The

L
ocated on the idyllic St Regis Maldives Vommuli
Island Resort, The Whale Bar has been the
subject of envious glances since opening in 2016.
Modelled on the distinctive shape of the majestic
whale shark, The Whale Bar was recently recognised as
Bar
“
the overall winner of the SBID International Design Awards
2017.
Designed by Singapore-based WOW Architects | Warner
Wong Design, work designing The Whale Bar began
in 2011 and brings a new dimension to the luxury resort
overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Whale Bar combines a
simple palette of materials and unique decorative elements
that bring its interior to life.
Here, paradise
The main materials used on the project included concrete
footing, steel structure framing, timber beams and decking.
is emotionally
Timber and cedar shingles were used for the building’s
exterior which helps create a fish scale like quality. A smooth
and intellectually
interior is broken up by a large mural conceptualised by
Indian artist Maya Burman and executed by local craftsmen.
experienced and
Spread across five curvaceous oak panels the burnt
etchings, done using indigenous pyrography techniques in
enjoyed.
the henna style typically seen on hands and feet, tell the
story of a father and son discovering a paradise of corals, Plush sofas and armchairs are dotted throughout
fish and plankton. The installation is a celebration of the the space and extend onto the outdoor terrace
Maldives and its colourful sea life. Continuing this marine which boasts some of the best views in the entire
theme, the main bar area is inspired by the form of a sea resort. The Whale Bar’s food and drink offering,
turtle. under the direction of Executive Chef Ayyoub
Salameh, is a mixture of locally sourced seafood,
freshly prepared tapas, wines and spirits.

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 “ The Whale Bar has
been the subject of
envious glances since
opening in 2016.
In order to cause minimum impact during construction and to
minimise logistics and labour, a pre-fabricated steel frame and a
timber classing system was used as the preferred technology. This
had the added advantage of being environmentally friendly because
of it being rapidly deployable on site with a minimum footprint impact,
and adds to the eco awareness aspect of the resort.
Wong Chiu Man, Founder and Managing Director of WOW Architects
| Warner Wong Design said:
“When we were given an opportunity to design a Maldivian resort
hotel, we chose to delight the senses through education, creating
awareness, and new paradigms of interacting with the physical
environment. Here, paradise is emotionally and intellectually
experienced and enjoyed, but with a profound awareness of the
complex relationships of the eco systems being inhabited. The desire
for Low Impact and High Experiential Return is completely defined by
the economics of building and operating costs and this defines the
physical design solution.”
Voting for the SBID International Design Awards is a combination of
a panel of expert judges and a public vote. The Whale Bar’s success
is a testament to its universal appeal and creative skill. Wong Chiu
Man added:

T
“I am so pleased we won this award! It’s all about ownership,
partnership ransformed
and designfollowing a £12m investment programme,
at its peak.”
the 238-room Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh has
WOW Architects
unveiled a| Warner Wong new
contemporary Designlook and feel following a
Establishedcomprehensive upgrade
as Warner Wong throughout.
Design in the year 2000 by Wong Chiu
Workand
Man to refurbish the Royal
Maria Warner Wong, Mile
WOW hotelhas
began in early
gradually 2015 and
evolved into a
since then
dynamic all guest
design bedrooms,
group. The team’smeeting rooms,
creative and lies
strength public areas,
in the ability
hichconceive
to also includes Quorvus Collection,
the architecture, interior Radisson,
and landscapeRadisson RED,
design, and
Park Plaza,
master Park with
planning Inn by Radisson
strong and Country
conceptual Innsclarity,
unity and & Suites By
resulting
Carlson.
in works of experiential strength. These come together to shape
branding and business directions for our clients, whose ranks include
hotel owners and operators, developers and individuals in leading
global organizations.
In addition to this recent SBID International Design Awards 2017
success, the company has won numerous awards on projects
stretching across the globe in the hospitality, residential and
commercial design sectors.

34 PremierHospitality International FEBRUARY2018 www.premierconstructionnews.com PremierHospitality International 35

 “
A smooth interior is
broken up by a large
mural conceptualised
by Indian artist Maya
Burman and executed
by local craftsmen.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Hidden away on the island of Vommuli, The St. Regis Maldives
Vommuli Resort is one of the most luxurious in the Maldives.
Reachable only by seaplane, the resort combines contemporary
design with local craftsmanship across its 77 villas, spa and eclectic
dining mix. From the garden villas housed in the heart of the jungle to
the beach villas overlooking glorious beaches, each building draws
inspiration from its surroundings.
Combining classical sophistication with a modern sensibility, the
St. Regis brand is committed to delivering exceptional experiences
at over 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around
the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New
York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has
Photo Credit: Casey Dunn

Photo Credit: Trey Dillon

36 PremierHospitality International FEBRUARY2018 www.premierconstructionnews.com PremierHospitality International 37

 remained committed to an uncompromising
level of bespoke and anticipatory service
for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly
by signature St. Regis Butler Service.
Born of a distinctive legacy and crafted for
modern connoisseurs who desire the finest
experiences imaginable, St. Regis defines
modern glamour and sophistication as the
leading luxury lifestyle hospitality brand
with an uncompromising commitment to
excellence.

Images: © 2018 WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design, All Rights Reserved.
Photographs by Raf Tooten and Aaron Pocock

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