Starwood's 5-star Lighthouse Resort in Aqaba, Jordan gets new interior designer
MMAC Design Associates was recently awarded the design of Starwood's Luxury Collection Lighthouse Hotel at Saraya Lagoon along the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan. This 31,500 square metre beach resort is a jewel placed at the heart of this seaside escape which is envisioned to become one of the premier leisure destinations in the Middle East. The design team at MMAC has conceived a unique experience combining the warm, glistening, clear blue waters and abundant marine life with the archeological treasures of this historic coastal city. Set to open in 2016, this opulent property will include three gourmet restaurants, specialty shops, private villas, an innovative spa, multiple swimming pools and endless stretches of secluded beach.
Inspired by the ancient port city of Ayla, which played a significant role in the spice trade route that once connected the Mediterranean Sea with the Arabian Peninsula, guests will be invited on a journey showcasing the relationship of old Aqaba with the rest of the region. In developing the concept, the creative team explored the idea of the four gateways that existed in the city of Ayla for each of the cardinal directions. The Door of Egypt (to the North, leading eventually to the Mediterranean) is expressed in the theme of all-day dining concept. The Damascus Gate (East) brings Levantine architectural details to life in the Middle Eastern Restaurant. The Door of the Sea (West) can be felt in the rustic authenticity of the Seafood Restaurant. The Door to the Hejaz (South, and onto the Centre of Islam) is symbolically displayed throughout the grand reception & entrance lobby. The 201 guestrooms and 31 suites draw inspiration from the old houses of Amman, a true embodiment of Jordanian culture, preserved as part of Jordan's heritage. The stonework, custom designed terrazzo tiling and beautiful wrought iron craftsmanship have all been integrated in the design by MMAC Associates.
"We immersed ourselves deeply in the rich Jordanian culture for the Lighthouse project," noted Christian Merieau, Managing Director. "It is our belief that a strong concept has to be built on a true understanding of the local culture combined with a strong partnership between the hotel operator, the client and all consultants. We spent a fair amount of time in Jordan with our client to understand their vision and requirements down to the smallest details."
Anil Mangalat, Design Director, further explained, "We would compare the design process to that of layering as used in painting. The underlying base coat would be distinctly Jordanian, marked with its restrained usage of the Islamic style, an authentic sense of craftsmanship, including bone and brass inlay, and embroidery and a strong emphasis on stonework. We add a layer through materials and colors to accentuate the seaside ambiance and enhance the resort experience. The final touches come with the right decorative elements and accessories."
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About MMAC Design Associates
MMAC is a boutique design agency founded by Mr Christian Merieau and Anil Mangalat in early 2014 in the United Arab Emirates. The firm provides interior design services to developers, architects and hotel operators. Specialized in luxury, up-scale and upper mid-scale hotel and restaurant design, the founding team has developed more than forty hotel concepts for ten of the leading international operators. Based in Dubai, this team has delivered high-end projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan. The firm's hospitality expertise is fully expressed through its ability to produce powerful and original designs for each project, delivering on time and within budget, while fusing the client's vision, local customs, geographic considerations and the operator's guidelines. MMAC's mission is to understand the needs of our hospitality clients and provide creative design and innovative solutions through an efficient process based on deep industry knowledge, extensive & specialized experience and an up-to-date comprehension of standards, context and guest experience.
For more information: www.mmac-associates.com
Credit: MMAC Design Associates
Contact: 052 884 5651 - - linda@abetterpartnership.com
for MMAC Design Associates, PO Box 939519, Dubai, UAE
© Press Release 2015
