Taking authentic and local to new heights , designers are opening up spaces to show off the surroundings .
Following a substantial rebuild , Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in Botswana reopened last November . The Gallery HBA London used local artisans and materials to reflect the region ’ s natural elements and create new tented guest accommodations , restaurant and lounge . The tented accommodations feature a color palette that combines greens and soft yellows with subtle gray tones to reflect
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the land itself and nearby elephants while shades of dusty gold and bright yellow suggest the plumage of local birds .
The lounge features an artisanal bar made from locally sourced timber with natural elements retained when possible , including an ancient sycamore fig tree repurposed into a hanging cocoon swing . “ We wanted the lodge to flow into and out of its location , both literally and in terms of all the layers of experience we wished
Maui ' s Fairmont Kea Lani ' s Luana Lounge was inspired by Hawaii ’ s ‘ a ’ ali ’ i trees and hotel gardens .
to offer ,” says Katherine Blaisdell , senior vice president of design and project development at Belmond . “ All public and guest spaces offer a seamless transition between the in- and outdoors and offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape . The Lodge was reimagined as a perfect retreat on and within the delta and shaped by it .”
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The outdoors also inspired a recent US $ 70 million renovation at Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui , Hawaii . Part of the renovation was a refresh of Luana Lounge , inspired by Hawaii ’ s ‘ a ’ ali ’ i trees as well as the hotel ’ s gardens . The tree pattern can be seen throughout the bar .
“ Fairmont Kea Lani is committed to providing
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an authentically local experience for guests in all that we do ,” says Charles Head , general manager at the resort . “ We worked to keep the stories of the Kea Lani and Hawaiian culture at the forefront . The refresh elevated the entire luxury experience and presence of the resort , from the moment of arrival throughout .” |
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36 hotelsmag . com June 2016 |