Le Méridien Presents: The 24-Hour Global Travel Essence Experience Short Film "Journey Alongside"
Shanghai, May 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts announces a collaboration with globally renowned photographer Gray Malin to launch the art short film "Follow Me (Journey Alongside)." Le Méridien, a leading international hotel brand under Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), unveils this short film as part of its “Video Art Programme,” which will be displayed across Le Méridien hotels and resorts worldwide. The film documents Malin’s visual journey inspired by Le Méridien global destinations such as Palm Springs, California, USA, and Bhutan. The entire short film, spanning 24 hours, ingeniously employs artistic techniques to synchronize the iconic Le Méridien Hub!eLe Méridien Hub!" ambiance transitions from morning to night. This work further demonstrates how Le Méridien explores the wonders of global travel through visual art, crafting immersive experiences for creatively minded guests — a first among premium international hotel brands.
Gray Malin Creates Short Films
Le Méridien Doraluna Spa Resort on Spain’s Dorada Coast is the first stop in Malin’s "Journey Alongside" short film, where he captures breathtaking scenery from a helicopter. In 2015, Malin will also explore multiple global Le Méridien destinations including Bhutan, Dubai, Split, and Seychelles. "Journey Alongside" will be presented as an art installation within the Le Méridien Hub, not only showcasing Malin’s global visual journey but also highlighting the brand's expansion across resort destinations worldwide. Behind-the-scenes footage adds an extra layer of intrigue. Le Méridien will also feature Malin’s "Journey Alongside" works on its website, integrate them into hotel keycard designs, and launch a related exclusive product line later in 2015. Works from "Journey Alongside" can also be purchased at GrayMalin.com.
“Le Méridien helps creatively minded guests explore destination highlights through local cuisine and artistic elements,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Leader for Le Méridien & Westin Hotels. “Gray Malin brings his artistic sensibility to Le Méridien’s creatively minded guests through a modern visual lens, offering them a multi-sensory experience. The 24-hour art imagery and behind-the-scenes videos showcase the vibrancy of Le Méridien hotels, resorts, and destinations around the world, allowing guests to ‘time travel’ within the Le Méridien Hub and experience the unique beauty of each place.”
“Constantly visiting new destinations continuously inspires my creativity, and enthusiasts can truly ‘follow’ my exciting journeys and explore destinations through social media,” said Gray Malin, photographer and brand founder. “My work is not limited to imagery, and Le Méridien offers non-traditional hotel experiences. This collaboration is truly a perfect match, where we can jointly discover the beauty of destinations through my lens.”
Parker Palm Springs, a Le Méridien Hotel, becomes one of the properties Malin immerses himself in, with the launch of new artwork. A favorite among Los Angeles locals, Parker Palm Springs serves as both a vacation spot and source of inspiration for Malin. The latest art piece, "Gray Malin at the Parker," draws inspiration from the hotel’s unique exotic wildlife and is set to launch in May 2015. These pieces will be displayed at Parker Palm Springs and further enrich the "Journey Alongside" art short film. They will also be available for purchase at GrayMalin.com.
For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com/FollowMe.
About the Le Méridien Hub (Le Meridien Hub!")
The distinctive Le Méridien Hub concept originated in 2011, redefining the traditional hotel lobby based on the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture, transforming it into a social gathering space. The Le Méridien arrival experience includes four elements: prominently displayed large-scale artworks; a sensory experience crafted through Le Méridien’s signature LM01 fragrance, music, and lighting; the “UNLOCK ART!” program, where artist-designed hotel keycards serve as passes to contemporary art and cultural centers partnered with Le Méridien hotels; and a 24-hour music playlist exclusively curated by a new wave band. Each Le Méridien Hub is also equipped with a “Coffee Master” to cater to the growing demand from coffee enthusiasts. The Coffee Master is knowledgeable about local coffee trends, leads the coffee culture at each property, and serves as an ambassador for coffee culture.
About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts
Le Méridien is a Paris-born hotel brand that, since its acquisition by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005, now operates 100 hotels in 40 countries and regions worldwide. With over 80 properties located across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, Le Méridien complements Starwood’s primarily North American footprint. Since then, the brand has undergone repositioning, including extensive product integration and brand strategy revitalization. Through the creation of the 100 Artists Community at Le Méridien Zhengzhou Jianye, Le Méridien has transformed a series of guest experiences, offering unique interactive spaces and memorable encounters. Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts plans to significantly expand its portfolio over the next five years, with a focus on Asia Pacific and the United States. Le Méridien has recently opened new hotels in Bali, Atlanta, Dallas, Istanbul, Oran (Algeria), Arlington (Virginia, USA), and Coimbatore (India). Within the next 12 months, new properties will also open in Chicago, Zhengzhou (China), Mahabalipuram (India), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Cairo (Egypt), Qingdao (China), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Tampa (Florida, USA), and Columbus (Ohio, USA). For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com.cn or follow the official brand Weibo account: @LeMeridienHotelsResorts.
About Gray·Malin
Photographer Gray Malin combines travel and adventure with a deep passion for photography and interior design, building a lifestyle brand under his own name. Gray Malin’s bold photographic works transport viewers to another time and place, uniting people through a spirit of exploration. Malin’s early acclaimed work, "Prada Marfa," catapulted him onto the fashion and art scene. His inventive aerial beach photography has also achieved great commercial success. He has collaborated with global brands such as Sperry Top-Sider and Orlebar Brown, with all works reflecting his unique perspective. He is now partnering with Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. For more information, please visit www.graymalin.com.