Jean-Michel Gathy's 2024: The Year of the Iconic Hotel Openings
Jean-Michel Gathy, a "living legend," is responsible for the designs of some of the world's most recognisable five-star hotels and resorts. Along with the late Ed Tuttle and the late Kerry Hill, Jean-Michel Gathy is one of the big three core architects who laid the DNA blueprint of Aman Resorts from its early days to its present glory. Gathy has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is an award-winning architect and interior designer.
The Marina Bay Sands infinity pool in Singapore, the Aman New York, carved out of the fourth to the 26th stories of the Crown Building on the coveted Fifth Avenue, and the Jumeirah Bali, an extravagant sanctuary of tropical modernism perched atop the cliffs of Uluwatu, were all designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who has a renowned portfolio of iconic projects in the luxury hospitality industry.
Courtesy of Denniston - Jean-Michel Gathy
In 2024, he will be launching a number of projects, including One&Only One Za'abeel Dubai, the first-ever vertical urban resort from ultra-luxury hospitality brand One&Only; Cheval Blanc Seychelles, a property in the Indian Ocean serving as the sixth Cheval Blanc Maison; Aman Nai Lert, a property in Thailand's historic Nai Lert Park that is connected to the illustrious Nai Lert family; and Janu Tokyo, a sister brand of Aman, which aims to bring harmony and balance to the city's new vibrant centre in Azabudai Hills.
Comfort, as Gathy sees it, is an essential component of luxury in all of his notable projects; this is closely related to his approach to hospitality design. He aimed to create an atmosphere that felt like a home away from home based on his experiences and his fundamental need for comfort, which informed his design approach. Introducing four jaw-dropping hotel launches by Jean-Michel Gathy in 2024, spanning the globe from Tokyo to the Seychelles:
Janu Tokyo
Courtesy of Aman - Janu Tokyo, Japan - Accommodation, The Janu Suite
Janu Tokyo, which means "soul" in Sanskrit, will open in March 2024 and offer a lively social scene in contrast to its sister brand Aman's whisper-quiet seclusion. The goal of Janu Tokyo is to provide a balance between personal fulfilment and relaxation, and the energy it exudes is sure to appeal to those seeking inner contentment and greater purpose. Janu Tokyo, curated by Gathy, will embody the brand's characteristic energy derived from connection, balance, and discovery, while also reflecting and honouring the city's rich cultural fabric.
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok
Courtesy of Aman - Aman Nai Lert Bangkok - Pool
Situated in the lush tropical gardens of the ancient Nai Lert Park in the centre of Bangkok, the resort is set to open in 2024 and will feature the 52-suite Aman Nai Lert Bangkok hotel, Aman Residences, and a newly established Aman Club. Gathy incorporates natural textures and materials into the design of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, drawing inspiration from the diverse influences found at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home. The goal was to create a modern urban sanctuary that embodies Aman's long-standing dedication to preserving local culture and heritage.
Cheval Blanc Seychelles
Courtesy of Jumeirah Bali - Jumeirah Bali Resort and Ocean View
Designed as a tribute to creole traditions and its natural surroundings, the newest Cheval Blanc, conceived as a "Home," is set to debut in Q3 2024. Each of the 52 villas at the Maison will have its own swimming pool and stunning views of the ocean, hillside, or tropical forest. Anse Intendance beach, on the southwestern coast of Mahé Island, provides a vast and perfect backdrop for the Cheval Blanc art de vivre. Here, artists such as Prune Nourry's majestic sculpture Centauresse, the Cheval Blanc team's five-part creative composition of culinary arts, and a collection of Guerlain well-being rituals at the Spa Cheval Blanc take pride of place.
One&Only One Za’abeel Dubai
Courtesy of One&Only - One&Only One Za'abeel - Bedroom Sofa View
An architectural masterpiece that brings together the indescribable allure of Dubai with the tangible dynamism of the world's most futuristic metropolis, the newly inaugurated One&Only One Za'abeel Dubai is situated in the very centre of one of the most exciting cities in the world. Za'abeel, which means "white sand" in the local Emirati dialect, is an inspiration for Gathy's resort design. The resort's calming neutral colour scheme and subtle sand motifs in the textiles, artwork, and sculptural lighting intuitively weave into the soulful narrative of Za'abeel.