BLINK Design Group has infused its philosophy of ‘placemaking’ and a new focus on the burgeoning field of wellbeing to create a spa apart for Banyan Tree Dubai.
Banyan Tree Spa Dubai provides a sanctuary for the senses that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. True to the essence of the Banyan Tree brand, the award-winning spa offers a holistic wellbeing experience built on time-honoured Asian practices. Its destination on the tranquil shores of Bluewaters Island overlooking the Arabian Gulf feels imbued with the soul of the timeless sweep and changing moods of the desert beyond.
Banyan Tree Spa Dubai seeks to forge a deep connection to its location through design, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape, embracing the beauty of simplicity and the subtle shifts of the desert’s mood to form a new kind of oasis for the modern nomad.
BLINK’s Founder and Creative Partner, Clint Nagata says he was honoured and delighted to partner with Banyan Tree, a brand that lives its commitment to sustainability and wellbeing while being a true partner in making inspired and unique design possible.
“We share Asian roots, a commitment to sustainability and building purposeful experiences, and a reverence for everything beginning with a sense of place. It is simply a joy to see the vision of this partnership realised. I hope it could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
BLINK’s vision for Banyan Tree Spa Dubai incorporates natural textures, subtle design elements, less is more, and a calm, understated beauty created with wellbeing in mind. This becomes the canvas upon which to paint sensory journeys into the fullness of wellbeing.
Soft, evolving lighting, coupled with the gentle play of natural sounds and delicate scents creates an immersive atmosphere that fosters relaxation and mindfulness.
SPACE TO CONNECT AND REFLECT
Imagine design inspired by ancient culture and the natural environment. The use of natural textures and subtle finishes mimics the intricate patterns found in the desert, creating a space that echoes the region’s natural beauty and cultural connection to the land and the sand.
The interior colour palette is inspired by the Arabian oryx, a protected species and a significant symbol of conservation in Dubai. White tones with black accents mirror the oryx’s distinctive appearance and effortless elegance.
The Ghaf tree – the desert’s ‘tree of life’ – is another profound cultural influence in the spa’s design. The tree’s unique linear formations are reflected through vertical elements on walls, ceilings, and screens, symbolising resilience and life in Dubai’s harsh desert environment.
TREATMENT ROOMS INSPIRED BY DUNES
Surrender to sacred spaces created for serenity and inner voyages of discovery. Treatment rooms feature soft curves reminiscent of the gentle, shifting sand dunes of the desert. Ethereal lights suggest the shifting sun. Framed views bring the outdoors inside.
Natural sounds and scents from the landscape are infused into the space, enriching the multisensory experience and transforming the treatment rooms into sanctuaries in the purest sense.
Warm timber flooring, dark hardwood accents, desert stone, handcrafted banana leaf wall coverings and veneer marquetry lend elegance and textural interest.
THE WATERS OF LIFE
Pared back wow factor that goes with the flow? The rainforest tunnel and barefoot experience are inspired by traditional water cleansing rituals.
Water, a vital and scarce resource in the desert, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. The design of the rainforest entrance, where guests symbolically wash away their worries, reflects these ancient rituals of purification and renewal.
Divided into separate areas for men and women, the mini rainforest includes a rainwalk with ceiling and wall spa water jets, providing a refreshing, immersive experience.
Steam and Sauna Rooms are integrated within the rainforest area, offering spaces for relaxation and detoxification. Select treatment rooms feature whirlpools and jacuzzis, enriching the luxurious hydrotherapy experience.
Bucket and Ice Showers are a bracing cool change: stimulating circulation and refreshing the body. Heated loungers are strategically placed for post-treatment relaxation.
Guests can create their very own spa experience with favourites from a curated list of components, body treatments and techniques to nourish the mind, body, and soul. The perfect way to discover a new you, inside and out.
DESIGN FOR GOOD. GOOD FOR YOU.
Banyan Tree Spa Dubai exemplifies Banyan Tree’s commitment to ecologically-sensitive design.
Through low-impact construction, responsible sourcing, and efficient operations, the spa upholds the brand’s mission to protect biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, providing a luxurious yet eco-conscious retreat.
Paul Stuart Sykes Riquelme, the General Manager of Banyan Tree Dubai, said of the new spa: “At Banyan Tree Dubai, we are proud to present the newest urban wellbeing sanctuary in the heart of this vibrant city, where guests can escape the everyday and immerse themselves in a transformative journey of renewal.”
“Our spa is designed to create authentic, memorable experiences that guide our guests on a holistic path to feeling balanced, restored, and joyful. Every element, from our signature treatments to the serene atmosphere, is thoughtfully crafted to support this journey, making it a truly unique destination for both relaxation and reconnection.”
