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Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara Unveils $22 Million Reno

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:12:47 +0000

In California, Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara has emerged from a sweeping $22 million renovation with a refined new look rooted in its coastal surroundings.

The property, nestled in the coastal foothills of Carlsbad, blends residential comfort with resort-style amenities, including two swimming pools, the family-friendly Kids Club 760, Seasons Restaurant, and Driftwood Spa.

The transformation—spearheaded by Wimberly Interiors, the same design team behind the destination’s original 1998 opening—touches all 246 villas as well as key amenity spaces, like the clubhouse, pool deck, and fitness center.

A laidback look for Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Common room

Drawing from the breezy, laidback spirit of its Southern California location, the reimagined interiors favor a clean, contemporary palette of cream, silver, and earthy terracotta tones. Organic textures and coastal blues echo the Pacific just beyond the hills, while thoughtful upgrades—like new kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and bespoke furnishings—elevate the aesthetic. Spacious balconies encourage al fresco dining and indoor-outdoor living as well.

Accommodations range from studios to expansive two-bedroom residences that can host up to eight guests.

Elsewhere on property, the clubhouse has been refreshed with bold furnishings and finishes, and the upgraded fitness center now features state-of-the-art equipment and dry saunas. Poolside, a redesigned bar and expanded seating area enhance the resort’s casual, sun-soaked atmosphere.

Guestroom dining area

Seasons Restaurant

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Basquet Debuts a Design-Forward Market and Café in Miami

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:56:15 +0000

Basquet, a wellness-centric online grocery brand, has unveiled its first brick-and-mortar location in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood.

Designed by locally based Gharib Studio as more than just a place to shop, the space acts as a third place—an inviting neighborhood hub that blends retail, hospitality, and wellness. Built-in shelving wraps the perimeter, organizing a curated “grocery aisle” experience while naturally drawing guests toward a central café.

“Basquet was born from a vision to redefine how people experience culture, design, and connection under one roof,” says Basquet founder Nova Kaufman. “Miami, with its energy and diversity, is the perfect home for this concept. This opening is not just about launching a space—it’s about creating a hub where creativity thrives, friends are made, and new ideas take shape.”

Inside Basquet

The interiors juxtapose deep burgundy walls with light wood and cream furnishings, creating a warm yet elevated atmosphere. Custom shelving, archway detailing, and sculptural elements give the space a refined, residential sensibility.

At the heart of the concept is a flexible seating area outfitted with travertine tables and wooden accent chairs, designed to host both everyday café moments and larger community events.

“Designing Basquet was about more than creating a space—it was about crafting an experience that invites people to engage, connect, and feel inspired,” says Nora Gharib, founder of Gharib Studio.

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Lark Hotels Welcomes the Painted Lady to Its Growing Portfolio

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:42:38 +0000

Lark Hotels has added the Painted Lady—a recently opened boutique hotel in Birmingham, Alabama—to its growing portfolio of independent properties under management.

Launch in March, the Painted Lady occupies the former Eyer-Raden Building, a restored 19th-century boarding house in the city’s Automotive Historic District that is rumored to have been operated by Louise C. Wooster, a legendary madam who earned local acclaim for her nursing work during the 1870s cholera epidemic.

“It’s an honor to have Lark selected as a partner in managing the Painted Lady,” says Lark CEO Peter Twachtman. “The property has so much soul, and a fascinating past; it’s the exact kind of singular boutique hotel experience that we are passionate about, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to manage it.”

Owned by Addicus Advisors, the 22-key hotel has been transformed into a vibrant destination that pays tribute to Birmingham’s layered history. Original architectural elements are paired with colorful interiors, modern amenities, and character-rich finishes.

“The Painted Lady is a unique concept with rich history, and we needed a partner who knew exactly how to bring that kind of property to life,” says Drew Adams, chief enterprise architect at Addicus. “Lark understands the character, creativity, and operational excellence it takes to create great visitor experiences—they were the clear choice.”

Founded in 2012 by Rob Blood, Lark manages boutique hotels across North America, including its own branded concepts such as Bluebird by Lark, Blind Tiger, AWOL, and Life House.

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Five on Friday: July 11th, 2025

Caitlin St John — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:07:40 +0000

The U.S. faces a $12.5 billion shortfall in travel revenue, Selfridges gets the green light to add a members club in London, and Boutique Design seeks top talent. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.

Luxury retailer Selfridges joins the members club movement

Selfridges’ London flagship store; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

UK department store Selfridges is ready to take its London flagship to the next level with the addition of a private members club. According to Bloomberg, the exclusive venue—featuring a terrace and private dining—will occupy former office space within the SWOD building, an extension added to the historic Oxford Street site in the 1930s. Slated to open this spring on Duke Street, the club is part of a broader initiative to create a high-end social and retail destination for Selfridges’ most-valued clients. The move aligns with London’s growing trend of luxury members-only spaces, driven by flexible work culture and the demand for hybrid social environments. Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Thailand’s Central Group, Selfridges joins other property owners leveraging underused real estate for premium experiences.

U.S. sees continued decline in international tourism

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

International visitation to the U.S. remained sluggish in June, Skift reports. According to preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office, overseas arrivals were down 3.4 percent year over year. Nearly half of the top 20 overseas markets posted declines, including the UK (down 1.1 percent), India (down 8 percent), Germany (down 3.7 percent), and France (down 5.5 percent). While countries like Japan, Brazil, and Italy saw modest increases, overall inbound tourism remains 20 percent below pre-pandemic levels from June 2019. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and reduced federal support for tourism marketing are cited as contributing factors. With travel rhetoric and policy concerns also weighing on the U.S.’ global image, the World Travel & Tourism Council projects a $12.5 billion shortfall in expected tourism revenue for 2025. The figures follow a volatile first half of the year for inbound travel, highlighting persistent challenges for the U.S. hospitality and tourism sectors.

Tomorrowland to take over Las Vegas’ Sphere

The Sphere in Las Vegas; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Nearly two years after opening, the $2.3 billion Sphere in Las Vegas continues to excite. The world’s largest spherical structure hosted Irish rock band U2 for its inaugural show and residency. Since then, bands and artists like Phish, Dead & Company, Anyma, and Kenny Chesney have headlined the venue. Now, electronic dance music festival Tomorrowland and Insomniac, the electronic event promoter and music distributor behind EDC, have teamed up to present UNITY. According to Electronic Groove, the three-day immersive experience will feature headliners Chase & Status, Kaskade, and Eli Brown, as well as additional live performances, 360-degree visuals, and orchestration. The fantastical, themed universes of Tomorrowland—which debuted the MORPHO furniture collection in April—will meld with elements from Insomniac’s iconic festivals. Opening weekend is set to take place in August, with more shows scheduled for September and October.

Hotel companies hit the high seas

Luminara from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection; photo by Edgardo Contreras

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has officially welcomed Luminara, its third ultra-luxury superyacht, with a christening ceremony in Monte Carlo followed by its debut voyage to Rome. With public spaces by Chapi Design Luxury Division and suites from AD Associates, the 794-foot-long vessel features 226 ocean-view suites, five dining venues from chefs like Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina, and a curated art collection that includes works from Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder. Following its Mediterranean season, Luminara will expand to Asia-Pacific and Alaska. Meanwhile, Hilton will enter the luxury cruise space late next year with the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience. The five-deck vessel will feature 29 river-view suites, a Peacock Alley bar, and Art Deco touches that echo the brand’s iconic hotel design. The experience is not part of a broader move by Hilton to enter the cruising market, instead it’s “a distinctive offering that reimagines Nile River cruising through the lens of the Waldorf Astoria brand,” says Dino Michael of Hilton.

Get noticed: Boutique Design calls for submissions

The AvroKO-designed Jay in San Francisco, winner in two categories at the 2024 Gold Key Awards; photo by Garrett Rowland

Boutique Design, HD’s sister brand, is now accepting entries for the 45th annual Gold Key Awards and nominations for this year’s Boutique 18 class. The Gold Key Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality industry, recognizes outstanding design from across the globe in 24 categories—from standout hotel spaces spanning all sectors to restaurants and wellness-focused venues. Boutique 18 (B18), meanwhile, recognizes 18 emerging hospitality designers for their notable contributions and achievements. The Gold Key Awards gala, where award winners will be revealed and B18 honorees will be celebrated, is set to take place on Monday, November 10th in New York during BDNY. Tickets will be available for purchase this summer. Submissions to both programs are due Friday, August 1st.

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Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman to Debut This Fall

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:30:06 +0000

Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa is set to open its doors this fall, bringing 382 guestrooms and suites to the island’s famed Seven Mile Beach.

Designed to celebrate indoor-outdoor living, the oceanfront property offers direct access to swimmable beaches and a scuba diving site—the Wreck of the Gamma—located just offshore.

The resort will feature five distinct dining experiences, including Salt & Cinder, a globally inspired concept just 30 feet from the water; Lo Tide Pool Bar & Restaurant, serving casual Mexican bites and cocktails; and Hi Tide Rooftop Bar, which will offer a raw and cured menu. Brasa delivers refined island cuisine, while additional grab-and-go options round out the culinary lineup.

A premium wellness destination—complete with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a tranquility pool, an ice room, and a spa menu inspired by the natural elements of earth, water, fire, and air—will anchor the resort.

The property will also cater to events of all sizes with flexible indoor-outdoor meeting spaces, a sunset-facing ballroom, and an expansive oceanfront deck.

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BOX Interior Design Crafts JUU KU in Edmonton

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:00:35 +0000

JUU KU—a newly opened 3,200-square-foot Pan-Asian restaurant in Edmonton, Canada—blends theatrical design and warmth to offer a vivid escape from the everyday.

Crafted by Vancouver-based BOX Interior Design, the space is equal parts local hangout and transportive destination, and serves as a counterpoint to its elegant sister bistro next door (also designed by BOX in 2012).

A layout that is both open and intimate

At the heart of the new-build space is a central bar enveloped in lacquered red tones that creates an immersive glow that anchors the experience. Sushi chefs and bartenders work in tandem on either side of the bar, while raised two-person banquettes face inward, creating a stage-like setup ideal for intimate evenings.

Suspended above the bar is an 8-foot-high wooden screen lined with a custom mural by artist Van Hoang that draws from traditional yakuza tattoos. Every seat at JUU KU maintains a visual connection to the dynamic focal point, which is further unified by a continuous line of soft lighting around the room’s perimeter.

Tactile details at JUU KU

The bold red envelope is offset by textural interplay—tactile woods, glazed tiles, and layered fabrics balance the monochrome hue. Large-scale works by locally based artist Tim Okamura further enhance the moody palette with visual and cultural resonance.

Flanking the reception area, round stone tables for six and eight guests sit beneath sculptural lighting—bronze metal chain encasing glowing orbs—that add a balanced dose of drama and softness.

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Sir Hotels Enters UK Market with Sir Devonshire Square

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:02:39 +0000

Amsterdam-based boutique hotel brand Sir Hotels has opened its first UK location with the launch of Sir Devonshire Square in London’s Shoreditch neighborhood.

Located on the charming brick courtyard of Devonshire Square, the property originally operated as a warehouse for the East India Tea Company.

The hotel houses 81 rooms (including 11 suites), a gym, and yoga studio. It also features a sprawling public space, which includes a shop selling local products reflective of London’s diverse culture.

The lobby bar serves as the hotel’s vibrant social anchor, transitioning from breakfast fare in the morning to light plates in the afternoon, and, finally, transforming into a bar at night with curated cocktails and cultural programming. The design is intended to foster connection between both guests and locals alike.

The main restaurant and the Cover, Sircle Collection’s private members club, are set to debut later this year.

Sir Hotels—part of Liran Wizman’s Sircle Collection—now operates five properties across five European cities: London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Berlin.

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Midnight Auteur Officially Opens Its First Boutique Hotel

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:39:11 +0000

Midnight Auteur—a hospitality company formed by the founders of cocktail bar Death & Co and the Ramble Hotel in Denver—has unveiled Municipal Grand, a luxury boutique hotel in Savannah, Georgia.

Located on a vibrant corner in a 1960s structure that most recently served as the Broughton Municipal Building, Municipal Grand features 44 guestrooms, a lobby bar and restaurant (Municipal Bar), rooftop pool and lounge (Sun Club), and subterranean bar (the Hot Eye).

A celebration of midcentury design

Envisioned by by AAmp Studio—in collaboration with Lynch Associates Architects and local preservation experts Ward Architecture + Preservation—Municipal Grand takes inspiration from the city’s lush gardens and the building’s midcentury design.

Paying homage to Savannah’s often-overlooked post-WWII modernist movement, the design retains original materials like gray granite walls, white concrete frames, blue mosaic tile, and structural columns, while infusing softened curves, layered textures, and lush, tropical modernist elements inspired by Brazilian and Finnish design traditions.

“Rather than replicate the past, we sought to honor it—celebrating the building’s original design while introducing new interventions that bring warmth, movement, and depth,” says Andrew Ashey, cofounder of AAmp Studio.

Guestrooms at Municipal Grand

This design narrative carries through into the guestrooms, which reflect the inviting nature of Savannah. Midcentury lines and rich materials are imbued with the comfort and warmth of a well-lived home.

Each room begins with a rich green vestibule and millwork threshold that leads to the main living area, where cozy banquettes and custom wood-and-velvet headboards add tactile layers. An arched millwork minibar, topped with marble and stocked with a curated selection of drinks, nods to the hotel’s cocktail-forward ethos. Bathrooms, meanwhile, are characterized by curved shower entries, handmade Moroccan tiles, and red marble vanities.

Select rooms also feature private terraces overlooking Broughton Street.

“Municipal Grand was created with a lively Southern parlor room in mind,” says Ryan Diggins, CEO and partner at Midnight Auteur. “We’ve always been captivated by the vibrancy of a great lobby bar—how it naturally fosters conversation and celebration. With Municipal Grand, we’ve built a hotel that is as much for the city as it is for travelers.”

Midnight Auteur—led by Alex Day, Ryan Diggins, and David Kaplan—manages the ownership, development, and operation of cocktail-anchored boutique hotels.

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9 Young Designers Discuss the Power of Mentorship

HD Staff — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:06:31 +0000

For many emerging designers, having a mentor is more than just professional guidance—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s answering questions, offering feedback, or modeling leadership, strong mentorship can define a designer’s path, instilling confidence and sharpening skills.

Below, nine individuals from the 2025 New Design Professionals class share how mentors have played a vital role in their growth, the lessons they’ve learned, and the kind of mentorship they hope to receive—and offer—as they continue to evolve in their careers.

“Strong mentorship has been a crucial part of my growth as a designer. My mentor’s insights have shaped my skills, while their encouragement has given me the confidence to push boundaries and explore new ideas. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely invests in your journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance in helping me become the designer I am today.” —Alex Tyer, Sims Patrick Studio

“As a new designer, mentorship has cultivated my growth. I am incredibly grateful to have a senior designer who not only answers my laundry list of questions, but also takes the time to explain and guide me through the day-to-day challenges of life as a designer. I am a more confident and knowledgeable designer because of the mentorship I have received throughout the beginning of my career. —Ayesha Sanders, Avenir Creative

“Mentorship has played a significant role in my professional growth, and I am appreciative for the invaluable guidance. As designers, we often rely on our eye for aesthetics and visual sensibility when it comes to the creative aspects of our work. However, a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s operations, processes, and technical tools is cultivated through mentorship and hands-on experience. As I continue to grow in my career, I would be grateful to welcome further mentorship to guide me through new challenges, expand my perspective, and refine my skills. I believe mentorship involves a mutually supportive relationship that creates a foundation for teamwork.” —Claire Cover, Baskervill

“Mentorship has been incredibly important to me. Having someone guide you through the process while offering encouragement has played a crucial role in shaping the designer I am today—and will continue to shape me moving forward. I always say that one is never too experienced to benefit from a mentor. We should embrace the opportunity to learn from one another, no matter where we are in our careers.” —Marlee Frances Young, BLUR Workshop

“The guidance and collaboration I’ve received here have been instrumental in boosting my confidence and expanding my capabilities, both as a designer and as an individual. Collaboration is not just a process—it’s a philosophy that turns good designs into exceptional ones. I am thankful for the mentors who have shared their expertise with me, and I look forward to continuing to learn from others.” —Abby Sturtecky, Design Poole Inc

“Having gracious mentors that share their learned experiences with me allows me to learn things that I may not have encountered in my career yet. I appreciate this wealth of knowledge and resources that are available to me, as they foster feelings of support and preparedness when looking towards future goals. Mentorship can present itself in many ways, and I appreciate mentorship that builds a meaningful relationship in tandem with day-to-day work and skill building.” —Eleanor Baker, Gensler

“Meyer Davis’ formal mentorship program has been a great opportunity to have dedicated time to meet with my mentor. In addition to the formal program, I’m also grateful to the designers I work with daily, who have shared invaluable knowledge and experience [with me]. I appreciate the relationships I’ve built over the past couple of years.” —Anna Mariotti, Meyer Davis

“Being able to see things from another perspective and be taken under the wing of someone with so much experience has been so helpful for me. Mentorship to me is taking the time to explain the reasons why, letting you make mistakes and learn from it, and being a guide in this industry. Everyday is different so having someone that can help you navigate that is priceless.” —Mattie Huband, Studio Partnership

“Mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my growth and confidence as a designer. An ideal mentorship for me would involve open dialogue, hands-on learning, and exposure to real-world projects.” —Donita Jamae Mercado, Cadiz Collaboration

The 2025 New Design Professionals class is made up of 34 individuals with three to five years of industry experience, who were nominated by exhibitors to attend HD Expo + Conference for the first time in May.

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Belmond Launches the Britannic Explorer in England and Wales

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 17:01:12 +0000

The introduction of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train marks the inaugural luxury sleeper train to operate across England and Wales.

The train will embark on its first journey to Wales later this month, followed by Cornwall shortly after.

Designing the Britannic Explorer

London-based design studio Albion Nord led the interior design, collaborating with a select group of British artists and artisans including Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers.

Across eight meticulously restored carriages, the team created a layered environment that bridges British heritage with contemporary design through the use of natural materials (such as stone, wood, and wool) paired with earthy hues and rich textures.

The train houses 18 cabins—three Grand Suites and 15 Suites—each designed to reflect the natural and cultural beauty of the British landscape. Thoughtfully integrated antiques, bold patterns, and tactile finishes establish a refined yet playful atmosphere, whether in the privacy of a guest’s suite or in the social spaces, which include an onboard spa, bar, and restaurant cars.

“Designing the Britannic Explorer has been an extraordinary opportunity to tell a new story of British luxury—one rooted in craft, landscape, and character,” says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord. “We wanted the interiors to feel refined yet bold, timeless yet unexpected, much like Britain itself.”

Art in motion

The Double Suites feature custom wallpaper and textiles developed by Luke Edward Hall in collaboration with Rubelli.

His illustrative motifs, inspired by botanicals and regional landmarks, also appear on bespoke furnishings in the Grand Suites. In these spaces, sculptural wood panels by Olly Fathers add a graphic counterpoint, while artwork by Marcus James captures the drama of Britain’s countryside through expressive pen drawings.

Mirrors handcrafted by shell artist Mel Campion accent the powder rooms, while painter Sarah Woods contributes serene landscapes to the Wellness Suite. Lighting by Rose Uniacke offers a minimalist contrast to the more decorative elements, emphasizing craftsmanship and organic form.

In the dining carriages, kinetic paintings by Ed Burkes depict abstract dancers in motion, complemented by hand-dyed textile wall panels by Adam Halls, whose layered compositions are inspired by the textures of lichen and algae.

“Every element, from the palette and materials to the artwork and antiques, was chosen to evoke a sense of place and personality,” Clarke adds. “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Belmond and an inspiring community of British makers to bring this vision to life.”

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