Coastal Charm

Discover dream holiday destinations that combine dazzling décor with stunning seaside ambience and architecture for a great summer getaway

- Mairead Walsh

ANANTARA MEDJUMBE ISLAND

MOZAMBIQUE

Style notes

Set within the protective borders of the Quirimbas National

Park on Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, this idyllic island retreat is surrounded by pristine waters with vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical sealife, including some of the world’s largest populations of dolphins, whales, and turtles.

From the hotel lobby and open public spaces to the guest rooms, splashes of colour and texture add life to the supremely serene setting with mulitcoloured woven wicker lamp shades, colourful poufs and cushions with African patterns peppering each interior.

Warm woods create a very at-one-with-nature aesthetic across the property, from the thatched roof over each private villa to the flooring and furnishings.

anantara.com

KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCAT

MUSCAT,OMAN

Style notes

Designed byWoods Bagot, the new Kempinski Hotel Muscat makes an arresting architectural impression in the heart of the old city, characterised by the firm as a modern interpretation of the

Sultanate of Oman. The hotel’s grand façade, which is stunningly reflected in its pools, was inspired by the landscape of Old Muscat, particularly the Muttrah Corniche.

The most iconic structure on the property is the ballroom (pictured bottom right). Architecturally designed to replicate the effect of Arabic lanterns, the building is illuminated in the evening creating a striking impression on the Al Mouj waterfront.

Inspired by the Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the design of the lobby is intended to depict the nature of lilies on a pond.