London’s historic and ever-glamorous The Connaught hotel has this week revealed its newest luxury suite: The King’s Lodge. Designed by the hotel’s legacy interior designer Guy Oliver, the lavish abode brings together the work of over 100 artisans via a partnership with Turquoise Mountain.
Founded in 2006 by the then Prince of Wales – now HM King Charles III – Turquoise Mountain operates with the primary aim of reviving and protecting heritage crafts and techniques – and creating sustainable incomes for the artisans who uphold them – in at-risk communities around the world.
The new King’s Lodge neighbors The Connaught’s existing The Prince’s Lodge, which was completed in 2010 and marked Turquoise Mountain’s first major collaboration of its kind – a collaboration that sparked from Oliver volunteering as the charity’s creative director at the same time as he was appointed as lead designer for the hotel’s restoration project.
Tucked away in the rafters of the hotel’s 5th floor, The King’s Lodge is richly decorated, transporting guests to far-flung locations from the moment they enter. Walking through a mirrored entryway, the suite has been carefully configured with a symmetrical layout. To the right is a sumptuous lounge area, leading on to a decadent marble bathroom; to the left, the suite’s bedroom.
To bring his vision for The King’s Lodge to life, Oliver worked with Turquoise Mountain to enlist the skills of craftspeople from across Levant, Afghanistan, Myanmar and India. Every corner reveals a new design marvel, from the four-poster bed, crafted from walnut by Syrian artisans, and the jaw-droppingly intricate Rajasthani marble panel behind the bath; to the carpets which were handwoven in Afghanistan.
“True luxury has always been made to measure and since it was built, The Connaught has been known as the handmade hotel, constructed by the finest artisan builders and cabinet makers,” Oliver commented.
“Now, working with Turquoise Mountain, we can support the highest level of craftsmanship in communities at risk around the world. It is a delight and an honor to bring them together to create such a remarkable and unique project.”
In a mark of The Connaught’s continued support of Turquoise Mountain’s mission, a portion of the proceeds of every reservation at The King’s Lodge and The Prince’s Lodge will be donated directly to the charity.
“Our strong commitment to design and celebration of art has helped establish The Connaught as one of the world’s most coveted hotels and it gives us great pleasure to reveal The King’s Lodge,” said the hotel’s general manager Sandeep Bhalla.
the-connaught.co.uk
