Hospitality

Designing Happiness Through Cultural Inspiration

Published

1 year ago

August 30, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive interview with Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Partner, BLINK Design Group

How was your journey from starting at WATG to founding BLINK Design Group, and what inspired you to take this path?

Upon graduation from the University of Hawaii, I joined WATG in their Honolulu office. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to mentor under Don Goo and ended up becoming the youngest partner of 22 other partners in the firm. Realizing that this wasn’t for me, I decided to leave the firm at the age of 35 and relocate to Bangkok, where I was attracted to the culture, its people, and most of all, the talented designers that reside here. You could say that WATG was instrumental in shaping my design career.

How does your passion for travel and appreciation of diverse cultures influence BLINK’s design philosophy and approach to each project?

My passion for travel has resulted in a strong appreciation and respect for diverse cultures, which has influenced me greatly. ‘Place making’ is my mantra that has been widely imbued in our group philosophy. We take both our clients and guests on a journey that tells the story of a place through a modern design lens. We seek to create wonderful interior-based designs that capture the spirit of the place through simplicity, balance, and proportion. The W Dubai Mina Seyahi is a clear case study for this – incorporating the ‘Port of Travellers’ theme laden with lavish touches and hints of intrigue, adventure, and romance from dhow boat shapes to Arabian calligraphy.

With studios in Thailand, Shanghai, Singapore, and Dubai, how do you maintain a cohesive company culture while adapting to the unique design demands of each region?

Our office hierarchy is quite flat; I do not dictate design downwards. It’s more a collaborative relationship between the design directors and me. I am a believer in developing the next generation of leaders, so we try to nurture staff, empowering them to lead the designs and giving them opportunities to grow.

What innovative materials or design elements does BLINK frequently use in interior design to enhance the luxury experience?

Keeping to our ‘place making’ philosophy, we at BLINK aim to translate our clients’ visions into awesome, unforgettable pieces of architecture inspired by travel experiences and cultural encounters. To do this, we need to listen to our clients’ narrative for the choice of location, its site history, the community relationship, and connection with guests.

For example: For Regent Phu Quoc, we use materials like lacquerware with the delicate duck eggshell inlays for which the region is famous. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on natural materials in line with the island’s pristine natural setting, such as hand-woven abaca wall coverings used in the villas as a soft contrast to the local dark natural stones for the floor. For the new Six Senses Kyoto, we showcased local arts and artisans from Japan in an elegant, courtly manner to not only support the local arts but also encourage a continuation of these traditions. This is reflected in elements like Washi partitions, Sakan, the plasterwork that flourished during Japan’s Edo period, and traditional Sudare Japanese screens, made of horizontal slats of high-quality bamboo to lend intrigue and privacy.

How does BLINK Design Group tailor its interior design solutions to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client?

At the start of every project, we make it a point to look at the project through the lens of a local – as if we were born and raised there and not through the lens of a foreigner. To be successful, the design needs to resonate with locals and visitors alike. Although it seems quite simple, it can be challenging and requires us to deep dive into the place in order to understand the true elements that define the uniqueness of a place through its history. Of course, this is combined with a detailed brief from the client to understand their objectives.

August is the month of happiness so how does BLINK Design Group create spaces that promote happiness and well-being for guests?

With work being done more remotely, on the go, or via a hybrid mix, hotels are transforming themselves into pleasant social spaces. We recognize that not everyone wants to work in a co-workspace but may choose to work away in a café, park, etc. One example is the WOW Spa (Bar-B Spa) at W Dubai Mina Seyahi – the heart of the spa is the lounge bar with swing seats that were meant to become a social gathering space. ‘Bleisure,’ or combining business with leisure or pleasure, is now the norm. It’s not unusual to see guests pounding away on laptops at the poolside, bar, or café these days.

Hospitality

Orange Hub Unveils Flagship Family Entertainment Center at WTC Mall, Abu Dhabi

Published

13 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Orange Hub, the high-energy entertainment concept by IdeaCrate, proudly announces the grand opening of its fifth UAE center—and third in Abu Dhabi—at WTC Mall. This flagship venue cements Orange Hub’s position as a rising leader in the UAE’s family entertainment sector, bringing a new era of immersive fun, adrenaline-filled games, and elevated dining to the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi.

Located in a central, high-traffic hub, Orange Hub WTC Mall introduces next-generation attractions not seen in other branches, including a four-lane interactive bowling alley, a state-of-the-art Laser Tag Avenue, a motion-sensitive Pixel Floor Game, and a giant volcano slide in the expanded soft play area. Families, teens, and young adults can also enjoy an expansive arcade and carnival games with high-value redemption rewards.

For the first time, Orange Hub debuts a fully reimagined Orange Café, offering an elevated dining experience with a robust menu designed for comfort, variety, and style—perfect for families and youth looking for the ultimate hangout.

Signature weekly promotions return, including:

Hi5 Tuesday: AED 5 games (select games, excluding bowling and laser tag)
Half Price Thursday: 50% off blue reader games
Double Dirham Friday: Double credit on spend

Shifa Yusuffali, CEO of IdeaCrate said: “Our mission is to create a next-generation family entertainment center where thrill meets play and every visit feels like a win. With cutting-edge attractions, immersive games, and our signature ‘Play. Win. Feast. Repeat.’ experience, Orange Hub is designed for kids, teens, and families to come together, have fun, and make lasting memories—all under one vibrant roof.”

Orange Hub at WTC Mall is now open and ready to welcome families, youth, and anyone seeking the best in urban leisure culture. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual outing, or a new spot to feast and play, Orange Hub promises a rewarding experience for all.

Hospitality

RIVA BEACH CLUB WELCOMES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH UNFORGETTABLE BEACHFRONT EVENTS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

Published

13 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Infinity pool overlooking beach and Dubai skyline with palm trees and sun loungers at beachfront resort

The festive season in Dubai is here, and there’s no better place to embrace the celebrations than Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. Blending golden sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed spirit, Riva is turning up the fun with a sparkling lineup of events, from weekly experiences to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Early bird offers are available until 10 November 2025 – because who doesn’t love a good discount?

Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style

Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive cheer. Indulge in an unlimited buffet of holiday classics and sweet treats, all paired with free-flowing drinks and live entertainment. Little ones will be thrilled with the dedicated kids’ fun zone and crafts, while adults can toast the day with complimentary wine on arrival.

For those looking to welcome 2026 in style, the New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a vibrant beachfront evening with panoramic skyline views, live music, festive décor, and free-flowing drinks under the stars. It’s the ultimate way to ring in the New Year with friends and family right on the sand!

In addition to its festive offerings, Riva Beach Club continues to host a variety of weekly experiences designed for every guest.

UAE Resident Offer (Every Monday): Start the week with sunshine and flavour. Residents enjoy 50% off the à la carte menu, perfect for a midweek pause with Mediterranean favourites and waterfront vibes.

Mankind Tuesdays (Every Tuesday): Turn a regular Tuesday into an adventure. Men get full beach and pool access, curated dining, up to 50% off water sports rentals with Ignite Water Sports, and 30% off at Kalm Grooming Salon – all for AED 99 per person. Paddleboards, kayaks, and e-foils bring adrenaline and fun, making it the ultimate weekday escape.

The Great Family Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Weekends just got better. Families can enjoy pool and beach access, curated dining, and kids’ entertainment. The package is AED 399 for two adults and AED 99 per child, with night swim access until 10 PM, because the fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Located along Palm Jumeirah’s scenic coastline, Riva Beach Club continues to define the city’s beach lifestyle. With Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, relaxed energy, and stunning views, it remains a favourite destination to celebrate, dine, and unwind for all ages.

Hospitality

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON AT VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI

Published

13 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Chef cooking marinated meat and vegetables on a flat-top grill at a teppanyaki restaurant

‘Tis the season to sparkle and voco Bonnington Dubai is wrapping up the year with a line-up of festive feasts and celebrations that promise to make this holiday season your most memorable yet. From lavish brunches and glittering gala dinners to gourmet takeaways that bring the magic home, every moment at voco Bonnington is designed to be merry, bright and full of flavour!

Festive Takeaways – A Feast to Remember (with a 20% Early Bird Offer!)

Why cook when you can celebrate? This year, voco Bonnington Dubai is serving up the ultimate festive feast to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Choose between a succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings (AED 849) or a perfectly cooked roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy (AED 549) – both crafted by the hotel’s culinary team to perfection.
Make it extra jolly with the Early Bird 20% discount on all takeaway orders placed before 10th December – the perfect excuse to start celebrating early!

Christmas Day Brunch at The Cavendish Restaurant

Unwrap joy this Christmas Day with a spectacular international buffet spread, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that feels like home – only better. Whether you’re toasting with bubbles or keeping it family-style, The Cavendish sets the scene for a day of good food, great company and endless cheer.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner – Countdown in Style

Say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with an evening to remember at The Cavendish. Enjoy a decadent international buffet, live entertainment, and the perfect setting to toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes midnight.

Festive Group Bookings – Gather, Feast, and Celebrate Together

Whether it’s an office party or a year-end get-together with friends, The Cavendish Restaurant is the perfect spot for festive group celebrations. Enjoy a specially curated menu starting from AED 149 per person (minimum 20 guests) and raise a glass to togetherness in true voco style.

This season, let voco Bonnington Dubai take care of the details so you can focus on what really matters — celebrating with the people you love, in a place where every moment feels special.