- Accommodation is in 10 luxurious suites
- A different interior designer decorated each suite
- All suites are equipped with satellite TV and a sound system
- Each suite has a separate lounge, fireplace and steam bath
Accommodation at Ten Bompas Hotel is in 10 suites with different styles and furnishings. Ten Bompas is enriched with eye-catching focal points in the form of African objects d'Art, strategically positioned in niches or on pedestals. Warm neutral wall colours, enhanced by the vibrant natural cotton hues of the custom designed couches and cherrywood furniture, provide a peaceful and harmonious environment for meetings or relaxing.
The Suites
Proprietor Christoff van Staden had very specific ideas for Ten Bompas, and his brief to the designers, one of whom was the project architect, included many remedies to shortcomings he had encountered on his extensive travels. Each suite has a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or a balcony.
Each suite is equipped with complimentary bar, satellite television and a compact disc sound system. This formed the basis of Christoff's brief to the designers. Every suite represents each designer's journey through their interpretation of the brief - essentially the way ten interior designers would like to be 'Home from home in Africa'.
Suite 1: Edwardian suite: Designed by Gill Butler
Ten Bompas's suite one has been furnished from an historical viewpoint. The walls are a warm African desert sand colour. The furnishings are in strong masculine reds, tans and navy, with touches of leather enhancing the old world feeling. The decor provides a warm-textured counterbalance to the surfaces of tile and steel, creating the comfort zone sought by the modern traveller. Each suite is equipped with a fax machine, safe and bar, a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or balcony.
Suite 2: Blurring Cultures: Designed by John Crawley Interior Decorators and Designers
The interior design in Ten Bompas's suite two presents a subtle mix of past military campaign and the raw textured feel of Africa. Contemporary comfort with a primitive feel of color, textures, dust, heat. Mud rubbed wash, canvas curtains, metal bed heads - grass-covered floor with flag-stones, - an encompassing of a temporary camp, while sheer comfort in the furniture and furnishings for today's guest. Each suite is equipped with a fax machine, safe and bar, a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or balcony.
Suite 3: African Colours: Designed by Joan Young
In order to execute this scheme, I tried to imagine myself as a first time visitor to South Africa. What immediately sprung to mind were the very unique colors of South Africa’s landscape, so different to those of Europe, America or even Asia. I wanted the visitor to be reminded of the richness of colour even when outdoors. Each suite is equipped with a fax machine, safe and bar; a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or balcony.
Suite 4: Classical Understatement: Designed by Dee Design
A large comfortable suite was chosen for the lounge, with a cream sofa contrasted by ethnic-design cushions. The armchairs are upholstered in a cream and black woven fabric to complement the simplistic natural feel of the room. The furniture is all colonial-English. African animals such as Elephant and Monkey were introduced into certain fabrics. A parchment paint technique on the wall adds texture and enhances the rustic feel.
Dee explains: 'I wanted to engender a feeling of opulence, which is why I chose the colonial look with its simple lines and classic style that won't date. It is also a suite which over the time will develop its own character.' Each suite is equipped with a fax machine, safe and bar; a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or balcony.
Suite 5: Architecture Meets Fashion: Designed by A.C. Bridal - Andre Croucamp and Ian Gandini
Architect Ian Gandini and couturier Andre Croucamp decided to take aspects from both their individual fields and incorporate it into a functional yet opulent room. Flooring and paint finishes reflect the neutrals of wood, slate and parchment. The gold-leafed fireplace tones in with these naturals, but gives the room a certain opulence. All furnishings are local, fabrics are in silks and although the furnishings are classic in style, they tone in with all the ethno-African elements. The aim was to create a functional yet beautiful room that was both exciting yet peaceful.
Suite 6: Where Two Cultures Become One: Designed by Anushka Leroni
The decor chosen for Suite Six embodies a crossover between modern, western and ethnic African society - a combination that mirrors the new South Africa itself. Here contemporary decor co-exists harmoniously with traditional artwork - brought together in the colours of the African void. Furnishings and floors reflect the neutrals of wood, stone and grass while the sunset orange, ragged walls add vibrancy and warmth and bring the 'highveld' sun indoors. All elements in the room are sourced locally from natural materials. But in contrast to its origins, the furniture itself reflects the simple, uncluttered lines of contemporary western design.
Suite 7: Tribal Influence: Designed by Nerina Nicolella Interiors
'My own interpretation of Africa is exciting for me, as I have always been enriched with a strong African influence. I decided to incorporate all the influences from various African tribes as we have a large number of different tribes and traditions in our country. The Ndebele people were my strongest influence as, in my opinion, they are the most creative people and I felt that the strong use of a geometric theme would complement the overall hotel design. The floor design is derived directly from pattern work used on Ndebele houses. I decided to combine African carvings from all over Africa into our Western culture by enriching our furniture with their artwork.'
Suite 8: Modern Colonialism Prodec: Designed by Floris Marais and Neill Suttie
Colonialism - a period created by the amalgamation of two such diverse cultures that what came out of the period was so unique, yet so diverse, that the concept of African wealth and new opportunities were sold to even the European Country Families. The rich came for the concepts of living an exciting life in Africa. As South Africa is standing yet again at the dawn of a new era, we felt it appropriate to pay tribute to a combination of African and European cultures. The theme for the suites decor is therefore based on Colonialism, combined with the luxuries of modern day living, to create an ambience that can truly be called, South African.
Suite 9: Ethnic Turns High-Tech: Designed by Luc Zeghers & Associates
Suite Nine combines African colours and artwork with modern minimalist lines, thereby creating sharp contrasts that excite rather than clash. The uncluttered lines of the architect's custom designed furniture bring together the softness of natural cherry wood with slick high-tech stainless steel, symbolising the harmonious marriage of the two incongruent cultures of South Africa.
Specially-commissioned paintings by a local artist also illustrates this cross-over between local and western cultures as they move from the natural curves of ethnic expression to the rigid precision of Eurographics. This cross-over is further reinforced by polished marble juxtaposed against raw slate, ethnic reds and ochres offset by cobalt blue and softly-textured cottons that contrast with the sheen of quicksilver silk.
Suite 10: Sophisticated Africa: Designed by Camign Interior Decor
The only non-standard suite and, as a result, special emphasis in the planning stages had to be given to varying zones and circulation areas as the sleeping and sitting spaces were not separated by a fireplace. The headboard and drawer units therefore become a focal point to separate and provide privacy in the dressing area. Once the architectural concept was established, the selection of materials began to form the aesthetic. The sandy and neutral tones were a direct response to Africa, as well as the intention to create a sophisticated, restful atmosphere.
