The Year of Jean-Michel Gathy: 2024’s Iconic Hotel Openings

Jean-Michel Gathy, a living legend in luxury hotel and resort design, boasts over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. As one of the core architects behind Aman Resorts, he played a pivotal role in establishing its DNA blueprint. Gathy’s innovative and forward-thinking designs are evident in iconic projects such as the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool in Singapore, Aman New York, and the recently launched Jumeirah Bali. In 2024, Gathy is set to unveil projects like One&Only One Za’abeel Dubai, Cheval Blanc Seychelles, Aman Nai Lert, and Janu Tokyo, showcasing his continued influence in shaping the landscape of ultra-luxury hospitality.

Courtesy of Denniston – Jean-Michel Gathy Large

Janu Tokyo – Translated as ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, Janu Tokyo opening in March 2024 will deliver a spirited social scene in contrast to sister brand Aman’s whisper-quiet seclusion, designed to offer balance between personal fulfilment and relaxation, imbuing an energy that appeals to those desiring greater purpose and inner contentment. Designed under the leadership of Gathy, Janu Tokyo will reflect and celebrate the city’s rich, cultural fabric, exuding the brand’s signature energy inspired by connection, balance and exploration.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok – Featuring the 52-suite Aman Nai Lert Bangkok hotel, Aman Residences and a newly confirmed Aman Club, the property anticipated to open in 2024 will be nestled in the tropical gardens of the historic Nai Lert Park in the heart of Bangkok. Drawing upon the rich tapestry of influences at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home and capturing the essence of Aman’s long-standing commitment to celebrating the local culture and heritage, Gathy imbues Aman Nai Lert Bangkok’s design with Aman’s signature aesthetic of refined elegance, simplicity and purposeful restraint, utilising natural textures and materials throughout to create a contemporary urban sanctuary.

Cheval Blanc Seychelles – Conceived as a “Home”, the newest Cheval Blanc opening in Q3 2024 is designed as an ode to creole traditions, paying homage to its natural surroundings. The Maison will offer 52 villas, each with a private swimming pool, and beautiful beachfront, hillside, or tropical jungle views. Set along the southwestern coast of Mahé Island, Anse Intendance beach offers a sweeping, pristine setting for the Cheval Blanc art de vivre, giving pride of place to artists from the majestic sculpture Centauresse by Prune Nourry, to the five-part creative composition of culinary arts by the Cheval Blanc team and a collection of Guerlain well-being rituals at the Spa Cheval Blanc.

One&Only One Za’abeel Dubai – Located in the beating heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities and the first-ever vertical urban resort from ultra-luxury hospitality brand One&Only, the just opened One&Only One Za’abeel Dubai is an architectural icon that connects the untold charms of Dubai with the palpable energy of the most futuristic city on Earth. Gathy’s vision for the resort takes inspiration from the Za’abeel location, meaning ‘white sand’ in the local Emirati dialect, with Za’abeel’s soulful narrative intuitively woven into the fabric of the resort, its soothing neutral colour palette and subtle sand motifs detailed in the textiles, artwork and sculptural lighting.