wa international & Radisson SAS develop lucrative partnership

'Working together over a series of projects benefits both companies as there is less of a learning curve and we can react quickly to each other's needs,' said Mark Young, General Manager, wa international. 'As well, challenges that may have arisen on one project can be proactively dealt with on the next, streamlining the refurbishment process.'

One of the fastest growing hotel chains in the region, Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts has increased its presence to 13 properties. Each with distinctly different requirements, wa international creates 5-star interiors for each hotel that are not only innovative but critical in determining the property's commercial success.

'It's important that we work with designers whose hotel schemes are highly marketable and who can transform the functional needs of the operator into a creative design solution,' said David Barbour, Regional Director of Design & Technical Services for Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, Middle East.

A key ingredient in the commercially successful mix of stunning design, exceptional service and top food and beverage offerings, wa international's design team approaches each project with consideration of culture, market and clientele while maintaining the vision and goals of Radisson SAS in the Middle East.

At the centre of attention are the three properties undergoing a transformation through interior design:

Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Bahrain
Expecting a rising demand from tourists in Bahrain, The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel General Manager Radek Cais is pleased about the developments taking place in the hotel. The hotel recently opened a new state of the art kitchen, serving two new restaurants, while construction is underway of the luxury serviced apartments being added to the hotel complex.

The eagerly awaited addition to the hotel will offer long-term guests to Bahrain the ultimate in comfort and luxury. wa international's design schemes encompass the main entrance, lobby and receptions, general public spaces, in addition to the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

Re-creating the interior, wa international opted to bring the inside out in the new Polynesian restaurant, Kontiki. Featuring a huge pitched roof with woven raffia and bamboo panels the restaurant is warm and inviting with plenty of Polynesian touches to lend to the casual intimacy. An indoor/outdoor circular bar spills onto the pool terrace separated only by a sheet of glass, tempting guests to enjoy the evening. Unique entrance, kitchen and bathroom doors are made from pressed split bamboo with Jim Thompson silks portraying a rich heritage in the furniture fabrics. Flanked by two large fish tanks, the 7-foot tall Easter Island statue stands guard over the venue while the specially commissioned Batik Art Polynesian painting adds to the atmosphere. Scattered pots of banana leaves and the sturdy bamboo columns complete the picture.

With the Italian restaurant, Mondo, wa international created a distinctly contemporary outlook with streamlined furniture highlighted by coloured lights from the recessed ceiling features. The polished plaster walls are bathed in deep purple contrasting with the teak flooring and the leather and suede fabrics throughout. Exotic animal print barstools add to the hip flavour of the Italian eatery while the dramatic 12-foot long Renaissance sketch dominates the far side of the venue adding a touch of the past.

The all-day dining restaurant receives a fresh new look from wa international. Introducing vaulted ceilings with iron pendants and a Mediterranean yellow and blue colour scheme, Terzani is a bright space welcoming guests. Several colonial aspects come into play with floor-to-ceiling dark timber doors and a window seat balcony opening out into the main lobby allowing guests to watch the world go by as they dine. The kitchen area features a pizza oven clad in red-glass mosaic stone finish. In the back of the restaurant, a small Andalucian-style alcove is hidden away for those intimate dining moments.

Radisson SAS Hotel Jeddah
wa international refurbished the main lobby and grand staircase, guest reception, business centre and ballroom of the Radisson SAS Hotel Jeddah. One of the unique brand concepts of Radisson SAS is the choice of room styles and there are now 20 different room designs to choose from in total. The Radisson SAS Jeddah features an Andalucian and Italian-style finish in the guestrooms.

In keeping with the timeless dimensions of the period, the Andalucian rooms carry a strong colour theme and architectural nuances inspired by The Grand Mosque at Cordoba. Dramatic arches, rich blue, cream and terracotta walls, and russet red fabrics blend boldly to evoke the majesty and elegance of the mosque. The carpet uses an image of small striped domes similar to motifs familiar to the time while the furniture and artwork possess a distinct ziggurat design seen in zalij tiles all across the Andalucian domain. Not to be left out, the bathroom reflects the colour scheme with terracotta and deep blue, distressed walls and decorative tile work rounded out with the horizontal stripes on the shower curtain to accentuate the romance of the Cordoban era.

With a little Memphis, some modern day Milan and a touch of the famous sports car industry, the Italian rooms at the Radisson SAS Hotel Jeddah spring to life with inspiration of the funky furniture and designs of Italy. The headboard for the bed is a fun wall of wood with small shelves for Murano glass, while the desk is cantilevered to give a light and modern feel with concealed drawers and the lines of a sleek Ferrari. Sporting a vibrant retro style, the carpet is set off by the light bubble pattern on the drapery bringing the room together.

Radisson SAS Resort Hotel, Sharjah
Undergoing a major refurbishment, this Sharjah landmark with a prime beachfront location receives an eloquent makeover by wa international. Partnering with Neo Light Design, the wa design team was challenged to create a tropical ambience combined with timeless elegance in the public areas.

In the reception and lobby, clever lighting and design features have to balance with the practical needs of the area. General lighting is simple and effective; however, a floating dark timber portal adds a touch of elegance and is a warm and inviting first look for the visitor. The area is capped with dramatic, internally lit Arabic canopies, a feature that re-emphasises the breathtaking style and cultural richness of the region.

Colour and light are all important in this interior design scheme, dramatically illustrated in the all day dining area bringing together these elements with style and panache. For the Radisson SAS Sharjah, colour, grandeur and tropical luxury are combined to create a truly breathtaking sensory experience.