The exciting evolution continues in luxury real estate, with the evolving preferences of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) shaping the landscape of branded residences more prominently in 2024.
Discerning buyers are fuelling the demand for a home that is more than just an offering of traditional comforts. Intersecting “global influences and homegrown factors” has shifted the interpretation of luxury and are introducing new demands: convenience of location; residential services; wellbeing-focused developments, as well as adaptable living arrangements.
ALSO READ: 8 Conlay and The Rise of Branded Residences in Kuala Lumpur
Speaking to Tatler Asia, Tammy Fahmi, vice president of global operations at Sotheby’s International Realty, said that particularly in Southeast Asia, differentiation is now the key to win over investors, from architectural distinction to natural environments, bespoke amenities, green elements, and remote connectivity, to name a few.
With this, we delve into eight branded residences opening worldwide in 2024 that embody these trends and are setting new benchmarks in luxury living. They collectively represent a global tapestry of opulence, innovation, and personalised living experiences in their own ways.
Illustration of infinity pool and gym at Sea Tower, Grand Marina Saigon (Photo: Masterise Homes)
Grand Marina Saigon – Sea Tower
Location: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
The centrepiece of the world’s largest Marriott branded residence development will open this year, following the successful unveiling of the Lake Tower last year. Standing at 47 floors, the distinctive L-shaped Sea Tower located at the heart of the prestigious District 1, formerly the historic Ba Son wharf, offers a view of the Saigon River. Amenities include a 64-metres long infinity pool, private cinema, and much more, and the Sea Tower is the only Grand Marina Saigon tower that is made up of both The Legacy (JW Marriott) and The Prime (Marriott) collections.
A vibrant and fresh aesthetic is part of Mama Shelter’s DNA, and this translates across to its first-ever branded residence in Dubai (Photo: Mama Shelter)
Mama Residence by Mama Shelter
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Breaking ground as the world’s first Mama Residence, this Dubai oasis brings its burst of colour and urban European flair to the Middle East. Birthed in Paris as a distinctive commune for digital nomads, Mama Shelter has established itself as the quintessential contemporary hotel with a unique local vibe, with all its Parisian hotels designed by design maverick Philippe Starck. With outposts in London, Los Angeles and more, its very first residences in Dubai is designed by local architect Marco Mangili with interiors by El Doghaili Benjamin featuring 204 apartments with “a la carte” services. Four swimming pools with multiple bars and a DJ Tower, an outdoor amphitheater, and attractive culinary offerings make up some of its multitude of amenities, complemented by a chic, playful aesthetic.
Digital rendering of Six Senses The Palm, which has a central garden that connects to the beach (Photo: sixsenses.com)
Six Senses The Palm
Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Another much anticipated branded residence debut in Dubai is 162-residence Six Senses The Palm, situated along the Western Crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah island. Featuring two-to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses, sky villas, and beachfront villas, the LEED-certified residence is equipped with an array of private pools and owners’ access to the adjoining hotel facilities. Middle Eastern culture and the theme of coral reefs are infused into the 60,000sq ft. beachfront development that is also home to a social and wellness club with a longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room and the renowned Six Senses Spa. Another highlight is the resort’s central garden that connects residents to the beach.
Luxury sustainable residence Seafarers Residence takes the last prime spot on Melbourne’s waterfront (Photo: Seafarers Melbourne Facebook)
1 Hotel & Homes – Seafarers Residence
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Sustainable luxury hotel group 1 Hotels welcomes its first international hotel-branded residences in Australia with Seafarers Residence. Comprising 114 residences with a striking urban exterior, this landmark development by Starwood Capital Group marks the final piece on Melbourne’s original waterfront along the Yarra River. Boasting large floor plans, a dedicated 200-strong service team, and a commitment to sustainable living, Seafarers Residence is designed to maximise its panoramic external views and natural light.
Artist’s impression of one of Rosewood Kamala’s cliffside villas (Photo: kamalaresidences.com)
Rosewood Residences Kamala
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Set against the backdrop of Kamala Bay’s ‘Millionaire Row’, Rosewood Residences Kamala introduces 14 ultra-exclusive contemporary villas with a range of 4 to 8 bedrooms. Overlooking the Andaman Sea, the gated community designed by world renowned firm Kerry Hill Architects comes with in-house butler, chef and housekeepers, with service around the clock. Spacious landscapes and private pools evoke a sense of island paradise, along with a restaurant and bar, communal residents’ area and tennis court.
NoMad Wynwood draws inspiration from art deco sensibilities, as seen in its architecture (Photo: NoMad Wynwood)
NoMad Residences Wynwood
Location: Miami, USA
NoMad Hotel ventures into the realm of residences for the first time with NoMad Wynwood. Born in New York in 2012, the culinary offerings and celebration of culture that has built the hotel brand features prominently in the 329-unit residences, each under 1,000sq ft in size. The distinctive building design is an ode to Miami’s art-deco architecture, with floor-to-ceiling French doors and private balconies. The fully-furnished residences come with carefully curated amenities that reflect an “artfully lived” lifestyle the brand is known for. These include an expansive open-kitchen eatery on the ground floor serving Italian and Mediterranean fare; a library and lounge on the 9th floor with co-working spaces; an outdoor theater with a lawn and grilling area, as well as a top floor restaurant and bar helmed by an award-winning chef.
A suite of rooms in the restored historic building of Whiteley (Photo: Forster + Partners)
The Whiteley
Location: London, United Kingdom
The redevelopment of the 100-year old historic façade in Bayswater has been much anticipated, set to open its doors as The Whitely by Six Senses. The former Art Deco department store will have 139 homes – including 14 Six Senses serviced apartments – and an adjoining hotel. Being Six Senses’s first foray into the UK, an expansive wellness club and spa sit within the 1.1 million sq ft. grounds, its design inspired by an old-fashion London underground station. Amenities include a 3,500sq ft. fitness space, a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, an Alchemy bar, cor-working spaces, a bar and lounge, restaurant and wellness rooms. Residents will specifically enjoy a bespoke interior design, concierge service, housekeeping service, dining and wellness offerings.
View of the expansive water lounge at YOO8 serviced by Kempinski
8 Conlay
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Situated right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre on one of its last prime lands, 8 Conlay is poised to set a new benchmark for the country in terms of branded residences. The integrated development boasts of several firsts, including its unique “twisted” twin towers residence design inspired by the Chinese character of “8”. The twin towers, YOO8 serviced by Kempinski, also introduces the YOO brand to the country, with its fully-furnished interiors designed by award-winning global design stars Steve Leung and Kelly Hoppen. Another first is the introduction of Kempinski Hotels, which will take up the third tower of 8 Conlay, and also provide five-star hotel services to YOO8’s residents. The landmark project, which will also house a curated retail podium with a strong focus on bringing together Kuala Lumpur’s gastronomic offerings, is set to handover keys to its first Tower A of residences this year.
As we embark on a journey of new heights in luxury living this 2024, each of these branded residences contribute to the exciting evolution of modern lifestyles, offering a blend of sophistication, innovation and personalised experiences that cater to discerning needs.
8 Conlay in Kuala Lumpur is selling Tower A and Tower B of its branded residences, YOO8 serviced by Kempinski. To get in touch or visit our 8 Conlay Gallery, contact us here.