DUBAI
Fantasy island
A hotel you can only reach by air or water
Regular Gulf Air passengers will know we have devoted individual issues of Gulf Life to hotels and islands, but this new project is our first chance to combine the two. The US$500 million Apeiron – named after an ancient Greek cosmological theory – is a seven-star island hotel that will only be accessible by helicopter or boat. The 185m-tall development boasts more than 350 luxury suites, its own private lagoon with moorings for yachts, beaches, cinemas and a two-storey “butterfly jungle”. Created by London-based architecture and design studio Sybarite, the exclusive resort is only at the conceptual stage at the moment, but, given Dubai’s ever-expanding ambition, do not be surprised to see Apeiron’s distinctively splayed silhouette gracing the horizon next time you hit the beach there. www.sybarite-uk.com
CAIRO
A touch of French polish
What was formerly the Gezirah Sheraton has been made over and relaunched as the Sofitel El Gezirah. Externally, it looks the same – a 27-storey cylindrical tower perched on the tip of a Nile island – but the interiors have been stunningly reconceived by celebrated French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The 383 rooms and 50 suites are undoubtedly the most chic in Cairo and many of those on the upper floors boast balconies with (distant) Pyramid views. There’s a fully equipped spa and open-air infinity pool, and the hotel is already a hit with locals for the waterside Kebabgy restaurant and Buddha Bar. www.sofitel.com
BANGKOK
Time for Thailand
At a time when so many hotel and spa resorts claim to be Thai-inspired, it’s a pleasure to introduce a stylish new getaway in Thailand itself. Alila ChaAm is the first modern resort in Cha-Am, which lies on a beautiful stretch of beach – reputed to be the country’s longest – two-and-a-half hours drive south of Bangkok. The retreat, which opens this month, is designed by Duangrit Bunnag, one of the Far East’s leading architects, and features a rooftop pool, garden suites and pool villas. Alongside these restful residences, there’s the requisite spa – offering Thai massage, naturally. www.alilahotels.com
LONDON
Wonder buys Selfridges has just completed its biggest ever in-store project: a refurbishment of the ground floor of its Oxford Street premises into what has been named the “Wonder Room”. The US$20 million project has opened up the shop’s front windows, allowing natural light to fall on a clean white space housing many of the world’s biggest watch and jewellery brands.
Cartier, Chanel and Tiffany & Co are just a few of the names whose products are displayed in a new arcade of boutiques that runs around the room. The latest must-have goods and exclusive gift items are on show in the centre of the room, and there is an 18m-long wall filled with all the trendiest sunglasses. www.selfridges.com
The bed bug
Danish furniture designer FurnID has based its new luxury day bed on a repeated hexagon pattern inspired by Arabic designs. The “Dekka” is nearly two metres long and is made from polished aluminium that contrasts with the handmade padding. It retails for a mere US$48,000. www.furnid.com
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