Nature

by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Beau Lake Program Exemplifies Partnerships

The Beau Lake Partnership Program Exemplifies Collaboration

by David Klemt

Vilebrequin inflatable stand-up paddleboards

A creative and collaborative program from a Toronto-based waterside company exemplifies successful hospitality partnerships.

Beau Lake crafts, according to their own website, “the world’s most beautiful paddleboards.” A visit to their website and review of their boards lends credibility to that claim.

In the image below, the Tremblant paddleboard, which features a sophisticated walnut and holly veneer. I encourage you to check out their Malibu and touring-style Rapid boards, as well.

Beau Lake Tremblant walnut and holly paddleboard

Truly, these are gorgeous paddleboards. their range includes rigid and inflatable boards, along with hardwood, carbon fiber, and hybrid walnut-and-carbon-fiber paddles.

There’s even a pedal boat with a wood cockpit, and a stunning 14-foot electric boat, perfect for cruising a lake serenely.

However, that’s none of that is really the point of this article (and accompanying press release). There’s something else I want operators, particularly those in the hotel and resort spaces, to take away with them.

Well-Crafted Partnerships

Looking back at just the past several years of articles I’ve written for KRG Hospitality, I’ve mentioned partnerships dozens of times.

But what, exactly, do I mean when I say operators should pursue partnerships (or collaborations, if you prefer).

I mean programs like this the Hotel Partnership Program by Beau Lake. That is, well-considered, fully realized partnerships that benefit the parties involved and the operator’s guests.

The key details of Beau Lake’s program are outlined below, in the company’s official press release. For a quick summary, the brand is positioning itself and hotel partners to leverage amenities many hotel guests expect to find, particularly those who seek out upscale and luxury properties. That is, amenities that help them connect with nature, disconnect from technology and their work lives, have a memorable adventure, and partake in wellness activities (for example, paddleboard yoga).

Further, the program offers onsite activations, content generation, and influencer marketing.

That shows potential hotel and resort partners that Beau Lake understands its position in waterside sports, as well as the need to help collaborators market them to guests.

Overall, it shows what operators should look for when seeking partnerships.

Applicable Across the Industry

While the Beau Lake Hotel Partnership Program is focused on luxury hotels and resorts, the lesson here is applicable to bar, restaurant, nightclub, and other hospitality business operators.

A great partnership with the potential to develop into a long-term relationship must form a triangle. The triangle, as you may already know, is considered the strongest geometric shape.

In hospitality, and when talking about partnerships, that triangle connects:

  • the operator and their business;
  • the partner’s business; and
  • the guest.

If it doesn’t benefit all three, the connections aren’t made, and the triangle collapses.

To provide further clarity on successful partnerships, while we offer consulting and coaching, we don’t look at ourselves as consultants. Rather, the KRG Hospitality team views our client relationships as partnerships. We expect the relationships we develop with clients to be the key to collaborating and building long-lasting legacies.

That’s the view that operators should take when seeking out any partnership.

Don’t Fire from the Hip

As an operator, you need to take the time to consider, at more than a surface level:

  • how you expect your business and guests to benefit from the partnership;
  • what you’re offering as a benefit to the partner;
  • how quickly the partnership will be launched;
  • what methods will be used to promote the partnership; and
  • what support from the potential partner looks like to you.

While each component (and others) is crucial, that last one deserves plenty of careful consideration. If the partnership centers around a physical product, it’s not good enough to simply receive said product; you need more support than that.

Moreover, reaching out to potential partners without specific details will likely drive them away rather than inspire them to collaborate with you.

I also suggest being receptive to feedback, revisions, and other ideas presented by the potential partner. And, of course, make sure any partnerships are authentic to your brand, and serve your guests.

Below, you’ll find the details of the Beau Lake Hotel Partnership Program. As you’ll see, it’s more than just shipping paddleboards to hotels to rent to guests. In this way, it’s a fantastic example of what hospitality operators should expect when seeking collaborators.

Beau Lake Announces Hotel Partnership Program

Elevating Waterside Luxury Amenities for Hotels and Resorts Around the Globe

(Toronto, Canada) Beau Lake, a luxury waterside brand renowned for its timeless design and mid-century craftsmanship, proudly announces its Hotel Partnership Program. This partnership features curated product collaborations, onsite retail, and offers an exclusive opportunity to redefine the waterside luxury experience for discerning guests around the globe.

Beau Lake’s expertise in blending innovative production with classic nautical aesthetics will transform any waterfront into an immersive extension of high-end hospitality. Through this new program, partner properties will feature exclusive access to Beau Lake’s luxury paddleboards while delivering moments of connection, wellness, and adventure that resonate with the guests’ desire for distinction.

“The hotels we’ve partnered with are synonymous with elegance, and we are honored to extend their brand’s commitment to excellence to the waterfront,” said Brad Ariss, Managing Director at Beau Lake. “Our partnerships and collaborations reflect a shared dedication to crafting unforgettable guest experiences. By integrating Beau Lake’s offerings into lakeside and coastal properties, we create unique opportunities for guests to engage with the serene beauty of their surroundings without the distraction of uneventful plastic toys.

Key Features of the Program:

  • Bespoke Product Collaborations: Custom paddleboards and surfboards tailored to each property’s aesthetic and guest preferences, including co-branded designs for retail and rental.
  • Waterside Leisure and Wellness: Beau Lake luxury paddle boards offer an on-brand and curated aesthetic for partners to elevate activities such as yoga on paddleboards, guided tours, and waterfront meditation, seamlessly combining relaxation with nature.
  • Comarketing Activities: On-site activations to develop programming, influencer marketing and content to generate earned media and attract new audiences.
  • Retail Solutions: End-to-end e-commerce strategies managed by Beau Lake to drive property-specific sales.

The Hotel Partnership Program is already making waves, with Badrutt’s Palace leading the way alongside notable collaborations with iconic properties worldwide, such as the Montauk Yacht Club and American Beech in New York, Gasparilla Inn in Florida, and Maslina Resort in Croatia.

Beau Lake’s collection redefines the watercraft category, turning functional waterside amenities into elevated experiences that blend art and performance to drive guest loyalty and enhance brand identity. This partnership underscores the brand’s commitment to enriching the art of luxury living, on and off the water.

About Beau Lake

From mid-century pedal boats to the world’s most beautiful paddleboard collection, Beau Lake is a Canadian waterside luxury brand dedicated to elevating the beach experience through timeless design and mid-century craftsmanship. Inspired by nature, their luxury paddleboard collection has featured limited-edition collaborations with Saint Laurent, Ulysse Nardin and Vilebrequin. The brand has since grown their collection of premium beach amenities to include everything from apparel and waterside accessories to classic wooden furniture, custom surfboard and, of course, the finest collection of rigid and inflatable paddleboards on the market.

Beau Lake Affiliate Partners: Avantlink / Skimlinks / ​​Sovrn

Images provided by Beau Lake

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Overhead view of Parkroyal Collection Singapore
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Conscious Construction: Biophilic Design

Conscious Construction: Biophilic Design

by David Klemt

Overhead view of Parkroyal Collection Singapore

One term you’ll likely be hearing more of as 2024 progresses is “biophilic design,” the practice of connecting people and nature through building design.

This design methodology was developed in part by the late Stephen R. Kellert, professor emeritus at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

While Kellert didn’t coin the term “biophilia,” he is credited with coining the phrase “biophilic design.” However, the two terms share an intrinsic connection.

The biophilia hypothesis was first presented by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in the 1960s. Simply put, the idea is that humans have an inherent drive to pursue connections with nature. Edward O. Wilson, a biologist, added to Fromm’s theory in the 1970s. Per Wilson, a key element of biophilia is “the rich, natural pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms.”

In the 1980s, Kellert expanded on biophilia and applied it to design. Per Kellert and fellow biophilic design advocates, humans can experience a range of physical and psychological benefits when our living, work, and leisure spaces have a connection to nature.

According to biophilic design advocates, this methodology can reduce stress, affect mood positively, and improve cognitive performance, making us more productive. There are other benefits as well, of course.

When implemented with intention, biophilic spaces are sustainable; are capable of achieving significant energy efficiency; can reduce a building’s carbon footprint; and can even regulate temperature.

Clearly, this design approach speaks to a number of guest expectations and desires.

The Six Principles

There are, according to Kellert, two key aspects of biophilic design.

One over-arching aspect is organic. This is how shapes used in the design of a building connect people and nature.

The second aspect is place-based. As the term suggests, this is how design features connect a building to the local area in which it’s situated.

Within both the organic and place-based aspects or dimensions of biophilic design are six principles.

Environmental features, such as plants, natural materials, sunlight, water, and colors.

Natural shapes and forms that simulate natural forms. Think spirals, curves, arches, and other flowing design features. Put another way, biophilic design tries to limit 90-degree angles and straight lines.

Natural patterns and processes, which may seem, at first, to be the same as natural shapes and forms. However, these features resonate with our senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and others.

Light and space, crucial to biophilic design, whether daylight, reflected, or diffused light. Designers who really go for it will come up with lighting programs that mimic how light changes throughout the day.

Place-based relationships, which helps a person develop a personal connection with a place.

Evolved human-nature relationships to evoke a range of reactions from humans in the space. This can be a desire to explore the space, or a feeling of safety and protection.

Examples

This article is just a crash course in biophilic design. Each of the above principles, for example, contains a number of key attributes.

So, let’s take a look at some examples of biophilic design in hospitality. The following hotels and restaurants should give you a clear understanding of this approach to design.

Parkroyal Collection Pickering

To learn more about this amazing hotel, click here.

Fandi Mata

 

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A post shared by Fandi Mata (@fandimatabklyn)

Click here to learn more.

Café Lido

 

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A post shared by Mar Monte Hotel (@marmontehotel)

Learn and see more here.

The West Hollywood EDITION

To see more, click here.

Tsuki

 

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A post shared by TSUKI (@tsuki_pune)

Click here for more.

Image: Lester on Unsplash

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Lobby of Crockfords inside Resorts World Las Vegas
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

6 Takeaways from HD Expo 2021

6 Takeaways from HD Expo 2021

by David Klemt

Lobby of Crockfords inside Resorts World Las Vegas

Crockfords lobby inside Resorts World Las Vegas

This year’s Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas reveals an industry set to undergo seismic shifts that will reverberate for years to come.

While the pandemic certainly plays a role in transforming the industry, it’s not the only factor.

Here are six major takeaways from HD Expo 2021.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Hospitality—indeed, the world—is in the midst of reckoning with inequality. This is both long overdue and nowhere near complete.

Truthfully, we’re just at the start of the process. There’s much more work to be done.

However, many global hospitality brands and their partners are taking steps to be more equitable. The focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is holistic, spanning C-suites to fronts and backs of house.

Refreshingly, this commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion isn’t limited to hotel and restaurant chains. Smaller, independent operators are also up to the challenge of eschewing long-standing inequalities and toxic norms.

We have a lot more work to do but change is in the air.

Sustainability

Another widespread hospitality industry focus is sustainability. Again, global brands and equipment manufacturers to independent operators and small design firms are seeking to operate more sustainably.

Hotels, resorts, and restaurants are committing to design and operations that lessen their impact on local areas and the globe. Equipment manufacturers are doing the same.

While a smaller show this year, the HD Expo floor featured several exhibitors proudly pursuing LEED and other environmentally-friendly certifications.

Certainly, the hospitality industry has been focusing on sustainability, “going green,” and responsible operations for a few years. From what we saw at HD Expo 2021, the desire for sustainability and environmental design is only going to grow stronger.

Return to Nature

Intriguingly, many designers and boutique operators are changing how we think about resorts. Airstreams and intimate cabins that encourage guests to recharge and reconnect with nature are on the rise.

For example, Getaway intends their guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. Ideally, a guest won’t even consider bringing electronic devices and trying to work or spend any time on their phone.

A quick exploration of the Getaway website makes the brand’s mission clear. Slides have titles such as “Getaway from Nashville” and “Getaway from Chicago.” The navigation bar lists Getaway locations under the heading “Escape From.”

Conversely, there’s Yonder. This resort in Escalante (more locations are on the way) also wants guests to disconnect. However, they do offer WiFi and aren’t about escaping from the world.

Rather, Yonder encourages guests to engage with one another. The Escalante property features a communal clubhouse and robust food and beverage program. A massive hot tub spans the length of the pool. There are no showers in the Airstreams or cabins—guests commune with nature when they bathe.

Of course, more traditional hotels and resorts, along with restaurants and bars, are also embracing the outdoors.

In terms of this design change, one can certainly draw a straight, well-defined line from the pandemic to outdoor spaces. Leveraging outdoor areas continues to be one of the most common solutions for navigating and surviving mandates and public health recommendations.

Nearly every panel discussion at HD Expo 2021 at least made a passing mention of maximizing the usage of outdoor spaces. Clearly, this isn’t a design trend—this change is here to stay.

Guest Tech

Increasingly, hotels and some restaurant brands are going out of their way to allow guests to control their stays through technology.

Want to order room service? A few clicks of your phone make that possible. Not completely comfortable? Adjust temperatures, lights, drapes and shades digitally.

From check-in to check-out, a guest can essentially control every aspect of their visit via the little device in their pocket.

This is, in part, a response to the pandemic. It’s also about adapting quickly to shifting guest needs and desires.

Hotel, resort, restaurant and bar, and entertainment venue guests are skewing ever younger. And each successive generation is ever-more technologically savvy.

If something can be handled via phone or tablet quickly and conveniently, a significant percentage of guests feel it should be handled that way.

Additionally, smart increases in tech implementation speak to another guest expectation: If they’re accustomed to having something from home, they want it at hotels and resorts as well.

In fact, Lee Shuman, vice president of construction and design for Peachtree Hotel Group, says guest expectation is impacting hotel pools. According to Shuman, pools “seem to be falling to the wayside” in favor of larger, better-equipped health centers.

Of course, this another change partly fueled by the pandemic. More and more people are focusing on their health. People are working out more and expect hotels and resorts to provide them with convenient ways to work out when away from home.

After all, a hotel is intended to be a home away from home.

Local Culture

As trends, locality and hyper-locality are growing stronger and stronger. Interestingly, a focus on local culture is impacting all areas of hospitality, not just F&B.

Several hotel, resort and design groups spoke to the importance of embracing locals in as many ways as possible.

Hotel and resort owners and groups are retaining the services of local designers. In turn, those designers influence exterior architecture, interior design, artwork, and a specific project’s color theory.

Who better, after all, to ensure a property fits within the landscape and speaks to locals? It’s only logical to work with local designers and artists—they’re immersed fully in a location and and its culture.

Local artists and artisans also imbue a property with its personality. They also help to attract local support.

We expect more hotel and resort groups to focus on differentiating one property in their portfolio from the next. Indeed, there are groups with portfolios wherein every property is unique.

F&B Focus

It’s fair to say that, traditionally speaking, many hotel groups treated their F&B programming almost as an afterthought. In fact, some groups made it clear F&B was unimportant to them.

That’s changing.

Locality and hyper-locality are permeating F&B programs, and hotels, guests and locals are better for it.

It’s no longer uncommon to find local food items, beer, spirits, wine, and soft drinks on hotel restaurant and room service menus.

The pursuit of the local is very real and very effective. Locals are encouraged by some hotel operators to work, relax, play, dine and eat at their properties. In fact, many groups seek to make their hotels and resorts a part of everyday life for locals.

Interestingly, hyper-locality isn’t new to today’s restaurant operator. We expect this “trend” to gain a stronger foothold throughout the hospitality industry.

Image: Crockfords / Resorts World Las Vegas

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