HBA creates three distinctive concepts at Grand Hyatt Dubai 

Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the global leader in interior design, has created three distinctive concepts for Ahasees Spa and Club, multi-event venue Al Manzil and The Living Room lounge bar complex at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

The renovation project, completed recently, was inspired by the vibrancy of the city where it is based. Known as the ‘city of life,’ Dubai has become one of the most vibrant, young and dynamic cities today. The Living Room concept was inspired by the harmonious mix of diverse cultures living and working together in Dubai. 

“HBA used its expertise in restaurant and bar design and inspiration from Dubai’s local tradition of luxury to create the Living Room lounge bar which plays off the city’s rich, local culture,” says HBA Dubai managing associate, Michelle Evans.

“Majestically towering over Dubai’s historic creek, Grand Hyatt Dubai sets the standard for excellence in a city known for extravagance.

The Ahasees Spa: An oasis away from city life

Combining cultural interplay, artistry and unique spatial planning, the Living Room lounge creates an energetic and alive environment that could only exist in a city such as Dubai.

“Dubai is such a vibrant and culturally rich city that we did not have to look far for inspiration for the Living Room,” he says. “In order to design a bar and lounge that offers the ultimate guest experience, we took cues from Arabic rhythms and patterns and fused them with luxurious materials while always maintaining the high quality standards of the Grand Hyatt brand.”

With lounge, chill-out, soul and funk music evoking a sensation of relaxation, the Living Room lounge and bar is a trendy and stylish venue offering an eclectic and original cocktails and drinks list with an accompanying menu of light bites. The space incorporates elements from local cultures and unites them in a melting pot of styles creating a soothing and exotic atmosphere. The space is made up of four distinct lounges linked together by a series of portals that play into Dubai’s see-and-be-seen tradition by offering glimpses between rooms.  Each lounge has a different colour scheme, although all are bold and harmonious through the use of luxe velvets and leathers to finish the space.  The “live kitchen” is a stand out feature, showcasing chefs in their working environment, turning food into art.

UNIQUE CONCEPT
Each Living Room has a unique concept and cultural identity, while blending together seamlessly. The Sunken Lounge is the heart of the space. Each of the rooms emanate from this central entry point. The Velvet Lounge takes inspiration from the Middle East’s love of colour.  The space incorporates vivid hues of purples and magenta with a hint of gold along with velvets and richly patterned fabrics.  Every detail is thought through, down to the junction from floor to walls – the transition is curved in order to emphasize softness.

The European Lounge has Louis VX chairs upholstered in modern day fabrics and pearlised leathers with black lacquer frames.  The architectural colours are white on white, which is carried through in the large oil paintings on aluminium metal by Julia Brooker.  The room is punctuated by tones of grey and vivid orange.  As guests enter the room through a glowing burnt orange portal constructed in high gloss lacquer, it creates a grand sense of entry.  In line with the Louis XIV chair, an entire wall is clad in antiqued mirror and through the wall is the portal that glimpses into the
Velvet Lounge.

Al Manzil: Richly curated with Arabic rhythms and patterns

The Chinese Lounge is bold and strong with vibrant reds and blacks that create a real sense of drama.  The space is punctuated with oversized heavily adorned chandeliers in crystal and velvet.  The chandeliers were sourced from a local supplier, Petals, known for their flamboyant designs.  One wall is attributed to a photographic scene from a Chinese nightclub where the dress of the central figure was coloured to match the silk fabrics and panels around the room.  “The well-choreographed art and interior design program provide a focal point seen from all around the room and create a unique atmosphere unlike anything found in Dubai,” says Evans.

THE AHASEES SPA
In the redesign and expansion of Ahasees Spa and Club, HBA has created an oasis away from city life.

The serene lower level is in white marble, with contrasting dark tones of walnut woods and copper metals. Arabic design is engraved into bronze-tinted glass shower doors.

The new upper level spa is in soft tones and finishes – its timber flooring with accentuated grain giving an ‘aged’ look and feel. Colour tones are complimented by dusky pink rugs.

Tactile soft surfaces were created using silk wall panelling and leather – on staircase handrails and reception table tops. In the relaxation rooms, a sanctuary of calm prevails as customised stone cut angled walls remind guests of the rich local culture. Sand dune photographs with Arabic poetry inscribed are also on display throughout the space.

AL MANZIL
HBA also delved deep into local cultural, artistry, craft and lifestyle when designing Al Manzil, Grand Hyatt Dubai’s ‘Residence’ multi-event venue for meetings and events. It feels like a well-curated residential home – housing six venues including meeting rooms, a lounge, family room, conservatory and open show kitchen in the dining room.

In local culture, Arabic homes are often built around a central courtyard. Similarly, guests enter Al Manzil through grand timber panelled doors into a central courtyard. To one side is an open kitchen with lounge and dining areas. Meeting facilities open off to either side, followed by the conservatory.

Al Manzil is richly curated with Arabic rhythms and patterns, inspired by delicate designs found in door-hardware around the city and meticulously hand-crafted local jewellery. An artwork collection is fashioned by Arabic motifs with a contemporary twist.  

Skylights bathe the spaces in natural light. Strong contrasting colours and finishes are in dark red onyx marble, red velvets, bronze metal, dark timbers and embossed leathers in buttery cream and tan.

The kitchen, the heart of every home, is clad in warm honey onyx with dark timber. Cookbooks, spices, oils and beautifully coppered pots and pans are displayed and freshly potted herbs add an aromatic experience.

“Ultimately, a mélange of custom designed and locally sourced fabric and furniture creates a meticulously curated sense of place, alive in local flavour, art, history and culture,” adds Evans.