The Gentleman Magazine Issue 9 | June 2018 | Page 71

Kiriko glass : traditional craftsmanship adapted for modern luxury
Traditional Japanese aesthetics , culture and artforms have a strong influence on contemporary Lexus design . As an example , fine kiriko cut glass has been reinterpreted for use as an exclusive and innovative ornamentation feature in the new Lexus LS flagship saloon .
Lounge guests can admire examples of the hand-faceted glass and see how it has been adapted for use in the LS where it forms an eye-catching element in the interior door panels , changing in appearance according the angle and intensity of light . Its shape and pattern echo the look of the car ’ s spindle grille .
Although the exquisite glasswork , produced by Studio Kobin , looks beautiful and delicate , it is in fact remarkably strong , thanks to advanced glass reinforcement technology .
LOUNGE by Lexus design partner
LOUNGE by Lexus has been designed by the retail and brand consultancy FITCH . FITCH produced a retail concept for Lexus ’ s European retailer network and some of the successful ideas from this experience have been developed in its vision for the new lounge at Brussels Airport .
OMOTENASHI – COMFORT , RELAXATION AND WELL- BEING
Lexus has an industry-leading reputation for the highest levels of customer service , a quality that has its roots in omotenashi – the finest traditions of Japanese hospitality . Customers are treated with the welcome and respect that would be given to a guest in the home .
Omotenashi goes further than just meeting an individual ’ s needs ; it is about anticipating them before they arise .
These qualities are central to LOUNGE by Lexus , where visitors can enjoy a welcoming , comfortable and relaxed environment , whether they need to rest , work , find entertainment , enjoy food and refreshments or revitalise during a long journey .
The design of the lounge , its furnishings and the facilities provided , all support aspects of omotenashi . This includes a spa area equipped with individual shower / washrooms by GROHE , restful b . Relaxed sleep pods by Brussels Airlines and the latest relaxing massage chairs from Panasonic .
Spa rooms by GROHE
Spa rooms by GROHE are a key part of The LOFT by Brussels Airlines , a place where guests can enjoy peace , tranquillity and pampering in a calm and peaceful environment . The relaxing ambience , in complete contrast to the familiar , frantic pace of airport life , has been created through careful selection of materials , furnishings , lighting and equipment .
Visitors can make use of individual spa rooms equipped with the latest shower and shower toilet equipment from GROHE or take time for a refreshing nap in the restful environment of the Brussels Airlines b . Relaxed sleep pods .
Just as the driver and passengers in the Lexus LS flagship saloon can benefit from in-seat shiatsu massage functions , lounge visitors can de-stress in the comfort of Panasonic Relax Chairs , with sophisticated “ Real Pro Hot Stone ” programmes .
A personal spa experience
Within the lounge ’ s spa area , there is a suite of six individual rooms equipped by GROHE , the world ’ s leading provider of sanitary fittings . Each has state-of-the-art washroom facilities , including an L-finesse design basin , a lavatory and walkin shower space . Wireless speakers and dimmable lighting enhance the ambience .
In a perfect expression of utmost hospitality , the facilities give guests the chance to refresh themselves and de-stress in comfortable and beautifully designed surroundings . The fittings represent the latest technologies and designs developed by GROHE , including the AquaSymphony shower system and multi-function Sensia ® Arena shower toilets .
AquaSymphony is a personal spa that is generous in size and has innovative features . A great variety of sprays can be selected , directing water in different shapes and forms while its AquaCurtain of water can be programmed with different coloured lighting effects .
The new GROHE Sensia ® Arena is designed to create the best ever shower toilet experience , with both hygiene and comfort at maximum levels . It has an automatic self-cleaning function and a sensor which detects a person approaching and raises the lid automatically .
Its dual shower arms clean the skin tenderly and thoroughly . The intensity of the spray , the temperature of the water and the positions of the shower arms can all be adjusted to suit personal preference .
Relaxed sleeping rooms by Brussels Airlines
Truly relaxing rest and sleep can be hard to find for international travellers moving quickly through different time zones . LOUNGE by Lexus provides five b . Relaxed sleeping rooms by Brussels Airlines , designed to help visitors enjoy complete comfort , peace and quiet .
The individual bedrooms feature a completely flat bed beneath a ceiling lit like a starry night sky . The design was inspired by both the lounge ’ s Belgian location and the Brussels Airlines long haul business class cabin .
Each room showcases a piece of art picturing Belgium somewhere in the world and is finished with soft , tactile materials and surfaces .
Panasonic Relax Chair : “ Real Pro Hot Stone ” wellness treatment
True to the guiding principles of omotenashi , the spa has a room equipped with chairs designed to provide calming wellness treatments . The Panasonic Relax chair “ Real Pro Hot Stone ” helps passengers take a relaxing break while they wait , in a dedicated section of the spa .
Lexus offers similar comforts to passengers in its new LS flagship sedan , in which the front and rear seats provide a range of different massage functions , including shiatsu , designed in collaboration with expert Japanese practitioners .
The chair is a modern daybed which helps travellers relax with an array of warming massage heads .
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