Banyan Tree Dubai
United Arab Emirates
To transform the pre-existing resort, we began by reimagining the property through the lens of “desert stillness”. Our concept reflects the calm, layered beauty of the surroundings and aligned with Banyan Group’s ethos.
Inspired by desert fauna and landscapes, the interior palette was subdued, sophisticated, and grounding—designed to help guests decompress and reconnect with a sense of stillness.
The original architecture offered a strong spatial framework. We retained the existing flooring and architectural envelope and introduced sculptural timber and metal screens inspired by Asian latticework—a subtle reference to Banyan Tree’s heritage. These elements softly delineate space, humanised the scale and created moments of intimacy throughout the arrival sequence. Behind reception, textural wall treatments and asymmetric desks continued the design language of the entrance, adding depth and character.
The Toucha lounge, inspired by a traditional Japanese tea house, extended the narrative through its minimalist approach to form and material. Light-filled and serene, the space offers guests a moment to pause, relax, and help themselves to tea. A refined colour palette, new loose furnishings and layered textiles enhanced the intimacy and reinforced the calm, contemplative tone of the resort.
We replaced the brightly coloured ceiling glass with a draped fabric treatment, softening the space and echoing the gentle curves of the sand dunes.
The design of Alizée’s restaurant and terrace reflected the laid-back elegance of the French Riviera, brought to life through subtle material references and an earthy, sun-warmed palette.
Terracotta and ochre tones were layered throughout the interiors, echoed in the entrance art installation curated by the project’s art consultant. Textured walls evoked the rustic charm of a Provençal village, while the bold buffet hood, clad in a vibrant accent, offered a contemporary nod to the Riviera.
Outside, the terrace and pool area embraced a more playful spirit. Vibrant pagoda umbrellas made a subtle style statement, referencing French coastal living and enhancing the relaxed al fresco atmosphere.
The Spa’s sophisticated, understated elegance shines through in every detail, where natural materials and refined forms craft a tranquil setting that encourages guests to reconnect with nature and themselves.
The design thoughtfully incorporates vertical elements inspired by the Ghaf tree, symbolising resilience and life in the desert. These features appear as linear forms on walls, ceilings, and screens, subtly weaving the tree’s unique character into the Spa’s aesthetic.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a reception area where a palette of light tones and rich accents inspired by the Arabian oryx establish a soothing ambience.
The treatment rooms are crafted as sanctuaries of serenity, featuring soft, fluid curves that evoke the gentle shifting of sand dunes.
Subtle lighting replicates the soothing glow of the Dubai sun, wrapping guests in a sense of peace and tranquillity, while design elements inspired by the surrounding natural environment enhance the connection between the interior and the exterior.
The Spa’s walls feature handcrafted banana leaf wall coverings made from natural fibres and uniquely woven by skilled artisans. These design choices reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility and celebrate the beauty of sustainable materials while adding a tactile, organic texture to the space.
At the heart of the Spa lies its most distinctive feature—the Rainforest, a signature of the Banyan Tree experience thoughtfully reimagined for Dubai. Divided into separate journeys for men and women, this immersive environment includes barefoot pathways, sensorial rainwalks with ceiling and wall-mounted hydrotherapy jets, and steam rooms—all surrounded by the soothing sounds of water and soft illumination.
Inspired by traditional cleansing rituals, the Rainforest symbolises renewal and purification, allowing guests to wash away the stresses of daily life. In the context of the desert, this elemental connection to water becomes especially meaningful, embodying the brand’s ethos of healing through nature and ritual.