Project name: Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain

Location: Bahrain

Date Completed: 2018

Interior Designer: WA International

Architect: DSA Architects

Hotel Group/ Developer: Jumeirah

Construction Company: Speedwell Decor LLC

An elegant beach front resort with sublime relaxation on the Arabian Gulf. With regal and refined guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers breath-taking new levels of luxury.

The WA Internationals brief was to design the first Jumeirah Royal Saray in Bahrain for the Jumeirah Group’s top luxury brand. The hotel is beautifully enclosed by the Arabian Sea which brings both a new wave of understated luxury making, Bahrain a desirable leisure destination. As described by the Jumeirah Group, “The hotel is like a regal summer house, complete with a summer feel.”

The hotel has 174 guest rooms, 10 luxurious summer houses and 4 residences. It is an exclusive resort, perfect for entertaining family, friends and dignitaries. Modelled around the traditional courtyard concept, the square bold water feature is the focal point. Squared off by the Moorish arches and offset with a crystal chandelier above which adds a feminine touch to the space. Cool marble floors, off white and tonal, reference the colour of pearls, an integral part of Bahrain’s pearl trading heritage.

WA Internationals design works well because the concept is unique and strong. Working with a solid concept is key. The project is deeply rooted in its sense of location and is uniquely Bahraini. It is in the developing and defining of a unique concept and creating a strong narrative that ensures a design that works well and that the design is always part of the narrative especially in large scale projects.

The design is connected to the vernacular architecture & detailing of Bahrain, however in a contemporary approach and interpretation. Furthermore, the fundamental source of inspiration was the clients grandfather’s heritage home. It is a beautifully preserved example which was studied in depth by the design team. The heritage home displays the uniquely Bahraini patterning in the detailing which is referenced in the hotel’s interior design detailing.