The Best of The Americas (Hospitality) Vol. 3

Luxury Frontiers Make The 2021 Shortlist

Located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the year-round Nayara Tented Camp is one of the first luxury camps in Central America and boasts an environmentally low-impact yet high-touch design which fully immerses guests in the majestic rainforest. The 25 air-conditioned accommodations, each generously sized at 1,496 square feet, have been built at a higher altitude on the undulating hillsides to invite in unobstructed views of the spectacular volcano.

Shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms – The Americas Award

Designer in Profile: Otto Ouyang Xin, Partner of Bilkey Llinas Design

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

In order to be able to design a wide range of projects, it is essential that we, as designers, understand the environment, culture and target end user, together with the developer’s and operator’s vision.  We then need to develop the design functionality and character that is best suited for the particular project.   Once these parameters are understood, I enjoy developing a design theme that combines Chinese and Western cultural and architectural elements when appropriate.  Also, it is always important to be able find the right balance between a contemporary approach and achieving a timeless design that can withstand the test of time; this motto defines BLD’s  philosophy and approach to creating a unique design experience for every project

Look Back At 2020

Hart Howerton: Eclipse at Half Moon – Nestled between the lush, rolling hills of Montego Bay and the pristine, blue waters of the Caribbean, Eclipse at Half Moon offers guests an exclusive experience – one that is both authentic to the Jamaican culture and resonant of the beauty and ecosystems that surround the resort. The hotel features 57 spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a market, a café, a Salamander Spa – Fern Tree, a sweeping infinity-edge swimming pool, and a private beachfront with a natural swimming cove. The vibrant gardens lead into an umbrella shaped canopy of “Rain Trees” (Samanea saman) – the iconic view extending traditions of Half Moon for the next generation of guests.