Journeying through

Water lies at the heart of the design.
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The newly-opened Juala Spa at the Grand Hyatt Doha was designed to promote unique, culturally-specific, highly-memorable experiences. CID takes a closer look

The recently-opened Juala Spa at the Grand Hyatt Doha is defined by its name, which translates from Arabic to mean ‘journey’.

Visitors are invited to retreat fully into the all-encompassing folds of the spa. “Their journey always changes, and becomes an escape from the outside world as they move deeper and deeper into the core of the spa from their initial entry experience through to their private treatment experience.

“Touch, texture and sound were essential drivers in creating this journey of retreat and respite for the guest, and in ensuring that they leave with new memories that will last until the next journey,” explained Michelle Evans, managing associate, HBA Dubai, the company responsible for designing the hotel and all associated facilities.

The project brief called for a focus on cleanliness – both literally and figuratively. “Spa treatments form a fundamental aspect of life in Qatar, for both men and women,” explained Karunathi M, director of spa.

“Great importance is placed on cleanliness as this is closely linked to spiritual cleanliness. The interior design of the facility reflects this important element through a simple interior – vast, clean and immaculately white walls, minimal decoration and vast spaces.”

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The exterior of the spa reiterates the overall architecture of the hotel. Grand, but infused with earthy colours, the entire structure is designed to blend into a desert backdrop. The aim, ultimately, was to create a structure that drew upon local cultural heritage and traditions – and treatments were designed to promote a similar blend of influences.

“The idea was to create a unique spa experience that evokes the splendour and luxury of a bygone era with elements that reflect upon Qatar’s heritage, but also offers sophistication, while restoring harmony between mind, body and spirit,” said Evans.

The 4,000m² sanctuary features a total of 12 luxurious treatment suites, including two couples suites, a relaxation area with a tranquility pool, a health club, a retail boutique and a ladies’ salon. Vast, open spaces promote a sense of luxury and grandeur, while floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow natural light to flood some areas of the spa, Karunathi M explained.

When it came to materials, HBA favoured natural, light-coloured stones, river pebbles, rich, warm, wood-colour tones and ornate carved wooden panels, to reiterate an overall sense of tranquility. “A selection of rich silks and embroidery sheers were introduced to soften the natural elements, adding dramatic colours from the desert – reds and ambers – to the calmness of the interior,” Evans said.

Journey’s end

Water is a central theme and runs throughout the design scheme, she continued. “The element of water is the heart of this spa. It is strongly used throughout the space, which elicits many moods for the senses, such as sound, as it meanders through the interiors; sight, with the reflection pools in the relaxation areas; and touch, through the treatments,” Evans said.

Magnificent, calm, contemporary, escape and journey are the keywords that Karunathi M uses to describe the overall ambiance of the spa. “The rich Arabic architecture and interior provide a strong sense of strength and peace. The indoor garden and water features make it a true sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. The building is a magnificent tribute to the Emiri Palace, the earthen beige exterior offers a welcoming entrance into this private and secluded spa.

“It is a contemporary interpretation of an emir’s palace that is linear and symmetrical, with hidden passages and areas of discovery. The entrance, with its wooden slatted roof and water feature, is my favourite part of the spa.”

It is the effective blend of old and new that contributes to the overall success of the interior, Evans concluded. “We sought to create an elegant and timeless design by seamlessly combining elements of the old world and the new, while evoking all the senses. Each sense was carefully thought through to balance and blend with the interior as the guest moved through the spa.”

Favoured materials

Natural, light-coloured stones, river pebbles, rich, warm, wood-colour tones and ornate carved wooden panels, along with rich silks and embroidery sheers, water features and wooden slatted roofing, create natural, calming interiors.