The BLINK Design Group has infused its philosophy of ‘placemaking’ with a new focus on the burgeoning field of well-being to create an immersive well-being oasis that melds Asian roots with desert purity 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 well-being experience built on time-honoured Asian practices.
It is a destination on the tranquil shores of Bluewaters Island overlooking the Arabian Gulf, imbued with the soul of the timeless sweep and changing moods of the desert beyond.
Banyan Tree Spa Dubai has forged a deep connection to its location through its design. Its inspiration comes from the natural landscape. It embraces 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 well-being 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 well-being in mind. This becomes the canvas upon which to paint sensory journeys into the fullness of well-being.
Soft, evolving lighting, coupled with the gentle play of natural sounds and delicate scents, creates an immersive atmosphere that fosters relaxation and mindfulness.
A 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 Arabian oryx, a protected species and a significant symbol of conservation in Dubai, inspires the interior colour palette. 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 the Dunes
Surrender to sacred spaces created for serenity and inner voyages of discovery. Treatment rooms feature soft curves reminiscent of the desert’s gentle, shifting dunes. 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
Do you want a laid-back wow factor that goes with the flow? Traditional water cleansing rituals inspire the rainforest tunnel and barefoot experience.
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 rain walk with ceiling and wall spa water jets, providing a refreshing, immersive experience.
Bucket and Ice Showers are a bracing, cool change. They stimulate circulation and refresh 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. It’s the perfect way to discover a new you, inside and out.
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 well-being 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.”