A spa project at the Kempinski Hotel shopping centre in Dubai, designed by London-based interior design Studio Roar Studio. Combining pan-Asian architecture, natural materials, pastel tones and textured hues, the final result is a 370-square-metre tranquil space that takes guests on a journey through the Asian senses. Pallavi Dean, founder and creative director of ROAR, explained: "The design process for SensAsia Stories was a restraint for me. We consciously don't suppress the senses; On the contrary, it is a place of quiet, rest and reflection.”

Roar Studios cast the net wide to understand the architecture of the region looking at countries such as Thailand, Bali and Vietnam for inspiration. Arches kept appearing in their research as key features of this architectural typology, and it soon became apparent that this shape would influence their design. Roar Studios have used large, illuminated arches above the male and female lobbies and incorporated arch-like decorative elements around the reception area’s shelving to compose a dramatic, theatrical effect. Another important architectural statement is the parametric form of the spa frontage. 

The spa is unusual in that it has two entrances: one from the hotel, the other from the mall, and this piece was designed to draw passing shoppers in.The spa is a hub of relaxing experiences for the client, eight treatment rooms (the original number of four boosted by Roar to maximise revenue per square foot) are elegantly organised around a central courtyard. While elsewhere, bespoke facilities beckon in the form of experience showers, an ice fountain, herb saunas, steam rooms, a Jacuzzi and virtual reality headsets.