News
Celebrities
Interviews
Jet Set Pet
Luxury Voyages
Suite Dreams
Time Traveler
Top 5
Trends
Weekend Away
Specials
Destination Weddings
Family Vacation Packages
Spa & Wellness Packages
Romantic & Honeymoon Packages
Girls Getaways
Fall Travel Packages
Winter Specials
Christmas Travel
Destinations
Articles
Hotels
Beach & Island Resorts
5-Star City Hotels
Adventure & Eco Lodges
Boutique City Hotels
Country House Hotels
Romantic Retreats
Guest Ranches
Safari Camps & Lodges
Golf Resorts & Lodges
Spa Resorts & Wellness Retreats
Ski Resorts & Lodges
Wine Country Getaways
Family Resorts
New Hotels
Hot Hotel Openings
Villas
Beach Villas
Country Villas
Golf Villas
Ski Villas
Villas
Residences
Trips/Cruises
Cruises & Yachting
Travel Tips
Airline News
Ultimate Trips
Business Travel
Family Travel
Safaris
Private Jet Travel
Rail Journeys
Arts/Culture
Events
Food/Wine
Restaurants
Bars & Nightclubs
Afternoon Tea
Coffee
Cooking Classes
Culinary Travel
Wine & Spirits
Spa/Sport
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Yoga
Golf Getaways
Ski Vacations
Shop/Style
Gift Guide
Beach and Resortwear
Beauty and Fragrance
Books
Fashion
Home Style
Luggage and Handbags
Luxury Autos
Men's Style
Travel Essentials
Watches & Jewelry
Wine and Spirits
World's Most Expensive
Home Page
News
Ritz-Carlton: Designing Hotels for the Luxury Traveler of the Future
July 3, 2015
Spectacular properties in Tianjin and Macau brought the luxury brand’s number of
hotels in China
to eleven; 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.
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.
As The Ritz-Carlton embarks upon the development of an additional 30 hotels within the next three years, the brands design philosophy has evolved to now represent a diverse and varied collection of beautiful local and culturally relevant hotel and resort environments “Each new project gives us an opportunity to create the best hotel within its locale that provides a true sense of place. Consideration is given to the market needs and how we can best create a hotel that will be a signature property within the group” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
According to Humler, while most new builds tend to be more contemporary with modern interpretations of elegance, two recent hotel openings are in total contrast. "
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
is classical in design. The hotel is situated adjacent to the statuesque Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so the façade and interiors have been designed to respect and complement the area. Inspired by 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice, the hotel is located at the waterfront and consists of ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation.”
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. “Our company design standards are the blueprint from which we establish engineering infrastructure, operational requirements, safety regulations and room sizes – however they do not drive the character of a hotel. We do not work to one design mold, but rather allow the process to be destination and customer focused as we grow into many new international locations.”
Lodging by design
Each Ritz-Carlton property around the world personifies unique design befitting of its location. Examples include:
In the newly opened
The Ritz-Carlton, 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
v 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
,
Dohain 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 interiorsdesigned by Peter Silling. An historic hospitality addr
e
ss 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.
Visit website:
www.ritzcarlton.com
Like Us
Facebook
Follow Us
Twitter
Follow us
Instagram
Sign-up for Our Email Newsletter
FIND A LUXURY HOTEL & BOOK WITH EXCLUSIVE PERKS!
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
England
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji Islands
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Galapagos
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Russia
Scotland
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Barthelemy
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Turks & Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wales
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Beach
City
Coastal
Countryside
Desert
Golf Course
Island
Jungle
Lakeside
Mountains
Remote
Waterfront
Wilderness
Adventure/Eco/Nature
Culture
Business Meeting
Casino/Gambling
Food & Wine
Family Vacation
Golf Getaway
Pet Friendly
Romantic Getaway
Safari
Scuba Diving
Shopping & Fashion
Ski Vacation
Spa & Wellness
Villas
Wedding
Wineries / Wine Tasting
Luxury Partners
Luxo Italia - Curated Luxury Travel in Italy
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa - Rancho Santa Fe, California - One of the West’s most sought-after five star resorts
The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi - The Ranch Malibu brings its award winning wellness program just 50 minutes from Rome.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - Quebec City, Canada - Breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the UNESCO Old fortified city
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel - Santa Barbara, California - Experience timeless Californian glamor.
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa - Lakeside retreat 2-1/2 hours north of Toronto
Luxury Camp - Italy - On the beach a half hour from Venice's historic center
Come Together Wellness - Rest, Restore & Explore on Kauai
Porto Zante Villas & Spa - Zakynthos, Greece - The leading villa resort in Europe
Hotel Saint James - Paris, France - Relais & Chateaux - The only chateau-hotel in Paris, an architectural jewel tucked away in the 16th.
Dude Ranchers Association - An all-inclusive vacation experience like no other
VOYAGES MAGAZINE - Cruising the World in Style
Trump International Hotel Waikiki - Five-star amenities steps from the beach
The Luxury of Simplicity in Japan: Exceptional Resorts in Tochigi’s Nikko Area
The Kayon Jungle Resort - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia - a sanctuary of tropical indulgence.
Red Savannah: Luxury Villas and Tailor-Made Holidays
Grand Hotel Portovenere - Cinque Terre - Discover this beautiful region of Italy!
JUP - Personal Service for Buying and Selling Real Estate in Jupiter, Florida
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection - Costa Rica
Relais Christine - Paris, France - Relais & Chateaux - A secret, tranquil world in the heart of Paris' Left Bank
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii - Beachfront Resort
1900 Inn on Montford - a historic, four-diamond bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina
Home in Italy: The Finest Collection of Luxury Villas Since 1994
CordeValle - A luxury retreat in a picturesque setting in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California
Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort - Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy
A.M.A Selections - Luxury Villa Rentals throughout Europe
Silversea - Experience All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Cruises
The St. Regis Deer Valley - Park City, Utah - Exhilarating activities in the summer and the winter