HBA BRINGS PARK HYATT MALDIVES HADAHAA TO LIFE WITH LAVISH
NEW FIVE-STAR DESIGN
HBA Gives Hotel Distinct Character and Produces a Greater Level of Luxury
Synonymous with the Illustrious Brand
DUBAI– Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), global leader in hospitality design, lent its design expertise to breathe new life into the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Hyatt’s only five-star luxury hotel in the Maldives. Nearly every facet of the resort was touched by the re-design that was completed in April 2012, from the 50 Maldivian guest villas to the magnificently appointed Dhoni.
The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaais situated on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll near one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world. Nestled within natural vegetation and only a few steps from the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort embodies secluded luxury. Previously a privately owned resort, the two-year-old property was given a greater sense of place once designers from HBA’s Dubai office were enlisted to elevate it to Park Hyatt standards.
“We worked closely with the Hyatt team at Hadahaa and Hyatt in Dubai to really see where we could enhance such a beautiful resort,” said Lead Designer, Michelle Evans. “Our journey started in paradise and took us across Bali, Bangkok, Europe and back to Dubai as we custom-designed each item from bathroom accessories to the private pagodas for the beach."
The resort features 50 villas including 14 park water villas perched above the Indian Ocean, 16 park villas and 20 park pool villas. HBA designers were tasked to work with all the villas’ existing furniture; all wood finishes was stripped and re-purposed. To create an elevated room experience, soft furnishings, artwork and accessories were brought in featuring vibrant colors that add to the luxury in-room experience. The rooms’ minibar and desk units were re-designed with custom timber block tops and feature custom-designed minibar trays and an espresso amenities station. Designers worked with Compete, a manufacturer in Dubai, to design and develop a complete range for Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa branding from coasters to compendiums, which each reflect the brand’s tan colors with a flash of orange.
HBA designers reassessed the use of the Dhoni, which underwent a complete refurbishment. After careful planning, designers were able to create separate spaces for lounging and introduced a raised stage area for functions. The partially outdoor space was designed to be more versatile and easily re-arranged based on each event. The room developed distinctcharacter once personalized,regionally-sourced artwork and ceramics were brought in.
HBA boosted the sense of arrival by completely re-designing the reception area; designers infused brilliant hues of fuchsia and orange to stand out among underlying soft grey color palette. A series of artworks based on coral formations were installed against the textile wall panels and provided the bases for accent colors. Custom-designed book and display cases in the reception were made with wood that was sourced and hand-crafted in Bali. Additionally, HBA advised on the placement of a retail area within the space, as well as sourcing retailers for high-end jewelry, beachwear and accessories.
Challenged with a long room that had no discernible focal points, HBA designers were tasked with giving the resort’s restaurant, The Dining Room, a new layout. Designers introduced raised platforms at either end of the room to break up the space, one with sofa seating and the other with a chef’s table. Large-scale, intricate fiigree metal pieces of artwork were commissioned and placed at the end of the wall to create a central focal pointto complement the sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. The back bar, spanning the full length of one wall, was re-configured to introduce wine towers and screening to break up the long expanse. The screens were imaginatively designed to be lit up in the evening to provide subtle lighting that casts shadows to help transition the space from lunch to dinner service.
In the resort’s Bells Bar, the HBA team added ambiance by creating a more tranquiland functional space. A bar was designed and built to meet all operator requirements while capitalizing on the views that encompass the heart of the resort. A high-top counter bar table was created from a stunning timber slice that encourages guests to sit and watch the resident mixologist concoct the resort’s signature cocktails. The ambiance was further enhanced with specially designed lighting, soft furnishings, drapery and accent candle lighting. Plush sofas, swing chairs and six intimate beach cabanas thatface the breathtaking ocean views bring a sense of secluded romance to the space.
To capitalize on the resort’s most valuable asset - the beach -HBA designers incorporated custom-designed gazebos for both day and evening beach set ups. The gazebos can be used for formal private dining, causal beanbag seating, or to accommodate fire pits and exterior cooking with barbeques. The jetty was completely re-designed to be more inviting and create a more notable arrival experience. Taking into account the region’s changing seasons and climate, HBA designers introduced a commissioned sail canopy, which could be anchored to the jetty and removed during the winter. Custom seating tables and lanterns that could be secured to the jetty were also introduced.
In order to better utilize the outdoor area at the Spa Vidhun, HBA designers created luxurious pagodas with lounge seating that featured the resort’s signature color scheme. Plush rugs, soft cushions, candle lighting and artwork were brought in to better accessorize the space.
About HBA
World-renowned as the “Number 1 Hospitality Design Firm” (Interior Design) and honored in 2012 by the Gold Key Awards, Hospitality Design, Perspective Awards, the Boutique Design Awards and the European Hotel Design Awards; HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, unveils the world’s most anticipated hotels, resorts, and spas. Leading the hospitality interior design industry since 1965, HBA remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today's sophisticated traveler. The company’s international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables them to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level. HBA’s ultimate objective is to add value, raise standards and enhance the brand of a project's owner and operator.
HBA creates the signature look of traditional luxury brands, independent contemporary boutiques, urban resort spas, world-class residences, restaurants, casinos, and cruise ships. From continent to continent, each HBA interior is the result of a unique and sensitive response to location, architecture, and client vision. With over 1,000 designers around the globe in 16 offices and a recent expansion in Asia, HBA is a true global company with more than 75% of its employees now outside the United States. HBA’s international presence, combined with its extensive knowledge of the interior design industry, has facilitated the ability to rewrite the language of design with each new project.
For HBA in Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai Moscow, Istanbul, Thailand and Manila, visit