Across Asia, lighting design is rigorously pursued by hotels to help create a sense of place. Whether it be bold and statement-making, or subtle and romantic, a lot of thought has gone into how a property lights a traveller’s way. Have a look at some examples here:
Soori Bali
Before there was artificial illumination, there was fire, and Soori Bali makes the most of it in cauldrons and on torches. As dusk descends, the staff ignite cauldrons that line the resort’s black sand beach.
Torches light pathways to various after-dark venues and flicker walls of volcanic sandstone with a wild-dancing glow.
The Reverie Saigon
Redefining Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline, The Reverie Saigon’s sophisticated facade has made it one of the city’s most iconic modern buildings. Aptly named Times Square, the location draws inspiration from the famous landmark in New York City. Like its American counterpart the idea was to be bold and striking when it came to illumination and for the place to also serve as a gathering point for people. With this in mind the LED lighting system of the contemporary exterior consists of over 8,000 light bulbs that create, at present, 50 different lighting sequences, all of which are undetectable to guests inside. Popular displays include occasion-specific scenes like a jolly Santa Claus and a towering snowman and Christmas tree on display over the Christmas holiday period.
Hotel Bocage
Relaxing is not normally as easy as flipping a switch but at the new Hotel Bocage in Hua Hin Thailand they hope that it may just be. In the modern chic rooms at this boutique property guests will find light switches labelled "Relax" in both the bathroom and bedroom. In both cases flipping the switch results in a more subdued effect to the room’s illumination. The reduced lighting in the bathroom creates a candlelit feeling making it ideal for a long soak in the freestanding Antonio Lupi tub. While the bedside switch dims the room’s interior for a calmer, more romantic vibe. Guests will also spot a “Night” switch by bed that turns on a soft light below the sink for any midnight trips to the bathroom.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The row of 48 ceramic lamps that sit staggered in the hallways of the Metropole’s Old Wing (originally built in 1901) are an ode to Hanoi’s bygone era. Designed and fired in a traditional Red River delta village, the ceramic lamps feature hand-painted red and blue flowers, bamboo lampshades, and a circular wooden base. The effect exudes old world charm and demonstrates that something old-fashioned can be as stimulating as a lot of high technology.
The Sanchaya
A façade as magisterial as that of the Sanchaya’s two-storey beachfront manor has to be celebrated nightly. In the same way people are awed by the sunset, guests move to the far side of the resort’s Olympic-sized infinity pool, or to the stunning stretch of beach beyond, to gaze back at ‘The Great House’ in all of its splendor as the lights go on. Wall sconces cast uplight and downlight on the exterior walls to create a warm and romantic ambience. The manor’s columns bathed in LED lighting also feature prominently as a different layer in the overall lighting effect.