In an exclusive interview with Kurt Macher, General Manager at Shangri-La The Shard, London we find out about the launch of the Jo Loves by Jo Malone CBE amenities line and exclusive fragrance experiences in partnership with VANITY GROUP, finding out why this range was a perfect choice to elevate their guest’s stay.
Your venue is renowned as being ‘London’s Best Luxury Hotel’, how does the Jo Loves collection work to enhance this?
We are thrilled to announce this new and exclusive amenity collection, above all, we are beyond happy that with the introduction of this new collection, we estimate that we will be able to save three tonnes of single use plastic. Guests remember 35% of why they smell and only 5% of what they see, so it’s important for us to be able to lift the lid on such an iconic fragrance. Jo Loves’ signature scent, designed by Jo Malone CBE, is the perfect scent for guests to remember their stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London by. Jo has been described as ‘English scent maverick’ and the woman responsible for creating some of the world’s most loved fragrances, and we are delighted to work with such a legendary name.
When selecting amenities for your venue’s rooms, what qualities are you searching for, and how does the Jo Loves collection work in line with this?
At Shangri-La The Shard, London, we pride ourselves on welcoming our guests with the utmost luxury. We have placed a great importance on improving our sustainability and our partners at VANITY GROUP understood this. There is no denying Jo Loves brand is unequivocally luxurious – we knew this as soon as we experienced the fragrances first hand. We’ve paired this with a 400ml refillable bottle program, accompanied with smaller bottles of hand and body lotion and triple milled soaps for guests to take home as a memento of their stay. All our recyclable bottles are made from OceanBound Material – something that’s exclusive to VANITY GROUP. This collects plastic waste from high-risk areas within a 200km distance of coastlines or waterways that may potentially lead into oceans, helping to protect oceans and waterways from plastic pollution. The formulations are also PETA approved and Vegan Trademark Society certified, making them one of the most accredited and respected on offer in hotels globally.
In your expert opinion, why are hotel amenities an important working factor towards the overall guest experience?
Hotel amenities play a crucial role in shaping the overall guest experience and guests often remember what was lining the hotel shower and vanity, as it’s directly linked to their own personal care. Our bathrooms are a sanctuary where guests can relax in the clouds, we are known for our rooms which have bathtubs with breath-taking views, offering a chance to relax while soaking in the sights of the cityscape below. The addition of the new Jo Loves amenities really complements this experience.
Have your guests commented on the Jo Loves collection?
We’ve had great feedback on the enticing and fresh scent, they also love knowing they are washing with a brand created by Jo Malone CBE – she’s held in such high esteem globally. We have also had our more environmentally conscious guests comment on the refillable bottles in our rooms, they are even more pleased when they learn about the commitment to sustainable formulas.
We wanted a way to weave the Jo by Jo Loves scent into the overall guest experience, beyond the bathrooms, so we’ve combined fragrance with flavour, offering a Jo by Jo Loves cocktail, exclusively available at GŎNG Bar. While taking in the mesmerising views of London below, guests can also enjoy a ‘spritz with a spritz’, comparing scent with flavour, as each drink is served with a 1ml tester bottle of Jo By Jo Loves.
At Shangri-La The Shard, London, we understand the significance of packages in enhancing the overall guest experience. We’ve given guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of luxury fragrance with a Jo Loves overnight stay experience. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with an exact chocolate replica of a bottle of Jo By Jo Loves. Meanwhile, a white gift bag with signature red ribbon and Jo Loves branding will be waiting on the bed, filled with an exclusive selection of Jo Loves scented gifts, to spark memories of an unforgettable stay back home.
The overnight stay includes a chauffeur through the heart of London to the Jo Loves Pimlico store in the heart of Belgravia. The private shopping experience is the perfect chance to explore the full line of fragrance and get a real insight into the brand.
