LUX* Resorts & Hotels are spearheading the trend for pared back luxury in hotel design, with a soothing, simplified vision aimed at creating a lighter, brighter holiday experience. Working on the basis that true luxury is all about savouring our single most precious commodity – time –LUX* has been working with multi award winning designer Kelly Hoppen to revive and rejuvenate its flagship resort, LUX* Belle Mare, the transformation of which is now complete.

Creating a sanctuary

Hoppen – whose previous projects have included Barcelona’s Hotel Murmuri and Rhodes W1 restaurant in London – entered into her LUX* collaboration with the aim of instilling a feeling of sanctuary in the guest accommodation and public areas of the hotel.

‘I know what I want when I go to a hotel, and it is virtually nothing – but everything there is has to be clean, simple and pleasurable to the touch,’ she said. ‘This is a beachside location, so the design had to reflect the same sort of minimalist luxury that Brigitte Bardot made famous at Saint Tropez in the 60s. In fact the more I designed, the more I made it lighter and simpler – my aim was to created an uncluttered ambience to help rebalance body and soul.’

An innate understanding of how to make people feel good through great design has resulted in a striking metamorphosis, with her signature light palette of white, cream, taupe and beige providing the perfect restful backdrop for comfy, clean-lined furniture in natural fabrics like linens and cottons. Minimal accents and accessories in playful pops of turquoise, fuchsia, apple green, Chinese red, soft yellow, purple and zingy orange add a light-hearted touch.

Introducing Beach Rouge

One of the most noteworthy successes is the transformation of the resort’s much-loved beachside restaurant, renamed Beach Rouge. Completely remodelled, this beautifully lit, white-on-white space evokes a sophisticated but laid back Mediterranean vibe, where the bright and airy surroundings frame the unrivalled blue lagoon views like a postcard. Beach Rouge also boasts a brand new lounging area for lazy days and chilled out Indian Ocean nights, soon to host world-class DJs to accompany a newly developed menu of tapas and cocktails.

Make each moment matter

LUX* Belle Mare may now be more beautiful than ever, but the makeover is more than skin deep. The guiding ethos of the LUX* brand is to make every moment count, and it’s a philosophy that’s well and truly ingrained at this outstanding resort. Kelly Hoppen agrees:

From the minute you arrive, every moment you spend at LUX* Belle Mare should feel like the first time your feet sink into the beautiful white sand: total heaven.