Design
of the original features, including its striking steel- framed windows, intact. “Having previously worked with Sam Kopsch, one of
the country’s leading interior designers, we hired her to work on the renovation of the Burgh Island Hotel,” says Giles Fuchs, owner of the Grade II-listed property. “Given [the] Burgh’s standing as one of the most admired art deco hotels in the UK, the focus of the refurbishment was not on any structural modifications but on further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.”
Keeping it local Situated at opposite ends of the British Isles, The Torridon and the Burgh Island Hotel are a world apart in terms of aesthetics and character. However, the hotels have something similar at the heart of their design ethos – namely the desire to foster a certain kind of experience. In both cases, visitors consistently report being ‘transported’ – whisked away from their everyday lives and immersed in a sense of history and place.
“When you drive up here, you’re surrounded by
the mountains, you’re on the water’s edge, so a lot of our guests say they relax right away,” says Rose- Bristow. “And when you open the door, you want to be scooped up like Alice in Wonderland – noticing something you aren’t expecting, and something else, and something else.” Fuchs maintains that Burgh’s remote location has
always been one of its biggest draws. “The hotel allows guests to escape into another world, transporting them back to the roaring ’20s. They can relive those glamorous and exciting times as well as enjoying a luxurious stay in one of the most beautiful spots on the English coastline,” he says. It is clear that, if a property is to stand out in the saturated lifestyle market, its design needs to offer something more than simple good taste. After all, any old property can add a bit of quirky decor and call itself a ‘design hotel’. As Rose-Bristow points out: “Many guests have amazing homes themselves these days, so it’s not just about the aesthetics.” For hotels like The Torridon and Burgh, it is more
about aesthetics embedded in context. Design is used not just for show, but also to reflect the hotel’s identity, history and location.
“Although I might go to the Design Centre in London
and work with some amazing people there, I’ll combine that with local furniture-makers and suppliers,” muses Rose-Bristow. “It’s important to me to bring in the local artisan expertise, in terms of making it feel authentic.”
Immersive and experiential According to hospitality sponsor Driftwood Capital, consumer interest in ‘experiential travel’ has spiked since the pandemic. While you might argue that all
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com 31
travel is experiential, this clearly means something more immersive than a spot of sightseeing. In a 2022 survey by TripAdvisor, respondents cited their three main travel considerations as ‘seeing new places’, ‘having new experiences’ and ‘learning about history and culture’. Many of these travellers are looking to start their quest within the hotel itself. It’s no surprise that the boutique and ‘soft branded’ hotel segments are growing quickly, with travellers gravitating to one- of-a-kind properties that convey a powerful sense of narrative. Design Hotels, a curated portfolio of luxury independent properties, saw this trend coming 30 years ago. Now owned by Marriott International, the brand includes over 300 hotels in more than 50 countries, designed to “anchor a community of travellers united in the pursuit of inspired environments, genuine local culture, and transformative, meaningful experiences”. Guests might choose to stay in Dr Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, a wellness spa in Napa Valley. Alternatively, there’s Mamula Island, a fortress-turned-Montenegrin sanctuary, or the
Above: Motel One Dublin – the chain looks to incorporate local elements from the city into its design.
Below: The interior of the Palm Court Bar at Burgh Island Hotel showcases its art deco features.
Opposite: Devon’s Burgh Island Hotel was built in 1929.
Motel One; Burgh Island
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