Inspiring Meaningful Connections Through the World's First Work, Stay, Play Ecosystem
An appealing ambience, a privileged location, convenient amenities, and an ethos focused on human connection are common characteristics looked by newer traveler generations.
As the millennial generations' and digital nomadism rise in the hospitality industry with the dream of: a wanderlust travel experience combined with a desire for work flexibility, with a focus on mental health and relaxation.
But, this isn't a dream anymore, it's become the day-to-day lifestyle of a lot of travelers in recent years.
Created in 2014 by Rafael Museri and Daniel Rudasevski, the Selina brand idea came about while the pair carried out real estate projects in a small fishing town in Panama. Realizing the potential of a community-centered hospitality model, they took a leap and opened the first Selina in the nearby surf town of Playa Venao. Since then, the company has expanded all around 6 continents and 24 countries, always with a strong emphasis in and giving back to the community. But at the core of the Selina philosophy is a promise for connection with others.
In order to fulfill this mission of creating connections, we purposefully offer shared and common areas, free to use. They are all designed and set to make connections happen from a library to a cinema room, from common kitchens to co-working and wellness spaces. People come to Selina properties to enjoy and meet other people.
According to The Wandering RV – Millennial Travel Statistics in 2022 : 23% of millennials travel specifically to meet and befriend other travelers. We are proud to make this easier and contribute to helping overcome isolation. People meet in Selina, fall in love, get married, or start a business together. They connect; and so, our social impact extends far beyond what we can imagine.
A Place That Enables Connections
If the goal is to enable connections, designing the right spaces will take the front stage, providing communal spaces for people to meet and interact organically through the activities and the programming the hotel is delivering. This also means delivering the right space for the right needs aiming to provide the right balance between workspace and privacy, with the sole objective of creating a great space for productivity. Alongside other amenities to encourage great experience of the space that range from a movie room, restaurants and bar, activity and wellness centers, a pool, the ocean, a short escape into the jungle, a surf lesson before work or all of the above.
Community Driven Spaces
We often see in traditional brands, spaces intended to be a lobby but it's used to work, meet. What if the lines blur making spaces multifunctional to make sure that the use is with the sole intention of community, interaction and connection. Spaces that bring together creativity, tranquility, and productivity to form a community of digital nomads and global innovators. An inspiring environment that's part of the brand's DNA that is also flexible to be able to adapt not only to the physical shell of the hotel but to be able to merge it into the concept of that specific space culturally, which will only make the experience better and authentic.
Upcycling: Local Artists Who Breathe New Life Into Existing Buildings
In recent years, upcycling has become a trend not only in the fashion world but in the hospitality industry, this trend has moved closer to a sustainable approach. In it, buildings with historical and architectural value are rescued, instead of demolishing them to make way for more modern works, its function is basically to reuse old materials or products.
The result of this synergy is a series of unique spaces in which past and present coexist in harmony, creating new stories led by the guests, but also by artists, craftsmen and carpenters who have chosen to work in a way that is respectful of the environment and with the essence of some neighborhoods where these hotels are located.
For Selina, this approach has been paramount since its founding in 2014, but it has always sought to take it further, taking into account the environment and choosing local talent to increase the impact and development of the industries around which life and the passions of the people, as well as the comfort of those who visit our spaces. The challenge has not been minor, innovation and trends must be taken hand in hand with well-developed strategies by all collaborators, suppliers and strategic partners.
Each Selina is carefully designed by our creative team to blend the essential Selina aesthetic with elements of local culture. We involve local artists and craftsmen in the creative renovation process of each property. All furniture and materials found at each property are recycled in a temporary workshop created by artists to breathe new life into the buildings that house our operations.
The Selina Soho Palermo in Buenos Aires, is a great example of this creative process. The property is a place to find new experiences while traveling in the beautiful capital of Argentina, is located in the heart of the city in an ArtDeco building from the 30s designed by Antonio Bonet, a Spanish modern architect.
The building, formerly called "Estudio para los artístas" or "Edificio Paraguay", has two facades facing west and therefore has a mobile blind in its corner. Selina's property architecture firm decided to intervene in the terrace to make it a unique space - Library - Cafe - Terrace - Wellness space in order to integrate various uses of the building, thinking that this would be the perfect place to go relax, read a book, see the skyline of the city.
The designer took as general inspiration the old coffee shops in Buenos Aires, the Fileteado Porteño artistic style for graphic applications, the Butterfly Chair as an icon of the furniture design and elements that complement this property perfectly.
Selina has two locations in Magic City: Miami Gold Dust and Miami River, both of which are hotspots for creators, digital nomads and dance music fans alike. The Selina Miami Gold Dust, located in the burgeoning MiMo District in Miami's Upper East Side, is surrounded by extravagant architecture, chic boutiques, trendy cafes and art galleries.
Dating back to the 1950s, "Retro Miami Vice-Esque Flavors" are splayed throughout this property. Housed in a former 50's motor hotel, the 58-room Selina Gold Dust is a retro voyage back in time to the city's buzzing, colorful past. Each of the rooms on the property reflect the city's rich history, a fine example of Biscayne Boulevard motels, a typology that is deeply ingrained in Miami's cultural fabric.
Selina takes its surroundings into consideration when designing the interior of any property. Perfectly blending modern design with retro vibes, Selina Gold Dust in Miami boasts stylish common spaces, beautifully crafted rooms, co-living, and exceptional on-site amenities, including a private pool, a modernized cabana swim club by day and throwback-themed hangout by night, this Miami destination is where visitors come together to celebrate life and let loose.
Selina Dakhla, in the stunning South of Morocco, between the Atlantic Ocean and the sweeping Western Sahara, Selina Dakhla is a haven of peace known for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and world-class kite-surfing spots.
The Selina hotel perfectly captures the essence of this vibrant destination, while also incorporating Selina's signature design and community-focused atmosphere. Along with plenty of opportunities for more energetic activities with its position on the northern edge of a vast lagoon making kite-surfing the go-to activity, with sand boarding and buggy rides following closely behind.
With its 376 bedspaces, the property boasts a range of accommodations to suit all types of travelers. From comfortable private rooms to stylish dormitories, guests can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including a pool, wellness center, on-site restaurant, and co-working spaces. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the Selina hotel in Dakhla offers a wide range of experiences including surf lessons, kite surfing, scuba diving, dune excursions, among other local experiences for relaxation, creativity, and connection.
Committed to sustainability and community engagement, all FF&E and decoration of Selina Dakhla was selected with the support of a local company, all items were produced by local suppliers, murals and art installations were executed by local artists to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. Selina also strives to minimize its environmental impact and promote responsible tourism practices through this type of initiatives.
These modern travelers are hyper-connected, more aware of their environmental impact, looking for unique experiences, getting to know local culture and creating networks of friends while traveling and working around the world. These consumers are changing the way brands approach their products, these new travelers are conscious of the power they have when it comes to decision making and brands that are quick to evolve and deliver they will be losing the opportunity to connect with them.
For us, designing beautiful and sustainable spaces with maximum functionality and comfort is no longer a luxury, it is the new path towards a modern and contemporary industry.
