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A beautiful blend
01 April 2017
Designed by WATG, the JW Marriott Muscat’s interiors are inspired by all things Omani and filled with modern luxury, showcasing the sultanate as a vibrant destination for business.
Located on the edge of a stunning dry wadi, the JW Marriott Muscat is fast taking shape adjacent to the iconic Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat’s Madinat Al Irfan district and heading for a year-end completion.
Leading global integrated design firm WATG has created the design for the 305-key hotel that honours Omani heritage whilst speaking to a vibrant future and is responsible for architecture, planning, and landscape of the landmark. The interiors of the five-star hotel designed by its affiliate Wimberly Interiors blend tradition with modernity.
JW Marriott, being developed as part of the OCEC complex, will feature food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities and a health and leisure club. Once completed, the OCEC complex will include a total of four hotels, a business park, a retail shopping mall, plus the Convention Centre Precinct.
“As with all projects under construction by Omran and within the OCEC, the hotel is being built according to the highest standards of sustainability and has been designed to meet the criteria for the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) certification by the US Green Building Council,” says a spokesman for Omran, the government of Oman’s tourism development and investment arm, which is spearheading the development of the OCEC precinct.
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JW Marriott Muscat ... luxury finishes. |
Upon entering the hotel, the lobby, enclosed in a graceful ellipse form, provides key vistas defined by stone portals and emphasised by the porte cochere and reflecting pool.
Elaborating on the interior design, a spokesman for WATG says: “A decorative metallic screen is held back from the ceiling and the floor so that when a guest is seated in the lobby, he can enjoy an unobstructed view to the landscaped gardens and beyond.
“The lobby is designed to take on different characteristics between day and night. During the day, light will penetrate the screen and create shadow patterns on the interior. At night, the lobby will act as a lantern, glowing, creating a shadow pattern in reverse. A contemporary grand staircase adds a sculptural feature to the space.”
The JW Marriott’s wellness centre creates a true destination and escape ambiance. Upon arrival to the wellness centre, the guest is encased in curvilinear shape walls, with displays showcasing sculptural Omani artefacts. The curves are echoed in the main reception desk and retail display adding to a seamless cohesive design. Carved out of timber, in a beautiful geometric pattern, the treatment room doors provide a discreet visual glimpse into the space. The treatment rooms are of a generous size, providing the guest with a tranquil experience.
With decorative elements echoed in the design, the main ballroom is a smooth transition from the lobby. Full-height, solid timber doors, adorned with oversized bronzed detailing, inspired by traditional Omani coins, mark the beginning of the guest experience. High-end luxurious finishes and clean lines envelope the room, creating an exceptional space that can be personalised for any event.
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The elliptical form of the lobby ... featuring a decorative screen. |
Guestrooms
The hotel guestroom has been designed to accommodate the needs of local and international professionals while incorporating local flavours and textures interpreted in a contemporary manner. As one approaches the guest room, the carpet design in the corridor – inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of a suq – creates a sense of location and arrival for the guest. This sense of discovery is enhanced as one arrives at beautifully carved double timber doors, portraying the local craftsmanship.
“The green and white tones throughout the guestrooms are used to create a sense of calm. Finishes are refined by dark timber millwork with beautiful metal detailing, showcasing local craftsmanship, with a contrasting light stone floor and a soft accent toned feature wall. Feature glass mosaics in the bathroom add splashes of colour to match the guestroom colour scheme, whilst concealed recessed down lighting helps create a sense of drama and interest. Traditional Omani detailing is layered into the overall design, creating a unique and individual space,” says the WATG spokesman.
The Royal Suite at JW Marriott is a unique and exclusive offering, set apart from the rest of the accommodation of the hotel, he says. The suite is designed to allow for an inviting vestibule, a study, eight-person dining room, living room, master bedroom with a luxurious walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious bath.
Unique materials and rich accent fabrics in blue, soft patterned lilac and natural tones adorn the entire suite. Complementary original artworks and locally sourced accessories complete the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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JW Marriott Muscat ... five-star ambiance. |
WATG
Since the firm’s inception in Hawaii in 1945, WATG has grown to offer integrated design services comprising strategy, planning, architecture, landscape, and interiors for urban, tourism and resort destinations.
WATG was ranked second in the world among hotel architectural firms, and Wimberly Interiors 10th by Interior Design magazine in its 2016 Hospitality Giants survey.
In 2016, WATG and Wimberly Interiors designed more than 200 projects in 46 countries on six continents on behalf of distinguished brands such as Disney, St Regis, Rosewood, Fairmont, Belmond, W Hotels, Nobu, Viceroy, Atlantis, Hard Rock, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
“WATG’s projects are renowned not only for their design and sense of place but also for their bottom-line success,” the spokesman concludes.
