How the hospitality industry is set to evolve in 2022, as envisioned by the designer behind some of the globe's most opulent hotels.

"A 500-seat restaurant where everyone dines on a buffet? That's a recipe for failure," asserts Jean-Michel Gathy, architect and lead designer of Denniston.

If anyone else had expressed this opinion, it might raise eyebrows, but when Gathy, a leading figure in luxury hotel design and architecture, speaks, it carries significant weight.

With 35 years of expertise, Belgian-born Gathy has collaborated with top-tier ultra-luxury hospitality brands such as Cheval Blanc, Aman, Four Seasons, One&Only, Armani, Mandarin Oriental, and St. Regis. If you've marveled at the stunning pool perched atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Gathy is the visionary behind it. His remarkable insight into luxury, unparalleled skills, extensive industry knowledge, and innovative spirit have solidified his legendary status in the field.

"The landscape of hospitality is increasingly specialized. […] Instead of one large all-day dining establishment, expect to see three smaller dining options," he states. "It's really about downsizing the space while boosting the number of venues." He forecasts that vast resorts with thousands of rooms will give way to smaller, more intimate properties that provide enhanced amenities and cater to longer stays.

This shift is primarily driven by the pandemic, which has necessitated smaller gatherings and created a demand for more space to facilitate social distancing. The plexiglass barriers that many hotels have introduced in their lobbies are likely to become a lasting aspect of design.

Gathy states that technology will significantly enhance in-room and elevator experiences this year. He anticipates hotels will add more elevators, increase their speed, and decrease their maximum capacity.

"I’m confident that when you enter the lift, you'll simply say, 'sixth floor,' without needing to press a button," he notes.

Voice control technology will be implemented in rooms to minimize guest contact with surfaces. Soon, you’ll be able to adjust your air conditioning and operate your TV and audio systems just by speaking. The same will apply in the bathroom, where advanced sensors will be omnipresent.

"You’ll simply instruct your shower, 'I want 36 degrees and medium pressure,' and it will respond accordingly. It will notify you, 'your shower is ready,'" Gathy articulates, emphasizing the last four words in a robotic tone.

For him, this isn’t just a passing trend; it represents genuine progress.

"Why would anyone endure a shower that takes forever to reach the right temperature, risking burns from hot water or discomfort from low pressure? That’s unnecessary. I believe people will adapt to greater comfort," he explains.

Speaking of comfort, branded hotel residences that allow guests to own a property in their favorite luxury resort are here to stay. Gathy emphasizes that it all boils down to one principle: "Hospitality development is a business." Hoteliers can achieve a quicker return on investment by offering branded residences, leading to an increase in the construction of smaller hotels and on-site properties for sale.

With more countries adopting greener building regulations, resorts and architects are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices and materials. However, this shift will not compromise quality or aesthetics.

"Today, people are using ceramic tiles that mimic wood—some even replicate the scent of wood. You also find remarkable reproductions of marble," he notes. "This trend helps minimize the consumption of natural resources, which is a very positive development for the future."

Gathy's packed 2022 schedule features the launch of three new properties: the highly anticipated Aman New York, set to open in May, along with Cheval Blanc in the Seychelles and Jumeirah Bali. Naturally, we asked him for a glimpse into the design and inspiration behind these three resorts.

"The essence of an Aman Resort is its sense of place, and for New York, that word is 'energy.' We have maintained the physical DNA while crafting a design that feels vibrant and lively," he explains.

In the Seychelles, Gathy has envisioned a "quirky, contemporary take on colonial architecture." Meanwhile, for the upcoming Jumeirah interiors in Bali, he is blending European influences into a "Dutch-cum-Royal-Javanese" style.

One thing is certain: there is much to anticipate as these properties make their debut.