In the realm of hospitality, an authentic design identity can significantly impact market positioning. It helps differentiate the property from competitors and attracts people who resonate with the narrative. This connection can lead to increased value and customer satisfaction, as guests feel a sense of belonging and attachment to a space that goes beyond its physical attributes. This design narrative encapsulates the property’s history, purpose, and envisioned experience, allowing guests to connect with the environment on a deeper level. It becomes the soul of the property, fostering a sense of place and evoking emotional responses from its occupants.
Saudi Projects spoke to Marina Krasnobrizhaya: General Manager, The St. Regis Riyadh and Kristina Zanic, CEO, Kristina Zanic Consultants, first asking what sets The St. Regis Riyadh apart from other Marriott (and St Regis) properties.
Marina Krasnobrizhaya: The St. Regis Riyadh marks the debut of the brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with it brings its iconic traditions and signature hallmarks to the country. The opening ushers in a new benchmark of luxury in the capital, offering a new viewpoint on anticipatory service and avant-garde design, which are synonymous with St. Regis globally and set it apart from other properties. The debut of the brand marks Marriott’s commitment to bringing new luxury experiences to Saudi Arabia, in line with the country’s Vision 2030.
The St. Regis brand’s founding family, the Astors, were known for seeking out exquisite locations around the globe for their collection of homes, and The St. Regis Riyadh reflects their love for residential properties. It is the first boutique-style luxury hotel in the capital featuring 83 luxurious guestrooms, including 21 exquisite suites and an expansive two-bedroom Royal Suite. The hotel brings a different level of bespoke service with the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a personalized hallmark of the brand for more than a century, which ensures that each guest’s individual preferences are considered at every turn. The hotel’s design also sets it apart, cast from ancient Tuwaiq mountain stone found in the south of the country, the hotel embodies Salmani architecture; and modernity while celebrating local design.
Saudi Projects: How did the locale inspire the design? Talk us through the design narrative, where it started, and how it came to life.
Kristina Zanic: The hotel’s style epitomizes the luxurious aesthetic that is synonymous with the St. Regis brand, but it also draws inspiration from its local setting. Because the property is located within the new shopping and dining district of Via Riyadh with its lively piazza-like ambiance, it is perfectly positioned to be at the heart of the city’s flourishing social scene.
“The St. Regis brand’s founding family, the Astors, were known for seeking out exquisite locations around the globe”
Also considering the broader context, Riyadh itself is undergoing a significant transformation, as it evolves into a cosmopolitan hub on the international stage. This urban dynamism was something we wanted to mirror in the design of the hotel.
With these considerations in mind, we set about to create a refined ambiance that allows guests to savor life’s luxuries. The design narrative we created revolves around Riyadh’s emerging ‘La Dolce Vita’ lifestyle—a phrase meaning ‘the sweet life’ and embodying a lavish and dynamic urban way of life.
This lifestyle has always traditionally been rooted in a city’s bustling avenues and chic boulevards where the ‘it’ crowd shops, dines and socializes at its leisure. So we drew inspiration from the interlacing of streets in this urban landscape and their rhythmic geometry and integrated this theme into the interior design and art direction.
These linear and geometric patterns feature prominently throughout the property as a common design thread, appearing in aspects such as the angled ceilings of the guestrooms, geometric screens in the lobby, wall, and floor patterns, as well as motifs in the art and accessories.
Saudi Projects: What was it about this area/development that was the right fit for the brand?
Marina Krasnobrizhaya: Via Riyadh is a new landmark destination and a hotspot for residents and global travelers. The well-considered development by SELA reflects the level of premium and dynamic destinations that are being developed in the country and sets the tone for luxury destinations. The St. Regis Riyadh is the only hotel in the heart of Via Riyadh and compliments the destination’s curated mix of luxury boutiques, dining, and entertainment offerings. We believe it is the best address for the first St. Regis in the capital.
“Throughout the hotel, the Kristina Zanic team has integrated nods to the region’s storied past and evolving future”
Saudi Projects: Why was Kristina Zanic Consultants the right fit for this project?
Marina Krasnobrizhaya: As the debut of the brand in Saudi Arabia, The St. Regis Riyadh is an important addition to our luxury portfolio. When selecting a design partner for the project we knew it would require a passion for local design and art, plus a deep understanding of the brand and its design nuances.
Throughout the hotel, the Kristina Zanic team has integrated nods to the region’s storied past and evolving future with St. Regis’ sophisticated modernity.
Saudi Projects: What was the design brief for the interior and why?
Kristina Zanic: Our brief from the St Regis team, in collaboration with the developer SELA, was to create an interior that embodies modern sophistication and stays true to the St Regis brand, while also blending with the adjacent Via Riyadh district. The design brief provided a lot of flexibility, giving us the freedom to develop a unique vision for the hotel. This vision was grounded in our understanding of the immediate locale and wider culture, as well as our familiarity with the design essence of the St Regis brand.
Saudi Projects: What was the brief for the rooms and suites?
Kristina Zanic: Our vision for the guest rooms and suites was to create contemporary luxurious retreats, that invite guests into a comfortable and indulgent atmosphere. We wanted these spaces to exude an airy, bright ambiance that complements the expansive views.
The use of pitched ceilings was a deliberate design choice because they accentuate the sense of roominess while aligning with the angular design motif.
In terms of furnishings, we curated a selection of stylish lounge furniture for a relaxed feel. The rooms feature custom-made rugs with a sumptuous finish and an abstract pattern in a calm blue palette. The tall headboards are upholstered in geometric patterned leather and add a focal point to the room design. Polished wood cabinets are decorated with semi-precious stone handles and subtly evoke a jewellery-inspired theme – one that is further accentuated by the faceted glass bedside lamps, that are elegantly suspended from the ceiling.
We also extended this sense of luxury into the generously sized bathrooms, featuring cream-colored marble walls and floors, and bronze accents and fixtures. The Royal Suite in particular boasts an additional touch of opulence with a bathtub in a translucent amber hue from Italian brand Antonio Lupi.
Saudi Projects: Talk us through the material selections and color palettes within the hotel interiors.
Kristina Zanic: The color palette we selected embraces quiet neutral tones punctuated with vibrant accents. Throughout the property, we’ve used intense blues and warm ambers, weaving them into the design of guestrooms, bar, and banquet spaces.
In the drawing room, we integrated touches of powder pink and deep plum, while the rooftop lounge Stella, welcomes guests with an inviting mix of copper, clay, and midnight blue tones, creating a cozy and engaging atmosphere.
We employed reflective finishes like glass, mirror, bronze, and copper, to step up the opulence in line with the overarching theme of high fashion and glamour.
Our flooring choices predominantly feature cream-colored marble, cut into various geometric patterns. Additionally, elements such as wooden wall paneling and tall bronze geometric screens add an element of sophistication.
Saudi Projects: What would you say the stand-out spaces are within the property, and what inspired the design?
Kristina Zanic: The hotel has several eye-catching and distinct features. The luxurious vibe is set right from the entrance, with a lavishly decorated double-height lobby. A sculptural staircase with a minimal sinuous form conveys a sense of modern luxury. The statement chandeliers in the lobby and function areas also add to the grandeur, showcasing graceful flowing forms and intricate glass ‘leaves’.
One of the standout features of the design is the St. Regis Bar mural, which is a hallmark of the St. Regis brand. This was entirely handmade and took four months to create. It stands five meters tall and is a custom textile art piece made by intricately layering various materials such as twisted and embroidered fabric, metal, glass, and beads. These elements come together seamlessly to create a stunning backdrop for the drinks bar, while also emphasizing the impressive height of the space. The mural’s shades of blue and amber blend in with the existing color scheme of the lounge and bar furniture.
Another highlight is the restaurant, Jackie’s, which makes a striking style statement and draws inspiration from the glamour of Jackie Onassis. This is a dramatic space featuring a six-meter-tall ceiling and a grand staircase that descends alongside an elegant black and white gallery wall. We created seating nooks through alcoves that are enveloped in antique mirrors and that frame blue velvet seats, all adding to the classic elegant style. And the perfect finishing touch in this luxurious space comes in the form of a grand piano, custom painted in a vibrant blue.
“The rooms feature custom-made rugs with a sumptuous finish and an abstract pattern in a calm blue palette”
Marina Krasnobrizhaya: Jackie is spread over two floors and is a place for family gatherings sharing dishes spread over a large oak table or more intimate moments in its elegant carved ceiling alcoves. Alternatively, Stella, on the rooftop, is a lively place; by day guests can laze on sunbeds around the pool, and by night take a seat indoors to enjoy live entertainment, sheesha, and live culinary stations. The hotel also features an expansive St. Regis Spa and Ballroom, catering to 650 guests with private access, a banquet area, and an elegant bridal suite.
Artistry in Every Detail: Craftsmanship and Bespoke Design
The design narrative at the St. Regis Riyadh contributes to a consistent and harmonious aesthetic throughout the property. This cohesiveness not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates a holistic experience for those interacting with the space.
“We employed reflective finishes like glass, mirror, bronze, and copper”
In conclusion, the design narrative at the St. Regis Riyadh serves as the foundation for creating an authentic design identity, weaving together the threads of history, purpose, and experience. It is a powerful tool that elevates the property from a structure to a unique and meaningful environment, fostering connections and leaving a lasting impression on its occupants.
Kristina Zanic Consultants
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