Sophie Buntebarth: The Landmark Nicosia is set to exude sophistication while honouring its past

Sophie Buntebarth, Director Interior Design, Global Design, EMEA, Marriott International - and the woman behind the redesign of Nicosia's most iconic hotel - reveals exciting details to CBN about The Landmark Nicosia Hotel, set to open later this year after MHV Group (Mediterranean Hospitality Venture) reached an agreement with Marriott International to make it the first hotel in Cyprus to join the premium Autograph Collection of hotels.

Among other, she discusses how she came up with the “Design Narrative” for the reimagined hotel, how she managed to balance the former Hilton Cyprus’ incredible legacy with bringing the property into the modern era, and gives some insight into the colour pallets and materials that have been used to remodel the hotel.

As the Director Interior Design from Marriott, what are some of the particular elements that you believe make The Landmark Hotel an Autograph Collection hotel?

The Landmark Nicosia embodies the essence of Autograph Collection Hotels by seamlessly blending individuality, history, and modern luxury. This transformation preserves the legacy of a historic meeting place while infusing it with contemporary elegance. The hotel’s design fosters a unique experience through carefully curated spaces that cater to both business and leisure travellers. Its common areas are strategically designed to enhance social interaction and exclusivity, while the infusion of local culture ensures an authentic connection to its surroundings. By balancing heritage with innovation, The Landmark Nicosia stands out as a true Autograph Collection property, offering guests an experience that is both distinctive and memorable.

Can you tell us more about the concept of the ‘signature moment’ for Autograph Collection hotels? What is its significance, and how does it align with the hotel?

Each Autograph Collection hotel features a signature element that encapsulates its unique identity. At The Landmark Nicosia, this is represented by the “Magic Box”, a symbolic pavilion that displays artefacts from distinguished figures, symbolising the hotel’s history and significance. The Magic Box serves as a gateway to the stories and legends that have shaped the hotel over the years. It also enhances the guest experience by acting as a conversation starter during check-in, complemented by the Merecha ritual, where guests are welcomed with rose water and sugared fruits. This thoughtful integration of tradition and storytelling reinforces the hotel’s status as a cultural and social landmark.

What do you anticipate the look and feel of The Landmark Hotel will be once the project is complete? Is there a particular colour palette and/or style that was focused on?

The Landmark Nicosia is set to exude sophistication while honouring its past. The interior design merges contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance, creating an inviting yet refined atmosphere. The use of terrazzo flooring with marble pinstripe inserts provides structure and fluidity, while varied ceiling treatments and elegant partitions—such as carabotini panels, glass doors, and sliding panels—enhance the spatial experience. The colour palette is enriched with striking patterns in upholstery and wall coverings, ensuring that each space feels dynamic yet cohesive. This careful curation of materials and textures will give the hotel a warm yet exclusive character, appealing to both returning and new guests.

Are there any elements incorporated from the hotel’s past, or will the decor be a reflection of its new beginning?

Yes, the redesign carefully integrates elements from the hotel’s rich history while introducing fresh, contemporary touches. The Landmark Nicosia has long been a hub for diplomats, political leaders, and cultural influencers, and the new design pays homage to this legacy. The fusion of historical references with modern materials ensures that guests experience a sense of continuity, where tradition meets contemporary luxury. By embracing local craftsmanship and Cypriot materials, the hotel maintains a strong connection to its past while offering a reimagined space that reflects its new era.

Further to the above, what kind of emotions do you believe the venue will evoke in visitors, including those who were previous customers familiar with the hotel in its previous form?

The renovation aims to evoke a profound sense of nostalgia and admiration in long-time guests while captivating newcomers with its renewed grandeur. Those familiar with the hotel’s previous iteration will find elements that pay tribute to its storied past, ensuring a sense of familiarity and belonging. At the same time, the modernised interiors and elevated guest experience will inspire excitement and curiosity. The blend of tradition and innovation creates a setting that is both comforting and stimulating, making it a place where old memories are cherished and new ones are formed.

On a more personal note, you have worked on many projects for Marriott International around Europe. What are some of your sources of inspiration when approaching the interior design of a new hotel? Does the country’s culture and heritage influence your creative direction?

When approaching the interior design of a new hotel, the Design Narrative is the first step in shaping the overall vision of the space. Rooted in the hotel brand concept, the storytelling serves as a foundation for crafting an environment that is both meaningful and immersive. By outlining each hotel’s unique design concept with key language and imagery, the Design Narrative ensures that every element of the space tells a story and contributes to a cohesive guest experience.

To develop a truly custom design uniquely tailored for the hotel, we carefully consider Historical, Physical, and Social insights. The Historical aspect may draw inspiration from the building itself, the land, or the stories that have shaped the destination over time. The Physical lens incorporates elements such as topography and plant life, seamlessly integrating the natural surroundings into the design. Finally, the Social perspective reflects the cultural influence of the destination, examining how people live, gather, and communicate, both in the past and present.

By embedding these elements into the design process, we ensure that the hotel does more than simply exist within its location—it becomes an extension of it. Every detail, from materials to layout, is carefully curated to reinforce the Design Narrative, creating a space that is elevated, unique, and custom while avoiding conventional themes or generic references. This approach guarantees a memorable guest experience, where the brand’s identity is seamlessly woven into every aspect of the physical space.

• MHV Group (Mediterranean Hospitality Venture) has reached an agreement with Marriott International, Inc. for The Landmark Nicosia Hotel to join the Autograph Collection Hotels, making it the first in Cyprus to become part of this prestigious portfolio. This marks MHV’s second collaboration with Marriott International, following Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol, already part of the Luxury Collection. MHV is behind some of the region’s most iconic luxury destinations, including Parklane, the renowned Nikki Beach Resort & Spa in Porto Heli, Greece, and the recently acquired Porto Paros, now undergoing a full transformation. The group forms part of the portfolio of Prodea Investments, one of the largest real estate investment companies in Greece and Cyprus.