Your Studio KOHLER Workspace
Your Studio KOHLER Workspace
Some hotels raise the bar and become destinations in themselves, and the W Dubai — The Palm is one such establishment. Sitting on the perimeter of the famous man-made Palm Jumeirah, the hotel resembles a cruise liner and features stunning interiors and sweeping views of the Persian Gulf and bustling Dubai.
By Nadine Kahil
Characteristic of the W brand, the bold design features bright colours in schemes that range from tropical and bright to glistening metallic and jewel tones
Characteristic of the W brand, the bold design features bright colours in schemes that range from tropical and bright to glistening metallic and jewel tones
The design is inspired by unique attributes of Arabic culture and the hotel’s location on the Palm
International firm dwp is behind the majority of private and public spaces, and also undertook the redesign of certain elements that had already been planned. “The specialty F&B outlets, including the ‘gold’ bar in the lobby, were all designed by others. We were tasked with a significant redesign, including a new visual narrative, layouts, materials, finishes, furniture, fittings, and artwork,” explains Robert Troup, dwp’s regional managing director.
The designers sought to reference iconic elements of Arabian design. According to group creative director Scott Whittaker, the design is inspired by unique attributes of Arabic culture and the hotel’s location on the Palm. The challenge was in designing a quintessential W Hotel that maintained the brand’s characteristic sense of rebellious and distinctive luxury while referencing the context and culture.
Characteristic of the W brand, the bold design features bright colours in schemes that range from tropical and bright to glistening metallic and jewel tones
Characteristic of the W brand, the bold design features bright colours in schemes that range from tropical and bright to glistening metallic and jewel tones
The essence of a W Hotel is in the spirit of design being bold and witty. We were delighted to work with Kohler
The W brand seeks to wow guests with bold, contemporary concepts, stunning design and a sense of community. A W hotel has to be immediately engaging, and the entrance to the Dubai property is correspondingly brilliant. A perforated golden cocoon lined with date palm fronds welcomes guests into what promises to be a thoroughly contemporary hotel. The atrium lobby references classical regional architecture: thick walls and tiny openings keep the space cool, while artisanal carpets, stone floors, and mosaic walls strike a local chord. A contemporary fireplace harks back to nomadic life, while brightly colored seats represent W’s bold, vibrant take on design.
Characteristic of the W brand, the bold design features bright colours in schemes that range from tropical and bright to glistening metallic and jewel tones
Characteristic of the W brand, the bold design features bright colours in schemes that range from tropical and bright to glistening metallic and jewel tones
Suites feature gleaming mosaic walls, open bathrooms and, for many including the top-tier Mega Suite, incredible views of the sea and city that can also be enjoyed from outdoor terraces. Kohler provided the sanitary ware throughout the hotel, and as dwp director Justin Wells explains, the decision made perfect sense. “The essence of a W Hotel is in the spirit of design being bold and witty. We were delighted to work with Kohler, as the look and feel of sanitary ware is part of the attitude and experience we seek in creating distinctive luxury.”
The resort’s resemblance to a cruise liner befits its seaside location
The resort’s resemblance to a cruise liner befits its seaside location
The numerous restaurants and bars are connected through the clever use of unique design elements. To Whittaker, one of the design highlights is the signature wall of two-tone wooden veneers in all-day-dining restaurant LIV. The wall changes color based on the angle from which it’s viewed — from one direction it appears purple, from another it looks green. Whittaker says he’s “never seen anything like it.” And perhaps that’s how the W Dubai — The Palm is best summed up: there’s nothing quite like it.
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