Life & Style | Home & Interiors
The One & Only Palm Jumeirah: A hotel of moorish modernism
The One & Only Palm Jumeirah blends traditional Alhambra-inspired design with a chic contemporary edge. We meet the designer, WA International, to find out more
- By Naheed Akram, InsideOut
- Published: 00:00 January 15, 2012
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
- Great lengths were taken to design a classic yet up-to-date interior with a residential feel.
Creating the interior concept for the One & Only Palm Jumeirah was a dream come true for the design team at WA International, the firm behind the interiors of Mahiki at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Jetty Lounge at the One & Only Royal Mirage, The Address Hotel Downtown, Asiana Hotel and JBR's Mövenpick and Sofitel to name but a few. "The aim was to create a resort-style hotel typical of the One & Only genre, with influences from Andalusian culture," says Helen Skea, associate, WA International. "We were inspired by the Alhambra-style exterior created by DSA Architects and made use of detailing from the same period, but added a modern touch with an asymmetrical setting, instead of the formal style normally associated with that era. We also used more contemporary finishes, like highly polished timbers, embossed metals and acid-etched decorative-glass designs throughout."
Great lengths were taken to design a classic yet up-to-date interior with a residential feel. Walking through the property there is a seamless flow from exterior to interior, with lots of clean lines and sleek finishes across the public spaces. The beautiful guest rooms embrace stylish modern design with a sophisticated palette of rich fabrics in turquoise, purple and cream. Each room comes with a grand bathroom featuring oversized freestanding bathtubs and drenching rain showers with the finest inlaid marble from Italy and Spain.
There's been no compromise with the design; everything from the luxurious marble inlay in the floors, to the decoratively textured plaster walls, the intricate mashrabiya screens, back-lit acid-etched glass and striking lighting fixtures, all add to the understated elegance of this boutique resort.
Another impressive design feature of the hotel is the signature restaurant, Stay. Helen has created a romantic and almost theatrical interior backdrop to display the gastronomic talents of the three-Michelin-star chef, Yannick Alléno. The use of a monochromatic palette of black and silver with a hint of rich burgundy creates instant glamour.
"As a company we like to design almost everything you see within the hotel to create a unique and bespoke interior. Whether it be the fitted joinery detailing or the small side tables at the bath for your drinks glasses, we like to ensure all elements within are made to accentuate the guest experience," says Helen.
"My personal passion is lighting design, creating large, sculptural light installations that add depth and drama to an interior. We worked very closely with cut-crystal design specialists Preciosa on most of the light installations for One & Only. My favourite ones being the ones at the entrance to the main restaurant, Zest, and in Stay, as they're oversized and dramatic," says Helen.
Although the WA International team has a wide list of suppliers around the world, it worked closely with local furniture and art suppliers to produce a considerable number of pieces within the hotel. "We have a huge database of suppliers and manufacturers," Helen explains. "Typically the fabrics are from well-known European fabric houses - Rubelli, Sahco, Pierre Frey and Zoffany. Most of the furniture was made here in Dubai at the local factories such as Jasco and Seekers, which makes prototyping very convenient for us. We have an in-house art consultant so we work closely with her to create commissioned art work for each area. With regards to accessories, there are such a vast array of shops and warehouses such as Planters, Four Seasons Gallery, Art Source and LP Vietnam in Al Quoz, which do the most amazing made-to-order sculptures in an array of finishes - their showroom is a must-visit here in Dubai - so locally we were spoilt for choice."
More from Home & Interiors
More from Life & Style
The stylish interior & property monthly for discerning home lovers in the UAE
Life & Style editor's choice
-
'Hypnotism cured my diabetes'
When Linda Robson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she found an unusual way of tackling it
-
Driven: Renault's desert Duster
This Renault may sound like it was named after a hoover. One thing's for sure — the Duster is here to clean up
-
Study in style: InsideOut video shoot
Go behind the scenes at InsideOut's May 2012 home office shoot
