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SUN SIYAM PASIKUDAH WINS BEST GLOBAL HOTEL DESIGN AT HOMES & GARDENS’ DESIGN AWARDS 2025 FOR STUDIO SIXTY7’S TRANSFORMATIVE REDESIGN

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Elegant dining room at Sun Siyam Pasikudah with tiered woven chandelier, wicker chairs, and wine cellar wall

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of Sun Siyam Resorts’ Privé Collection, has won the coveted Best Global Hotel Design award at the Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025. The accolade recognises Studio Sixty7, led by founders Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for a transformative redesign that blended artisanal craftsmanship, cultural authenticity, and sustainability to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka.

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards celebrate the best in design and decorating, spotlighting inspiring projects and innovations shaping the way we live now and into the future. Within the Best Global Hotel Design category, the judges recognised the transformation of Sun Siyam Pasikudah for its blend of refined hospitality, artisanal craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

The 34-room boutique resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast was reimagined as a sanctuary of understated luxury, completed within an ambitious four-month timeline and re-opened in November 2023. To reduce waste, much of the original furniture was refurbished and reupholstered, while all new materials were sourced locally and installed by Sri Lankan craftspeople. The team commissioned handwoven textiles, bespoke lighting, and custom joinery, using natural materials such as bamboo, linen, terracotta, and reclaimed wood to create a tactile, grounded experience.

Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, commented: “We are incredibly proud to see Sun Siyam Pasikudah recognised on the global stage. This award is a tribute not only to the vision of Studio Sixty7 but also to the extraordinary craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans who brought the design to life. Our resort now reflects the spirit of the island in a way that is both authentic and forward-thinking, offering our guests a truly unique sense of place.”

Traditional construction techniques were seamlessly blended with contemporary interior methods, producing a holistic environment where architectural integrity meets artisanal detail. The result is a collection of immersive spaces, from a restaurant and spa to a boutique and beach shack, each reflecting a strong sense of place and purpose.

The innovation lay in Studio Sixty7’s ability to redefine luxury with locality. Instead of importing generic finishes, the studio partnered with Sri Lankan artisans to create site-specific elements including handwoven ceilings, linen-draped interiors, ochre-hued plaster finishes, and custom lighting. This approach elevated vernacular design into a contemporary hospitality context, proving that innovation is not always about technology but about intentionality and integrity.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The design embraced low-impact principles, reusing original furnishings, sourcing locally made materials, and minimising imports, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of both construction and transport. Natural ventilation, open-plan layouts, and tactile finishes reduced operational energy consumption, demonstrating how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

Crucially, the project also championed social sustainability in a region historically impacted by civil conflict. By engaging local artisans, potters, weavers, and joiners, the redesign became a vehicle for economic revitalisation, offering meaningful employment and celebrating traditional skills. The on-site boutique, The Edit, continues this legacy, providing guests with an opportunity to connect directly with Sri Lanka’s craft heritage and support regional makers.

Studio Sixty7 has built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative design that balances refinement with authenticity. Their ongoing partnership with Sun Siyam Resorts includes projects across the Maldives, further cementing their role as valued creative partners.

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Hospitality

RAMADAN NIGHTS: IFTAR UNDER THE STARS AT LA PISCINE, AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA

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Outdoor Iftar dining setup at AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA featuring beachfront tables under palm trees with warm string lights during evening.

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has announced its Ramadan Iftar offering, “Ramadan Nights: Iftar Under the Stars,” available throughout the holy month at La Piscine.

The Iftar is priced at AED 245 per person on weekdays and AED 260 per person on weekends. Children aged 5 to 12 years receive 50% off, while children below 5 years dine complimentary.

Guests can enjoy favourites such as Arabic hot and cold mezzeh, an Ouzy corner, and an Arabic mixed grill and carving station. The experience is hosted at La Piscine’s beachfront and poolside outdoor restaurant lounge, featuring private gazebos and a relaxed, open-air setting.

A range of special offers is available during Ramadan. Guests can enjoy 15% off with the Early Bird offer when bookings are confirmed with a deposit before the start of Ramadan. For group bookings, one guest dines complimentary for every 10 full-paying adults.

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Hospitality

ROHINI AT MÖVENPICK JLT PRESENTS A REPUBLIC DAY SET MENU, FEATURING TRICOLOUR-INSPIRED DESSERTS

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A styled plate of Indian desserts from Rohini, featuring assorted mithai and sweets arranged on a teal platter, including a layered dessert served in a glass, a rectangular mithai slice, and syrup-soaked sweets, displayed on colorful festive boxes against a leather seating backdrop.

This Republic Day, Rohini at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is adding a cheerful tricolour moment to the table with three new desserts inspired by the colours of the Indian national flag. Created especially for the Republic Day weekend, the desserts bring a playful and visually striking element to the dining experience, giving guests a fresh reason to stop by.

Drawing from familiar Indian sweets, the dessert selection offers a lighthearted nod to the occasion. The trio includes Tiranga Kalakand, Pistachio Malai ke Motichur, and Jalebi with Kesar Rabdi, adding a sweet finish that feels both nostalgic and timely. Served as part of Rohini’s Republic Day set menu, the desserts stand out as a highlight worth saving room for.

Available from 24th to 26th January, the Republic Day set menu also features a well-rounded selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters and mains. Guests can choose from popular favourites such as Dahi Bhalla, Zafrani Murgh Tikka, Dal Makhni, Rajasthani Laal Maas, Paneer Methi Malai, and Purani Dilli-style pulao, offering plenty of choice across classic Indian flavours.

A familiar name for Indian dining in JLT, Rohini offers a comfortable and welcoming setting for those dining out over the long weekend. With its Republic Day set menu and tricolour-inspired desserts, it makes for an easy and enjoyable way to mark the occasion.

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Hospitality

CHRIS HEMSWORTH AND ELSA PATAKY’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY ABU DHABI ITINERARY

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A man and woman walk side by side across Abu Dhabi desert sand dunes at sunset, leading a saddled horse over rippled golden sands.

Looking back on their recent visits to Abu Dhabi, Chris Hemsworth shared how it’s the perfect choice for family travel, with days that mix high-energy fun with quality time you’ll remember for years to come.

“I love travelling to Abu Dhabi with the kids because there’s so much on offer. From action-packed thrills to calm, immersive and educational moments, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Experiencing nature, culture, and adventure together reminds us of what really matters: time shared, moments made, memories locked in.”

For Elsa Pataky, the easy mix of experiences makes travelling here so enjoyable as a family: “Abu Dhabi has this beautiful balance: thrilling adventures for the kids, cultural experiences for the adults, and endless opportunities for the whole family to connect and enjoy time together.”

Here’s where Chris and Elsa went on their latest visit

  1. CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Try indoor climbing and skydiving on Yas Island. During their visit, Chris and Elsa’s family tried it all, with routes for all ages and experience Challenge yourself in the skydiving chamber or try to tackle progressively harder climbing routes, from beginner level to advanced.

  1. Surf Abu Dhabi

On Hudayriyat Island, Surf Abu Dhabi offers controlled wave conditions suitable for first-time surfers and almost every age. Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, so it’s an easy way for parents and children to try a new sport in a relaxed, with plenty of options for food and drinks.

  1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The fast-paced rides and indoor attractions are designed for all ages, making it easy for families to spend an entire day together. Families can move between high-energy experiences and gentler rides, entertaining little ones alongside adults with a need for speed.

  1. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Explore themed lands inspired by well-known characters, from Batman to Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, with rides and interactive experiences designed for all ages. It’s a colourful and fun space for families looking for a full day of entertainment together.

  1. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Art meets innovation with this interactive environment where immersive digital art installations respond to your every move. The unique spaces encourage curiosity and exploration, making it a natural stop for families looking to slow their pace and enjoy creative moments.

  1. Yas Waterworld

Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld has a wide range of slides, wave pools and family-friendly rides. With 60+ attractions designed for different age groups, there’s space for both high-energy fun and relaxed downtime.

Beyond Chris and Elsa’s itinerary, families can explore new cultural highlights, like Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, or take a short trip to Al Ain Region, where culture, nature and heritage offer even more ways to spend time together—just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi City or Dubai.

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