The past year saw the continued influx of hotels opening worldwide. Among them were many diverse examples of placemaking and nature-focused design. Here are two projects, plus a deep dive into Hyatt’s Thompson brand, that garnered the attention of our readers over the past 12 months.
Kona Village, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Photo by Douglas Friedman
After devastating tsunami damage, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort sat silent on the sacred lands of Kaʻūpūlehu in Hawaii for over a decade. The restoration of the 81-acre resort was led by Walker Warner Architects and design firm NICOLEHOLLIS, who worked from the understanding that it sits on borrowed land that should be protected along with its people and its stories. To that end, Hollis’ team collaborated closely with a cultural committee to curate art and furnishings by Hawaiian artists and craftspeople. “They were great guides to help us tailor selections and tell the story of native and Hawaiian artists,” says Nicole Hollis, founder of her eponymous firm. Read the full story.
Ulum Moab, Utah
Photo by Bailey Made
Unencumbered desert views and proximity to Canyonlands National Park made Moab, Utah a prime location for the inaugural outpost of ULUM Resorts, a luxury spinoff from glamping brand Under Canvas. The 200-acre property comprises 50 tented suites and a vast communal space. “The textures and tones tell a story of contemporary desert design,” says ULUM’s vice president of design Ben Landry, who worked with DESIGN360unlimited on interiors that highlight the property’s environs. Read the full story.
Brand Identity: Thompson Hotels
Thompson Buckhead, a project by Studio 11 Design
The first Thompson Hotel opened in New York’s Soho neighborhood in 2001. After a slew of mergers, Thompson Hotels would ultimately find a new home in 2018 with Hyatt. Currently, there are 19 properties in the collection, many of them in areas that were emerging at the time they opened. “Thompson’s heritage was strong [and] our intention was to build upon that heritage and elevate it,” says Crystal Vinisse Thomas, vice president and global brand leader for Hyatt’s lifestyle and luxury brands. Read the full story.
