Designing Hotels For The Luxury Traveler of The Future by The Ritz-Carlton
Sunday, July 05, 2015
I've been to The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, it was spectacular when the time I visited Spa Village there. I remembered the experience was quite a splendid one because it's way much luxurious! Here's an portfolio update for those who're ready to splurge their days when travel....
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has opened the doors to more
than 50 new, renovated or refurbished luxury hotels in its growing global
portfolio. The opulent
Ritz-Carlton hotels in Almaty, Herzliya and Bangalore marked the brand's entry
into Israel, Kazakhstan and India; and the barefoot luxury experiences in
Dorado Beach and Bali were milestones in casually chic and elegant design
execution, driven by extensive global customer research.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Since 2004 The Ritz-Carlton design team has produced
specifications for one individually designed and curated hotel after the next.
High-style and contemporary design exudes in Kyoto, Wolfsburg and
Barcelona. Tasteful conversions of spectacular former palaces in Vienna, Muscat
and Riyadh, and transformations of protected buildings in Philadelphia, San
Francisco and Georgetown near Washington DC in a new era of converted and
preserved heritage spaces.
Conversely, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is
located on the cherished island of Puerto Rico. The resort is an intimate
retreat offering a true sense of barefoot elegance, blending Laurance
Rockefeller's novel environmental design philosophies and modern yet minimal
décor. Created as an open-air enclave, infused with references to the
surrounding natural landscape and diverse culture, thepower of the great outdoors weaves its magic on
interior comfort.
Drawing on themes of local relevance, The Ritz-Carlton
adopts design strategies to enhance the brand image in an increasingly global
marketplace. The company philosophy is to design hotels that are casually
elegant, with the occasional classical influence as appropriate. Where there
are multiple hotels in one city, the preference is to provide diverse physical
products and contrasting styles.
Lodging by design
Each Ritz-Carlton property around the world personifies
unique design befitting of its location. Examples include:
In the newly opened Ritz-Carlton resort in Kyoto, Japan, all views are of the river and the Higashiyama
Mountains. The architects and designers have retained the character and
aesthetic of a traditional Meiji house and courtyard into the architectural
structure of the building. The interiors created by Peter Remedios and Spin
Studios pay homage to the traditions of Japan, with patterned motifs created by
local artisans and the incorporation of Zen rock gardens (karesansui) and
water features, including a four-story waterfall are aesthetically positioned in
the heart of the hotel.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Nestled on the shore of the Andaman Sea, the ultra-exclusive resort is the
vision of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag and features modern styling and
architecture with accents of Thai culture and design to create a harmonious
synergy of luxury and tradition to complement its secluded location. Bunnag
draws strongly from Thai traditions and cultural heritage to create an
environment where relaxation and enjoyment are the very bedrock of the guest
experience.
The stylish and contemporary interiors of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, which set the scene for this thoroughly
modern hotel set in the heart of Hong Kong, are by Singapore's LTW. The sense
of arrival is breathtaking with views of Victoria Harbor and the iconic
island's skyline as the backdrop. Guests are welcomed into the highest hotel in
the world on the 9th floor, before being transported up to the hotel lobby on
the 103rd floor where panoramic views await them -- and potentially journeying
further to the top of the hotel on floor 118.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain was
inspired by the lush Sonoran Desert surroundings. The Arizona resort was
created with a highly authentic sense of place with the presence of desert
stone and metal. This celebration of Arizona's geology can be seen in the
resort's natural quartzite floors, raw steel fixtures, copper accents, and
historical desert artifacts, such as colorful geodes and quartz crystal.
Interior carpets represent Arizona sunrises and sunsets, each bordered by the
area's majestic saguaro cactus. The strikingly beautiful saguaro grows nowhere
else in the world, and the main building of the resort was actually relocated
early in the construction process, in order to preserve two decades-old saguaro
cacti which were growing near the foundation. Contributing to the design were HKS
Hill Glazier Studios, Wilson and Associates and EDG Interior Architecture.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.
Designed by Frank Nicholson, this Manhattan property features unrivalled views
across Central Park, bold contemporary artworks, an eclectic mix of modern and
regency furniture and stunning floral arrangements. The overall effect is one
of relaxed sophistication.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in
Beaver Creek, Colorado is another resort that showcases design relevance
through the use of beautiful natural materials, by embracing the rich heritage
of 'parkitecture' -- a style inspired by the great mountain lodges in North
America. Designed by Wilson and Associates and recently enhanced by Bilkey
Llinas, large rustic pine beams, intricate stonework, detailed millwork,
sophisticated furnishings, contemporary paintings and a welcoming grand
fireplace are harmonious with the mountainous surroundings.
According to Barrie, designers of the Hotel Arts in Barcelona have
captured the city's strong emphasis on the arts and culture. Skidmore, Owing
and Merrill architect Bruce Graham encased the 44-story Hotel Arts tower in
steel and tinted glass. The interiors of the tower, which were recently
renovated by Barcelona's CGA, feature elegant combinations of classical wood,
modern steel and contemporary furnishings, all framed by views of the city and
the Mediterranean.
Sharq Village & Spa, Doha in Qatar celebrates the rich
cultural legacy of Qatari history by offering a unique insight in the vibrant
life of the past. The oceanfront resort has been meticulously recreated to
reflect the architecture, designs and experiences of a generations-old Qatari
community. It tells Arabian tales of the merchants, pearl divers and captains
that hauled their heavy boats ashore to infuse this Middle Eastern land with
prosperity. Like the communities of the past, Sharq Village & Spa springs
organically from the centre of the busy ancient bazaar and begins a gentle
evolution of courtyard houses, crooked alleyways, cooling pools, elegant
palaces and thriving fish market down to the palm-fringed coastline.
The opulent yet contemporary style of The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street makes
the hot list. Coupled with an assorted mélange of furniture, unique aspects of
the downtown hotel include the hanging calligraphy brushes, paintings,
luxurious fabrics, brocades and Chinese wall silks. The use of bold, yet
cleverly integrated colors is aesthetically pleasing and is the vision of
interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates who placed close attention to the
art of Feng Shui.
Tverskaya 3: the exclusive address of The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow located
adjacent to Red Square had the interiors designed by Peter Silling.
An historic hospitality address for centuries, the building is the site
of the 334-room hotel featuring an imperial Russian façade and chic, elegant
interior with unique contemporary accents.
And of course, the iconic property which guarantees the
best location in its city is the sleek Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. Architecturally this
hotel is an icon of cosmopolitan sophistication, rising to a height of 800
feet. This leviathan of chrome and glass is in a commandeering position,
surrounded on all sides by sweeping views of the city and Mount Fuji.
Today's sophisticated and trend-conscious hotel guests
take pleasure from savoring the very latest discoveries ahead of the crowd --
in hotels just as much as in the worlds of art and fashion. Quite apart
from their design attributes', hotels of today also have to fulfill two key
requirements. As temporary homes of business travelers they must function
effectively as workplaces; and they must offer a wide range of
relaxation possibilities for the discerning leisure traveler. Recognition of
this is evident in The Ritz-Carlton hotels around the globe. And yet, even with
marked success in these areas, the hotel company continues to assess the design
enhancements required in the existing portfolio, and as a result, investment to
continuously better a guests experience runs into the millions
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