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Project Name: The St. Regis Astana
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Date Completed: September 2017
Interior Designer: Wimberly Interiors
Architect: WATG
Hotel Group: Marriott International

With such a prominent site and location, the brief called for a design that would reflect the cultural nuances of Astana. The vision was to create a signature hospitality offering in Astana, including a 120-key branded hotel, restaurants, a signature spa and a winter garden; and 50 branded residences. Located on the banks of Ishim River, at Central Park, Astana’s most coveted address, WATG and Wimberly Interiors used the hotel’s location to inspire a design that highlights the distinct cultural heritage of Astana. The design takes a traditional, yet grand approach to luxury hotel design, using a hierarchy of spaces and forms to make the building an icon within the cityscape.

Both the yurt inspired building form and the entrance to the hotel engage with the open land and tree-scape nearby, paying homage to the traditional Kazakh dwelling. The architectural design positions the terraces, public promenades and restaurants along the waterfront allowing the hotel to leverage the extraordinary views of the River. “We wanted the building to be a timeless addition to the city.  The property avoids a specific stylistic mode, but evokes stylish and elegance that is recognisable in metropolitan situations across the globe. We envision that the area will evolve in a similar way to New York’s Central Park, where the properties play a key role and contribute to the urban design of parkland.” comments Jeremy Heyes, Senior Vice President, WATG.

Wimberly Interiors was briefed to create a design that would reflect traditional Kazakh décor, seen through the eyes of the modern guest with a focus on artisan finishes, majestic features, and luxurious textures. The interior design narrative takes inspiration from Kazakhstan traditions, every detail is hand-selected and bespoke. Using regal features and luxurious textures including embossed leather chairs, patterned timber flooring, shagreen clad joinery, eglomise mirrors and cut crystal chandeliers, whilst maintaining the most modern of comforts.

All 120 guest rooms are adorned with a spacious entrance, separated living room and bedroom area, with plenty of closet space and a luxurious marble bathroom. The St. Regis Astana features 23 suites, including a 510 square-meter Presidential Suite with bespoke furniture crafted by local artisans, study room, large dining room, wine vault and an extensive bathroom, featuring a sauna and a 139 square-meter terrace. The creation of the design was a dynamic process between the client, the brand and WATG and Wimberly Interiors. The seamless coordination across all parties created the perfect luxury design solution. WATG and Wimberly Interiors infused the St. Regis brand elegance with the history of the surrounding landscape and local culture in a subtle but distinctive way.