Written by OMB International
What’s the point of traveling to a destination, if you stay at a hotel that cuts you off from the real spirit of the country? When choosing a destination for weddings and meetings, many travelers search for a hotel that has a strong reflection of the local culture. Local scene-setting in hotels provides travelers a one-of-a-kind experience, which guests will remember and want to share with friends; this being an ideal outcome for any hotelier. Resting many times on the OBMI design for the Rosewood Half Moon Bay, we went ahead and rounded up three ways to do just that.
1.Look for Local Inspiration
A sense of place can be derived by the incorporation of vernacular design elements, regional materials, and local artisanship, as well as connecting to the natural and cultural resources of a community. For Rosewood Half Moon Bay, OBMI created a design that reflected the lush locale and an aesthetic that borrowed from historic Caribbean and architectural pioneers alike, offering a classic and timeless feel, coupled with modern amenities and services.
2. Discovery at Every Turn
While staying at a hotel, guests should always have something new to discover and look forward to. From on-site organic farms to live orchid walls and open-air baths and showers, to biking and walking trails, guests should be surrounded by immersive spaces and the possibility of unique excursions, which showcase the best of the destination. Oftentimes this starts by providing a grand entrance and having enticing designs throughout each area, to keep guests exploring and on-property.
3. Create Meaningful Experiences
For a successful destination hotel, designers are advising hoteliers to lose “vanilla design” elements and focus instead on creating a unique experience. Rosewood Half Moon Bay is set to become one of the most exciting destinations to dine and drink in the Caribbean for this very reason. The hotel will include several innovative dining and lounge concepts, which will excite active travelers and families alike. Situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort’s social nexus, its signature lounge, will be inspired by the flavors, colors, and culture of the West Indies.
Glamour is widespread in today’s hotel scene, but opulence isn’t what makes a destination. Only when the design of a hotel embraces its surroundings and hoteliers work with the local community, can they differentiate themselves, creating in this way a sense of place. Remember that the ultimate goal is to make a positive impression on guests and be recognized as truly authentic in regard to the destination. Be true and the truth will show.