FIRST VIEW – PAPAYA PLAYA POP-UP RESORT, TULUM

“Our idea was to create a transitory, yet deeply culturally-rooted experience and we couldn’t have dreamed up a better place to make this happen," says Sendlinger. "Capitalizing on the natural environment and multicultural character of Tulum, we quickly put together an international team of real visionaries,each enriching the experience with their own food, music, design or wellness concept. The enthusiasm and creative energy of everyone involved enabled us to renovate the camp and put together a holistic program within a very short period of time.”

Ninety-nine cabañas have been renovated by the Design Hotels™
creative team, integrating local materials and building techniques.



The separation between man and nature diminishes in these
rustic spaces while the perception of small indulgences – like high thread count sheets, flowing mosquito nets and thick towels – is heightened. The ultimate luxury in most of the cabañas, is a private porch, where hammocks gently swing guests into sync with Tulum’s laid-back rhythm.



The creative team assembled by Sendlinger includes KaterHolzig, the most recent offspring of Berlin’s legendary Bar 25, who will serve up seasonal local food from the grill and fresh breads from a custom-built clay oven.
As well as bringing their head chef from their popular Berlin restaurant for the course of the project, KaterHolzig's Beach Shack bar & lounge and the Papaya Recording Studio will be draw in their international network of DJs and performing artists.

In acknowledgement of the legacy of Mayan rituals, an event series will take place around each full moon. These are curated by Mamapapacola, the creative agency known for their offbeat ideas, together with the events arm of the Kater-Holzig team.

Copenhagen-based 42°RAW, already making waves in organic gastronomy, will provide nutritious  food-on-the-go whilst the 'Mini Super' boutique brings together products from international artists and designers to create a unique and ethical shoppers’ delight. It specializes in eccentric finds from solar-powered gadgets to unusual jewelry designs, beach wear, accessories, erotic toys and handicrafts from the region and beyond. To complete the holistic circle, the 'So Happy Neo' Spa will use Mayan shaman secrets to pamper body, mind and soul.



Says Sendlinger: "The project may come as a surprise for those who associate Design Hotels™ with bold architecture and striking design. Fear not, that will continue to hold true, yet equally important are the intangible qualities – like the sense of community, connection and belonging, as well as the personality and vision – which make each hotel so one-of-a-kind. With this project we’re peeling off a few layers to expose the heart and soul of great hospitality experiences."

Starwood Hotels & Resorts to acquire 49.8% stake in Design Hotels AG
Following the launch of Papaya Playa project, it was announced that Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to acquire 49.8% of the shares of Design Hotels AG from Arabella Hospitality SE, one of Starwood's longtime partners in Germany. Berlin-based Design Hotels, a publicly traded company and provider of distribution, sales, marketing and consulting services for hotels boasts a portfolio of over 200 member hotels in 40 countries. Design Hotels' hand-picked collection of hotels are independently owned, but united by a passion for thought-provoking design, aesthetic and service-driven experiences.

The opportunity to acquire a stake in Design Hotels came through Starwood's relationship with Arabella Hospitality SE, which recently re-focused its hotel strategy mainly on ownership and asset management and as a result chose to divest its shares in Design Hotels. Starwood continues to manage or franchise 20 of Arabella Hospitality SE's hotels in Europe.


"This is an investment presented to us by a longtime partner," said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. "With our own passion for design and innovation, we have long admired Design Hotels, its founder, CEO Claus Sendlinger, and his executive team, who have worked closely with some of the world's most exciting independent hotel owners to curate a unique collection of hotels around the globe. As a shareholder, we are delighted to have a seat at the table of this dynamic company."


"Having Starwood with its leading global footprint and lifestyle brands as an investor is a further validation that Design Hotels is a strong brand of global relevance as we continue to grow and focus on our niche in the New Luxury hotel segment," said Claus Sendlinger. "Furthermore, Starwood has a keen appreciation for what makes Design Hotels distinct and special, the creative spirit of our visionary hoteliers."

According to van Paasschen and Sendlinger, Starwood will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of Design Hotels, nor will Design Hotels participate in any of Starwood's centralized delivery systems including reservations and Starwood Preferred Guest.

www.papayaplayaproject.com