AMAN ROSA ALPINA UNVEILS JEAN-MICHEL GATHY’S VISIONARY ALPINE MASTERPIECE Redefining luxury in the heart of the Dolomites, set to debut in July 2024

Set amidst the enchanting village of San Cassiano, surrounded by the majesticUNESCO-protected Dolomites, the celebrated Rosa Alpina is undergoing amagnificent transformation into an exquisite Aman sanctuary under the visionaryguidance of legendary designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston. This remarkable metamorphosis captures the essence of Aman’s philosophy, creating extraordinary spaces that harmonise with their surroundings while offering unparalleled serenity and refinement. With Aman Rosa Alpina’s grand unveiling scheduled for July 24, this pioneering ultra-luxury hospitality brand has officially opened reservations, inviting discerning travellers to experience both the splendour of summer and the forthcoming winter season in this alpine paradise.

The comprehensive redesign has been masterfully orchestrated by Jean-Michel Gathy, whose illustrious reputation in luxury hospitality design spans decades of creating iconic spaces worldwide. As principal designer at Denniston and a longtime Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy has applied his exceptional talent to elevate Rosa Alpina’s historic significance while ensuring its continued legacy. His distinctive approach artfully preserves the heritage of the Pizzinini family’s vision while infusing the property with Aman’s signature elements of discretion, tranquillity, and exceptional service, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present.

“Our design philosophy defines the luxurious blend of alpine charm and Eastern serenity,” states Jean-Michel Gathy. “In designing Aman Rosa Alpina, we respected the building’s historical heritage while infusing contemporary elements, creating a spatial experience that is both traditionally rooted and contemporarily appealing.”

Preserving the Alpine Spirit: A Dialogue of Materials and Space

Through considered use of timber, black metal accents, and natural stone, Jean-Michel Gathy’s design has preserved the hotel’s alpine spirit. These material choices not only reflect the local architectural traditions but create a warm and authentic atmosphere. A reimagined double-height arrival space anchored by a bespoke bar (inspired by Rosa Alpina’s original piano bar) creates a new, lofty sanctuary flanked by the surrounding peaks.

“At Denniston, we believe design should tell the story of a place,” Jean-Michel Gathy explains. “Through careful selection of materials and thoughtful arrangement of spaces, we’ve created a dialogue in Aman Rosa Alpina that allows guests to feel the alpine spirit while enjoying Aman’s signature tranquility and elegance.”

Fusion of Eastern and Western Aesthetics: Spatial Layering and Geometric Philosophy

Jean-Michel Gathy is renowned for his ability to blend Eastern and Western aesthetics, a quality fully expressed in the design of Aman Rosa Alpina. The careful layering of spaces and the design philosophy of geometry ensure that each design is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing, bringing comfort to mind, body, and spirit.

The transformation includes a complete remodeling of all guestrooms and suites, the introduction of two new 150-square-meter Aman Suites, and reconfiguration of the 280-square-meter Chalet Zeno, now offering two larger suites as a private retreat for up to four guests. Each space is meticulously designed, blending functionality with aesthetics to create environments that are both open and intimate.

 Minimalism and Understated Luxury: Embodying the Aman Brand DNA

The Aman brand is renowned for its elegant and refined design language, a quality perfectly embodied in Aman Rosa Alpina. Jean-Michel Gathy’s design avoids excessive decoration, focusing instead on highlighting the natural beauty of the materials, resulting in a spatial experience that is both captivating and harmonious.

Simple lines, pure tones, and carefully selected materials together create a serene and luxurious atmosphere, which is at the core of the Aman brand DNA. The harmonious unity of colours and textures creates a true haven where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Thoughtful Design for Alpine Experiences: Connection with the Natural Environment

Aman Rosa Alpina introduces a range of expanded amenities that enhance the guest experience. Dedicated games rooms for children, teens and adults alongside three private cinemas provide entertainment options for all ages. The Ski Lounge features heated boot racks and offers curated equipment rental, ensuring a seamless transition between indoors and out as described in the original design concept.

Large windows throughout the property provide dynamic views, allowing guests to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Dolomites while enjoying the comfort of the interior spaces. This thoughtful design element connects guests with the natural beauty of the surrounding alpine landscape.

The design of Aman Rosa Alpina represents Jean-Michel Gathy and Denniston’s perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. By respecting the Pizzinini family’s traditions while infusing the Aman brand DNA, Jean-Michel Gathy has created a space that is both historically rooted and contemporarily appealing, offering guests a truly unique experience.

About Jean-Michel Gathy

Jean-Michel GATHY: Born in Belgium in 1955, Jean-Michael was still a child when he discovered his passion for geography and architecture in the wake of numerous family trips. At the age of nine, he was entrusted with the responsibility of organising family holidays and planning a journey across Europe. On this occasion, he identified and visited structures, villages and sceneries emblematic of each country. Graduating in 1978, Jean-Michel left Belgium for Asia in 1981 where he has resided for 42 years. In 1983, he founded DENNISTON (www.denniston.com.my) an architecture office with a specific niche market, specialising in the creation of innovative designs for top-of-the-line hotels, residences and other products in the hospitality sector. Thanks to its forward-thinking architecture, design and technology applications in a constant state of evolution, DENNISTON has been able to retain its position as market leader through the success of the establishments they design.

DENNISTON and Gathy have succeeded in setting themselves up as the reference point in the hotel sector. Their projects are widely published around the world bearing witness of the reliability and quality of their work.

Jean-Michel is regularly invited to be a speaker at professional conferences and is a jury member of International Design Awards.

In 2006, Jean-Michel Gathy was inducted into the “Platinum Circle of Hospitality Design” and honored as an industry figure whose career and achievements have contributed to the world of hotel design.

In May 2019, His Majesty Philippe, King of Belgium conferred the title of “Officer of the Order of the Crown” to Jean-Michel Gathy for his professional achievements and services rendered to Belgium.

In September 2022, he received the Outstanding Contribution Award of the hotel industry.

Visit www.denniston.com.my  for more information on Denniston Architects