Designers Nathan Aylott and James Van Tromp are well known for boosting hotel brands with grand visual gestures and bold branding, particularly in London, Berlin and Lisbon, where their studio Aylott + Van Tromp is based. Now they’re spreading the gospel of Georgia’s Kakheti region, a historic wine region where ancient villages nestle in the mountains. Their brand identity for Bodbe Hotel, a sanctuary in Sighnaghi perched over the Alazani Valley, is reframing the area as a stylish base for exploring the country’s east.
The partners designed an immersive design language in nearly 100 bespoke elements, from retro menus and postcards to tactile signage and minimalist toiletries, that place the hotel among top European destinations. They’re injected into the Soviet-era tourist base with Wes Anderson character, helping transform the 132 guest rooms into luxurious retreats.
Credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Credit: Aylott + Van Tromp
Hand-crafted place-settings in the dining room reference Georgian craft. The earthy reds, ochres, soft greys and deep greens of the design recall the shifting landscapes of Kakheti. Wayfinding is crafted from aged brass, clay and local stone, lending them a strong sense of place. AVT even designed the embossed key cards and the personalised wine selections in the rooms, where the rich palette directs attention to the panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains.
‘We didn’t just design a visual identity,’ says James Van Tromp, ‘we designed how guests would feel at every stage of their stay — from the moment they receive a hand-textured key card to the weight of a menu in their hands.’
Various lounges, cafés and a rooftop terrace are a highlight, rendered in gem tones with wood accents and vast windows taking in the views. The spa, with its indoor and outdoor pools, allows guests to breathe in the surroundings year-round.
