Development + Destinations News | Hospitality Design

Waldorf Astoria Residences to Join the St. Petersburg Skyline

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:00:10 +0000

Waldorf Astoria Residences is making its debut in St. Petersburg. Rising 50 stories, the landmark project will become the Florida city’s tallest building and its first luxury hotel-branded residential offering.

The tower will feature 163 residences designed by architecture firm CUBE 3 with interiors by BAMO, which pays homage to the local art scene, most notably the iconic Dali Museum.

Each residence, ranging from 2,031 to 3,408 square feet, will be fully finished and boast expansive terraces that maximize natural light and panoramic bay and city views. High-touch materials—including custom Italian vanities topped with stone, bespoke closets, contemporary lighting, and premium kitchens—will create a sense of understated sophistication.

Crowning the building is a two-story, 10,000-square-foot penthouse complete with a private pool overlooking the bay.

Amenities at Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg

Residents will have access to more than 43,000 square feet of amenities. The 18th-floor wellness center will include private massage rooms, steam and sauna facilities, and a modern fitness studio.

Additional amenities span a kids and teens club, signature restaurant, pet spa, 73,000 square feet of office space, and 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.

At the heart of the offerings will be the Peacock Alley-inspired Sky Lounge, which will feature a signature Sunset Bar, pool deck, and curated lounge spaces on the 46th floor.

Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg is slated for completion in 2030.

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Northern California Ethos Shapes the Clara’s Interiors

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:00:43 +0000

Luxury awaits at the Clara, a new apartment complex in the heart of Silicon Valley with architecture courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, interiors by AvroKO, and landscape design from Surfacedesign.

Rising 22 stories above Santa Clara, the residential tower comprises 508 units—spanning studios, multi-bedroom apartments, townhomes, and penthouses—with panoramic views that stretch from the Santa Cruz Mountains to San Francisco Bay.

Stepping in to the design

The Clara’s architecture and interiors reflect a relaxed yet sophisticated ethos that is distinctive of Northern California. Natural materials and framed vistas are central to the project, with each space designed to evoke a connection to the region’s landscape.

The fusion of stone, brass, and wood illustrate this philosophy in the lobby, which extends to a serene reception anchored by lush greenery and a seamless limestone transition from exterior to interior. A niche seating area with warm uplighting and textural fabrics further enhances the welcoming ambiance.

Redwood Den

Amenities at the Clara

Amenity spaces layer tactile elements with purposeful color stories.

The fireside lounge, for instance, envelops visitors in deep greens, earth tones, and dark woods, while the adjacent coworking areas balance productivity with comfort via leather furnishings, warm brass accents, and rust-toned rugs that echo the hues of local salt ponds. Overhead, custom chandeliers comprise an array of cubic prisms, mirroring the structures of salt crystals.

A garden lounge continues this dialogue by blending wood, stone, and brass elements with natural light and private patio views that evoke a retreat-like feel.

Meanwhile, the kids’ playroom brings the outdoors in, employing forest-green felt, whimsical wallpaper, and sculptural nooks.

Parkside Lounge

On the Clara’s higher floors, the fitness center is finished in bold tiles reminiscent of Sea Ranch graphics, while the sun-splashed pool deck showcases saturated furnishings and artful green tilework, and the spa features a calming tea bar framed in pink zellige and natural wood.

The Members’ Club, situated atop the tower, reflects the full evolution of the Clara’s material palette, shifting to airy oak, brass, and cielo quartzite. Here, rounded forms, layered textures, and bespoke light fixtures unify the interiors.

On the same floor, a dramatic karaoke lounge is a playful departure from the rest of the building, thanks to jewel tones, gold wallpaper, and vintage flourishes that unfold beneath glowing marquee lights on the ceiling.

Members’ Club

“The design of the Clara, influenced heavily by the culture of Silicon Valley, provides elevated, aspirational spaces that deliver a high level of sophistication while also being approachable and, at their core, very comfortable and inviting,” says Andrew Lieberman, design director and principal at AvroKO’s San Francisco studio. “Silicon Valley is at the forefront of global technology and scientific developments, yet it has a scrappy, laid-back attitude, and the design of the Clara respects this dichotomy.”

“At the same time, many residents and guests of Silicon Valley are transplants, globetrotters, and transient by nature,” he continues. “The immersive design intentionally roots them in this specific slice of California by using local wood, tile, stone, and a strong, saturated color palette influenced by the evaporating salt ponds to the east and the condensing fog to the west, both of which converge at this specific site.”

Parkside Lounge

A residence kitchen and dining room

Treehouse playroom

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Radisson Hotel Group Surpasses 200-Hotel Milestone in India

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:00:35 +0000

With the signing of five new properties, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has surpassed 200 hotels in India, bringing the company’s current total portfolio to 128 operational hotels (14,209 keys) with 77 in the pipeline (8,619 keys).

The latest signings include Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Pawna Lake; Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucknow CBD; and Radisson Hotel Rajkot.

Two strategic conversions—St. Marks Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals in Bangalore CBD, and Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi, a member of Radisson Individuals in Shirdi—also join the expanding portfolio.

Over the past three years, RHG has entered 45 new Indian markets—expanding beyond its metro strongholds and deepening its presence across key domestic destinations.

Radisson Collection Resort & Spa, Jaipur

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Pawna Lake

Radisson Resort Khopoli

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Red Sea Global Reveals Concept for Laheq Island in Saudi Arabia

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:00:02 +0000

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the Red Sea and AMAALA megaprojects in Saudi Arabia, has unveiled plans for Laheq Island, a 988-acre resort community conceived by Foster + Partners.

Garden-inspired design by Foster + Partners

Anchoring the development is the Ring—a sculptural structure encircling the island’s lagoon—which will be home to luxury residences, boutique hotels, and high-end retail. Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, describes the project as “a serene garden that engages all the senses and offers panoramic views of the magnificent surroundings.”

Drawing inspiration from the land, sea, and sky, the private residences at Laheq will feature natural timbers, shaded pergolas, and lush garden courtyards that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Laheq will also house two resort hotels, a 115-berth marina, watersports schools, a lively souq, golf course, wellness center, and elevated dining destinations—underscoring a holistic hospitality experience.

Sustainability at Laheq

The design goes beyond aesthetics, too. The development is committed to running entirely on renewable energy, restoring local ecosystems, and enhancing biodiversity. This will include planting and rehabilitating 50 million mangroves and implementing coral protection measures.

Laheq is expected to open in 2028.

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Barclays Center Moves Ahead With $100 Million Expansion

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:15:48 +0000

Shawmut Design and Construction, BSE Global, and architecture firm Populous have teamed up for the second phase of enhancements at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Elevated hospitality experiences set to debut at the arena ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season.

Key projects include Gallagher Terrace, a new premium club, and the Bridge, an upper-concourse fan zone.

The Gallagher Terrace lounge

Gallagher Terrace will replace the arena’s Loge Boxes and portions of the 40/40 Club with an exclusive 5,300-square-foot lounge channeling the spirit of Brooklyn’s Gilded Age.

Designed for just 110 members, the space will feature plush banquette seating accented by dynamic LED lighting visible from the bowl. It’s the only club in the venue to offer in-seat dining with waiter service, alongside a dedicated VIP entrance and private bar.

The Bridge, a new fan zone

Meanwhile, the west end of the upper concourse will be transformed into the Bridge, a 6,800-square-foot, two-level destination open to all guests.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic bridges that connect Brooklyn to the rest of New York, the Bridge will feature an elevated platform for in-game performances, a 63-foot-long bar—the largest in the arena—and panoramic views of the Downtown Brooklyn skyline through newly installed windows. Two retail concepts will also be added to the space.

Additional updates at Barclays Center

Other updates include upgrades to the Garden Bar, located on the main concourse, and redesigned backstage dressing rooms created in partnership with the Brooklyn Home Company.

Construction will begin at the end of the 2024–25 Brooklyn Nets season and wrap ahead of the 2025–26 season. The work will not impact the New York Liberty’s schedule or the Barclays Center’s summer concert lineup.

The project follows the debut of the Toki Row membership club and JetBlue at the Key, part of phase one of the venue’s long-term enhancement plan.

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Aman to Introduce Private Residences at Amangiri This Fall

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:30:44 +0000

Aman, in collaboration with Los Angeles-based MASASTUDIO, is unveiling an exclusive collection of 12 Aman Residences at Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah.

Designed by MASASTUDIO cofounder Marwan Al-Sayed—one of the original architects behind Amangiri—these ultra-luxury homes will blend into the region’s desert landscape, and appear to emerge organically from the terrain. Each home will also be built to be carbon neutral, aligning with Aman’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

A design integrated into the desert

Spanning five to 19 acres each, the four- to eight-bedroom residences will feature open-plan living and dining areas averaging more than 7,000 square feet, as well as expansive outdoor spaces and pools carved into the rockscape.

Materiality will mirror the existing resort, blending cement, stone, and wood to create a harmonious dialogue between architecture and nature. Advanced 3D modeling informed the precise siting of each residence to ensure unobstructed views of the surrounding rock formations, while preserving the untouched beauty of North America’s Canyon Country.

“Aman Residences, Amangiri are a true reﬂection of the land itself with no two homes identical,” says Al-Sayed. “Each is uniquely composed as a series of volumes, intentionally positioned to complement the desert’s spectacular topography, allowing architecture and nature to coexist.”

What to expect at Aman Residences, Amangiri

Managed by Amangiri, the residences will offer access to the resort’s world-class amenities, including the 25,000-square-foot Aman Spa, curated wellness programs, and guided desert adventures.

With construction underway, the first residence is set for completion this fall.

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Capella Hotel Group Delivers a Design-Led Growth Strategy

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:30:14 +0000

Capella Hotel Group has announced its strategic expansion plans for 2025, anchored by partnerships with architects and designers who share the group’s vision of bridging heritage with contemporary luxury.

The growth plan includes Capella properties in Taipei (Q1), Macau (Q2), and Kyoto (Q4), along with a Patina property in Osaka (Q2).

“Each Capella property is inspired by the soul of its destination,” says Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group. “Our expansion strategy reflects three key principles: selecting destinations with rich cultural narratives, partnering with world-renowned architects who understand our vision of cultural authenticity, and maintaining an intimate scale across most properties to ensure highly personalized service.”

Capella Taipei

Andre Fu Studio‘s vision comes to life at Capella Taipei, which is scheduled to open Q1 2025.

This 86-key property embodies Fu’s concept of a modern mansion, offering a sophisticated urban retreat in the Songshan district. The property also reflects Fu’s personal journey exploring Taipei’s essence through local neighborhoods and the tree-lined Dunhua North Road.

A relaxed luxury aesthetic is woven throughout the interiors, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the city and the distant mountains, while five distinct dining venues make up the culinary experience, which includes a distinct tri-level bar destination.

Capella at Galaxy Macau

Moinard Bétaille brings its distinctive design sensibility to Capella at Galaxy Macau, which will open in Q2 2025.

This 93-key art-filled sanctuary reflects Macau’s lush tropical landscapes as well as the city’s rich heritage, including the Portuguese-Chinese architecture that characterizes local UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Patina Osaka

Opening in Q2 2025, Patina Osaka is a bold architectural statement by Jun Mitsui & Associates and Strickland.

The design concept for the 221-key property draws inspiration from water, embodying the essence of Japan’s Water City through contemporary interpretations of Japanese aesthetics.

Situated opposite the historic Osaka Castle and adjacent to Naniwa-no-Miya-Ato Park, the hotel greets guests with a dramatic 20th-floor arrival experience with sweeping castle views.

Highlights include P72, its signature restaurant that celebrates Japan’s 72 micro-seasons, and the Listening Room by OJAS.

Capella Kyoto

Opening Q4 2025, Capella Kyoto stands as a cultural preservation by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Brewin Design Office.

This intimate 89-key property, located in the historic Miyagawa-chō district, preserves the essence of traditional Higashiyama culture through its careful attention to Zen Buddhism, wabi-sabi aesthetics, and classic architectural elements like tatami and Zen gardens.

An inner courtyard—adjacent to the signature Capella Living Room—serves as a central point, creating an organic flow between public and private spaces.

“Design is an emotional journey, not just an aesthetic choice,” Rinaldi notes. “With these openings, we’re expanding from eight properties to 12 by the end of 2025, with plans to double our portfolio by 2030. Future projects include a branded residential development in Seoul and hotels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Tianjin, China.”

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Banyan Group Announces Its 2025 Pipeline

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:00:41 +0000

This year, Banyan Group is on track to launch 15 new hotels and resorts, as well as five branded residence developments.

The pipeline is headlined by its anticipated homecoming debut in Singapore, which will mark the hospitality company’s 100th property.

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Mandai Rainforest Resort marks Banyan Group’s inaugural resort in Singapore. The 338-room property nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve—Singapore’s integrated wildlife and nature destination—will offer a nature-inspired stay where everything from the architecture to the interiors is designed to harmonize with the environment.

Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape

The site for Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape in Tanzania

Ubuya will be Banyan’s first safari resort and opening in Tanzania. Cradled within the largely untouched wilderness of Ruaha National Park and along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, the resort will boast an authentic immersion into the local community, culture, and nature.

Other Banyan Group destinations

Banyan Group is also set to debut its first standalone integrated development in Bangkok. The property will comprise accommodations, a spa, dining options, member’s club, and nightclub.

The company will also expand its presence in the Caribbean with the opening of Cassia Punta Cana, its first resort in the Dominican Republic.

Multi-brand expansion will continue across Asia, with new hotel and resort openings in the region, including Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay in China; Banyan Tree Haeundae Busan and Cassia Saekdal Jeju in South Korea; Cassia Ram-Intra Bangkok in Thailand; and Homm Mandaue City Cebu in the Philippines, among others.

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W Pompano Beach Hotel & Residences to Launch in Florida

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:00:55 +0000

Related Group and BH Group, in partnership with Marriott International, are bringing W Pompano Beach Hotel & Residences to Florida.

Managed by W Hotels, the development will merge luxury residential living with the brand’s signature high-energy hospitality, bold design, and social experiences.

A waterfront vision

Spanning nearly four acres along the Atlantic coastline, the 24-story tower is designed by Nichols Architects in collaboration with KORA, with interiors from Meyer Davis.

Inspired by the rhythms of the sea, the tower’s architecture features fluid lines, expansive water views, and a palette of natural, locally sourced materials. The landscape, crafted by Enea Landscape Architecture, blends W’s lively aesthetic with South Florida’s tropical charm.

Residences at W Pompano Beach

The development will include 74 luxury condominium residences, three penthouses with private rooftops, and 296 fully furnished condo-hotel suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the residences and suites will frame sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

The residences will offer expansive balconies, dens, powder rooms, walk-in laundry areas, and spa-inspired primary bathrooms. The suites, meanwhile, will come fully furnished, complete with custom-made pieces and a curated mix bar.

Residents will enjoy a private lobby with 24-hour concierge service, valet parking, and direct elevator access. Exclusive amenities include a residents-only pool and deck with an outdoor barbecue area, a private fitness center, a club lounge, coworking spaces, and a grand room with individual wine lockers.

Signature amenities

At the heart of the property, the 63,000-square-foot WET Pool Deck will feature private cabanas, a full-service bar and grill, pickleball and padel courts, and a jacuzzi.

Indoors, W’s signature Living Room will serve as a dynamic social hub, hosting wine tastings, live music, art exhibitions, and cultural events. Additional amenities include a fitness center, yoga studio, and spa.

Sales for the residences launched on January 6th. W Pompano Beach Hotel & Residences marks another milestone in Related’s growing portfolio of branded condominiums across Florida, following the successful launch of the St. Regis Resort and Residences, Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

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Heatherwick Studio to Redesign Coex Convention Center in Seoul

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:30:34 +0000

Heatherwick Studio has been selected as the winner of the competition to reimagine the Coex convention center in Seoul.

In collaboration with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the design will transform the existing generic glass structure into a vibrant gathering space that reflects the spirit of the city.

Heatherwick Studio’s vision for Coex

Heatherwick Studio’s winning design introduces an innovative concept inspired by the idea of a cabinet of curiosities, turning the convention center into a destination to explore and a reason to visit even when not attending a formal event.

The design features modular boxes of varying sizes stacked along the exterior, serving as dynamic spaces for exhibitions, public engagement, and conference functions. The goal is to maximize material reuse to create a new façade that is open, engaging, and unmissable—moving away from the fortress-like appearance of the current structure.

“Ironically for places that bring people together, most convention centers feel imposing and uninviting and are often devoid of public activity,” says Stuart Wood, executive partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio. “Our design will radically reinvent Coex to become a new cultural destination for the city of Seoul that attracts both locals and visitors alike.”

“Varied and unusual, our ‘display case’ design offers endless potential to curate art, performance, dining, entertainment, nature, and is a true representation of Seoul’s creative power,” Wood continues. “We want Coex to become an irresistible place that is open, dynamic, and always culturally relevant.”

For visitors and locals alike

Beyond its aesthetic transformation, the project aims to integrate the building into its surrounding area. The ground floor will be reimagined as a public space, offering a mix of activities that encourage both visitors and locals to stay and explore. This new public realm will connect with the adjacent park, providing the Gangnam community with a vibrant gathering space.

On the upper levels, indoor and outdoor spaces will support official events while offering public access to a sky garden and viewing deck with expansive views of Seoul and the Han River.

Slated for completion in 2029, the Coex project adds to Heatherwick Studio’s growing portfolio in South Korea, which includes the reimagination of Nodeul Island on the Han River and a new vision for Hanwha Galleria in Gangnam.

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