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SensAsia Stories Spa, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
from Sleeper 96
DUBAI
Taking cues from Pan-Asian architecture typology, Roar creates a new flagship spa for SensAsia.
Words: Eleanor Howard • Photography: © The Oculis Project
Since opening its doors on Sheikh Zayed Road 15 years ago, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has prided itself on offering innovative experiences. From providing direct access to both sand and snow, to launching an immersive 3D dining concept, the 392-key hotel continually demonstrates its dedication to enhancing the guest experience. Most recently, the operator enlisted SensAsia – the largest independent spa group in the UAE – to upgrade its wellness offering.
Following the success of its Urban Spas, SensAsia has launched its latest concept, Stories – a flagship destination comprising eight treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, a hammam, experience showers, herb saunas and therapeutic relaxation areas complete with heated beds and virtual reality headsets.
Conceived as a more luxurious venue than the rest of the SensAsia portfolio, the new addition’s serene interior was envisioned by Roar, a studio founded by Pallavi Dean. “The design process for SensAsia Stories was an exercise in restraint for me,” explains Dean. “We have purposefully not overpowered the senses; instead this is a place of quiet, respite and reflection. The interior scheme – dark and light hues of grey, complemented by a warm wood finish and strong stone slabs – allows one to just ‘be’.”
The interior concept is rooted in SensAsia’s Pan-Asian origins, evoking traditional architectural elements from the region. “We cast the net wide to understand the architecture of the region looking at countries such as Thailand, Bali and Vietnam for inspiration,” reveals Dean. “Arches kept appearing in our research as key features of this architectural typology, and it soon became apparent that this shape would influence our design. We have used large, illuminated arches above the male and female lobbies and incorporated archlike decorative elements around the reception area’s shelving to compose a dramatic, theatrical effect.”
Spanning 4,000ft2, the spa takes guests on a sensory journey through Asia, combining tactile natural materials and a muted colour palette. “We played with just three main materials and colours. Grey stone and slate, brown tones within the luxury vinyl flooring, and natural textures such as wallpaper with hessian finishes,” says Dean. “The interiors revolve around the material palette – it’s layered with texture. This helps with the acoustics as well as tactility: the touch and feel; it’s a space designed for all senses.”
Completing the sensory experience is a carefully curated lighting scheme that sees LED strips line the archways in what has become a signature element of the space. And not one to miss a design opportunity, Dean has paid special attention to the areas up above. She explains: “We also celebrated the ceilings; they are often neglected but in a spa, clients spend a lot of time on their backs! So we clad the ceiling with a captivating bronze mesh structure. Each room has a unique pattern creating a new experience for every visit.”
The Clan Hotel
SINGAPORE
At the crossroads of old and new, the debut property from Far East Hospitality’s luxury-tier brand brings the heritage of the locale to a skyscraper setting.
Words: Luo Jingmei Photography: Courtesy of The Clan Hotel Modern-day travellers hankering for more authentic experiences will surely welcome the opening of Singapore’s The Clan Hotel, which narrates a contextually unique story in all aspects of its design and experience. The property is the first for Far East Hospitality’s new luxury-tier brand and adds to the owner-operator’s portfolio, which includes Oasia, Quincy, Adina and TFE Hotels. “We believe that luxury is not about having the biggest, latest or most expensive offerings; in this sense it is a concept that goes beyond just a room stay,” says Far East’s CEO Arthur Kiong. “The Clan Hotel is about inclusivity rather than exclusivity; experience rather than function.”
Historically, clans were organisations delineated by provinces in China, or kinships that immigrants established in foreign lands to help new arrivals with accommodation, employment and protection. In Singapore, they often occupied shophouses in the Chinatown district demarcated by Sir Stamford Raffles’ master town plan in 1822. Many still exist today, albeit with dwindling membership. The Clan Hotel honours these forefathers, who toiled to build the city and its community spirit.
Poised at the juncture of past, present and future and of culture and commerce, the property is surrounded by the contrasting sea of shophouses and commercial towers that make up the Central Business District of today. While positioned as a business hotel, its storytelling approach offers much more. Clad in a bronzecoloured, double-glazed and low-energy curtain wall, the 30-storey tower adds to the skyline while lower down, a chamfered profile mirrors the angled façade of the neighbouring Far East Square mall, comprising 61 restored shophouses-turned-restaurants, cafés and offices. Within the latter are two historic landmarks: Singapore’s oldest school – Chui Eng Free School, now a restaurant – and earliest temple-turned-museum, Fuk Tak Chi Temple.
“We designed a sleek and modern façade, so it appeals to international sensibilities and expectations but also mindfully pays homage
