000

Al Alfia Holding, one of the largest holding companies in Qatar, has unveiled designs for a 38-storey hotel by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Commissioned by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani as part of Lusail City’s masterplan to create a sustainable, integrated community, the 70,000m2 project is set to complete in 2020.

The formal composition of Hadid’s design has been inspired by the structure of the Desert Hyacinth; a flowering plant native to the landscapes and coastlines of the Arabian Gulf. The nine-pointed form of the building’s podium surrounds a central core defined by the interwoven fluid geometries of the hyacinth. A filigreed mashrabiya façade envelops the building to reduce solar gain.

Working with Arup Engineering, GC Hotel Consultancy and Atelier Ten – global leaders in environmental design and engineering – Zaha Hadid Architects’ vision for the project embraces collaboration between disciplines, responding to current and future environmental challenges and providing the most comfortable living spaces for residents, guests and visitors.

“With truly inspirational public spaces and atrium, 120 unique residences and 200 hotel rooms of Zaha Hadid’s unmistakable signature, we celebrate her remarkable legacy and continue Lusail City’s commitment to creating the region’s most sustainable, interconnected community,” comments H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of Al Alfia Holding.

Lusail City D O H A

022

Soho House & Co has announced a new property and members club, slated to open later this year in Barcelona.

Soho House Barcelona is the next venture for the exclusive members-only brand, set to occupy a striking 18th century building in Barcelona’s Gothic district.

The property will feature 57 guestrooms of varying sizes, each with views over Port Vell Marina and Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli.The design takes inspiration from the artistic nature of the city, with Art Nouveau details such as the mosaic use of tiles. The House will be furnished with an eclectic mix of Spanish inspired furniture with plenty of open spaces throughout.

Guests will have access to all of Soho House Barcelona’s club spaces – places to work, meet, eat, drink and relax – which include

a screening room, gym, and rooftop swimming pool. There is also a ground floor lounge, and Cowshed spa with treatment rooms and an indoor pool.

The F&B offer, House Kitchen, has a Spanish-influenced menu, while Cecconi’s Barcelona, which originated in Venice, will serve up handmade pasta, seafood, and dishes from Northern Italy made using the finest ingredients.

The first House opened in London’s Soho in 1995, and the group has since grown to 17 clubs around the world, including Soho House Istanbul, which opened in 2014.

Soho House & Co has also announced a collaboration with New York’s Sydell Group to create The Ned, a hotel, club and collection of restaurants in London. The first property will be located in the city’s former Midland Bank building, and will open in spring 2017.

Soho HouseB A R C E L O N A

028

Tara Bernerd & Partners has revealed the interior design scheme for Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, Fort Lauderdale, a new oceanfront property in Florida.

The London-based firm has been appointed as interior architect and designer for the newbuild project, due for completion in 2018. Bernerd is overseeing all aspects of the design scheme, which will include 148 hotel rooms and 50 condo residences.

Design highlights include the striking lobby, where stone and millwork detail provides a refined backdrop to the curated selection of European mid-century-inspired furnishings.

Bernerd comments: “Throughout it has been my aim to marry an elegance of the past, with a sophisticated and fresh contemporary style embracing everything that the Four Seasons is known for

globally. We are building the first hotel of this kind of what in our minds will become Miami’s Riviera and our design reflects a quality, yet still retains a warmth.”

The project is being developed by Fort Partners, a privately owned, fully integrated development company led by entrepreneur Nadim Ashi. Kobi Karp has been appointed architect while Fernando Wong will envision the lush, tropical landscapes that envelope the property. The culinary experience will come to life with restaurants, lounges and pool areas imagined by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The third-floor Ocean Terrace houses an all-day indoor-outdoor restaurant with an adjacent pool bar, while a fine-dining restaurant with a terraced veranda is located next to the garden promenade.

A luxurious spa offering an inspiring array of restorative treatments will also feature.

Four Seasons Hotel and Private ResidencesF O R T L A U D E R D A L E

030

SACO, The Serviced Apartment Company, has announced a new design-led aparthotel concept set to open in the creative and tech hub of East London.

Combining the autonomy, comfort and convenience of a serviced apartment with the status, personality and social immersion associated with a lifestyle hotel experience, Leman Locke is designed to appeal to travellers who want to experience the unique and authentic wherever they are, no matter the length of their stay.

The 168 apartments, including 105 spacious studios and 63 chic one-bedroom suites – each with a bedroom and fully-fitted kitchen and living area – are within minutes of some of London’s most creative and vibrant areas and provide a stylish and contemporary home for the 21st century traveller.

With city space at a premium, the suites are almost double the size of a typical hotel room at upwards of 31m2, with intelligent use of space. Thoughtfully designed with acute attention to detail to reflect the local neighbourhood’s culture, all apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows with abundant natural light. Modern furniture by Grzywinski + Pons sit alongside personal touches including Locke’s signature L-shaped couch, contemporary textiles and strong pops of colour against the monochrome base.

Eric Jafari, Managing Director of SACO Property Group, comments: “This is the first time an aparthotel is being presented with lifestyle experiences. The serviced apartment sector is the fastest growing part of the hospitality industry and it is our mission to develop innovative concepts and reshape serviced apartment hospitality as it stands today.”

Leman LockeL O N D O N

032

Yucatan’s highly anticipated Chablé Spa & Resort – a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – has announced it will welcome guests from November 2016.

Set in the heart of the Mayan forest, Chablé is spread across 750 acres on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, just 25 minutes from the historic city of Mérida.

The resort features 38 stand-alone pool villas with outdoor showers, hammocks, and large outdoor living rooms; 38 one-bedroom Casitas; an expansive three-bedroom Presidential Suite with outdoor Jacuzzi, and butler kitchen; and the 10,000ft2 Royal Presidential suite with private gym, media room and bar.

Created by architect Jorge Borja and designer Paulina Moran, who both hail from Mexico, all villas will feature modern touches

combined with Mayan architecture, including warm woods and the original 19th century walls of the working hacienda.

Chablé will immerse guests in the rich culture and history of the region, blending nature and luxury, with every aspect carefully planned and executed to honour the history of the property and the ancient Mayan culture. The centrepiece of the resort is the spa, built beside a cenote – natural cave formations believed to be sacred to the Mayans – which offers treatments that harness the power of Mérida’s ancient techniques and ingredients, alongside modern amenities.

The resort also features two restaurants, where Chablé’s acclaimed chef serves organic, seasonal cuisine sourced directly from the on-site gardens, creating wholesome cuisine paired with traditional Mayan dishes, as well as an extensive wine cellar and the largest private tequila collection in the world.

Chablé Spa & ResortY U C A T A N P E N I N S U L A

034

Following the successful launch of Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, Palladium Hotel Group has aligned with Hard Rock International to build a second European property on the island of Tenerife.

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife will sit on the Canary Island’s sunny southern coast near Adeje, in a total renovation of the Fiesta Hotel Playa Paraíso complex.

Split across two towers – Oasis and Nirvana – the property will comprise 624 guestrooms, each combining contemporary interiors and lavish amenities that radiate style and energy. The Rock Royalty Level, located on the 13th -15th floors of the Nirvana Tower, will house rockstar-worthy suites offering exclusive services, such as a private concierge and VIP check-in.

The hotel will also feature Hard Rock International’s priceless

collection of music memorabilia displayed throughout the public spaces, and the Sound of Your Stay programme of music amenities including guitar jam sessions, streaming playlists available upon check-in, and in-room delivery of professional DJ equipment.

Hard Rock Tenerife will include three swimming pools, access to a natural saltwater lagoon and a recreation area featuring a concert arena, main stage for visiting artists, and a beach club complete with Balinese beds. In addition, the hotel will feature signature facilities including a Rock Spa, Body Rock gym and Rock Shop selling merchandise specially designed for the hotel.

Rounding out the facilities, a 620m2 convention centre can host up to 525 people for meetings and events while six restaurants will offer a variety of cuisines, including traditional Spanish tapas, Asian fare, and a steakhouse.

Hard Rock HotelT E N E R I F E