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Hospitality
Designing Happiness Through Cultural Inspiration
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.
Grand Iftar by Mövenpick Bur Dubai
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai invites guests to experience The Grand Iftar, a refined Ramadan celebration hosted across two distinctive venues, thoughtfully designed for meaningful moments of togetherness.
Gather with family, friends, and colleagues over a generous Iftar buffet showcasing a curated selection of Arabic specialities and international favourites. Signature highlights include Chef Feras’ lamb ouzi, slow-cooked for over 12 hours, alongside classic Ramadan dishes such as chicken shish taouk, beef kebabs, and lamb kofta, served at Fountain Restaurant and The Garden.
The experience continues at Garden Lounge, an elegant outdoor setting featuring live BBQ stations with premium meats, chicken, and seafood. Guests can unwind under the open sky with shisha available, while enjoying live entertainment in a warm and inviting Ramadan ambience.
Details:
Date: Throughout Ramadan | Time: Sunset – 10:30 PM | Seating: Indoor and outdoor available | Venue: Fountain Restaurant, The Garden & Garden Lounge
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
Suhoor at The Garden Lounge
Unwind under the open sky at The Garden Lounge and enjoy a relaxed Suhoor experience in an elegant outdoor setting. Guests can savour traditional and international à la carte dishes, refreshing mocktails, and a wide selection of shisha flavours, complemented by live oud/qanoon music for a serene late-night Ramadan atmosphere.
Details:
Date: Throughout Ramadan | Time: Until 3:00 AM | Venue: The Garden Lounge
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai.
This February, One&Only Royal Mirage invites guests to celebrate love in its most elegant forms. Throughout the month, indulge in the Valentine’s Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge and Samovar Lounge, featuring the romantic pairing of chocolate and roses. For those seeking shared moments of serenity, the spa offers intimate couple rituals, while Eauzone presents an unforgettable evening beneath the stars on Valentine’s Day itself. Each experience is designed to evoke connection, indulgence, and timeless romance in the resort’s serene coastal setting.
ROMANCE UNDER THE STARS
An Intimate Valentine’s Evening Beneath the Open Sky: Celebrate the magic of Valentine’s night surrounded by candlelight, gentle sea breeze, and the soft hum of the waves at Eauzone. Begin your evening with two glasses of sparkling wine before indulging in a four-course menu crafted for sharing and savouring together. Every detail from the rose petals to the intimate table setting evokes elegance, warmth, and connection.
INTIMATE GAZEBO UNDER THE STARS
A Private Celebration of Love and Connection: For those wishing to celebrate in complete seclusion, Eauzone offers an exclusive private gazebo experience set amidst candlelight and the shimmering night sky. Begin with a sparkling welcome, followed by a meticulously curated four-course dinner, Champagne, flowers, and sweet indulgences all served with discreet, dedicated attention in a setting designed for cherished memories.
Chocolate & Roses Themed Valentine’s Afternoon Tea Celebration: In honour of the month of love, this February, guests can immerse themselves in an afternoon of refined indulgence with One&Only Royal Mirage’s Valentine’s Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the classic pairing of chocolate and roses, this carefully curated experience features delicate flavours of chocolate, rose, raspberry, and lychee alongside savoury selections including duck breast with beetroot, blue cheese, and caramelised onion. Set in the elegant ambience of either the Lobby Lounge or Samovar Lounge, offers guests the perfect way to celebrate love in an intimate, relaxed setting.
TOTAL HOLISTIC DUO RITUAL
A Shared Journey of Balance, Relaxation, and Connection: Reconnect with your loved one through a deeply restorative ritual designed exclusively for two. The experience begins with personalised facials in the privacy of a serene couple’s suite before surrendering to a harmonising full-body massage. The experience restores balance and invites you both to unwind, rejuvenate, and embrace calm together.
COUPLES HAMMAM EXPERIENCE
Indulge in Shared Serenity and Timeless Wellness: Step into a sanctuary where Moroccan wellness rituals meet contemporary luxury. The journey begins with aromatic steam, gentle exfoliation, and soothing treatments that prepare your body and mind for a shared 30-minute massage, leaving you radiant, relaxed, and perfectly in tune.
VALENTINE’S BASTIEN MANICURE
Perfectly Polished for Your Special Moment: Prepare for your celebrated evening with a Signature Bastien Manicure focusing on refined nail and cuticle care, complemented by a deeply relaxing forearm, wrist, hand, and finger massage. Finished with the colour of your choice, this experience ensures every detail is as flawless as your occasion.
This Ramadan, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island invites guests to embrace the spirit of togetherness through elegant and thoughtful dining experiences. From a refined Iftar at the Yas Grand Terrace to a tranquil late-night Suhoor and tailored group gatherings, every detail has been considered to create moments that honour the essence of the holy month.
IFTAR AT YAS GRAND TERRACE
Set against the calm backdrop of Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Grand Terrace at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island offers a refined Iftar experience crafted to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan. Guests can break their fast with a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights time-honoured flavours, comforting dishes, and indulgent desserts. Whether gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, the elegant outdoor setting and warm hospitality provide the perfect atmosphere to reflect, reconnect, and enjoy the season.
Date & Timings: Throughout Ramadan | From Sunset onwards
SUHOOR AT HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND
Extend your evening with a relaxed Suhoor experience in a serene setting, perfect for unhurried gatherings and quiet reflection. The menu features comforting favourites and Ramadan classics, served in an atmosphere designed for peace and connection before the day begins.
Date & Timings: Throughout Ramadan
GROUP RAMADAN GATHERINGS
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island welcomes group bookings for corporate Iftars, family celebrations, and private Suhoors. With flexible event spaces and attentive service, each gathering is tailored to ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for all.
Date & Timings: Throughout Ramadan
MÖVENPICK HOTEL BUR DUBAI -RAMADAN LISTINGS
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S WITH THAT SPECIAL ONE AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRA
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND
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