H2R, the Dubai-based design firm, took on the project of their first 5* interior design project for a luxury resort – Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain. Situated along the Emirate’s breath-taking coastline, the resort is the first five-star resort in Umm Al Quwain, and features 135 rooms and suites, eight two-bedroom chalets located directly on the beach, an all-day eatery, a social rooftop bar, and an abundance of leisure spaces including an infinity pool, spa, and dedicated pet-friendly areas. 

Working in tandem with Emaar Hospitality Group, the brief was clear, to craft an upscale lifestyle resort for guests looking for a peaceful and memorable getaway. As the name suggests, Vida meaning ‘life’ in Spanish, was the inspiration behind creating a stimulating atmosphere with socially responsible spaces throughout. 

An Emirate named after the ‘Mother of Two Powers’, land and sea, the H2R team focused on providing an authentic connection for travellers to immerse themselves in local culture, recharge in a relaxing environment and engage with the welcoming interiors. 

With an emphasis on bringing the surrounding nature into the resort, the H2R team focused reflecting the beauty of the unique destination, with neutral colours and artistic, design-led spaces to create a sleek yet relaxing atmosphere. Coastal patterns and accents of blues and beige with touches of warm wood and hints of greenery can be found throughout the resort, representing the sea, sand and natural surroundings. 

With social and cultural responsibility and education a key part of the design brief, guests are greeted in the light-filled lobby by a map of the UAE, pinpointing the location of Umm Al Quwain with a glow before embarking on a visual journey with the Heritage Wall – a curation of historical narrative about local culture. In line with both their and Vida’s shared ethos, the H2R team strived to use sustainable materials where possible such as reconstituted stone in the joinery countertops and non-toxic paint on the walls and ceilings. The solid timber and wood veneers also used for the joinery and ceiling slats are all FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified timbers.