Gulf Construction Online - Paying homage to the storytelling tradition

Interiors

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi ... unique, eclectic and entirely of its place.

Paying homage to the storytelling tradition

Blink Design Group has created a stunning, modern bohemian vision inspired by traditional dhows, the romance of travel and the ancient Arabian storytelling tradition for the new W Dubai – Mina Seyahi.

01 July 2022

The UAE’s latest W Hotel is located in the heart of Al Mina Al Seyahi, the legendary ‘Port of Travellers’ district of Jumeirah Beach, home to the Dubai International Marine Club and its 300-berth marina.

“Mina Seyahi port dates back to ancient times when the area was a thriving hub of the copper trade, and the Al-Halqa storytellers would weave their yarns to circles of spellbound travellers. The graceful swooping shape of the traditional dhows that once thronged the harbour along with the stories and intrigue of the trading enclave became the inspiration for Blink’s latest interior design tour de force,” remarks Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Partner of the group of global interior design visionaries.

Blink’s canvas is a hotel spread over 31 floors, with 291 guest rooms and 27 opulent suites; a spectacular marina-front lobby, infinity pool and lavish spa, four state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a selection of cutting-edge dining concepts.

“We drew deep inspiration from the timeless tradition of Al-Halqa, the storytellers’ circles as old as Arabian culture itself, where crowds would form around masters who would spin captivating yarns. It’s an art form that has been given World Heritage status in Morocco and still thrives for those who know where to look in the UAE,” Nagata explains.

Ginger Moon has been created as an eclectic and bohemian space for travellers.

“The result is an utterly unique creation, entirely of its place, colourful, eclectic with a touch of retro; a place where ancient storytellers’ tales will be given new life through its guests,” he adds.

According to Nagata, the project has proved an eye-opener in terms of what is possible within the vivid brand universe of W Hotels.

“The more we researched the history of Dubai, the generations of traders and storytellers coming together to build this shimmering city by the sea, the more excited we became. The ‘Port of Travellers’ was the overarching inspiration, so we set out from the ground up to imbue this hotel with the soul of storytelling and the spirit of the souq, a place for people to meet and share the stories of their travels, and a haven for modern-day traders, wheelers and dealers,” he points out.

Nagata says the concept translated into guest rooms and suites laden with lavish touches and hints of intrigue, adventure and romance.

He elaborates: “There’s a treasure chest as a bedside table, with little treasures inside to surprise and delight guests.

The bed headboards are white leather, with ribs and shapes inspired by dhows, while the fabrics have motifs drawn from local calligraphy.

“The bed headboards are white leather, with ribs and shapes inspired by dhows, while the fabrics have motifs drawn from local calligraphy. Lights echo ancient lanterns in colours straight from the Arabian Nights. The suites have been envisioned as a place to gather with friends for pre-dinner drinks and gossip, or for a casual meeting. The beds have a luxurious seating area, with a tilted mini-bar in brass and dark blue lacquer, a social space where drinks can be served and a perfect place for lazy grazing.

“The wow extends to the walk-in closets, closed with billowing curtains in a gradient of sunset colours, echoing the hues of the bay. We play with the idea of the secrets behind the veil. The storytelling theme extends to the bathrooms via a calligraphy theme, with bold black and white colours to echo ink and paper. The bathroom also has its own seating area, encouraging long bathing rituals, cocktails and conversation.”

The hotel’s signature dining experience, Ginger Moon, has been created as an eclectic and bohemian space for travellers, traders and modern nomads to gather, featuring a spectacular split-level ocean deck connected to the sparkling waters of the bay, with a restaurant and pool bar overlooking The Palm Island. The storytelling theme continues into Bar-B, the uniquely exotic spa experience.

Blink Design Group is a leading multi-disciplinary design studio with 16 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry in projects spanning almost every continent.