Written by Staff Writer
Staying in one of the world’s tallest hotels might seem overwhelming, but it’s all part of keeping up with the Kardashians, according to the people behind the new global luxury lifestyle brand, Kuranda.
Co-founders Nick Carlson and Melissa Casas recently spoke about the extensive roll-out of Kuranda’s growing portfolio at the luxury hotel and resort.
The pair see Kuranda as a result of a “a pure passion to build brands around luxury.”
James Fraser Gucci
“What we think the future of luxury will look like is going to be human interconnected brands that love each other and bring together a lifestyle,” says Carlson.
“We’re thinking about how to unite groups of people and give them comfort and wealth that’s a world away from material things.”
When designing the hotel, Kuranda has taken inspiration from the globe-trotting reality show of the same name and turned its attention to feature many of the same designers.
Chanel on Stateler
One of the most exciting design offerings at Kuranda is their bespoke “luxury bucket room” on the concourse level.
The suite features a stunning sunset-painted mural made from locally sourced fruit juice concentrates and influences Kudzu, the German knotweed that famously fed on Japan’s Shinto shrines.
James Fraser Gucci
“There’s only seven of these bucket rooms built in the world,” says Carlson. “We wanted to do something special with them, to really give people luxury, that is part of the larger brand — unlike the stack of Trump hotels you can’t buy each one.”
The peekaboo inspired bathroom is off the main entrance on the first floor, and sets the tone for the hotel’s signature aesthetic.
James Fraser Gucci
James Fraser Gucci
“We’re not making a boutique,” says Carlson. “We are creating a guest experience that’s for the world.”