The Burj Al Arab is a 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai and is the third tallest hotel in the world. Standing on an artificial island on Jumeirah Beach, the shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.
Al Mahara (“Oyster”) is its signature seafood restaurant on the ground floor featuring a large seawater aquarium holding roughly 990 000 liters of water. It was relaunched with Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw at the helm. As such, an equally impressive refurbishment was required.
Kristina Zanic's design was completed in October 2016 including the new bar extension featuring a sea life inspired chandelier, mother-of-pearl bar tops and scalloped blue veneer panels. Diners’ access via a simulated submarine voyage and the entry features a gold shell hostess stand and stunning new carpets.
To maximize the number of covers, an additional cave dining experience was carved out and dressed with mother of pearl wall covering, Australian rock crystal pendants and golf leaf ceilings. Also added was an outdoor dining area to not just to add to seating capacity with plush new seating, but also to take advantage of the great views of the gulf.
Kristina Zanic designed unique under-water Bohemian crystal light features not only for the bar, but also in the two exclusive dining areas. Gold coins from lost ships at sea inspired one chandelier, while organic coral shapes inspired the other private dining room crystal feature.
