The King’s Lodge suite at London’s the Connaught celebrates exceptional craftsmanship in collaboration with King Charles III’s charity, Turquoise Mountain. Olivia Palamountain reports
The Connaught hotel in London has unveiled the King’s Lodge suite, fusing luxury with craftsmanship and support for the arts – something for which the hotel is renowned.
A collaboration between the hotel’s interior designer Guy Oliver and Turquoise Mountain, a charity that supports master artisans from the Levant, Afghanistan, Myanmar and India, the one-bedroom suite is designed to showcase exquisite craftsmanship from these regions.
Located on the fifth floor of the Connaught and conceived in historic Mughal style, fabrics, colours and designs throughout the suite draw inspiration from various sources, including Mughal columns, carpets from Lahore and textiles from the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. 
A richly appointed seating area with deep window seats overlooks the heart of Mayfair, complemented by a striking four-poster bed, with carefully hand-drawn and crafted motifs unique to the suite.
Notable features include intricate architectural woodwork made in Jordan by Syrian artisans, handwoven carpets and miniature paintings from Afghanistan, fabrics from Myanmar, and carved marble panels and mirrored glass insets from India.
Dr Thalia Kennedy, creative director at Turquoise Mountain, says: “The King’s Lodge has brought together over one hundred master artisans and team members from across Afghanistan, Jordan, Syria, Myanmar and India, to create and celebrate the finest craftsmanship and heritage design.
“Thanks to commissions like this suite, and the vision and commitment of Guy Oliver and The Connaught, artisan communities and these important traditions continue to thrive today.”
Turquoise Mountain was founded in 2006 by His Majesty King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales). It works to protect heritage and communities at risk around the world, and to provide jobs, education and a renewed sense of pride.
It supports artisans in revitalising their heritage and thriving in their craft, spanning crafts practice, training, and heritage buildings.
The King’s Lodge marks the second collaboration between Oliver, Turquoise Mountain, and The Connaught, following the successful opening of the Prince’s Lodge in 2010.
Guy Oliver says: “True luxury has always been made to measure, and since it was built, The Connaught has been known as the handmade hotel, constructed by the finest artisan builders and cabinet makers. Now, working with Turquoise Mountain, we can support the highest level of craftsmanship in communities at risk around the world.”
A portion of the proceeds from every booking of both the Prince’s Lodge and the King’s Lodge goes directly to Turquoise Mountain and their programmes supporting artisans.