Dubai-based firms Killa Design and KCA International are behind the architecture and interiors of this truly exceptional property – the first beachfront hospitality development for the Address brand by Emaar Hospitality Group.
Occupying a prime position on Dubai’s JBR beach and marking the end of the marina, The Address Beach Resort could hardly cut a more striking figure. With a facade encompassing 82,000m2 of curtain wall glass, this distinctive property features a multi-levelled landscaped podium, with a gargantuan central vortex extending over 50 floors.
A skybridge reconnects the building on the higher storeys, featuring luxurious apartments, restaurants, a spa and gym, as well as an exceptional rooftop sky-club with a lounge and pool. Positioned a staggering 294m above ground, it is said to be “the highest inhabited skybridge in the world”, offering an incredible vantage point from which to admire Dubai’s shoreline.
Killa Design’s initial brief outlined a twin-tower design, but having considered the existing Dubai skyline, the firm decided on a more pure, timeless building form. Not only does the void have aesthetic impact, but it creates a fascinating interaction with its surrounding landscape and – all importantly – increases daylight intake.
Of course, the scale and nature of the project posed significant challenges for the design team. “The new hotel typology of the high-rise resort required us to rethink the relationship between the tower, the external recreational landscape areas and the existing beachfront landscape,” Killa Design tells Hospitality Interiors. “Inspired by radial patterns found in marine creatures such as the nautilus, the podium levels spiral out from the tower, elegantly cascading down to the semi-private beach and surrounding beach areas. The shapes guide guests through the podium and landscape, serving as a natural wayfinding towards the sea.”
There is a significant outdoor element to the property, too. The overall podium features terraces of greenery, outdoor restaurants and pools that cascade into one another, with a series of grand stairways on the terraces allowing visitors to walk from the beach up to the lobby.
The Address Beach Resort’s hotel porte-cochere and lobby have instant impact, and are the first thing guests will see when arriving into the Dubai Marina via the main southern entry of the Al Saud St bridge. Once guests have entered the grand, triple-height lobby, the elevated level provides unobstructed views of the sea beyond a series of infinity pools and landscaped terraces.
Although impactful, the 16m-high ceiling here meant that KCA wished to create a cosy, ‘home from home’ arrival experience, without overwhelming guests. Comfortable furnishings, with a palette of marine blues, teals and sand tones, offers a soothing environment in which to check in.
F&B
The Address Beach Resort is designed to be a culinary destination, offering multiple cuisines and dining experiences. Concepts include: The Restaurant, offering an array of internationally inspired dishes; The Lounge, a multifunctional location in the lobby; and beachside Mediterranean dining at The Beach Grill.
One of the most acclaimed outlets within the hotel is Li Brasil, a chic indoor and outdoor cocktail bar and lounge. KCA was briefed with creating a dining space and indoor/outdoor cocktail bar that would appeal to business and leisure guests alike, and would make an attractive addition to the trendsetter spots of Dubai’s nightlife.
Conveying the warmth and hospitality of the Lebanese, as well as the liveliness of the Brazilians, Li Brasil’s interiors have a distinct steakhouse feel, with an abundance of dark wood, an elongated bar area, and low-slung seating flanked by foliage-clad walls. References to nature and water are visible throughout, in the choice of finishes and colours.
When guests step out onto the terrace, they are greeted with a body of shimmering, infinity-style water, with impressive views over Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai and out towards Palm Jumeirah.
Another outdoor oasis in the hotel comes in the form of ZETA Seventy Seven, named for its location on level 77 of the property. Set adjacent to one of the world’s tallest outdoor infinity pools, the picture-perfect restaurant serves up Asian fusion dishes for lunch and dinner, with a stylish open-air cocktail bar. For a little more privacy, the rooftop offers 12 private cabanas, equipped with a TV and music controllers.
The laid-back decor and beach-club ambiance is unpretentious yet elegant, and gives visitors an escape from the bustling city below. Avoiding the ‘jungle effect’ already utilised by other concepts in town, KCA drew inspiration from a modern urban beach club, experimenting with minimal decor and a stylish Mediterranean colour palette.
Spa
The property’s haven-like spa is situated on level 75, profiting from unparalleled sea views in all of its nine treatment rooms. Spanning 805.71m2, The Spa at Address Beach Resort is equipped with a steam room and sauna, the latest version of the world-renowned Gharieni massage beds for a bespoke spa experience, and a Vichy shower, designed to wake up the circulatory system with a warm-water rain massage.
The spa’s interiors embody the luxury coastal lifestyle. Neutral colours are enlivened by splashes of marine blue and green, while porcelain tiles recall the glistening appearance of a pearl.
A state-of-the-art gym, multiple pools and a private beach complete the facilities.
Accommodation
The Address Beach Resort’s accommodation is divided into 217 hotel guest rooms and suites, 443 serviced apartments and 478 residential apartments.
The property’s 443 serviced apartments offer an selection of one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom premium luxury apartments. Each apartment has distinct zones for working, grooming and relaxing, with picturesque vistas of the Arabian Sea thoroughout.
The living and dining areas are divided by custom-made milled units, which simultaneously provide additional storage, while the fully equipped kitchen has been cleverly connected to the dining area. Bedrooms feature generous wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom.
The brief called for inspiring and bespoke interiors, fitted with high-quality fixtures, state-of-the-art entertainment and telecoms connectivity, while encapsulating the Address brand’s DNA.
KCA drew inspiration from the themes of nature and water for the fresh and delicate palette. The neutral colour scheme is enlivened with splashes of marine blue and green, with an abundance of natural light and life-sized imitation trees.
The oval shape of the building necessitated that the hotel’s guest rooms, serviced apartments and residences take over 54 different layouts in order to accommodate the unique curves of the building and maximise the space and views offered.
The guest rooms span from a 484ft2 Deluxe Marina View Room to a 3003ft2 three-bedroom Presidential Suite. The sleek, luxurious interiors maintain the neutral palette and pops of colour seen throughout the hotel, with each room oriented so guests can best enjoy views over the sea and marina.
