Kuwait marked the opening of an iconic hotel recently which is already a new architectural landmark on the city’s Sixth Ring Road, set within one of the nation’s most immersive luxury, leisure and lifestyle complexes, the 360 Mall.

The Grand Hyatt Kuwait marks a major milestone for both Hyatt Hotels Corporation – being the first Grand Hyatt in the country – and Kuwait-based owner of the property Tamdeen Group.

The 302-key luxury hotel, designed by CallisonRTKL, aims to set itself apart with signature guest experiences. Its interiors too, curated by a globally recognised US–based design boutique Meyer Davis, befit its location as part of a flourishing mixed-use development, taking inspiration from waves, dhows and the mashrabiya, while presenting contemporary aesthetics to the world.

The hotel’s design was conceptualised to seamlessly integrate into the context of the surroundings, complementing the established architectural lines, visually and functionally, while still making a distinct architectural statement all on its own. As the tallest building in the area, the nine guestroom floors offer unobstructed views from every angle.

A spectacular sky gazing atrium in the events foyer, adorned with brilliant white geometric patterns.

One of the property’s most distinguishing design features is its curved design, conceived and executed in lieu of a traditional rectangular outline to allow for a more natural and harmonising integration into the existing architectural landscape, says CallisonRTKL. The exterior design complements the curvilinear design aesthetic of the 360 Mall extension with a series of layers that splay out with unique characteristics. These multiple design features are focused on achieving an environmentally responsive building – inspired by and adapted for the local climate and culture, according to the architecture, planning and design firm.

The hotel’s signature exterior draws inspiration from the date palm leaf, with specific attention given to the branches of the palm and their ridged shapes that provide the narrative for structure and shade. An inclined glazing system allows the façade to shade itself for large portions of the day, whilst angled vertical fins were fused between each guestroom to provide additional self-shading as the sun’s angle drops later in the afternoons.

Large dynamic screens inspired by the mashrabiya were designed with a highly detailed gradient pattern at the podium, maintaining high visibility at eye level while increasing the amount of shade and privacy in various focal areas. From the outside, the mashrabiya presents a beautiful and enigmatic front. 

The architectural planning of the hotel sought to ensure a fluid connection between the adjacent areas that allow guests the ease of flow back and forth from the hotel to the mall. The restaurants and lounges take advantage of a design with clear sightlines to absorb mall activities, while other spaces offer a more intimate and private experience exclusive to hotel guests.

Interior design

Upon arrival at Grand Hyatt Kuwait, guests step into a captivating setting. The dramatic hotel lobby houses an exceptional art programme that celebrates the region and public areas provide an elegant and dynamic backdrop for meetings, socialising and relaxation. The perimeter of the lobby is swathed in weightless white drapery, while the centre of the lobby is anchored by a serene marble water-like feature holding a majestic equine sculpture at the centre.

The plush interior of the lobby lounge is accentuated by wall panels clad in white geometric patterns, while orbital shapes in the form of an oversized mobile sculpture rounds off the double-volume aesthetics. 

Saheel Lounge, a distinctive lobby lounge.

Large-scale artworks were commissioned specifically to fit the theme at Grand Hyatt Kuwait. In some cases, Meyer Davis started with the artwork, and built the interior design around a certain piece. 

The guests’ sensation of grandeur is carried with them into their private quarters. Each one of the hotel’s 302 guest rooms features a large-scale artwork by Tracie Cheng, whose abstract images of soft flowing lines harken to the billowing sails of traditional dhows that sailed across the waters of the Gulf.

Grand Hyatt Kuwait’s gracious rooms feature signature wooden parquet flooring, book-matched marble in the restrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and thoughtfully planned dressing spaces. Sensibly integrated lighting infuses warmth and drama. Custom-forged geometric screens cast shadows at each guestroom entry, giving a subtle nod to the traditional Mashrabiya, a motif that is repeated throughout the architecture of the building.

The design of the tranquil Noor spa and indoor pool is modern, abstract, and fascinating, yet it boasts an ancient panache.  Through the use of spherical architecture, the flow accentuates the indoor and outdoor spaces as elements that draw upon the positivity that is created by different forms of sunlight, shadows and soft edges. 

Grand Hyatt Kuwait encapsulates several elegant and timeless multi-faceted event venues. The hotel boasts 2,800 sq m of meeting space across eight venues, including a striking Grand Ballroom designed for weddings, conferences, grand galas and cocktail receptions, with a hosting capacity of up to 1,560 guests.

Large-scale artworks were commissioned specifically to fit the theme at Grand Hyatt Kuwait.

A major design element in these spaces is the dedication to flow, with a spectacular sky gazing atrium in the events foyer, adorned with brilliant white geometric patterns.

Special emphasis was placed on the pre-event zones. The exquisite bridal suite, a plush boardroom, and a fully functional executive office are all adorned with fluted lacquer doors, beautiful vertical panelling, and sturdy geometry that speaks to the strong cultural aesthetic.

In addition to being centrally situated in the heart of the 360 Mall extension, the hotel also conveniently connects to one of the country’s premier event venues, The Arena Kuwait, which features 3,600 sq m of state-of-the-art indoor multifunctional spaces. Situated adjacent to the Rafa Nadal Academy Kuwait, owned by the Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex, the hotel welcomes guests to a world of entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting.

The property’s 302 contemporary guestrooms and suites, include 192 Grand Rooms, 47 Grand Club Rooms, 34 Grand Club Suites with breathtaking views, 23 guestrooms and suites uniquely designed with private landscaped garden terraces, and eight Junior Suites. 

The luxurious and expansive 260-sq m Presidential Suite, with private elevator access, provides guests with an exclusive arrival experience. Located on the highest floor, the lavish suite offers extraordinary views of the Kuwait skyline with two bedrooms and three ultra-spacious living areas.

Grand Hyatt Kuwait is well positioned as a culinary destination in itself, housing an eclectic array of gastronomic concepts including. 

• Liberté, a modern brasserie rooted in classicism, but reimagined through innovation;

• ’Stambul, a Turkish lifestyle-dining venue celebrating the famed influences of Ottoman cuisine;

• Mei Li, a fine dining Pan-Asian restaurant.

• Saheel Lounge, a distinctive lobby lounge ideal for socialising in a casual yet refined setting.