CHOCOLATE ON YOUR PILLOW?
Consider it a given. Private plunge pool? But of course. Personal BMWs, complimentary Tumi luggage sets and exclusive collaborations with designer giants like Aquazzura, Dior and Ferragamo though? Now we’re talking. In a cutthroat world where every hospitality business is vying for that coveted booking, amenities and experiences that were once considered lavish and groundbreaking just don’t cut it anymore. Travelers are searching for unique experiences and have raised the bar on what they expect to find at luxury properties. Going the extra mile has become more crucial than ever to lock down those reservations, and that in turn has led to some of the most exciting branded collaborations.
For a long time now, hotels have teamed up with other high-end brands to elevate guest’s stay. It’s a clear win-win for all parties: when done right, not only do the partnerships help increase exposure for everyone, but it also adds another layer of exclusivity by giving guests the opportunity to experience or own a product they might not be able to get their hands on anywhere else. Take the 30 limited edition Off-White x Eden Rock St Barth’s bags that could only be purchased at the hotel shop in 2019, for example.
We’ve rounded up some of the most extravagant ongoing partnerships of hotels, designers and international household names. From fashion capsule collections to complimentary amenities and pop-up events, catch a glimpse of how some of the most luxurious properties are pairing up with their allies to win over customers’ hearts.
ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR + DIOR
Things are looking bright for America, as states reopen businesses and services. And after a long year of sweatpants and isolation, everyone is ready for a #hotgirlsummer, which seems to be kicking off at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito. Dior has opened its new Dioriviera pop-up at the luxury beachfront resort, taking over the cabana pool, bocce courts and garden bungalow suites in celebration of its summer capsule collection. Guests are welcomed to browse designer Maria Grazia’s latest line and hang outdoors where Dioriviera-branded umbrellas, hammocks and fold-out chairs — all available for purchase, of course — create an inviting backdrop. To complete the California summer vibe, Dior has also designed a surfboard adorned with the signature logo print. The takeover ends on September 6, 2021.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL + AQUAZZURA
In this case, even if the shoe doesn’t fit, we’re taking it home with us. This season, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has partnered with high-end Italian footwear brand Aquazzura to design a collection of special edition in-suite slippers for guests. For a limited time only, select suites at Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world will come with a pair of these fun and fashionable striped slippers, which are available in three color pairings — black and white, aqua-green and white, and saffron and white. Meant to be enjoyed during the trip, at home and at future destinations, the designer slippers are the perfect extra-luxe upgrade to your typical take-home hotel amenities.
THE LANGHAM, HONG KONG + TUMI
Travel restrictions may stop a lot of Hong Kong locals from jetting off right now, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find excitement on their doorstep. That’s exactly what The Langham Hotel and Tumi had in mind when they joined hands to design a special staycation package at their Hong Kong property. The “Celebrate Now” offer comes with a range of branded perks and benefits for hotel guests, including a complimentary Tumi pink recycled V4 international expandable four-wheeled carry-on suitcase, pink accent kits, card case and a Tumi gift voucher of HK$200. This offer was available only until June 30, 2021, but may be extended.
UNITED PLACES + BMW
Powerful presence, attractive design, highly refined, attention to detail and care for the environment. Are we talking about BMW’s internationally renowned German-made cars or about United Places, an ultra-hip, five-star contemporary “home-hotel” in Melbourne? Both, of course. The two like-minded brands founded an exclusive program that offers United Places guests complimentary access to the BMW Plug-In Hybrid model for use in and around Melbourne. Planning on exploring the Australian coastal town with family? Need airport pickup and drop-off? Want to go for a sunset spin before dinner? Done, done and done, thanks to this sophisticated, cross-continental collaboration.
ISSIMO by PELLICANO HOTELS
An Italian sun-kissed summer might still be a distant dream for many of us, but with ISSIMO, Pellicano Hotels’ e-commerce platform, you can bring a taste of that il dolce far niente spirit to your home. On ISSIMO, you’ll discover unique finds from tastemaker extraordinaire Marie-Louise Sciò, the mastermind behind the iconic hotels. But what makes the platform stand out even more is its exclusive line of chic lifestyle products. ISSIMO has collaborated with international fashion houses and independent Italian artisans on branded goods available only on the platform (check out the ISSIMO-printed Solid & Striped one-piece and Anya Hindmarch’s ISSIMO collection). In a time where a healthy dose of escapism has never been more in demand, browsing ISSIMO’s dreamy edit is the ideal low-stakes virtual vacay.
KEMPINSKI HOTELS + SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
The new strategic partnership from Kempinski Hotels and Italian luxury goods company Salvatore Ferragamo promises to deliver a unique customer journey with top quality, eco-conscious products. Aside from Ferragamo’s perfumes and home fragrances being added to Kempinski’s e-commerce platforms, the hotel group will also offer their VIP clients access to dedicated events in nearby Ferragamo boutiques. Additionally, Ferragamo’s iconic candy-apple Vara shoes have been added to the uniform of the ‘Lady in Red,’ another name for Kempinski’s on-site hosts and brand ambassadors.
W HOTELS
Courtesy of W Hotel Brisbane (2)
As Marriott International’s louder, more rebellious younger sibling, W Hotels has always promoted the creative community. Over the years, the group has worked with many local artists to launch merchandise for each of their properties, ranging from sunglasses to swim and loungewear. At W Shanghai, contemporary local fashion label XU ZHI created an exclusive capsule collection inspired by the city’s glamorous past and the hotel’s electrifying look. Meanwhile in Brisbane, the popular swimwear brand Budgy Smuggler designed bold shrimp prints for a limited line of swimwear. American designer Jeremy Scott, the creative force behind Moschino, has also released fashionable and funky bucket hats customized for W Hotels. All of the branded swag can be discovered at each hotel and online via W Hotels The Store.
ONE&ONLY + LOUIS VUITTON x JAY AHR
Louis Vuitton’s Keepalls are of course a status symbol. An iconic design in the fashion world, the logo-printed duffle bags have been seen on the shoulders of celebrities and trendsetters everywhere for generations. To celebrate the art of travel, One&Only Heritage commissioned Jay Ahr, a fashion brand known for transforming luxury bags, such as Birkins and Kellys, into one-of-a-kind pieces through embroidery work. Together, they released a limited edition range of custom-designed vintage Louis Vuitton Keepalls that have been inspired by the unique color palette and natural beauty of One&Only’s properties. The results are works of art, meant to be treasured forever by its keeper. If you’re interested, we suggest you swipe fast; only two Louis Vuitton Keepalls have been designed for each resort and are available for purchase exclusively at the hotel boutiques and via email at neoboutique@oneandonlyresorts.com. Now, run! Don’t walk!
THE CARLYLE + FRAME
Courtesy of The Carlyle Hotel (2)
A Manhattan institution, The Carlyle Hotel is known for capturing the essence of the polished and sophisticated casual cool vibe of the city. Now, you can channel the hotel’s classic and elegant vibe from home, thanks to their collaboration with clothing brand FRAME. The exclusive line pays homage to the storied hotel with crewneck sweatshirts and baseball cap stamped with the legendary Carlyle logo, all available in old-school green and white. The cozy collection can be found at the FRAME shop on Madison Avenue — a stone’s throw from the Carlyle, of course — or online.
– by Uracha Chaiyapinunt
