Gulf Construction Online

Interiors

The lobby at the Taj ... classic design.

Regal oasis

01 July 2015

Taj’s second property in Dubai blends local heritage with unsurpassed luxury

The interiors of newest property opened by the luxury hotel chain Taj Group in Dubai, UAE, at the end of March, are an interesting example of an elegant combination of ancient Indian heritage and modern luxuries.

Located in the Business Bay, Taj Dubai is the hotel chain’s second property in the emirate. It features 296 rooms, including Taj club rooms, 16 junior suites and 15 luxury suites, offering panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, overlooking the dancing fountains and the Dubai Mall.

Located in a prime position at Downtown Dubai just minutes away from important commercial and business districts and a world-class shopping experience, Taj Dubai is built to respect and complement its illustrious neighbourhood and features richly appointed accommodations including Taj Club Rooms and luxury suites.

Housing state-of-the-art rooms that blend contemporary elegance with Dubai’s Middle Eastern heritage, the hotel is focused on preserving the local environment, according to a spokesperson for Taj Dubai.

In line with the Taj Group’s 100-year legacy, Taj Dubai is an inspiring blend of sophisticated luxury and authentic Indian craftsmanship, incorporating leading-edge ideas and an understated colour scheme. Keeping in mind today’s well-travelled and trend-conscious hotel guest, Taj Dubai is designed to fulfil two roles – a temporary residence of a business traveller and a superlative holiday hub for a leisure traveller, says the spokesman.

“Talking of its exquisiteness, two of its lavish suites – The Maharaja Suite and The Presidential Suite, occupying the entire of the 33rd and 35th floor respectively – promise to offer overwhelming opulence. Also, patrons of the Taj Group can be assured of receiving exclusive hospitality at the Chambers which offers bespoke services,” the spokesperson adds.

Bombay Brasserie ... Middle East debut at Taj Dubai.

The exterior of the building is of sleek, contemporary design. The interior approach is kept spacious and uncluttered through the creative use of lighting, fabrics and furnishings. The rooms offer relaxed elegance that appeal to both local and international travellers with touches of rich Indian heritage, while retaining relevance to the local culture.

More than 3,000 pieces of stunning artwork and sculptures handcrafted by Indian artisans have been especially commissioned for Taj Dubai. They can be found elegantly placed all through the public areas, rooms and restaurants of the hotel.

A classic design style has been used for the lobby, using white panelled walls with polished brass and minor accents that make way for the drama of the backlit sandstone lattice-screen behind the reception.

A glittering chandelier, inspired by ‘birds of flight’, takes centre stage. Through the fine lines of the elegantly styled lobby, visitors will find hints of rich Indian heritage, such as handcrafted stone carvings, wood and marble elephants, horses and sculptures.

The hotel has seven food and beverages outlets, ranging from Indian to Peruvian dining, offering lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and sheesha in the evenings, as well as à la carte dinners.

The Byzantium Lounge, named after the dark hue of the colour purple used historically by the royalty – serves afternoon tea, a time-honoured tradition at the Taj. The lounge features elegant combinations of Indian lacquer work panels and soft furnishings that take inspiration from iridescent Indian silks and fabrics.

Taj Dubai’s luxury Burj-view suite.

The distinctive design element of Tesoro, the all-day dining restaurant serving Peruvian-inspired fare for lunch and dinner, is the oversized carved timber screens of Peruvian pattern. Leading out from Tesoro, Kui is an extensive exterior garden deck terrace with views to Burj Khalifa and downtown areas. Warm and inviting materials such as Athens grey stone and walnut timber combined with soft metallic pewter and aged bronze fabrics lend a fresh and modern feel.

The hotel includes Downtown Dubai’s first upscale gastro pub The Eloquent Elephant, which is a vintage European-inspired bar with unique gas-jar light fittings, metal window frames, timber floor and interlocking geometric pattern.

After debuting in London and Cape Town, Bombay Brasserie – the signature Indian gourmet restaurant – makes an entry in the Middle East at the new facility. It houses an assorted mélange of furniture; authentic wooden brackets from old Indian architecture, wooden and stone carvings. The use of luxurious fabrics, ornate brocades and large handcrafted Mughal paintings bring in the warmth of an era gone by.

From the façade to the interior detailing – every aspect of the design weaves a unique story and compelling narrative of bespoke sensibility and artistry in true Taj style.

With 93 hotels in 55 locations across India spanning world-renowned landmarks, modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts, authentic Rajput palaces, rustic safari lodges and 17 international hotels, every Taj hotel has its own discernible charm – and so does the Taj Dubai.