Jewel Of Ajman

Piero Lissoni’s design for the new Oberoi hotel and resort pays homage to the magic and modern spirit of Emirati culture.

- Joanne Molina

To be truly contemporary means immersing one’s self in the past to dwell in the present – and the future. Piero Lissoni, internationally renowned Italian designer, has embraced this temporality with the stunning new Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, which has been developed by Solidere International. Just 25 minutes from Dubai, it offers guests a hotel, private villas, restaurants, a spa, swimming pools and a private beach.

The profound and meticulously articulated architecture in Dubai was also placed in the hands of Marianna Piccolo – a former protégé and employee of another Italian legend: Milan-based architect and designer (and Head Juror of the identity Design Awards), Marco Piva.

An eco-system of refined luxury and personalised hospitality, the five-star resort is surrounded by a million square metres of protected forests, including lush mangroves, the lullaby of sea breezes, and a canvas of white sandy beaches and mesmerising azure lagoons.

Divided into three platforms that run parallel to the ocean, each building is carefully positioned in relation to its function. The platforms rise up from the oceanfront and the height of the buildings increases with each, guaranteeing superb ocean views from all areas of the resort.

“My inspiration comes from the atmosphere of this magic place,” says Lissoni. “I have designed all the buildings to try and emphasise the beauty of the natural environment and capture the perfumes of the water, which blend with the inimitable fragrances of the tropical mangroves.”