by Uniworld
A Q&A with Toni Tollman
We sat with Toni Tollman, the design powerhouse behind Uniworld’s one-of-a-kind, floating boutique hotels. Read on to hear what she has to say about the process of creating our Super ShipTM in Bordeaux, the S.S. Bon Voyage.
Do you have a favorite space on the S.S. Bon Voyage?
La Cave des Vins is one of my favorite spaces on the ship. It’s warm, sleek, and surrounded by wonderful wines. It’s also a very intimate space, so it’s wonderful to enjoy with friends and family while savoring delicious foods and wines as you sail along the river.
What was your inspiration for the fabric on the lounge chairs on the Sun Deck?
It all began with our stunning blue and white infinity pool, the only one on the rivers. The handmade pool tiles come from a small, family-owned artisanal tile producer in Hermanus, a small fishing town outside of Cape Town. From there, with the stunning weather and diverse and beautiful scenery of the Bordeaux region, we wanted to create a warm, comfortable, and relaxing open space so you can read, swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a glass of delicious wine while slowly cruising along the rivers of southwest France. The fabulous blue and white leopard fabric of the loungers just set the perfect tone.
Do you think blue and white will ever go out of fashion?
Never! Blue and white is probably the most timeless color combination and has lasted over many centuries in various forms and styles. There is such a variety in hues of blues spanning different types of fashions: interiors, ceramics, fabrics, clothes, and architecture. It’s all an amazing source of inspiration throughout the ages. I love how different blue and white pattern types completely change a design style. A blue and white geometric design appears more modern and sleek, while a blue and white floral or damask design evokes a certain 18th-century aesthetic.
The beautiful blue and green of Le Salon Champagne is not an obvious pairing. Where did the inspiration come from for mixing those color palettes together?
I was lucky enough to tour Yves Saint Laurent’s private Villa Oasis in Marrakesh. It was a very memorable day, and actually one of my most favorite experiences. Blue and green were the dominant colors in Yves’ living room and I fell in love with the serenity and softness of the hues. His famous Jardins Majorelle is filled with all types of palms and degrees of color: greens and yellows and blues. I felt so happy in these spaces and wanted to bring that same feeling to our guests. In addition to the color schemes, throughout the S.S. Bon Voyage, there are fresh plants, flowers, and lavender that bring stunning surroundings into every space.
What type of wood is used on the walls throughout the S.S. Bon Voyage?
The wood throughout the S.S. Bon Voyage is a warm walnut yacht finish, a signature of Uniworld Super Ships, and is reminiscent of the super luxury yachts of the 1960s sailing on the French Riviera and the Amalfi Coast.
Is there more exposed wood in the design of the ship this time—as compared to Joie de Vivre and S.S. Beatrice?
There is a similar use of our special walnut yacht finish on the S.S. Bon Voyage and the S.S. Joie de Vivre, but we designed a more intricate fluted finish for the S.S. Bon Voyage that we used in different ways and in different areas. Also, the intricate bronze inlays in the wood paneling, the bar, and the reception desk are unique to the S.S. Bon Voyage. We like every Uniworld Super ShipTM to have its own special character, mood, and design. For example, the S.S. Beatrice’s mood is more contemporary, and our yacht finish is a unique blonde yacht wood that was designed just for the S.S. Beatrice.
Uniworld ships, like the Red Carnation Hotels, are well known for colorful fabric walls, and we see it again featured in this ship. What process do you go through in determining which fabrics and patterns are used for which suites and rooms?
It all begins with falling in love with various fabrics, moods, and styles and then we select which patterns and moods suit the different suites or staterooms. We also always consider what will enhance our guests’ experiences.
Where is the marble in the bathrooms on the S.S. Bon Voyage sourced?
The white and grey marble is Italian, the blue marble is South American, and the green marble is Persian Onyx.
There are a lot of fresh flowers, candles, and mirrors throughout the S.S. Bon Voyage. What is the design intention for those elements?
I have always used flowers and candlelight in every home I have ever lived in. I find the soft lighting of candlelight, the fresh flowers, and other tiny noticeable touches bring a sense of coziness, warmth, and hospitality into every space—large or small. For me personally, it is just timeless design.
How long did it take you from concept to execution in creating the new S.S. Bon Voyage?
Overall it took 11 months to transform the River Royale into the S.S. Bon Voyage.
Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.