Vida Creek Harbour is the first hotel within its new development and so, says GAJ, “It had to be a timeless design that would set the tone for the future. It was important to incorporate specific elements from Vida Downtown into the design to ensure a strong and consistent brand identity yet at the same time ensure the hotel maintained its own character and connection to its surroundings.

Key design influences taken from the marina lifestyle include details from the high-end yachts moored outside: texture-rich textiles and soft leather are combined with sleek, curved wood with accent elements in brushed bronze. According to the consultants, “The idea was to maintain a simple light colour palette that would be the base for the key accent tones of the marina influenced turquoise hues. This base palette was layered with subtle taupe fabrics, leather furniture and oak throughout to create a clean and elegant feel.

“The strongest design elements in this project are symmetry and scale and a key feature of this space is the interaction between the lobby lounge and the exterior courtyard with tall windows that open fully to connect with the unparalleled views of the Dubai skyline.

“The large entrance and lobby lounge have been designed as an open and welcoming area for guests to spend time socialising, eating or working alone. It was, therefore, crucial to convey spaces that are visually integrated yet suitable for many different activities. The starting point was to incorporate high vertical louvres that create symmetry and provide a visual glimpse of the lobby lounge and the courtyard beyond. This strong feature element, along with the bespoke large-size Flow [T] chandelier by Wonderglass, creates a visual focal point.”

Maximising the courtyard space so that it could be used all year round presented a design challenge. The area is one of high prominence due to its stunning views and, as an extension of the lobby lounge, it had to comfortable and elegant. The area requires cooling during the summer but also needs to offer a cosy, intimate feel through the winter months. Chiller units have been cleverly concealed within the landscaping, and bioethanol fire pits have been located within the lounge areas for when the weather turns cooler. The design team worked closely with outdoor brand Kettal, and the colour palette of this outdoor area is made up of the turquoise hues which feature strongly in the interiors through accents, textiles and artwork.

The 286 guest rooms incorporate a number of nautical elements such as carved timber panelling, stitching details on leather upholstered furniture and bronze accents in lighting features provide an understated elegance.

The hotel facilities are completed by a wellness centre with a modern gym, yoga room and swimming pool, as well as a number of meeting rooms and a restaurant, spread over two floors.

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Best for design enthusiasts and night owls

The Abu Dhabi EDITION

The first Edition to open in the Middle East does not disappoint.

Designed by Ian Schrager Company and Wimberly Interiors, with restaurant concepts by star chef Tom Aikens (the youngest ever to win two Michelin stars), the first Edition to open in the Middle East on the Al Bateen peninsula does not disappoint. The design credentials are evident as soon as you reach the five-storey lobby with sinuous balustrade, Studio Drift kinetic art installation produced by Czech company Lasvit, gold leaf Cavicchi billiard table and marble patterned flooring. Two armchairs by local designer Latifa Saeed were inspired by the way Emirati children braid their hair. Check-in and there’s no need to leave, such as the range of dining options.

Best for families and romantics

Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa

The hotel features authentic and traditional design, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional Bedouin village.

“This is the ideal hideaway for couples and families seeking a tranquil escape,” Axel Jarosch, General Manager, Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa tells identity. “Embedded deep into the breath-taking backdrop of panoramic desert views, the Resort offers a welcoming and alluring experience, resulting in a relaxing and invigorating escape. It’s designed to draw people together yet provide the freedom to be lost.”

Situated in the historic district of Al Wathba, 40 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, and home to the annual Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, the hotel features authentic and traditional design, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional Bedouin village. Space is emphasised by the secluded villas with private pools, a 1000-square metre pool and Arabian-style rooms. The Talise Spa further decompresses harried guests with its ‘rejuvenation journeys’.

Best for creatives and pet-lovers

Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens

Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens takes New York loft living and combines it with Arabic influences.

Designed by LW Design Group, Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens takes New York loft living and combines it with Arabic influences. That translates to Insta-worthy interiors, unique artwork and cosy nooks with shelves filled with antique items (cameras, birdcages, ceramic animals).

The vast outdoor terrace features a giant screen for movie night (with popcorn), a swimming pool and running tracks. The in-house gym, Native Club, offers a range of classes from cardio and circuit training to Tai Chi and Pilates. It also houses the Dubai’s first organic spa, providing treatments including luxury facials, detox seaweed wraps and sport-specific massages. Lah Lah is the hotel’s Pan-Asian restaurant and the other foodie haunt is Social Company (or SoCo). If your idea of a holiday is to be inspired, this is a visual feast.

Best for golf enthusiasts

Vida Emirates Hills

Views of the courses are offered by the hotel rooms, which are in keeping with Vida Hotels’ philosophy of individuality, creativity and simplicity.

A stone’s throw from the new 160-room Vida Emirates Hills – the third to open under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand of Emaar Hospitality Group – are two championship golf courses: the Karl Litten-designed par-72 course at Emirates Golf Club; and the Address Montgomerie golf course, designed by Colin Montgomerie in association with Desmond Muirhead. Views of the courses are offered by the hotel rooms, which are in keeping with Vida Hotels’ philosophy of individuality, creativity and simplicity. As for dining, Stage2 is the social hub of the resort, perfect for afternoon tea. Origins is an all-day dining concept with clean, healthy food on the menu, and Junipers lounge is ideal for unwinding with family or friends after a round of golf.

Best for decadence

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

Designed by Jeffrey Wilkes, the new Mandarin Oriental Jumeira features 256 spacious and elegant guest rooms and suites (bathrooms with Natura Bissé amenities is a generous finishing touch), most with private balconies and terraces offering ocean views or the city skyline. The Forest of Lights centrepiece – with trees cast in bronze – makes for a dazzling entrance and there is no shortage of Instagram-worthy backdrops around the property.

Two signature restaurants are Tasca by Portuguese celebrity chef José Avillez, and Netsu, a Warayaki-style Japanese steakhouse by Australian-born chef Ross Shonhan. The Spa enables wellness experiences to be taken to another level, with a focus on locally inspired experiences, heat and water experiences, and a range of holistic rejuvenation and relaxation treatments.

Best for families

Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai

Families looking for sheer indulgence, island seclusion and a packed programme of entertainment for all ages will enjoy Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai. The 194-guest room resort includes two outdoor pools – one family-friendly and one for adults only – and access to a private beach. Among its six restaurants and bars, one dining highlight is the Bacchanal buffet. With open restaurant kitchens serving everything from prime ribs, chilled crab legs and oysters to dim sum and baked-to-order soufflés, Bacchanal’s approach to dining is bound to set new benchmarks for the local brunch scene. Other dining options at Caesars Resort include The Piazza, serving patisserie alongside chai and karak for local tastes; the pool bar and grill, The Sandbar; and a fusion of Mediterranean and Arabic flavours at Cleo’s Table. That’s not forgetting, of course, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell Kitchen.

Best for a long weekend

The Merchant House, Bahrain

Signature details will be recognised by fans of the boutique brand

The Merchant House, Bahrain, located in Manama’s old town, is home to just 46 suites. Though the hotel made its debut earlier this year, in February, it has already scooped several awards and has just been given a five-star rating. Part of Campbell Gray Hotels, signature details will be recognised by fans of the boutique brand – such as the extensive library with over 1000 books for browsing, as well as the hotel’s rooftop with pool and Indigo Restaurant. Executive Chef Robert Shipman has designed the eclectic menu inspired by his travels across the globe. The Merchant House’s central location, alongside the Bab Al Bahrain souk, makes it the perfect base from which to explore the sights of Bahrain. Providing welcome relaxation upon returning after sightseeing, the hotel suites feature an open-plan seating, kitchen and dining area, as well as a sizeable bedroom.

Best for art travellers

Life House South Beach, Miami

Each room has a layer of art, colour and texture that brings to mind the bedroom of an artist.

Located in Miami’s vibrant South of Fifth neighbourhood, this transformed 1930s Tudor cottage is just steps from the ocean. Set to open on 1 August, the 26-room Life House South Beach’s aim is to introduce guests to the works of local artists and to provide an authentic South Beach experience. Guests enter a light and airy beach retreat with coastal details, such as whitewashed wood-plank walls and ceilings. Each room has a layer of art, colour and texture that brings to mind the bedroom of an artist. This vibe is carried through the design. The colourful South Beach Art Deco neighbourhood can be seen from the hotel’s garden patio, while the living room/lobby area – which is a cafe-cum-social hub – has an artisanal design scheme that is rooted in styles of the past; the property embodies the home of an artist or writer living by the seashore.

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