THE ART OF SEDUCTION

We asked some of the world's leading architects and interior designers how they create room for romance at the world's most luxurious hotelsturns out, it's a lot more than just mood lighting

- Coco Marett

“People make love in hotels more than anywhere else,” says New York-based interior designer, Clodagh. There’s a good reason for that. A change of scenery is always exciting, and there’s something about being away from home, away from the familiar, that opens couples up to more possibilities for romance. Perhaps it’s finally getting some privacy from the kids, a bigger shower or—better yet—a private pool.

Whatever it is, there’s something about hotels that make you want to hang up that “do not disturb” sign and order a bottle of their finest champagne—and that something is often by design. We spoke with some of the world’s leading interior designers about the sexy, subtle ways they design hotel rooms to inspire moments of intimacy.

CELIA CHU, PRINCIPAL OWNER, CELIA CHU DESIGN & ASSOCIATES

Rosewood Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Hyatt Regency Danang I firmly believe that romance in today’s world extends beyond traditional couple scenarios—it can [also] be found in moments of self-reflection and self-care. My design approach centres around creating open and versatile spaces that accommodate various expressions of romance, whether someone is seeking a private retreat or a romantic setting for two. By incorporating elements that cater to both individual and shared experiences, my goal is to create hotel spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intimately connected to the multifaceted nature of human relationships.

Creating a romantic space involves acknowledging that romance can manifest at any given moment and in any place. There are numerous ways to evoke a sense of intimacy; while design alone cannot guarantee the occurrence of romance, incorporating intriguing ideas and creativity during the design process can enhance the potential for romantic moments to unfold.