RG NAXOS
kraters , kylixes , and other typical ancient wares and the technique of laying bright , saturated colors have been introduced into Sicily during the Muslim conquest .
The fashion house of Dolce & Gabbana put Sicily on the fashionista map and spread the island ’ s crafts worldwide by incorporating iconic Sicilian images in its bold prints like the colorfully decorated horse cart , ripe lemons and oranges .
This was an early inspiration for the interior design concept created for the hotel by THDP , a London based interior designer and architectural practice with a team of 50 % British and 50 % Italian designers .
The Hotel
The hotel is beachfront and from all the common areas windows the view is always toward the sea . The building presents most of the room facing the sea allowing the Mediterranean light to enter from the big windows and the guest can enjoy the salty air from the guestroom balcony .
The hotel was ( and still is ) one of the most important and famous hospitality building which has hosted generation of tourists attracting people from all over the world . It sits at the feet of Etna volcano and near to Taormina .
Detailed local research guided the narrative of the entire concept project , commencing with the refurbishment of the main public areas , lobby and lobby bar , guest check in , Restaurants Panarea &
Sciara , and creating a new Pool Terrace and Fluido bar .
The concept
The interior design concept was inspired by the natural beauty of the volcanic beaches , the sea , mount Etna ’ s super-natural presence and the features of the island of Sicily and the ambition was to bring them into the centre of the hotel . By adding local decoration , artworks and colors the goal was to add character , a deep sense of authenticity and a refined and resort-based palette of natural tones with touches of colors of the sea .
The lobby was a large open space of over 700sqm meters , previously decorated in a heavy baroque style , the concept from the outset was to reactivate this space , giving it a new heart and focal point – and to be appealing to both guests and to walk-in locals .
From the outset THDP considered adding a new lobby bar to the center of the space , being both a visual anchor but also dividing the space and making it feel more intimate . With the new layout smart workers and leisure guests can meet using a polyvalent area which can hosts all thanks to the different typology of seating . The style is elegant , Mediterranean with sea colors and Taormina ’ s stone colors melting indoor and outdoor color palette .
The reception has been inspired by the Sicilian attitude of welcoming and it has been translated in three large reception desks with dark grey lava top
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