Six Senses Kyoto has opened its doors, marking the brand’s entry into Japan. Nestled among iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital, the hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Heian period (794-1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) was the capital of Japan, considered by many the golden age of art and culture that gave birth to “Miyabi” (courtly elegance) concept. This heritage is reflected in the hotel’s modern interpretation, incorporating elements of traditional arts to create a unique and elegant ambiance. The lobby artwork sets the tone with a folding screen featuring ..read more

Following the successful launch of the inaugural SIRO hotel at One Za’abeel, Kerzner International has signed two new SIRO properties in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Los Cabos, Mexico, demonstrating its commitment to steadily grow and bring the innovative new concept to destinations across the world. Set to open in 2027 and developed by Fortem Capital, SIRO Palmilla will be located in Los Cabos, on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, offering a tranquil and temperate climate for guests wanting to focus on their fitness and recovery. Comprising 120 keys as well as a cluster of S ..read more

Ennismore and Kasada have signed an agreement to open a Mama Shelter outpost in Cape Town – the group’s first hotel signing in South Africa.  In December 2023, Kasada and Ingenuity, a prominent property and development company based in the Western Cape, announced an agreement to jointly develop the hotel’s site, which will also include restaurant and retail offerings.  Situated at the heart of the city, Mama Shelter Cape Town will transform the City Park building, once home to the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. The property will comprise 127 guestrooms and 68 branded residence ..read more

UK lifestyle aparthotel brand Native Places has revealed details of its newest London outpost, set to open in April 2024. Positioned in one of London’s most historic locations, Native King’s Wardrobe, St Paul’s will mark the seventh aparthotel in the brand’s UK-wide portfolio, and its fourth aparthotel in the capital. The new Native Places aparthotel is spread across seven Grade II-listed townhouses within a private courtyard located just behind St Paul’s Cathedral. In a nod to its cultural context, each townhouse has been named after pioneering British fashion designers and international ..read more

Craftworks, a new trade show in East London, has announced its themes, features and talks line-up.  The event, held 15 – 17 May for London Craft Week, has been brought to life by Cox London, with Jay Blades MBE set to take the lead as presenter. The UK’s premier craft organisations and businesses – including QEST, Design-Nation and SCP – will come together to celebrate British craftsmanship in all its diversity, with a platform also given to dynamic new makers.  Visitors to Craftworks will explore a range of themes throughout the event. Many of the show’s exhibitors, for instance, wi ..read more

Kettal has unveiled a new modular sofa, designed by Patricia Urquiola. The Insula sofa is an updated take on the traditional seating found in Arab majlis, where community members gather to discuss local matters, and receive and entertain guests. The design sees smooth forms combines with a roll backrest, which serves as the focal point. Modular in design, it consists of an orthogonal aluminium base, topped with comfortable cushions. The seat is available in two sizes, allowing for the use of different types of backrests. Like the original majils, the Insula sofa’s main purpose is to facilitat ..read more

Yotel is expanding its presence in Europe, with two new properties to be opened in Europe by June 2024. The openings mark a significant milestone for the group, particularly as it introduces its first YotelPad to the European market. The first of the two European properties to open its doors is Yotel Geneva Lake. The 237-property is equipped with the group’s signature technology and design features, including adjustable SmartBeds and sensory mood lighting. The new opening – comprising two interconnected glass buildings at different heights – has been designed to showcase expansive views at eve ..read more

Amtico has presented its Signature 36+ collection, a range of premium and safety luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring designed to suit commercial application.  Designed and manufactured in the UK, the flooring features a toughened 1mm upper wear layer, which provides all the resilience typical of Amtico’s flagship Signature collection.   Signature 36+ safety floors can be specified in flexible plank and tile sizes, plus laying patterns and over 150 woods, stones and colours. By utilising a unique manufacturing technique, Signature 36+ meets the BS EN 13845 Enhanced Slip Standard&nbs ..read more

Waterworks has unveiled Finot, a new bathroom and kitchen fittings collection developed in partnership with design studio Gachot.  Comprising over 50 styles, Finot is the second collaboration between the brands, following the creation of the Bond collection four years ago. The collection is inspired by sleek industrial design, tailored fashions and Modernist sculptures. Each element has been meticulously cast for precision and balance, with simple, pure shapes transformed into nuanced sculptural pieces that celebrate minimalism. The classic lever handle, for instance, showcases a subtle t ..read more

Studio Aisslinger has revealed the interiors of Hobo Helsinki, which has officially opened its doors.  A 183-key property from Strawberry Hotels, the new opening showcases a playful yet sophisticated design flair, with contrasting materials and an engaging colour palette throughout.  Design details include an eclectic mix of large-colour mirrors, locally-sourced terrazzo and large brick walls throughout. Expressive, colourful fabrics meanwhile are accompanied by bespoke landscape furniture, brought together in ways that demonstrate the design studio’s affinity for unique spatial arr ..read more