Halekulani Okinawa, located on Japan’s main island of Okinawa, opened its doors on July 26 as the sister property to the iconic hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii. Design by Alexandra Champalimaud and landscaped by Hawai’ian firm Belt Collins, the hotel features 360 accommodations, including 47 suites and five cliffside villas.
The hotel’s two open-air lobbies, inspired by a desire to bring the ocean indoors, provide a nearly one-mile panoramic view of the sea by way of oversized windows and sliding doors. The design of the hotel’s guestrooms mirrors its waterfront location and incorporates Halekulani in Waikiki’s ‘seven shades of white’ philosophy.
General Manager Jun Yoshie told HOTELS the property was designed to engage the senses and embody Okinawan culture throughout our property, dining and experiences. “For example, Okinawa is located in one of only five Blue Zones in the world, and with longevity a key cornerstone of our culture, we developed an immersive travel program that empowers our guests to experience the indigenous Okinawan practices and ingredients locals believe result in a longer and healthier life,” he said.
Yoshie added that the biggest challenge of the development also became a blessing. “Okinawa has transformed into a luxury destination over the past years and we are thrilled to play a role in developing the island’s hospitality industry. However, we remain mindful of this being attractive to new competition, in addition to ensuring this industry does not grow too quickly for the environment.”
Throughout the property, Yoshie said the design celebrates the Halekulani brand and emulates its sister property. “Our guest villas are particularly unique in their use of traditional design elements, such as aka-gawara reed tiles, while one of our outdoor pools depicts a beautiful motif comprised of nearly 1.5 million mosaic tiles in the shape of Halekulani’s signature Cattleya orchid.”
The group would not disclose projected ADR or occupancy rates, but standard guest room rates start at US$450 per night, with suites starting at US$1,000 per night and villas from US$1,500 per night.
The Hoxton, Southwark has opened its doors on Blackfriars Road in London, boasting 192 rooms, communal spaces, an all-day dining spot, a seafood rooftop restaurant, and in January 2020 Working From_, Ennismore’s new shared workspace concept occupying six floors of the building, with its own dedicated entrance.
The eighth hotel for the brand comes from Ennismore Design Studio with the open-plan communal spaces drawing inspiration from Southwark’s eclectic, industrial past. Tiling patterns and textiles echo the shapes seen in the architecture in the neighborhood, with additional quirky theatrical touches reflecting the prominence of Southwark’s local theatres. A mix of antique and bespoke furniture has been sourced from British makers and can be found throughout the hotel. The art collection throughout the communal spaces was curated in collaboration with Project On Walls, with a focus on emerging British talent. Published rates start at £209 (US$257).