True colours

The newly emerging characteristics of elite hotels are radically transforming the hospitality sector, prompting it to take a decisive step towards the provision of a service based on very different ideas and spaces. Not only do such hotels offer pleasant and comfortable day-to-day experiences, they are capable of conveying emotional complicity, moments of uniqueness and depth that generate a sense of belonging, roots and identity. They are places where those who can afford it are granted the luxury of being themselves rather than being compelled to do as others do. Thanks to the technological facilities, the non-repetitive character of the rooms with unconventional layouts, the custom furnishings, unique artworks and much more in terms of amenities, these are spaces where businessmen and wealthy travellers can relax or conduct their business activities in the most luxurious of surroundings. They are spaces that give guests a sense of comfort even when they are far from home, living spaces that fulfil customers’ most exclusive needs and aspirations. Instead of hotels, they could be described as crossroads of identity.
This is the approach adopted by the new Hotel Missoni in Kuwait City, built as a partnership with Rezidor Hotel Group. The property, owned by the developer KSCC Al-Tijaria, is part of the Symphony Complex, a mixed-use development in the heart of the commercial and residential Salmiya district. The newly opened hotel rapidly established itself as a major focal point for international travellers, earning a reputation for its glamorous, cosmopolitan atmospheres.
The project was supervised by the practice Dino Georgiou & Partners, while the interiors were designed by Graven Images in accordance with the concept created by architect Matteo Thun with Rosita Missoni. The hotel has a total of 169 rooms, including 63 suites, all offering views over the Arabian Gulf. Right from the entrance lobby, the furnishings affirm their allegiance to the motto of the house of Missoni – « Bold, passionate, fashionable ». This is evident in the reception with its two backlit gold desks and fuchsia wall, in the extensively glazed lobby, and in the splendid pink chandeliers that descend from the ceiling and illuminate the brightly upholstered furniture. The ground floor additionally houses the Choco Café with adjoining outdoor terrace, the Cucina restaurant honouring the finest Italian culinary tradition, and the circular bar space. Colour is also an important feature in the other spaces, such as the ballroom equipped for meetings and events, the Luna restaurant-lounge on the eighteenth and last floor, and the fitness centre with the Six Senses Spa. It becomes a source of wonder in the guest rooms, where the bathrooms, embellished with Karma collection mosaics from Trend, convey a sense of relaxation and hospitality.