Page 4 - DAVID MUIRHEAD | THE MERCURY 7 NOVEMBER 2014 | THE BEVERLY HILLS

6THE BEVERLY HILLS

THE MERCURY ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 2014

The Beverly Hills – coming home

THE Beverly Hills will, run through it.and decor consultant to the Tsogo evolved into a fresher, cleaner, less chandeliers were painted white,
celebrated her 50th Colours, textures, styles andSun group, David Muirhead of floral look. The fabrics, too, the grand piano lost its mahogany
anniversary last night, trends change, but guests are David Muirhead & Associates, shifted as much in textures and and went white, and the
and for those countless numbers of guests worldwide never disappointed when they walk into their cabana and feel at “We’ve come a long way fromthe days of blue swags and the shades, as they moved towards longevity and less busy patterns – overblown florals gave way to simpler, earthier, often monotone
who return here time and time home; walk into the lounge and original turquoise, blues and velvets and suedes, even PVC, colours like sand and leather.
again... from the decor to the that stylish chair isn’t just about greens.”reigned.The cabanas, too, were
supreme comfort levels, it’s about good looks... it feels good too. David smiles when he Perhaps one of the most transformed with classical,
that sense of coming home.Beverly Hills’ guests have always remembers himself as a regular noticeable decor changes was the contemporary furnishings and
There simply isn’t a soul had an expectation of superior guest at the hotel, years before he transformation of the Cabin into furbishings – never flashy, always
around who doesn’t know the name Beverly Hills. It’s an service and exceptional comfort, and today, as yesterday, they know became involved at a design level. “For me, the Beverly Hills was elements cafe bar. David remembers it well: “Very dark warm, quiet and stylish. Beverly Hills’ guests walk into their
integral, iconic part of the fabric they’ll find it.always about that incredible timbers, rich carpeting, heavy chosen cabana with confidence,
of the greater city of Durban, and Fifty years doing what it’s attention to detail, the staff, the panelling... it was time to open it knowing it will be as comfortable,
as the very first hotel envisioned always done, and done so well, is service, the decor. That gracious up, lighten it and give it a fresh, calming and easy on the eye as it
bythelegendaryhospitality nosmallfeatinthehospitality portecorchere,thewelcome contemporary,cocktailbeach-bar waswhentheywerelastthere.
giant, Sol Kerzner, it was arguably industry. This beautiful old home.”feel. We took our inspiration from Different perhaps with modern
the first of its generation to offer a classic five-star experience building, standing sentry at the Umhlanga lighthouse, with For David, being involved in the decor of the Beverly Hills was the inside of a shell, and the entire space was transformed into light-fittings, fresher fabrics and lighter colours, but timeless, like
which felt like home.breathtaking ocean views from a dream come true, and from the shades of white.”the expansive sea views.
Coming home means different most vantage points, owes its wrought iron detail and dolphin It was a little oasis in the The Beverly Hills may be 50,
things to different people, but one success, in part, to those water feature in the foyer to the Beverly Hills, indeed in but constant, often unobtrusive
thing it always means is a certain welcoming layers of comfort splendid mahogany piano, David Umhlanga, and became the shifts in decor and style have
comfort level which begins with the decor and design. Fifty years exhibited in the curtains, carpets, lounging and dining areas.was determined to retain “the personality” of the hotel – the trendiest place for cocktails and easy dining. Modern sat happily allowed guests to walk right back into their comfort zone with a
ago, of course, the decor at the In keeping with international reason so many guests wouldn’t side by side with classic, and the sigh of contentment at the
Beverly Hills was very different and local trends, the hotel’s decor consider staying elsewhere.two complemented each other to familiarity of the surroundings.
fromthatoftoday,yetthatthread may have changed considerably The original florals and blues perfection.That’s what the Beverly Hills is
of classic comfort has, and alwaysover the years, but, says designof the hotel decor graduallySo, from 2008 to 2010,all about.