Wellness begins with the feeling of a space. Light, texture and a considered sequence of rooms can create a gentle transition away from the pace of the day.
A wellness environment asks for care at every scale: the first welcome, the route to a treatment, a moment of privacy and the atmosphere of a place to rest. Those experiences belong in the plan from the beginning.
For spa and wellness briefs in Dubai, we consider the sensory qualities of the interior alongside the needs of its guests and operators. The aim is a calm, coherent setting with practical decisions beneath the surface.
Limestone brings a residential sensibility to spa and pool spaces in DIFC. The studio’s published project includes the spa, gym hallway, bathrooms, pool and outdoor deck, connected by a restrained material palette.
Palette
Pale oak, travertine and ivory limewash form the published material direction.
Atmosphere
Soft lighting and curved volumes shape the project’s sense of calm.
Connection
Interior and outdoor leisure areas are considered as part of one experience.
03 —Design scope
A complete atmosphere. A thoughtful sequence.
The operator’s brief and guest journey provide the starting point. Design deliverables and specialist responsibilities are then agreed around the facilities and the existing space.
Establish the character of the space, the guest journey and the relationship between its different zones.
02
Layout & privacy
Consider arrival, waiting, treatment, changing and relaxation spaces in relation to the operational brief.
03
Material & lighting direction
Explore tactile surfaces, tonal balance and a layered atmosphere across the interior.
04
Furniture & bespoke details
Develop furniture, storage and selected architectural details in keeping with the design direction.
05
Documentation & specialist coordination
Define the design information and coordination needed alongside appointed wet-area, building-services and other technical specialists.
04 —A closer look
The thinking behind a sense of calm.
A natural sequence
Map arrival, preparation, treatment and recovery so each transition feels considered. Separate guest and service movement where the brief requires it.
Privacy and reassurance
Think about sightlines, sound and the relationship between shared and private areas. These decisions should shape the layout before finishes are selected.
Beauty in daily use
Review cleaning, maintenance and the demands of each area when selecting materials. Technical suitability needs to be checked for the intended use.
An integrated project team
Identify equipment, wet-area construction, ventilation and other specialist requirements early. The interior concept and technical design need room to develop together.
Limestone · Design perspective
Calm, in the spaces between.
A corridor, a threshold and a place to sit can become meaningful parts of the wellness experience.
05 —The design journey
From a first conversation to the finer details.
Each appointment follows an agreed scope. The stages below outline how the design can develop with you and the project team.
01
Discover
Understand the operator, facilities, guests, site and project priorities.
02
Shape
Map the guest experience and establish the spatial and material concept.
03
Develop
Refine layout, atmosphere, furnishings and bespoke details.
04
Coordinate
Align the design with the appointed specialists and their requirements.
05
Document
Prepare agreed drawings, specifications and sourcing information.
06
Complete
Bring together the final furniture, details and styling within scope.
C’est ici Design is based in Dubai and led by founder and creative director Monica Arango. Explore the studio, its team and the thinking behind its work.
Useful starting points for your spa & wellness brief.
What does the wellness design brief need to include?
Describe the facilities, intended treatments or activities, guest capacity and operating model. The space plan should respond to these requirements, along with privacy, servicing and the atmosphere you want to create.
What does the Limestone project demonstrate?
Limestone is the studio’s published spa and pool project in DIFC. Its portfolio narrative includes the spa, gym hallway, bathrooms, pool and outdoor deck. It offers a specific example of C’est ici’s material and spatial approach.
Can you work with an existing wellness space?
Share the current layout, photographs and the changes you have in mind. Existing conditions and operational needs will inform the proposed interior design scope and the specialist assessments needed.
Are pool systems and spa engineering included?
Technical systems, equipment, wet-area construction and regulatory responsibilities should be assigned to appropriately appointed specialists. The proposal must make clear how their work is coordinated with the interior design.
What affects the cost and programme?
Facilities, floor area, existing condition, specialist systems, material specifications and bespoke work all affect cost and timing. These need to be reviewed against the brief before a reliable proposal can be prepared.
How do we start a conversation?
Send the location, floor plan, facility list, current photographs, desired opening date and budget range. Operator requirements and any appointed consultants are also useful to include.
Start a conversation
Create a place to slow down.
Share your vision for a considered spa or wellness experience.
