A Lotus in the Sand

In the heart of China’s Xiangshawan Desert lies a hotel built unlike any other. With a specially fabricated structural system for the sandy and waterless foundation below, this hotel serves as an impeccable example of intelligent design in a location typically not synonymous with comfort and travel. Additionally, the hotel’s repeated elements come together to reveal the structure’s stunning lotus shape when viewed from above.

PLaT Architects, the firm responsible for creating this flower-shaped retreat, truly embraced the desert environment and created a hotel that complements its surroundings. Aside from its incredible design, The Desert Lotus Hotel is a leading example of sustainability within the hospitality industry. The structure itself was built with pre-fabricated materials, drastically reducing the need for precious resources such as water and concrete. Within the hotel itself, desert sand was used to create wall coverings. This hotel is just one part of PLaT architects larger plan to create a net-zero city that generates all of its own water and electricity.

Although this plan may at first seem overly ambitious, it’s actually part of an industry trend that has grown exponentially over the past decade, especially amongst boutique hotels. According to Willy Legrand, author of Sustainability In The Hospitality Industry, energy costs are now hotels’ second largest expense after staff costs. Because of this, many have turned to alternative energy options. Boutique hotels, such as Lotus Hotel, can more easily adopt these practices because they are operated by their owners and are not deterred by the politics of larger chains. Although aiming for net-zero status does come at a price to both hotel owners and guests, the entire experience comes with piece of mind and serves as a fantastic point of differentiation within the market.

Aside from being environmentally conscious, The Desert Lotus Hotel proves to its guests that beauty, excitement, and fun can exist even in extreme locations. Some of the activities/amenities available to guests include: Yoga, acrobatic and traditional Mongolian dance performances, open-top bus tours of the grounds, sand surfing, and even a large pool. These exciting options elevate the entire guest experience as a whole and encourage repeat stays.

Although this resort is open, no dedicated website exists. An effective branding strategy can help launch The Desert Lotus on a worldwide scale and help it become China’s newest destination. Knightsbridge Branding can work with this hotel to capture, compel, and close its target audiences, bringing it to the forefront of the hospitality industry.