Hospitality

Designing Happiness Through Cultural Inspiration

Published

2 years 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

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY & INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH NEWBY TEAS

Published

3 days ago

March 4, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day, honour the remarkable women who shape our lives with a gift that invites reflection, connection, and quiet celebration.

Moon Box

Moon Box – This year, International Women’s Day falls within the holy month of Ramadan. Just as the crescent moon marks a new beginning, women continuously nurture, guide, and support us through life’s many cycles. Our Moon Box is a heartfelt way to honour the incredible women who illuminate our lives, just as the moon lights the night sky.

The Gate Calendar

The Gate Calendar – Women open doors to love, wisdom and boundless possibility. Step through an enchanting gate and unlock the magic within, as the majestic doors reveal 30 days of tea indulgence.

Newby Zodiac Collection

Newby Zodiac Collection – Inspired by the timeless fascination with the stars, the Zodiac Collection pairs each sign with a carefully selected luxury tea chosen to reflect the character and personality associated with its constellation. Presented in elegant midnight-blue caddies adorned with Swarovski® crystal constellations, each blend offers a distinctive expression of the zodiac.

Crown Assortment

Crown Assortment – The jewel of Newby’s gifting collection, the Crown Assortment offers an exceptional introduction to the world of tea. Thoughtfully curated, it presents a harmonious selection of black teas, green teas and tisanes, or a combination of all three, each chosen for its depth, character and balance.

Van Gogh Tea Collection

Van Gogh Tea Collection – Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, this exclusive trio of bespoke tea blends is inspired by the celebrated works of Vincent van Gogh. Beautifully presented and available exclusively online, it makes a refined and artistic gift.

Mathew Williamson

Mathew Williamson – Designed by Matthew Williamson, this vibrant collection celebrates Color, craftsmanship and indulgent tea moments. Each blend offers a sensory journey through carefully layered aromatic ingredients. Available individually or as a complete set of three.

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

5 days ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR