Paul Bishop’s Spa Wellness Design Takes You into the Clouds

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a light and airy spa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.

Traditional ideologies of a spa have been abandoned, where functional expectations remain but are orchestrated in new forms – using natural materials in modern manners which gives this offering a unique edge, whilst never forgetting the most crucial of factors – serenity. The design approach has been heavily focused on introducing natural materials yet integrating them in a way to appeal to a contemporary new age, reflective of the SLS brand. Our methodology of tone-on-tone applications, with teases of pink and references to the sky, elevate an immersive getaway experience. Light palettes mix with darker shades, greenery and plenty of light to create a feeling of openness; allowing guests to fully surrender to tranquillity.

What was the client’s brief? 

Serenity and exclusivity were to come hand in hand at Ciel, the spa offering on the 69^th floor of SLS Hotel & Residences in Dubai. The concept itself was an inherent part of SLS properties across the world, however it was up to us to enhance the offering. Still respecting the previous designs, but evolving the Ciel brand as a refreshed and new identity.

We conceptualized the narrative to focus on the view, and the notion of being high up in the clouds. This would lead us to orientate the space to capture the exterior perspectives, and that fascinating Dubai skyline.

What inspired the design of the project?

Nestled in the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s Business Bay, Ciel Spa offers a hideaway for those seeking out more peaceful moments. Our inspiration for the spa became rooted in celebrating the natural beauty of raw, soft tone materials; much like the essence of a spa would. Welcoming guests stands a fluted concierge desk that is complimented by rose tinted lighting, an oversized planter and contemporary retail display which creates a softness yet contrasts to the space through a harder material selection.

Key characteristics within are the ephemeral pink tone on tone colour palettes. These hues signify the mystical skylight moods that edge our environment. These soft shades balance beautifully with textures and accessories within.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Operational requirements called out for independent Female & Male entities, where each area would have its own jacuzzi/wet zone, treatment rooms and relaxation zones. Despite these individual areas, we were also challenged to create a neutral zone for couple treatment rooms which required intelligent consideration towards spatial planning. Besides from functional aspirations, we were given freedom to explore aesthetics and determine how users should interact with the space.

Treatment rooms offer both couple and individual offerings, where we decided to derive certain aspects from existing Ciel outlets yet evolve them for our Dubai venture. Storage facilities are three dimensional pyramids with diamante handles, a subtle reference to the luxury sentiments of the hotel and a reminder of the exclusivity which guests are treated with. White illuminated sheer curtains elegantly surround the back walls, intervened with an extravagant oversized bevelled mirror in the centre. These areas are ever so slightly moodier than the otherwise light and airy spa environment to create an intimate retreat for those seeking out something a little more personalized and private – a sense of escapism.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

At the heart of the spa is our wet zone. Grey stone steps lead guests up to the jacuzzi pools, where differing shades of natural wood panels are manipulated to form a beautiful backdrop to the relaxation that’s about to take place. These spaces were choregraphed to provide unobstructed views of the city. Flooring in these areas is an eclectic array of muted monochromatic mosaic tiles, encouraging feelings of movement, taking simplistic elements but combining them in a way that becomes much more visually interesting. Biophilia is introduced to contribute to the overall calmness that flows through the space, and an abundance of natural light is always evident.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

Each year Bishop Design feel very fortunate at having the chance to submit our latest works to the SBID Awards, and 2021 is no different. We would like to take the time and say thank you to the prestigious awarding team, as well as the esteemed panel of judges, for their time and consideration. It is events like these that continuously motivate our team to create iconic experiences all over the world.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner & Founder, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.