Barefoot Luxury | Walkers Beach Interior Design Philosophy
MUNGO meets Ingrid and Howard Walker of Walkers Beach Boutique Hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Bringing to form a happy marriage in both work and leisure, minimalism and maximalism and texture and tone, their beachside hotel captures barefoot luxury for discerning guests hoping to get the most out of their Garden Route escape.
“I want people to kick off their shoes and feel like they’re on holiday.”
It’s easy to enter vacation mode when you step through the doors of Walkers Beach Hotel, centrally located in Plettenberg Bay’s coastal hub. There’s a feeling of tranquillity, of harmony. A sense of airiness and space. Softness and subtle sunlight. It offers room to catch your breath. A feeling of reprieve from the ‘real world’. Or perhaps merely an extension of the best Plettenberg Bay has to offer – Blue Flag Beaches, mountains, and open space. Unending and unbroken sea and skylines.
“Our late friend, architect, Martin Rattray, had this idea that when you walk into a building, you must get surprises. You enter and go ‘wow’. Walk down the passage, and there’s another ‘wow’. And you just get rolling ‘wows’”.
BAREFOOT LUXURY CLEVERLY COMBINES HOMELINESS AND HOSPITALITY
At Walkers Beach Hotel the concept of ‘barefoot luxury’ flows throughout without interruption. Slip off your shoes and you can get from your room and onto the sand – with a private walkway that takes you right down to Central Beach.
Built on a stone ridge, nestling Plettenberg Bay’s picturesque coastline, there’s a seamless continuation of the outside in – through the use of natural textures and palettes, cool stone, and an abundance of plants, both indoors and out.
The concept of ‘barefoot luxury’ also finds form in a tactile sense – the neutrally toned, smooth surfacing and flooring that runs throughout. The result is a sensuous flow of space and energy that quickly cultivates a feeling of ease.
SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR STYLING WITH AN UPSCALE HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME FEELING.
Clean lines, sophisticated styling and lofty spaces contribute to the overall harmony. And although Walkers Beach speaks to a timeless, global style that’s characterised the modern design movement, there are touches that bring it back home. Basketry, grass mats, and rattan furnishings – accents that add a distinct coastal African feel and a sense of homeyness.
“It has a minimalist style, but we also wanted people to feel at home. So that they can sit by the fire on the carpet and read a book. That said, we had to have the best of everything. And that’s where Mungo naturally fits right in. The textiles hang so nicely. The Mungo towels express themselves as part of the decor.”
So what is it that encapsulates the magic of Walkers Beach? What does it offer to the discerning guest?
A sense of peace.
A sanctuary for those seeking respite.
Incredible views and easy access to it all.
The unmistakable air of being on holiday.
Flip through the visitor’s book and you’ll find it best encapsulated:
“An enchanting retreat. A piece of paradise. The perfect place to reset and recharge.”
Book your stay directly through www.walkersbeach.com. If a safari is on your list, you can also visit Walkers Plains Camp situated in the heart of the Timbavati, bordering the Kruger National Park.
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