2023 Wrapped: A Year in Review

As the sun sets on a transformative year, WATG invites you on a journey through our landmark projects and insights of 2023. Hospitality is at the core of everything we do, and we’ve applied its core tenets across a variety of domains – from the vibrant world of gaming and dynamic urban landscapes, to serene residential settings and innovative later living solutions. Join us in celebrating a year of architecture and design.

Chedi Katara

WATG + Wimberly Interiors London studios embarked on reimagining Doha’s luxury landscape by infusing the Mughal heritage with a touch of Ottoman influence. 

“We recognized WATG’s mastery in honoring a sense of place and authenticity by seamlessly infusing sensory cues from the land and culture into beautiful design solutions. This strategic partnership aligns well with our vision to expand GHM’s distinctive presence at the most captivating and culturally significant destinations with The Chedi brand’s relentless pursuit of hospitality and design excellence.” – Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of GHM 

• Shortlisted for Ahead Awards MEA 2023 in the Guestrooms category.

Ayana Segara Bali

A collaboration between our architecture and planning studios addressing the evolution of sustainable tourism in Bali with a contemporary architectural expression, while retaining cultural authenticity.

This marks WATG’s fifth collaboration with AYANA Hospitality. There was a mutual motivation to create harmony between people and nature and to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.

Hotel del Coronado

Wimberly Interiors was honored to lead a transformative renovation for the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. The design for the Victorian building intentionally celebrates the history and legacy of this legendary seaside resort. Delivering a fresh and luxurious take on the design legacy, Wimberly Interiors led an integrated team that included WATG’s California architecture studio which served as the Architect of Record. The vision ensured public areas remained truly Victorian with original finishes remaining intact and focusing the design on enhancing and refreshing what exists today in the hotel. 

Waldorf Astoria Lusail

A collaboration between our architecture, landscape and interiors studios, this luxury hotel rises and falls elegantly, with smooth, simple curved forms inspired by flight.

EDITION Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi EDITION is the first EDITION hotel to open in the Middle East, this 198-room, 57-exclusive residence property is situated in a prime position on the Al Bateen Peninsula with stunning views of the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and adjacent marina. Wimberly Interiors’ design vision was to create a distinctive, contemporary environment while respecting and celebrating the lifestyle and traditions of Emirati culture.

• Winner of Conde Nast’s 20 Top Hotels in the Middle East: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023.

Yanbai Villa

Working in harmony with Wang Shu’s architecture, Wimberly Interiors’ Singapore studio crafted perspective at each turn, creating visual contrast and depth using materiality, scale, forms, and color – all of which are grounded in nature and locally sourced and made.  

• Winner of The International Hotel and Property Awards, 2023 for Best Hotel Design, Asia Pacific.
• Honoree in the Interior Design Best of Year Awards 2023 in the Resort category.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of classical luxury and romantic intrigue. Historically, it has painted vivid portraits of elegance and the timeless beauty of a bygone age. With utmost respect for its storied legacy, and as part of an ongoing collaboration with Belmond, Wimberly Interiors brought a vision of art-deco luxury to eight new Suites of this iconic railway.

The Wimberly Interiors designed Grand Suites were awarded Best Suites 2023 by Hospitality Design Magazine and Best Train in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, 2023.

• Best Suites 2023, Hospitality Design Magazine.
• Best Train in the World, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, 2023.

Bellagio, Club Privé

Based on years of partnership on multiple projects, MGM Resorts International sought the expertise of Wimberly Interiors to update two of its most luxurious spaces within the renowned Bellagio Las Vegas. The goal of the renovation of the Baccarat Lounge and Club Privé was to refresh the spaces for the next generation of clientele who are younger and more global, with a distinct appreciation for design. Because Bellagio’s client relationships are so personal and meaningful – many have been repeat customers for decades – the design team had to understand what they’re thinking, feeling, and doing, and design specifically for them and their connection to this iconic property.

Omni Homestead Renovation

Founded in 1766, the Omni Homestead Resort is a National Historic Landmark and a beloved luxury destination set in the bucolic mountain landscape of Virginia. Investing more than $140 million in an extensive full-property renovation, Omni was motivated to restore this important piece of American history, maintaining its historical integrity while introducing contemporary finishes. Tapping WATG and Wimberly Interiors to collaborate on architecture, interiors and landscape design, the client set goals to maintain the Homestead’s iconic positioning, honor its history and preserve its original beauty, while refreshing the property with a sophisticated and approachable residential feel.

JW Marriott Jeju

WATG was entrusted to design a destination that would draw in a diverse mix of guests seeking rejuvenation and connection to nature, while also honoring Jeju’s unique spirit of place. The outcome is a resort that seamlessly merges a rich natural legacy with a modern, sustainable lifestyle, aligning perfectly with the region’s burgeoning wellness tourism market.

“It is remarkable how the beauty of architecture harmonizes with the natural beauty of Jeju as well as the landscape within the property. WATG’s extremely detailed planning and design made all this possible. Their design with respect to locality creates an authentic and luxurious experience and is welcomed by our guests.” – Douglas Kim, General Manager

Zhongda International 99 Later Living Wellness Community

WATG’s partnership with Zhongda inaugurated a decade ago with the high-profile mixed-use property The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Retail in Xi’an. When WATG was entrusted to design the Zhongda International 99 Later Living Wellness Community, it was not only the perfect opportunity to demonstrate WATG’s expanding expertise in later living and luxury residential but also to reach new heights with a like-minded forward-thinking client striving for excellence in quality, creativity and innovation.

Taj The Trees

Taj The Trees is poised as a “Jewel in the Crown” within Godrej Properties’ award-winning and visionary mixed-use community located in Vikhroli, a suburb in the northeastern mangrove belt of Mumbai. Nestled within this leafy oasis, Taj The Trees serves as a focal point contributing to the vibrancy of the locale, maintaining a sense of place, and redefining luxury hospitality in the area. Sustainably planned and elegantly executed, The Trees is a a testament to Godrej’s vision, culture, and the drive to create an environment for people to live, work, collaborate and play.

Tempo by Hilton, Times Square

Hilton’s debut location of its newest lifestyle brand, Tempo, designed for the ambitious modern traveler who aims to live in the moment as they balance the rhythm of life with energy and relaxation. Wimberly Interiors provided interior design services for the hotel, including its 661 guest rooms and suites, and all public spaces including the ground-level and 11th-floor lobbies, restaurant, bar, terrace, and an 18th-floor fitness center.

As the New Year countdown begins, residents are also able watch the ball drop in style from one of the 31 Wimberly Interiors designed Ball Drop rooms and suites which offer a glittering New Year’s Eve experience right in the heart of the city.

“Wimberly Interiors helped us to achieve an aspirational design that elevated the positioning of the world’s first Tempo Hotel.” – David Orowitz, Principal & Managing Director, L&L Holding Company

Rissai Valley, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Situated among a 72,000-hectare reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site valley, Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ritz-Carlton’s first all-villa resort , is the ultimate destination for immersion in nature, escapism in quietude, and reconnecting with oneself. 

The collaboration between WATG and Ritz-Carlton in China is well-established, and WATG has planned and designed over a dozen Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts globally.

And that’s a wrap! Festive greetings and Happy New Year from everyone here at WATG and Wimberly interiors.