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0:00:00 > 0:00:01- In this series...
0:00:02 > 0:00:07- ..we'll focus on the design of some - of the world's most notable hotels.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- We can also see - how 21st century hotels vary...
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- ..in terms of design - and architecture.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- This is your chance - to escape and to dream...
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- ..without leaving your sofa.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- Welcome to 04Wal Gwestai'r Byd.
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0:00:42 > 0:00:46- Designer Leah Hughes accompanies me - on a journey which takes us...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- ..from South Africa to Dubai.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- In this episode, - we see a riad in Morocco.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- We get some Zen - at Hotel Omm in Barcelona.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- We also visit a colourful - old favourite at Portmeirion.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- Dar Darma Hotel is a riad - in the Medina in central Marrakech.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- A riad is a house - which surrounds a courtyard...
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- ..or a central garden.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- It has a practical purpose.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- It keeps the building cool when the - sun beats down during the summer.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26- The contrast between the dust, the - hurly-burly and chaos outside...
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- ..and the form, tranquility and - coolness in here, is very striking.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- We step out of the light - into the darkness...
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- ..and into the heart - of the building.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- This is the reception.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- The building's style - is clear to see.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- It's black and white. - It's classical.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- The walls are painted - in a grey limewash.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- If we step through this wall, - we make a marvellous discovery.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- This cave-like tunnel is - illuminated by a row of lanterns.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- The lanterns - throw pretty shadows on the walls...
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- ..reminding us where we are.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- The building opens out again - at the foot of these steps.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- The dining area is beautifully lit - with a row of geometric lights.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- Having wandered the halls - and narrow corridors...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- ..we've now reached the lounge - and the dining area.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- The riad was built - in the 17th century...
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- ..as a home for a family of traders.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- It's located within the Medina - - the city.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Will this design appeal to everyone?
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Stepping off the street and into - the hotel is a dramatic experience.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- It's dark in here, - despite the high ceiling.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- The white walls create a - striking contrast against the black.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- Yes, remarkably striking.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- The oversized furniture - is also part of the design.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Yes, and the walls and fireplace - are framed.
0:04:01 > 0:04:07- It's fantastic and there are echoes - of Versace in the black and white.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- It was designed by an Italian - called Massimo Tocchetti...
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- ..so it may be part of his style.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- It's a design - which relies on fashion.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- Will it stand the test of time?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- Something - is either in or out of fashion.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- This is certainly glamorous.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- The decor may go out of fashion - but the building is timeless.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- This is the sumptuous Red Apartment.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- There's an European feel - to the rooms.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- This is French, - 19th century furniture.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- The lovely touches are those things - which belong to Morocco.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- These carved plaster panels - are amazing.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12- The Arabic script contains passages - from the Koran and poetry.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- Above it, there's a magnificent - painted cedar ceiling.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19- It isn't structural.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- It's purely decorative.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- This room probably belonged to - an important family member.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- The bedroom - lies through these lovely doors.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- The bed itself - lies beneath an outdoor recess...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..where musicians - would shelter from the sun.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- They moved it here, - creating a half-tester...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- ..or a canopy covering half the bed.
0:05:47 > 0:05:48- It fits perfectly.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- There's a second bedroom - in the Red Apartment.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- We're stepping inside - off the balcony...
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- ..and into the Blue Apartment, - through one of the bedrooms.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41- This is a strange room because - it's the filling in the sandwich.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- There's one bedroom there - and another here...
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- ..making this feel like a lobby.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- Yes. Several doors - lead off this narrow room.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- The high ceiling lets in - plenty of light in this area...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- ..but this apartment is dark - and dramatic.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- This is a masculine design.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- Everything in this room was designed - especially to be housed here.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- Yes, and it makes a statement.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11- There's a pattern here.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- You see big frames sitting - on cabinets and on the fireplace...
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- ..but these Moroccan details - remind you where you are.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- A strong personality - comes through the walls.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- The pattern looks as if - it was scrubbed into the walls.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- It looks like - the work of an angry man!
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- The light varies a great deal - in here, and that effects the walls.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- There's a bit more colour - in the bedroom.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- It's the same colour as the rug.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- I love that kennel-like fireplace!
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- I feel as though - a dog will pop out any second!
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- The terrace at the top is our - final discovery in Dar Darma hotel.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- That element of discovery - is important.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Finding hidden nooks - gives us all pleasure.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- The design - relies heavily on the structure.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- The designer - capitalizes on that mystery...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..and on the shadows - and the darkness here.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- We're in the heart of Barcelona, - opposite Hotel Omm.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- We're a stone's throw - from some of the masterpieces...
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- ..of Spain's most important - architect, Antonio Gaudi.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- He's famous for his organic, - revolutionary designs.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- Hotel Omm is revolutionary, too.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- From one angle, it seems windowless.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- From another angle, it looks like - a half-opened Advent calendar.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- Its modern design sits comfortably - next to much older buildings.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27- It doesn't scream.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- It's more of an omm!
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- Juli Capella was this - remarkable building's architect.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Sandra Tarruella and Isabel Lopez...
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- ..designed - the sleek, minimal interior.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- You feel that omm immediately...
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- ..because nothing blocks your path - into this long room.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- The lobby is to one side...
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- ..and the room is completely open.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- There's natural light - at the front...
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- ..and there are comfortable seats - in the lobby.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- The lower ceiling height - makes this area feel cosier.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Lighting is important - in this part of the building.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- Look across the bar - and the room opens up.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- Natural light streams through - the square, geometric lanterns.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- The silver plates on the back wall - shimmer in the light.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- I feel the urge to inspect them, - but in an omm way, of course!
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- The name Omm suggests this is - a safe haven where we can meditate.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- Yes, the designer has created - a place where people can relax.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- That's some achievement - in such a massive, open space.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Yes, and, in theory, - it shouldn't work!
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- The idea here - was to keep furniture levels low...
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- ..so we can see the city - and it invites the city in.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25- This is a busy area.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- It contrasts with - our idea of meditation...
0:11:31 > 0:11:32- ..but it works.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- There are some lovely touches here.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- The shiny, wooden wall behind us...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..softens the light.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Yes, and the opposite wall - is different again.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46- It's concrete or stone.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- They've cleverly given us - a variety of surfaces.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- There is unity in the design since - the owner's daughter designed it.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- Clearly, they worked together well - to create such an effective design.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- This is the Moo Restaurant.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- That's Omm backwards!
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- We can now see what those - shiny plates in the far wall are.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- They've taken some dead space - and turned it into a feature.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- A small garden has been created...
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- ..using some bamboo plants.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- These steel plates reflect the light - from the garden above here.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- The contrast between the vertical - and the round shapes is great.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- These look like pebbles on a beach.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Yes, or a giant fish tank.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Yes - I expect someone to swim past!
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- At first glance, it feels like it's - too dim here to find your room...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..but there is - sufficient light here.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- It's just not as brightly lit - as you might expect.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- The two illuminated lines - guide you along the corridor.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- The room numbers are also lit, - so you won't get lost.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- This certainly - challenges the senses.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- If you do bump into a wall...
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- ..you'll find that - it's covered in a rubber material.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- This is - an extremely playful experience.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56- It's wonderful.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58- This is my room - 409.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It couldn't be - a more stark contrast!
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- You go from black to white.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- It's startling.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- Very little touches the floor, - which makes it a light design.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- The bathroom is through here.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- It's on this side - of this false wall.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- This is a wardrobe.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- There's - plenty of storage space there.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- The main thing you want - in a bathroom is a bath!
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- This is a lovely example.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- The external wall peels back - to accommodate windows...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- ..and balconies, like this one.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- You can walk out of your room - and watch the world go by...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..right here, - in the heart of Barcelona.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- As in all cities, the scarcity - of land to create gardens...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- ..means people make use of roofs.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- There's a decked area - and a pool here.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- You also see Gaudi's work from here.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- Yes, Pedrera and Sagrada Familia.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- The pool and everything else here - is an extension of the lobby.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Yes, they followed - the same Zen concept...
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- ..from the lobby - to the roof terrace.
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0:16:58 > 0:17:03- Sir Clough Williams-Ellis built - Portmeirion between 1925 and 1973.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- It's a blend - of architectural styles.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Sir Clough was inspired by - the landscape of Aber Ia...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- ..the original name for Portmeirion.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- The landscape - reminded him of Italy and France.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- The experience of getting here...
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- ..is almost as important - as the hotel itself!
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- I must admit - I hadn't been here before.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- This magical village - has been planted in the landscape.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- You must come down a steep hill - to reach the hotel.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- This building doesn't look like - something from a story book!
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- No, unlike the buildings - in the village itself.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- It isn't as fanciful.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- The signature Portmeirion - turquoise colour can be seen here...
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- ..on the edges of the building.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- We came in through the main entrance - and there's no reception area here.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- This huge fireplace is so big, - we're sitting in it!
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Yes, it feels very masculine - and almost excessively large.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- These fantastic chairs - have an ethnic covering.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- It's in stark contrast to - the feminine and light Mirror Room.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- Walk through the lobby, - into the main building...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- ..and you pass - the very aptly named Mirror Room!
0:18:30 > 0:18:35- The turquoise and the bronze trim - create a light, Georgian feel.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- The furniture is wonderful.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- It's a salon, not a parlour.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- The atmosphere shifts - in the library next door.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- There's plenty of dark wood here...
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- ..and the view is tucked away - at the far end.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- This the Peacock Suite but you don't - have to be a peacock to stay here!
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- I clash with the carpet!
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Turquoise is the main colour - of this room.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- But it's a different shade of the - one we associate with Portmeirion.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- This is mainly Victorian furniture.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- There's a touch of India here.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- The three windows - offer you almost a panorama...
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- ..from Ynys Gifftan down to the sea - at the far end.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- The artwork - contains a nautical theme...
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- ..and even a volcano!
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- That may refer to the fireworks - which will happen in this bed!
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Here we see the colours - which appear in the peacock's tail.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- The turquoise and purple - nestle beneath this lovely canopy.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- It looks like a peacock's tail.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- Back in the village, - many of the rooms...
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- ..display the otherworldly design - so characteristic of Portmeirion.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- Some of the rooms, - including the Dining Room...
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- ..and Trinity House, - our next stop...
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- ..have been redesigned - by Sir Terence Conran.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- I didn't expect it - to look like this.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- It's simple - and the decor is very contemporary.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- It doesn't have - too much character...
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- ..but it doesn't clash with the - colours and shapes of the village.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Is it easier to experiment more here - than in the hotel?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Each of the village houses - has a different style.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- This is a very contemporary - and very compact house.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- There are tea-making facilities - behind those doors.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- There's a double room, a single room - and a bathroom in this house.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- It's small but it's cute.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- I like the clean lines - this design has to offer.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- We look outside and we see the - organic village of Portmeirion...
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- ..but this feels like - a 21st century modern loft.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- Yes, it's an island of modernity!
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- I don't have a problem with that.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- I like the pictures - of the original village.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49- It's comfortable.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- The Dining Room - is at the front of the hotel.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- These handrails - set the tone from the offset.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- It's a modern take - on 1930s Art Deco style.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30- These wonderful windows, looking out - at the magnificent view...
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- ..were probably added in the 1930s.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- To underline - that luxury cruise-ship feeling...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- ..we have these illuminated - wood pillars.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Less is more, isn't it?
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- This unreal reality enriches your - experience of staying at the hotel.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Few other hotels can match that.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- The experience - of being in this village...
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- ..makes this hotel extraordinary.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- What he did was to intertwine - different architectural features...
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- ..to create a remarkable patchwork.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34- Yes.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- It's unique.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones