• Charles-Henri Thurre, Mayor of Saillon, in Valais, Switzerland, sleeps in an 'anti-idyllic' suite at the 'Null Stern Hotel' or 'Zero Star Hotel' installation by Swiss conceptual artists Frank and Patrik Riklin. All photos: EPA unless otherwise specified
    Charles-Henri Thurre, Mayor of Saillon, in Valais, Switzerland, sleeps in an 'anti-idyllic' suite at the 'Null Stern Hotel' or 'Zero Star Hotel' installation by Swiss conceptual artists Frank and Patrik Riklin. All photos: EPA unless otherwise specified
  • The artists were inspired by the current situation of the world and wanted to spark reflection on the urgency and necessity of a radical change in society.
    The artists were inspired by the current situation of the world and wanted to spark reflection on the urgency and necessity of a radical change in society.
  • Frank and Patrik in their 'anti-idyllic' suite.
    Frank and Patrik in their 'anti-idyllic' suite.
  • The hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.
    The hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.
  • Guests are invited in their 'half sleep' to consider topics such as climate change and war.
    Guests are invited in their 'half sleep' to consider topics such as climate change and war.
  • Frank and Patrik Riklin say their intention is to encourage action.
    Frank and Patrik Riklin say their intention is to encourage action.
  • The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, features three more 'Null Stern' suites in more idyllic settings.
    The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, features three more 'Null Stern' suites in more idyllic settings.
  • An 'idyllic' suite located on a hill as part of the 'Zero Star Hotel' project.
    An 'idyllic' suite located on a hill as part of the 'Zero Star Hotel' project.
  • Frank and Patrik at one of their 'idyllic' suites.
    Frank and Patrik at one of their 'idyllic' suites.
  • Another 'idyllic' suite, this one located in a vineyard.
    Another 'idyllic' suite, this one located in a vineyard.
  • The brothers have created similar beds in idyllic spots.
    The brothers have created similar beds in idyllic spots.
  • Frank and Patrik with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier at the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
    Frank and Patrik with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier at the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
  • The artists outside their 'anti-idyllic' 'zero star hotel'. EPA
    The artists outside their 'anti-idyllic' 'zero star hotel'. EPA
  • All suites in the 'Zero Star Hotel', including the 'anti-idyllic', come with butler service.
    All suites in the 'Zero Star Hotel', including the 'anti-idyllic', come with butler service.
  • A butler irons the bed of the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
    A butler irons the bed of the 'anti-idyllic' suite.
  • Frank and Patrik with Charbonnier in the vineyard suite. Reuters
    Frank and Patrik with Charbonnier in the vineyard suite. Reuters
  • The 'Zero Star Hotel' offers guests a choice between four open-air rooms in reaction to the current state of the world. Reuters
    The 'Zero Star Hotel' offers guests a choice between four open-air rooms in reaction to the current state of the world. Reuters
  • The suites are available for stays form July 1 to September 18. The price for an imperfect night's sleep is 325 Swiss francs ($338). Reuters
    The suites are available for stays form July 1 to September 18. The price for an imperfect night's sleep is 325 Swiss francs ($338). Reuters

Culture

Art

'Zero Star Hotel' in Switzerland invites guests to think, not sleep

The art installation by concept artists will welcome guests from July 1 for $338 a night

Reuters

June 23, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

"I couldn't sleep," and "my room was too noisy," may be complaints hoteliers dread from guests, but for the Riklin brothers that is the entire point of their latest Zero Star Hotel art installation.

The Swiss conceptual artists' hotel room is essentially a double bed on a platform, with two bedside tables and lamps. There are no walls, ceiling or doors to provide any privacy or shelter.

They have set up their Null Stern suite — German for zero star — on a roadside next to a petrol station in the village of Saillon, in the southern Swiss canton of Valais.

Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures of the 'Zero Star Hotel'

The intention is to make guests think about the problems in the world, the twin brothers said, and inspire them to act differently.

They've created similar beds in idyllic spots, but this is their first "anti-idyllic" site.

"Sleep is not the point," said Frank Riklin. "What's important is reflecting about the current world situation. Staying here is a statement about the need for urgent changes in society."

Guests are invited in their "half sleep" to consider topics such as climate change, war, and humanity's endless quest for perfection and the damage it causes the planet.

"In a nutshell, now is not the time to sleep, we have to react," said Patrik. "If we continue in the same direction we are today, there might be more anti-idyllic places than idyllic."

The project, which has been developed with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier, also features three further null stern suites in a more idyllic vineyard and on a picturesque hillside.

The suites, which come with butler service offering drinks and breakfast, will be available form July 1 to September 18. The price for an imperfect night's sleep: 325 Swiss francs ($338).

Eight of the world's best underwater restaurants — in pictures

  • Under, a stark rectangle tilted on its axis, will become part of its marine environment over time. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
    Under, a stark rectangle tilted on its axis, will become part of its marine environment over time. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
  • Under is located in Norway’s Lindesnes. Photo: Andre Martinsen
    Under is located in Norway’s Lindesnes. Photo: Andre Martinsen
  • Under's lounge area. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
    Under's lounge area. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
  • Under offers a rare opportunity to witness the workings of the North Atlantic Ocean sea bed. Photo: Ivar Kvaal
    Under offers a rare opportunity to witness the workings of the North Atlantic Ocean sea bed. Photo: Ivar Kvaal
  • Under offers one set menu each day, carefully crafted using seasonal produce. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
    Under offers one set menu each day, carefully crafted using seasonal produce. Photo: Inger Marie Grini Bo Bedre Norge
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was the first resort in the world to offer an all-glass underwater restaurant. Photo: Conrad Hotels
    Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was the first resort in the world to offer an all-glass underwater restaurant. Photo: Conrad Hotels
  • Ithaa is located five metres below sea level and offers coral garden views. Photo: Conrad Hotels
    Ithaa is located five metres below sea level and offers coral garden views. Photo: Conrad Hotels
  • Only Blu sits between the two island resorts of Oblu Select Lobigili and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi. Photo: Only Blu
    Only Blu sits between the two island resorts of Oblu Select Lobigili and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi. Photo: Only Blu
  • The Maldivian yellowfin tuna poke at Only Blu. Photo: Only Blu
    The Maldivian yellowfin tuna poke at Only Blu. Photo: Only Blu
  • Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai's Burj Al Arab. Photo: Burj Al Arab
    Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai's Burj Al Arab. Photo: Burj Al Arab
  • Al Mahara is home to a wall-to-ceiling aquarium. Razan Alzayani / The National
    Al Mahara is home to a wall-to-ceiling aquarium. Razan Alzayani / The National
  • Chef Andrea Migliaccio is responsible for the menu at Burj Al Arab’s Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara. Photo: Burj Al Arab
    Chef Andrea Migliaccio is responsible for the menu at Burj Al Arab’s Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara. Photo: Burj Al Arab
  • The ambassador lagoon view at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
    The ambassador lagoon view at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
  • A welk shell served on a bed of sand and filled with umami dashi at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
    A welk shell served on a bed of sand and filled with umami dashi at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
  • Ossiano's bar area. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
    Ossiano's bar area. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
  • Views of the aquarium from a table at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
    Views of the aquarium from a table at Ossiano. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
  • Koral at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
    Koral at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
  • Koral was named the world’s most picture-perfect restaurant in the 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
    Koral was named the world’s most picture-perfect restaurant in the 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
  • Indonesian coastal flavours are served up by chef Andrea Astone at Koral. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
    Indonesian coastal flavours are served up by chef Andrea Astone at Koral. Photo: Kempinski Hotels
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

Tomorrow 2021
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile

Started: 2016

Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel 

Based: Ramallah, Palestine

Sector: Technology, Security

# of staff: 13

Investment: $745,000

Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors

Uefa Nations League

League A:
Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, France, England, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Iceland, Croatia, Netherlands

League B:
Austria, Wales, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Turkey

League C:
Hungary, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Norway, Montenegro, Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania

League D:
Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Latvia, Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Liechtenstein, Malta, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Gibraltar

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: June 23, 2022, 3:12 PM
ArtSwitzerland