Winters are known as the season of travel, as it takes one through rost-kissed landscapes and cosy retreats. From the thrill of winter sports in resorts to the serenity of strolling through snow-covered cityscapes, each destination unveils a unique charm. Within this, the art of creating a snuggly and inviting ambience in hotels becomes essential. Designers face the unique challenge of not only ensuring aesthetic appeal but also crafting spaces that cocoon guests in warmth and comfort during the winter months. Keeping up with the context, Ar. Anil Badan, Founder and Principal Architect of Studio B Architects explores innovative strategies and nuances employed in the creation of winter-ready hotels, and oases where the chill outside is altered into an opportunity for unparalleled cosiness and sophistication.

The Warm Embrace of Hotel Lobbies
The lobbies become a canvas for crafting an atmosphere of seasonal splendour. For instance, a fireplace can emerge as a functional source of comfort, inviting the guests to explore around. Further, materials also play a crucial role in conveying winter cosiness. Soft, plush fabrics, wood tones, and the subtle shimmer of metallic accents mimic the comforting elements of a winter wardrobe. The palette, inspired by nature's winter hues like cool blues, deep greys, and rich burgundies creates an ambiance that resonates with the season without compromising on sophistication. One of our projects, The Khyber Himalayan Resort incorporates a huge hearth to create a snuggly aura in the snowy landscapes.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
Winter-ready hotels go beyond conventional design, often bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces to harness the beauty of the winter. Incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of snow-covered landscapes or private balconies equipped with heated seating allows guests to immerse themselves in the wintry panorama while staying ensconced in warmth. Additionally, biophilic designs like indoor gardens with cold-resistant flora, strategically placed skylights or even glass-encased winter gardens within the hotel become extensions of the outdoor experience.

Cosy Room Retreats
Embedded within the context of room retreats, guest rooms are crafted to be cocoons of comfort. Designers adopt insulation ideas, energy-efficient heating systems, and design elements that evoke a sense of a comforting glow. Innovative use of materials like wool, cashmere, and fur adds layers of texture, providing both visual and tactile comfort. Pleasant wood finishes, ambient lighting, and thoughtfully placed thermal curtains enhance the snug ambiance, inviting guests to retreat from the cold into a haven of calm. Bedrooms are strategically positioned to maximise natural light during the shorter winter days, ensuring that guests can bask in the glow of sunlight even as they remain shielded from the chill outside. For instance, the design of the rooms at Raas Mussoorie offers a cocooning effect through the inclusion of warm jacuzzis, plush bedding, and a snug seating nook overlooking scenic winter vistas.

Dining Spaces in WInter Glows
Restaurants within winter hotels are designed to be culinary oases, where the atmosphere complements the seasonal charm outside. Infusing features like glazed partitions allow unobstructed views of the winter landscape, becoming focal points of the space. Dining spaces can include warm tones and subtle metallic accents. Mood lighting, strategically placed to enhance the dining experience, casts a soft glow that complements the winter nightscape. Our project, Brava- an Italian Restaurant in Khyber includes dark rustic paints, wooden furniture and plush leather upholstery for the guests to have a toasty dining experience amidst the cold weather. Outdoor dining areas, equipped with heated seating and fire pits, extend the culinary experience into the crisp winter air, creating memorable moments in the lap of seasonal luxury.

Thus, winter-ready hotels are a balance between the practicalities of the season and the aspirations for aesthetic allure. These hotels become a shelter from the cold and a sanctuary that celebrates the beauty of winter in all its forms. Winter-ready hotels stand as timeless havens, inviting guests to embrace the season with open arms while cocooned in the pinnacle of opulence.

2024

Name of the project: Cold-Weather Comfort: Designing Strategies for Winter-ready Hotels
Design Firm: Ar. Anil Badan, Founder and Principal Architect of Studio B Architects

Studio B Architects by Anil Badan