosy work of art.          felt just like home, with a modern boho-
before heading to our private seaplane                                                                                                    your guests?                                   Attention to detail is key: we’ve spent a
                                                                                            chic style.
for the flight to The Nautilus.                                                                                                                                                          lot of time sitting in various chairs to find
                                                                                                                                          I would say this is one of the most            that perfect combination of something
                                                                                                                                          personalised places you can find. The          that’s comfortable to sit in for hours and

30                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   31
C U LT U R E V U LT U R E

                                                                      Vora Villas, Santorini

                                                                                                                                        Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku, Japan

 Phum Baitang, Cambodia

 Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Switzerland

                                                                                                                                                                                Stamba Hotel, Georgia

Off the beaten path tourism and              Whether it’s taking part in local activities,     idea that travellers want a unique and
‘scattered hotels’ are growing in            designing integrated event spaces, or             personal experience – and something
popularity and hoteliers are beginning to    offering pop-up eateries hooked in with           that’s much more than just a stay.
tap into this culturally immersive trend.    the local culture, hoteliers are seizing the

32                                                                                                                                                                                        33

                                                                                                                                                                               The Mandrake Hotel, UK
TA C K L I N G T E R R A Z Z O

 Evripidis Hotel, Greece                                               Lievito Gourmet Pizza, China

                                                                       Odette Restaurant, Singapore

                                              Perianth Hotel, Greece

This 15th-century Venetian-style tile is     appearing in hotel lobbies, guest                    creature comforts we’re so used to seeing
making its way from the homes of Italy       bedrooms and bathrooms.                              in hotel rooms around the world.
to some of the most well-known hotels                                                             Expect to see more Terrazzo through
around the world and this speckled,          The Terrazzo style is gaining serious                2019 appearing on lights, wallpaper and
                                                                                                                                              PURO Hotel, Poland
confetti-like tile is slowly but surely      traction, even infiltrating some of the              even rugs.                                                       Marie Sixtine Hotel, France

34                                                                                                                                                                                               35
W I N N E R ’ S F E AT U R E

            The Temple House, China

       WINNER OF HOTTEST HOTEL (GROUP)

        A distinctly different luxury hotel combining
       elements of both the old and new, The Temple
       House, its name is inspired by the nearby Daci
                 Temple in Chengdu, China.

     This 142-room hotel, designed by MAKE Architects
       and part of Swire Hotels, opened in July 2015;
        featuring both contemporary designs whilst
     respecting the rich cultural traditions of Chengdu.

     The Judges said: “The Temple House really draws
     me in; I love the cultural aspects and the interiors.
                    It looks truly amazing!”

36                                                           37
38   39
WINNER’S INTERVIEW

     The Temple House, China           What inspired the design that we        old heritages – whilst trying to        someone looking to redesign their       example, with the signature Sichuan         A warm and personalised service,
                                       see in The Temple House?                maintain a balance between modern       hotel over the next 12 months?          architectures which have remained           not aiming for quantity but
                                                                               and traditional.                                                                since the days of the Qing dynasty.         for quality (100 rooms and 42
     with Grace Cheung, Director of    The Temple House is an integral                                                 Try and deliver something different     The silk-producing Chengdu region           residences), world-class design firm’s
            Communications             component of the Chengdu Daci           We’re seeing a rise in the need for     from what your current market and       is famous for its brocade weaves            design – that perfectly merge the
                                       Temple Cultural and Commercial          personalisation in hotels. How does     competitor is offering. If you have     and designers drew inspiration              elements of the East and the West,
                                       Complex comprising six historic         The Temple House create a personal      the budget to do so, leverage some      from this traditional pattern. The          new and old, and of course, the two
What’s the story behind                buildings. To evoke a sense of          experience for your guests?             expertise from a talented design firm   hotel’s city-facing exterior façade         heritages being transformed and
The Temple House?                      history, guests enter The Temple                                                too!                                    replicates the brocade pattern with         reused on site.
                                       House via a beautifully-restored        We try to address our prestigious                                               intricate fretwork interweaving brass
The Temple House, Chengdu, the         Qing Dynasty heritage building          guests with their first name – we       There is a huge contrast between        elements within the brickwork.              Why do you think the judges chose
premium 100-room, 42-residence         at the corner of the site. A grand      don’t wear name tags so it’s not a      new and old, local culture and                                                      your venue as a winner this year?
hotel which opened in July 2015,       staircase then transports guests to a   standard, formal check-in procedure.    innovative technology. Why was this     The terraced farmlands surrounding          Due to its uniqueness, exquisite
inspires with its contemporary         landscaped courtyard below.             We also try to create a comfortable     important?                              The Temple House are also reflected         charm and combination of modern
design and respect for Chengdu’s                                               ambience so that our guests feel like                                           in the hotel’s design. The grand            and traditional.
rich cultural traditions.              Embracing Chinese architectural         they’re in a home away from home.       Consumers these days are hoping         staircase connecting the reception
                                       traditions, the hotel adheres to a      We provide many complimentary           to experience something “different.”    area to the courtyard resembles             What advice would you give
Designed by internationally-           typical Siheyuan or ‘courtyard house’   and health-related programs and         And yet, to luxury clienteles,          Sichuan’s steep hillsides while the         someone looking to enter the Style
renowned MAKE Architects, The          design with a sequence of courtyard     activities so that our guests have      personalised and warm service is        courtyard’s undulating landscape            Awards next year?
Temple House echoes Chengdu’s          gardens bordered by two L-shaped        many options and the freedom to         still very important. It is important   mirrors the region’s rolling rice fields.
landscape and traditional              medium rise buildings. One of these     choose what they would like to          to communicate with the design                                                      Find your own niche, and don’t be
architectural elements – including     contains 100 hotel rooms, while         do whilst they stay at The Temple       firm closely and make sure that both    The Chinese, nowadays, are greatly          afraid to be different from the rest of
bamboo, timber, brick and stone        the other is home to 42 residences      House.                                  parties understand the fine balance     appreciative of their heritage, history     the market!
– with an ultra-modern and highly      (serviced apartments).                  We also try to provide some of the      between the various elements.           and culture. Therefore, keeping these
individual aesthetic. Honouring                                                latest trends; we collaborate with                                              historical aspects and traditional
the site’s heritage and cultural       What challenges did you come up         bands and artists so that our guests    Why was it important to include         Chinese elements part of the house
touchstones, the hotel incorporates    against when considering the design     are able to enjoy a concert with        striking elements of the Chinese        only helps to connect us to our
a number of Chinese courtyards and     of The Temple House?                    some of the hottest musicians in the    character in the design of the hotel?   customers even more.
historic buildings into the design.                                            market, should they choose to do so.
                                       Our main challenge was preserving                                               MAKE Architects helped greatly          What do you think sets your venue
                                       and renovating the two 100+ year-       What advice would you give to           in preserving the heritage, for         apart from the others?

40                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               41
BACK TO BLACK

 Only YOU Boutique Hotel, Spain

 1898 The Post, Belgium                                             Yaoyue Restaurant, China

Black steel-framed windows, doors and       This window design already appears                 proving they can withstand the test
room dividers are synonymous with the       on some of the most iconic structures              of time, adding industrial quality to
Art Deco and Modernist movements and        of Great Britain including the Tower of            innovative, new spaces.
hoteliers are tapping into this returning   London and the UK Houses of Parliament.
trend to convey effortless minimalism and
a striking balance between new and old.     Now, the aesthetics of this style are

42                                                                                                                                                        43
                                                                                                                                       The Franklin, UK
DOIN’ IT FOR THE ‘GRAM

 Five Palm Jumeirah, UAE

                                                                       The QO, The Netherlands

 Chablé Resort, Mexico                                                 Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Across the four corners of the globe,          have a whole host of stunning areas – all         the fore – and with guests travelling to
hoteliers are beginning to understand          designed with the aim of ‘going viral’.           those they’ve seen online, hoteliers are
the value of a social media post. One                                                            now ensuring every design feature they
simple photo can attract thousands of          With 80 million photos being shared               include is for the ‘Gram.
views, likes and, in turn, visits so they’re   across Instagram every single day,
tuning into the trend of ensuring they         picture perfect hotels are coming to

44                                                                                                                                                                     45
                                                                                                                                            Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
W I N N E R ’ S F E AT U R E

              Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

       WINNER OF INNOVATIVE NEW VENUE

      Comprising of just six forest villas, Bisate Lodge,
      situated next to Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes
      National Park and within the amphitheatre of an
     eroded volcanic cone, the 27-hectare Bisate site is
       incomparable in terms of its natural splendour.

         Six opulent en-suite forest villas maximise
             comfort and views while adhering to
         environmentally responsible principles and
     reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate
          is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and
       eco-sensitive safari camp, centred on Africa’s
          most immersive wild primate experience.

     The Judges said: “Original, exciting and a positive
          step towards protecting the landscape.
                    Simply stunning.”

46                                                          47
48   49
WINNER’S INTERVIEW

     Bisate Lodge, Rwanda                      What inspired the design that we see in          basic raw materials that could be found       a dramatic and far-reaching positive         What is your favourite part of Bisate         Artichoke: There is nothing else remotely
                                               Bisate Lodge?                                    in the area, as well as some textiles which   impact on more than ‘just’ the mountain      Lodge, on a personal level?                   like this in the broader area, or for that
                                                                                                were used for uniforms, everything else       gorilla. It was important to minimise                                                      matter in Rwanda. We took the well-
 with Grant Woodrow, Wilderness Safaris
                                               Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from               had to either be trucked in from Kigali or    our environmental impact during the          Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from            known and very distinctive King’s Palace
       Chief Operations Officer and
                                               Artichoke: Bisate’s sophisticated                further afield in destinations like South     construction and also now during the         Artichoke: The materials that were            at Nyanza as our point of departure and
          Caline-Williams-Wynn,
                                               architectural and interior design is             Africa, depending on where best we            daily operation of Bisate.                   sourced locally and which reflect the         gave this a modern sensibility in terms
        Designer from Artichoke
                                               rooted in Rwandan building tradition as          were able to source the most appropriate                                                   surrounding environment, for example          of interiors and furnishings. It is a mix
                                               exemplified in the design of the Royal           product. The steepness of the slope and       The real generosity of Bisate in the         the volcanic rock used for the fireplaces,    of which we are very proud and which
                                               Palace of the traditional monarch. The           the fact that we had to build the lodge       Rwandan context is the amount of private     the recycled glass chandeliers, the           we believe resonates with the practice
                                               spherical, thatched structures echo the          800m from the park boundary also              and exclusive space that surrounds the       emerald green colour in the textiles which    in modern Rwanda of taking time-worn
What’s the story behind Bisate Lodge?
                                               thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan          dictated a lot of the structural decisions    Lodge, cosseting it in a rare natural        is reminiscent of the verdant greens of       customs and giving them contemporary
                                               landscape. The architecture is also              we made around the build.                     landscape brimming with Albertine Rift       the rainforest, and the beautiful local       relevance.
Wilderness Safaris Chief Operations
                                               inspired by Bisate’s amphitheatre setting,                                                     biodiversity and beauty. Each spacious       fabrics, which were used for the staff
Officer, Grant Woodrow:
                                               with the forms and outlines of the lodge         What advice would you give to someone         91m2 forest villa comprises a generous       uniforms.                                     Why do you think the judges chose your
Since 2009 we have considered how our
                                               thus accentuating the spectacular natural        looking to redesign their hotel over the      yet intimate combination of bedroom,                                                       venue as a winner this year?
ecotourism model could contribute to
                                               surroundings.                                    next 12 months?                               reception space and bathroom, all            We’re seeing a huge increase in
the conservation of the Virunga Massif
                                                                                                                                              warmed by a central fireplace and with       conservation and eco-tourism. Why do          Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from
ecosystem and an iconic endangered
                                               Bisate’s interior design is drawn from           Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from            breathtaking views out across a private      you think this is?                            Artichoke: For the uniqueness of the
species like the mountain gorilla. When
                                               a variety of aspects of the Rwandan              Artichoke: Spend some time researching        deck towards Mount Bisoke.                                                                 design, but also because of the purpose
we made the decision to invest in
                                               lifestyle, particularly the colourful textiles   cultural influences, as well as taking the                                                 Wilderness Safaris Chief Operations           behind the lodge, that of contributing
Rwanda, the last thing we intended to do
                                               and use of texture. The emerald green            time to meet the local people and seeing      Why was it important to include striking     Officer, Grant Woodrow: We have               towards gorilla conservation and
was just to build a boutique lodge and
                                               colour in the textiles and chandeliers is        how they live, and draw inspiration from      elements of the African character in the     certainly noticed a growing trend towards     community upliftment, and the ground-
sell gorilla treks.
                                               reminiscent of the verdant greens of the         that.                                         design of the hotel?                         more mindful, conscious travel where          breaking reforestation project which has
                                               rainforests, as well as the vibrant markets                                                                                                 guests want to feel that by travelling        already seen 20 000 trees being planted
We wanted to ensure that our brand
                                               that dot the villages throughout the             There’s a huge focus on the                   Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from           to certain destinations, they are in          on the site.
of responsible ecotourism made a real
                                               country.                                         accommodation being luxury yet pared-         Artichoke: The whole Bisate experience       fact helping to support communities
difference to both rural Rwandan people
                                                                                                back. Why was it important to design it       is based around Wilderness Safaris           and contribute towards conservation           What advice would you give to someone
and biodiversity conservation. As such,
                                               What challenges did you come up                  in such a way?                                4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce,        initiatives. Many guests like to know         looking to enter the Style Awards next
we hope that Bisate will exceed our
                                               against when considering the design of                                                         Community, Culture and Conservation.         that their trip is having a direct positive   year?
guests’ expectations, and that together
                                               Bisate Lodge?                                    Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from            So, therefore, it was important to us        impact and it is therefore purposeful.
we will be able to make a dramatic and
                                                                                                Artichoke: As a Wilderness Safaris            to pay tribute to the hugely evocative                                                     Give it your best shot!
far-reaching impact on not just a critically
                                               Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from               Premier camp, the design concept for          traditional Rwandan architecture and         What do you think sets your venue apart
endangered species like the mountain
                                               Artichoke: We experienced certain design         the lodge was based on ‘Purpose’ being        design, as a way of reflecting the culture   from the others?
gorilla, but also the entire ecosystem of
                                               limitations unique to an African context.        the new luxury and our aim was to create      of the country.
the Virunga Massif and the rural people
                                               Apart from the volcanic rock and other           a world-class venture that will make                                                       Designer Caline Williams-Wynn from
living adjacent to it.

50                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                51
MADE TO ORDER

 Mitchelton Hotel, Australia

 Jackalope Hotel, Australia                                            The Drifter Hotel, USA                                             Four Seasons Seychelles Desroches, Seychelles

With the focus on unique and memorable         this very factor; from enabling the guest        Guests are now choosing to be part of a
stays, hoteliers are creating made-to-         to choose their own bed linen to curated         community when they arrive at a hotel
order experiences; getting to know a           meditation experiences and wellness              – gone are the days of giving something
traveller in order to ensure a repeat visit.   sessions to cuisine from local farm-to-          off-the-shelf.
                                               table chefs.
As such, they’re designing hotels around

52                                                                                                                                                                                        53
Papaya Playa Project, Mexico

                                                    GO IT ALONE

 Generator Paris, France                                              Arlo Hotels New York, USA

 Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

Solo travel has increased by almost            With hoteliers catering to this emerging           parties and recreation rooms all with the
a third since 2011 and, it seems that          trend, they’re offering female-only                aim of fostering a sense of community –
travellers are beginning to travel alone to    floors, pamper packs for solo travellers           even for those going it alone.
get that much-deserved ‘me time’. But it’s     or group-based workshops designed to
not just the millennials that are taking the   encourage socialising.
leap with over 55’s also indulging in this
new trend.                                     Think open-air film screenings, pool

54                                                                                                                                                                              55
                                                                                                                                              Eremrito, Italy
Chez Georges, Brazil

                                          B R E AT H I N G S PA C E

     The Drake Hotel, Canada                                       SIDE Germany

     Kazerne, The Netherlands

The creation of integrated event spaces   of individuality is easily accessible to a   way through to music concerts and art
within hotels is ever-increasing and      hotelier – all from cleverly coordinating    installations – it’s easily accessible; all
hoteliers are already beginning to        through their event space.                   without leaving the confines of the hotel.
reap huge rewards when it comes to
their originality in collaboration and    From immersive and interactive corporate
rethinking their space. A huge amount     meetings to pop-up foodie events all the

56                                                                                                                                              57
W I N N E R ’ S F E AT U R E

                   The Chapel, UK

         WINNER OF PICTURE PERFECT B&B

     This stunning grade II listed chapel conversion has
        been sympathetically restored to provide a
      distinctive historic and contemporary boutique
     bed and breakfast in the heart of Harrogate Town.

         With its eccentric and eclectic mix of the
     different eras, The Chapel is the perfect place to
     enjoy a truly unique experience and admire the
           fascinating objets d’art and interiors.

      With a range of en-suite bedrooms, all themed
       and showcasing exotic flavours of South and
     Southeast Asia and two living spaces, one styled
      as a men’s smoking room and its counterpart
      as a women’s boudoir, filled with all manner of
                        ephemera.

       The Judges said: “The Chapel is so unique.
      Outstanding thought and careful curation have
                gone into this. I love it!”

58                                                         59
60   61
WINNER’S INTERVIEW

          The Chapel, UK                     love of travelling.                           antiques are making a return. Genuine         them look like they belong together; that     empty, hence it is important that people      design and styling of an incredible
                                                                                           pieces of furniture that are handmade         is an art form in itself.                     are either living in them or using them       building. That and being in the centre of
                                             I am trying to keep alive British             whether old or new stand the test of time.                                                  for work. The Chapel for me is just about     this beautiful spa town.
          with Mark Hinchliffe,
                                             eccentricity, hence the dividing of the       I do think the modern, clinical, minimal      What is your favourite part of The            being the current care taker whose job it
          Owner of The Chapel
                                             ground floor space of which two rooms         look that has been with us for the last 20    Chapel, on a personal level?                  is to look after the building for the next    That advice would you give to someone
                                             have become the gentlemen’s club room         years is on its way out.                                                                    generation.                                   looking to enter the Style Awards next
                                             and the ladies boudoir.                                                                     If I had to choose 3 favourites it would                                                    year?
                                                                                           Most importantly you do not need to           be sitting on the sofa looking up at          What do you think sets your venue apart
What’s the story behind The
                                             The kitchen was inspired by Jekyll and        spend a lot of money to make your             the spectacular Mark Brazier Jones            from the others?                              Anyone working in the hospitality
Chapel?
                                             Hyde meets Heston Blumenthal; my              place look stylish. It’s about up-cycling,    chandelier. With a 3 metre drop and                                                         industry works hard to satisfy the ever-
                                             collection of old apothecary jars and the     repurposing and spinning it on its head       2100mm width, it looks like something         The Chapel offers a unique place to stay      demanding customer - as standards get
It was about saving an Italianate grade
                                             molecular chemistry of a Masterchef.          to come up with something unique,             out of the film Close Encounters has just     or to hold an event with only a ten minute    better and better.
II listed building; most Wesleyan chapels
                                                                                           corporate is boring!                          come through the ceiling.                     walk into the heart of Harrogate town
of this period were built in a very plain
                                             What challenges did you come up                                                                                                           centre.                                       It’s great to be recognised in the industry
and simple manner. This building’s
                                             against when considering the design of        There’s a huge focus on art and the           Second, would be the brown tobacco                                                          by other professionals. And now with
architecture stood out with its ornate
                                             The Chapel?                                   curation of art around The Chapel. Why        walls of the main bedroom with the            The suites are located within different       the Style Awards being worldwide, it’s
stonework, woodwork and at one point
                                                                                           do you think this was important?              natural light that shines through the huge    areas of the building, and this allows for    refreshing and inspiring to see what other
the original plaster ceiling would have
                                             Due to the internal listing of the            I have been collecting art all my life, The   stained glass windows giving way to a         a private stay; sometimes guests will         venues are doing so I urge everyone to
looked truly magnificent.
                                             building, the pulpit had to remain and        Chapel has given me a place to display        kaleidoscope of colour reflecting onto the    only meet over breakfast at the large         enter. You may also pick up new ideas
                                             the plasterwork to the frieze where the       and share my love of art. I think it is       walls.                                        communal table which makes for great          along the way.
Although part of the ceiling collapsed
                                             organ once sat, together with wooden          important how you live and see art in                                                       conversation.
in the early 1960s and it was decided
                                             balcony meant that I had to think about       terms of its relationship to the space that   Third, would be the Chinese Opium suite,
that the rest of it would be taken out
                                             the dividing up of the space and yet          we inhabit. The artworks give way to          with its black walls and its styling of a     Weddings and other events here are
with a lump hammer…crimes against
                                             keeping the building open and spacious        comment and conversation during guests        1920s opium den, truly magical.               truly bespoke to our customers’ requests;
architecture!
                                             to achieve a sense of height and scale        stay.                                         We’re seeing a huge increase in               with only five suites we give a unique
                                             that would do justice to the building.                                                      preserving the heritage of existing           and personal experience. The Chapel
What inspired the design that we see in
                                                                                           Each item within The Chapel looks             buildings after they have been renovated.     is like a small stately home with hint of
The Chapel?
                                             What advice would you give to someone         strikingly unique – was this the plan? To                                                   eccentricity.
                                             looking to redesign their hotel over the      create something never seen before?           Why do you think this is?
The design you see in The Chapel today
                                             next 12 months?                                                                                                                           Why do you think the judges chose your
reflects my lifetime of collecting. I have
                                                                                           There was no plan, it was a creative          We have to preserve our history in order      venue as a winner this year?
an eclectic taste for the ancient, the
                                             I am not one for following fashion but I      process of being able to mix and match        to look at the future. There are so many
antique and the modern, coupled with my
                                             do think glamour, colours, rich fabrics and   pieces from different periods to make         buildings in this country that are standing   I’d like to think it was down to our unique

62                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               63
WINING AND DINING

Six Senses Duoro Valley, Portugal

Capofaro, Italy                                                        Babylonstoren, South Africa

With a marked surge in winery hotels           An increasingly popular niche, hotel                  take interior design direction from wine,
opening up across the world over the           owners are realising the lucrative                    using bespoke furniture crafted with wine
last few years, it’s no longer solely for      opportunities of opening a hotel                      in mind, usually from old barrels.
the elite. With a move towards couples,        dedicated solely to wine – all centred on
younger professionals and groups of            a vineyard. Typically rustic, boutique, with
friends, wine tourism is taking off in a big   beautiful panoramic views and stunning
way.                                           alfresco dining areas; wine hotels also
64                                                                                                                                                                         65
                                                                                                                                                 Chateau de Sacy, France
DREAMING IN COLOUR

                                                                                                              Cafe Congreso, Philippines

     Feast India Company, India

     The Magnolia Hotel, Portugal

Hotels all around the world are taking       cinematic styles, the famous film director   enchanting and mesmerising so it’s
inspiration from famed film director, Wes    has a penchant for all things whimsical.     no surprise to see why hoteliers are
Anderson. With his pastel colour palettes,                                                capitalising upon it.
love for symmetry and dream-like             This style of interior decor is both

66                                                                                                                                                         67
                                                                                                                                           Elan Cafe, UK
CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM

 El Cosmico, USA

                                                                   Kingston Treehouse Sabi Sand, South Africa

 Tri Lanka, Sri Lanka                                              The Brando Resort, French Polynesia

With ‘cause-driven consumerism’ and          ever-growing trend from the bottom-up.           responsible travel options and this has
purpose-driven tourism making headway        From gap years to simply achieving a             given way to the introduction of eco-
in the travel and tourism sector, it’s no    sense of purpose, travellers are now             lodges, cabins, tipis and even tree-
surprise that hoteliers are following this   actively seeking out sustainable and             houses.

68                                                                                                                                                                    69
                                                                                                                                        Tree House Villas, Thailand
W I N N E R ’ S F E AT U R E

                  Fivelements, Bali

            WINNER OF ECO-CHAMPION
                  OF THE YEAR

         In 2007, Fivelements was conceived as an
       integrated wellness lifestyle company whose
      authentic destinations offer an opportunity for
         inspiration, awareness and progress in the
                        21st century.

      Its focus is on designing high impact wellness
        strategies aimed at supporting individuals,
          couples and organisations enduring life
              transitions and transformation.

      Fivelements is located along the Ayung River
              near Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.

       Surrounded by lush greenery, Fivelements is
      inspired by healthy cuisine, purification rituals,
     yoga, meditation and beautifying spa treatments
        and offers a range of personalised wellness
     programmes such as the Detox Retreat, Culinary
             Retreat and Rejuvenation Retreat.

         The Judges said: “Fivelements is deeply
        respectful of its location and environment.
      The reflection in the water and the compelling
           sustainability leaves you spellbound.”

70                                                         71
72   73
building and running Fivelements, Bali         do that is eco-friendly and why did you        Bali with modern, innovative wellness
                                                                                                                                         is an ongoing journey into self and life’s     decide on an eco venue?                        services, such as the gourmet plant-
                                             WINNER’S INTERVIEW                                                                          lessons. It’s a bit like having another baby                                                  based cuisine with a specialty in living
                                                                                                                                         (we already have 3!) – the biggest joy         Built with primarily natural materials in      foods and our sacred arts sessions which
                                                                                                                                         you could ever imagine and a continual         unprocessed (or minimally processed)           allow guests the chance to experience 90
                                                                                                                                         commitment to the health and well-being        form including bamboo, rattan, local           minutes with a true artist and teacher of
                                                                                                                                         of everyone inside, from staff to guests.      stone, recycled timbers and coconut            ancient rituals, like yoga, sound, etc.
                                                                                                                                                                                        wood, many buildings were designed to
                                                                                                                                         There’s a huge focus on wellness and           utilise passive cooling systems to reduce      Our concept is focused on traditional
                                                                                                                                         healing at Fivelements? Why is this            air-conditioning.                              healing, living foods/plant-based cuisine,
           Fivelements, Bali                  One cannot build and operate a business      approach to work with what resources
                                                                                                                                         important?                                                                                    sacred arts practices and sustainable
                                              without a strong collaboration and           are already here from the land, the
                                              cooperation with the local Banjar village.   materials for building, the people, the                                                      Other initiatives include the use of LED       living and design. We offer a highly
     with Lahra Tatriele, Chief Innovation                                                                                               Fivelements is an integrated healing and       lighting technology and low-level wattage      personalised one-on-one experience
                                              In addition, as we are inspired by the       ingredients for food and wellness, the
         Officer and Co-Founder and                                                                                                      wellness destination blending the wisdom       resulting in a 95% reduction in electricity    directly with the healers, the cuisine, the
                                              traditions of Bali, this also includes       indigenous healers and therapists, the
     Chicco Tatriele, Managing Director                                                                                                  of traditional cultures with innovative        for lighting and highly efficient fan design   artists - all gently guided by a Wellness
                                              embracing sustainable cultural practices     pace of life, the cultural nuances, the
               and Co-Founder                                                                                                            wellness services, combining:                  called “bio-mimicry” that effectively          Liaison Expert - resulting in a gentle,
                                              from building practices, ceremonies,         innately warm and devoted Balinese, etc.
                                              ongoing socialisation, flora and fauna                                                     - Balinese healing rituals for purification,   cuts electricity use in half. Sustainable      profound healing journey. AND the
                                              analysis and much more.                      I suppose it is a respectful approach from    balancing and regeneration                     attributes are found above and below           owners/managing directors (us) are
                                                                                           the inside out, and this I believe, is what   - Epicurean raw living foods cuisine for       ground such as recycling grey water and        totally dedicated to this lifestyle and
What’s the story behind Fivelements?                                                                                                     health, beauty and longevity                   rainwater for irrigation and 16,000 litres     our philosophies and I believe this does
                                              Basically, we started with studying the      keeps it authentic and real, and guests
                                              land, the environment, the people, culture   understand this from the moment they          - Sacred arts practices for inner strength,    of recycled water stored on site, part         make a difference in impact and keeping
In 2007, Fivelements was conceived as                                                                                                    alignment and dedication                       of its enviable Resource Management            it all “real.” We and our team “serve the
                                              and attempted to be as gentle as we          step foot on the property. They feel an
an integrated wellness lifestyle concept.                                                                                                - Sustainable living and design                System (Energy, Water, Waste).                 mission and vision” because each of us
                                              could on our development and aimed           immediate sense of safety, nurturing,
Fivelements, Bali was launched in late                                                                                                                                                                                                 is in our own way aligned and connected
                                              to create “a new luxury - the perfection     commitment and authenticity…and love in
2010 as the first of a new genre of                                                                                                      At Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, “living well”     The property’s commitment to                   with our purpose.
                                              of nature,” integrating and guided by        action, our mission.
wellness destinations and services that                                                                                                  is inspired by Balinese culture, which         sustainability and the environment has
                                              the Balinese philosophy, Tri Hita Karana,
would bridge the wisdom of traditional                                                                                                   encourages us to nurture harmony with          earned it a multitude of awards since          Why do you think the judges chose your
                                              living in harmony among human to God,        What challenges did you come up
cultures with innovative transformational                                                                                                spirit, nature and one another. Our holistic   opening in 2010, including honourable          venue as a winner this year?
                                              human to human and human to nature.          against when considering the design of
healing concepts.                                                                                                                        integrative approach is designed to tune       mentions for Sustainability and Public
                                              By committing to this from the beginning     Fivelements?
                                              of design through to this day in daily                                                     in on the physical, emotional and spiritual    Amenity at the Arcasia Awards for              We believe they saw the dedication, hard
Fivelements is also a love story and a                                                                                                   levels, allowing an organic healing            Architecture and the Emerald Medal from        work and love that went into creating
                                              operations, we are able to more smoothly     We adopted a sustainability program
story of hope, love and peace. We hope                                                                                                   process to naturally unfold. Our overall       Tri Hita Karana three consecutive years        Fivelements Bali and is still ongoing to
                                              integrate our business concept.              that is governed by the spirituality of its
that by sharing “the best of Bali” through                                                                                               aim is to co-create a trusting connection      running from 2013. Tri Hita Karana is a        maintain such a beautiful property that
                                                                                           surroundings. It was an essential criterion
an authentic healing and wellness                                                                                                        and gently guide you through a highly          Balinese Hindu philosophy that embodies        stands out as an eco-warrior.
                                              Many hurdles from drying the land,           for its builders who worked in close
destination, people from around the                                                                                                      personalised program while providing           the belief that physical and spiritual
                                              waiting for building certificates,           consultation with local priests and the
world will experience something truly                                                                                                    you with useful life tools to return home      wellbeing is achieved through balanced         What advice would you give to someone
                                              challenges with imperfections that we        community during the construction phase
extraordinary, intimate and life-changing                                                                                                with.                                          existence.                                     looking to enter the Style Awards next
                                              tried to work with to integrate into our     (even until today any refurbishments or
and that they may return home with a                                                                                                                                                                                                   year?
                                              concept versus fighting them or trying       minor changes to the property require a
deeper connection to themselves and                                                                                                      We are committed to designing spaces           What do you think sets your venue apart
                                              to “colonialize”. One example: 70% of        blessing ceremony).
the meaning of life, new tools to use and                                                                                                and programs that truly deliver a body-        from the others?                               We think it was also somewhat lucky that
                                              our staff came from the local village and
implement and practices to support a                                                                                                     mind-spirit integrative experience aimed                                                      the judges liked our resort, but it would
                                              many did not work in a similar place         From the moment Chicco and I met
better life and greater personal peace for                                                                                               to generate positive results and real-life     EVERYTHING!                                    be wise to choose a category that you’re
                                              before or hospitality at all. Many did not   and came together with our other
the “wellness of humanity.”                                                                                                              transformation.                                Some say we were/are pioneers in our           very confident in.
                                              even speak English. Training is ongoing      partners, we understood that the vision
                                              and English was taught for the first 5       and mission of Fivelements has a living,                                                     field of wellness. Fivelements is first and
What inspired the design that we see in                                                                                                  We’re seeing a huge increase in                foremost, authentic. A retreat with us in
                                              years on and off. Basically, we took the     organic energy. As such, co-creating,
Fivelements?                                                                                                                             eco-friendly hospitality venues and            Bali is like an alchemic journey blending
                                                                                                                                         sustainability. What does Fivelements          the ancient mystic healing culture of

74                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               75
You can also read