DISTINCTIVE UNDERSTATED STYLE
Famed Italian interior designer showcases a modern approach of working with traditional local techniques in her first resort in Phuket
Trends in hotel interior design have changed significantly in the last decade. Catering to the increasing demands of globe-travellers, trends such as multi-use lobbies, oversized decks and terraces, wood panelling, stone decorations, spa-like bathrooms, waterfall showers, adjustable lighting and multi-zone air-conditioning are just some of the elements hotel owners employ to please their guests who are looking for a unique accommodation experience.
According to industry experts, a fusion of classic, retro and contemporary design along with the blending of traditional and new materials will lead hotel furniture design trends for this year. The use of artistic details, textures, bold colours and ethnic decoration patterns have emerged as the dominant style. The construction of creative space segmentation solutions with comfort and multi-function furniture will become crucial for providing guests with greater intimacy, while preserving the utility of common areas.
As destinations compete for market share, tourism industries around the world seek diversification as a solution. Accommodation choices in popular locations now range from home-stays, urban hotels, fivestar luxury resorts, to cutting-edge design properties, adventure retreats, wellness resorts and romantic island getaways. Lately, the industry has also seen a growth in properties focusing on design and technology.
The Singapore-based luxury hotel group, Como is among the active hotel chains wellknown for its focus on design. In Thailand, the group’s latest property is Point Yamu by Como. Opening last year, this Phuket luxury resort is located at the tip of Cape Yamu in Talang District, overlooking the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestone karsts of the Unesco-protected Phangnga Bay.
Italian designer Paola Navone is responsible for the resort’s interior design. Based in Milan, Navone is a world-class interior and furniture designer with a clientele that includes Armani, Knoll International, Alessi, Driade and Molteni. Having won the 1983 Osaka International Design Award, Paola also earned Elle Decor International Design Award in 2011. Point Yamu showcases her modern design thinking, which works with traditional, local techniques. The project is Navone’s first resort project and her first collaboration with Como Hotels and Resorts.
Over the course of two years, Navone converted an existing structure built by architect Jean-Michel Gathy into a light, simple, and poetic landmark that fits with the style, comfort and luxury that Como is known for.
“I share with Como the idea that luxury today can be an appreciation of simplicity and respect of traditions in a contemporary and unaggressive environment,” said Navone. “Here, I mix things that come from different centuries and continents, promoting craftsmanship using everyday things in a non-conventional way and adding a touch of fascination for imperfect shapes.”
At Point Yamu, the lobby, restaurants and bar are open spaces. An absence of windows helps bring the outside environment into the main building. The 100mlong infinity pool allows for 180-degree views of the dazzling turquoise ocean and Phangnga Bay.
The rooms and suites draw in the scents and colours of the landscape, with furnishings that add dramatic bolts of turquoise and orange to the all-white interior. Sourced from northern Thailand, teak specimens are infused into bed frames and chairs. The bathrooms are like aquariums of calm cobalt blue, with water-like glazed mosaic tiles.
The majority of furnishings embodied traditional craftsmanship by Thai artisans. The best example is the hotel’s lobby, where the walls are dressed in an incredible mosaic of wood pieces. The ceiling lamps are fashioned like hand-woven lobster traps. There is also a lobby installation with a modern centrepiece inspired by Buddhist temples, made of stacked lowrise Thai tables and traditional handcrafted items, including clay and aluminium bowls, bamboo vases and a temple bell.
Other design elements that reflect traditional Thai building techniques include the wooden “fish scale” wall in Nahmyaa Thai restaurant, which is similar to the traditional wooden roof of a Thai house. A large pair of mosaic goldfish dominates one wall, complementing the bright orange of the restaurant’s chairs. The goldfish theme resonates throughout the restaurant’s design, with pendant lamps shaped like goldfish bowls hanging from the ceiling.
Navone used ceramic work, a skill nurtured in northern Thailand, in the ceramic-topped poolside tables, in navy blue, turquoise blue and white. The ceramic blocks decorate the rooms and suites to mirror the sculptured shapes used in typical Sino-Portuguese buildings in Phuket. The handmade dinnerware, produced to Navone’s design specifications in Chiang Mai, provides the finishing touches.
“Thailand is a weaving country. Baskets are all over. You can find them in the street, in the market,” said Navone, who chose to use hanging rattan umbrellas hanging above the tables at the Italian-inspired La Sirena restaurant. The rattan element also wrapped around the walls and buffet counter situated inside the restaurant — a space that hints Navone’s Mediterranean roots.
La Sirena is a melting pot of European inspirations, with the blues and whites of the sofas, chairs and tables reminiscent of Greek islands. Plates, imported from Germany, hang from the wall like intricate paintings. The pizza oven recalls a pinnacle-shaped, Mediterranean lighthouse, and is wrapped with turquoise mosaic tiles. Dining sofas are pure white paired with turquoise armchairs. Other chairs are made from woven plastic rattan, and whiteor navy blue-painted wood.
The private dining room is uniquely striking. The huge orange door captures the attention of everyone walking past. The door handle is particularly attractive, using a large Buddha hand in a “vitarka mudra” gesture. The all-white room itself is dominated by three oversized, lowly hung white glass chandeliers and an impressive long white marble table that seats 20 guests. The white marble floor, white dinner chairs, and scratched and hand-cut painted mosaic wall tiles all conspire to reflect the shimmering glow of candles.
Walking around the resort, one would feel that Navone, in her stylish way, has successfully created a truly distinctive vacation destination for Phuket.
Point Yamu by Como comprises 106 rooms and private villas, a Como Shambhala Retreat, a yoga studio, two restaurants and a child-friendly interactive learning area. Visit comohotels.com/pointyamu for more information.