What do Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront, Mexico’s Rosewood Mayakoba and Victoria’s Rosemead Hotel have in common? Each of these design-led hotels has a deep connection with their local surroundings. Find out how to unpack their five-star style at home.
Coastal Luxury at Fairmont Waterfront
When you first enter one of the newly renovated suites at the Fairmont Waterfront, the narrative that informed its reimagining immediately becomes clear: a panoramic vista of the mountains, the ocean and the endlessly shifting light of the Vancouver sky instantly takes over. That’s entirely by design, says Karine Bannon, designer behind the hotel’s fresh take and senior project director at Montreal’s CAMDI Design. The renovation of 96 guest rooms across the top four floors is the first phase of a longer transformation happening over the next four years.
Bannon describes the guiding design concept as one rooted in place rather than convention. Instead of reaching for the obvious nautical references one might expect from a waterfront property, team CAMDI went deeper with a more atmospheric, sensory approach. “The idea of coastal luxury was integrated into a palette and material selection that feels both refined and deeply connected to the surrounding Vancouver landscape,” says Bannon. “[We pulled] from the surrounding mountains, the driftwood, the fog, the natural light, the reflections from the harbour.” The result is a suite that feels restorative and coastal. Strong stone finishes next to soft woven textures in dusky blues, greys and greens meet the warm modernism of sculpturally curved wood-toned furniture. Brushed gold accents cast a honey glow throughout.
Tropical Modern at Rosewood Mayakoba
There’s a very good reason why visitors have been checking in to Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico’s Riviera Maya since it opened in 2008. Spacious villas boast private plunge pools and overlook winding lagoons and dense jungle beyond. White sandy beaches are within easy reach via the vintage-inspired cruiser-styled bicycles parked at the front door. The evolution of this five-star property is also a compelling study in creating an authentic sense of place. Studio Bando x Seidel Meersseman consulted anthropologists for a multi-million-dollar renovation to create decors inspired by Mayan culture and esthetics — but through a contemporary lens. Villas showcase a calming material palette of natural woods, and grounding terracotta, stone and beige neutrals. Many accent pieces — such as clay pots, embroidered textiles and woven baskets — are sourced directly from the Mexican communities that have produced them for generations. Rattan accents, handwoven baskets and floor-to-ceiling sliding windows complete the tropical modern esthetic.
Bringing Five-Star Style Home
To replicate these looks at home, focus on natural materials like wood, stone, and woven textiles. Incorporate local or artisan-crafted pieces to create a sense of place. Use a muted color palette inspired by your surroundings — think foggy blues, driftwood greys, and sandy neutrals. Add warm metallic accents like brushed gold or brass for a touch of luxury. Finally, maximize natural light and views to anchor your space in the environment.
