Public view

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A massive Murano glass chandelier dominates the lobby’s air space.

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A massive Murano glass chandelier dominates the lobby’s air space.

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A touch of red in the furnishings adds warmth and colour to the lobby’s space.

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Details like these swirls recur throughout the design.

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The lobby overlooks the all day dining restaurant.

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A skylight illuminates the atrium.

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Details like these swirls recur throughout the design.

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Public areas set a relaxed tone for one of the latest resort hotels to open in Dubai.

One of the newest hotels in Dubai has taken up residence right on the beach. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina had a soft opening in May as it welcomed its first guests into a space getting the last of its finishing touches.

As a brand, Westin is proud of its architecture and interiors. This particular hotel is low rise, at least compared to the towers near by, but offers a wide range of design concepts, from what the Westin describes as a neoclassical exterior, to its relaxed modern interiors.

The property has a total of 294 rooms, including 24 suites, as well as a spa, a health club, four bars and four themed restaurants.

With 1,200 metres of private shoreline and a 238-berth marina on the way, five swimming pools and a water sports centre among other water sports focused additions, the emphasis on resort is clear.

Colours, textures, lighting and display art are combined to build an atmosphere in an interior spread out in a more or less symmetrical fashion around a central core.

The different public spaces, whether lobby, retail or food and beverage all have to provide variety for the guests, while building on a common theme and keeping within the branded image of the hotel.

The look and feel of this interior starts in the lobby: a large open space broken up by a few screens near the reception desk and by furniture placement elsewhere.

The spacious opening gambit includes a massive balcony that looks out over the hotel's all day dining restaurant and is especially notable for the height of the atrium and the chandelier that dominates the lobby's air space.

The lobby is a key component in what the Westin describes as an area conveying ‘a feeling of openness and space, while soft touches in the forms of sound, light, scent and carefully selected planting and flower displays will lead the guest to immediately feel relaxed and refreshed'.

It seems a guest's first impressions count and what the Westin is branding as a ‘sensory welcome' is a combination of environment and atmosphere, in which the interior design has an important part to play.

"We are aiming for an arrival experience like no other. Using soothing scents, signature music, calming botanicals and atmospheric lighting, every detail is designed to help our guests feel refreshed and energised, even after a long journey," said Michael Scully, complex general manager for The Westin and its next door neighbour Le Meridien.

"From the moment our guests arrive they should feel the Westin ambience and this not only includes our stunning interiors.

Our associates are trained to react instinctively to our guests' needs, to ensure a customised and personal level of service that will leave our guests energised in mind, body and spirit," said Scully.

Habitalia Design Group was behind the development of the interior design, with the Dubai extension of this Italian family business, Studitalia Décor, taking care of operations on the ground and completing the interior fitout.

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