LuxeGetaways Magazine – Fall/Winter 2017 | New York Designer and Interior Architect Sarah A. Abdallah is largely known for her elegant and timeless spaces that both calm and stimulate the mind. Abdallah’s design spaces encourage healthy movement and a community mindset by integrating the 5 senses, the latest advances in wellbeing technology and healthier natural materials. Her projects have included work with Park Hyatt, InterContinental and the Ritz Carlton; as well as exciting individual projects like the James Downtown, the Soho Grand and Tribeca Grand hotels, the Lincoln Center Café and Neuehouse.
But after five years of consulting, she decided to finally take the leap by launching Functional Creative Design, which is a boutique collective design firm with experience in hospitality, commercial, multi-unit residential and workspaces – all dedicated to creating innovative, intuitive and superior functioning spaces for both the users and staff operating within. Recent projects include Tarallucci e Vino on Park Avenue and the lauded 4-story restaurant, lounge and nightclub The VNYL, with forthcoming projects in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and The Middle East.
Abdallah believes that discerning guests want accommodations that support their mental, physical and emotional needs. Imagine in-room meditation apps, hidden art and therapeutic technologies like vibrational, sound and light therapy. Here are a few of Abdallah’s “Hotel of the Future” recommendations:
11 Howard – This beautiful hotel by Real Estate Mogul Aby Rosen and architect Anda Andrei debuted last year in Manhattan with Scandinavian design and a socially responsible mission of eradiating world poverty by 2030. They offer a streamlined check-in by iPad, with helpful personnel a step away and a beautiful, tactile book of services that is complete with a tablet so you can book a spa appointment or room service at the touch of a button.
http://luxegetaways.info/11-howard
The Greenwich Hotel – At Robert De Niro, Ira Drukier and Richard Bornhe’s Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, you can enjoy a brilliant Wakeup Call, where the hotel uses smart data to bring you coffee or tea how you like it and your preferred newspaper.
http://luxegetaways.info/greenwich-hotel
COMO Shambhala – This posh chain advocates a proactive approach to wellbeing that combines modern science with ancient healing. From energy-giving cuisine, to yoga, wellness and spa experts (including visiting masters), they really help clients see results. This 360 approach to programming is the future for boutique hotels that want to stand out.
http://luxegetaways.info/shambhala
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