STORYTELLING COMES FULL CIRCLE AS BLINK

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi pays homage to the Al-Halqa storytelling tradition

DUBAI: BLINK Design Group has created a stunning modern bohemian vision inspired by traditional Dhow boats, the romance of travel and the ancient arabic storytelling tradition of Al-Halqa for the new W Dubai - Mina Seyahi.

The global interior design visionaries and high priests of placemaking were summoned to push the boat out and set tongues wagging for the UAE’s latest W Hotel, located in the heart of Al Mina al Seyahi, the legendary ‘Port of Travellers’ district of Jumeirah Beach, home to the glittering Dubai International Marine Club and its 300-berth marina.

The 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 Dhow boats 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.

BLINK’s canvas is a hotel ranging 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 the most cutting-edge dining concepts in Dubai. 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.

BLINK founder and creative partner Clint Nagata explains: “Dubai transformed quickly from an ancient outpost into an ultra-modern cosmopolitan city and one of the most famous travel destinations, for business or leisure. Despite this rapid modernisation, the thread of history is kept alive down the generations through the traditions of storytelling, one of the most sublime and respected art forms that runs through Arabian culture.

“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.”

He said the project had proved an eye-opener in terms of what was 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 souk, a place for people to meet and share the stories of their travels, and a haven for modern day traders, wheelers and dealers.”

Mr Nagata said the concept translated into guest rooms and suites laden with lavish touches and hints of intrigue, adventure and romance. “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, as well as fabrics with motifs drawn from local calligraphy and being playful with paper. 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.

About BLINK Design Group

BLINK Design Group, founded by Clint Nagata, is a leading multi-disciplinary design studio with 16 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. With projects spanning almost every continent and having worked with the world’s most renowned luxury hotel and resort brands, BLINK truly believes that creating memorable spaces is taking every client on a shared journey, made by people and place. Inspired by Clint’s passion for travel, constant exploration and enjoyment of the world, is what has shaped BLINK’s design philosophy and approach for each and every project.

www.blinkdg.com

About W Hotels Worldwide

Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each traveler’s desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy^®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

For more information or high-resolution images contact:

Middle East

Laetitia Tregoning 
Communications Director, Dubai
Delivering Asia Communications
Mobile: +971 (0) 567 242 154

Email: [email protected]

Asia

Selena Oh 
Communications Director, Singapore
Delivering Asia Communications
Mobile: +65 (0) 9622 4890

Email: [email protected]

Europe

Jerome Richard 
VP Communications
Delivering Asia Communications
Mobile: +65 (0) 91 723 1648

Email: [email protected]

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here