The Orlando office of VOA Associates has signed on as design architect and interior designer for the British Colonial Hotel in Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The $150 million 5-Star property—scheduled to open in 2011—is one of 11 resorts within the new Mina Al Arab Resort, an integrated lifestyle development spread along eight miles of beachfront.
Featuring 373 rooms and 30 villas, the hotel will evoke British West Indies style. The façade utilizes colonnades, balconies, covered porches along the main entrance, pitched roofs, and dormers to create interest through layering heights and forms, while wood clad paneled columns, panelized ceilings, overhead fans, and plank-type stone resembling wood flooring further establishes the design concept. According to VOA, the resort will also incorporate sustainability features.
Planned amenities include several dining options, adult and family pools, gardens, beach promenade, outdoor pool bar, tennis courts, spa, and meeting facilities.
