Sensasia Stories Spa in Dubai by Pallavi Dean of Roar Studio.

Appointed by SENSASIA founder Salina Handa and Majid Al Futtaim group, Roar has designed the interior of SENSASIA Stories, a flagship destination spa committed to total body wellness and located at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

Combining Pan Asian architecture, natural materials, a muted colour palette and textured tone-on-tone, the result is a 370sqm deeply tranquil space, taking guests on a journey through the senses of Asia.

Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director of Roar explains: “The design process for SENSASIA Stories was an exercise in restraint for me. We have purposefully not overpowered the senses; instead, this is a place of quiet, respite and reflection. The interior scheme – dark and light hues of grey, complemented by a warm wood finish and strong stone slabs – allows one to just ‘be’. We played with just three main materials and colours. Grey stone and slate, brown tones within the luxury vinyl flooring, natural textures such as wallpaper with hessian finishes. The interior design revolves around the material palette – it’s layered with textures. This helps with the acoustics as well as tactility: the touch and feel; it’s a space designed for all senses.”

The interior concept is rooted in SENSASIA’s Pan-Asian origins, evoking traditional architectural elements from the region and giving them a sleek, contemporary twist.

Pallavi Dean comments: “We cast the net wide to understand the architecture of the region looking at countries such as Thailand, Bali and Vietnam for inspiration. Arches kept appearing in our research as key features of this architectural typology, and it soon became apparent that this shape would influence our design.”


Roar collaborated with a dedicated lighting consultant to tackle the lack of natural light. Pallavi Dean explains: “As well as giving the space the right amount and type of illumination, we also experimented with lighting to create a dramatic effect: for example, adding the strip LED lights to the arches is a signature moment. We also celebrated the ceilings; they are often neglected but in a spa, clients spend a lot of time on their backs! So we clad the ceiling with a captivating bronze mesh structure. Each room has a unique pattern creating a new experience for every visit.”

SENSASIA Stories comprises of 8 treatment rooms, one couples’ suite offering total privacy, a wet treatment space hammam, separate male and female changing rooms and therapeutic relaxation areas, complete with heated beds. Bespoke facilities include experience showers, an ice fountain, herb saunas, steam rooms, a Jacuzzi and virtual reality headsets, which can be incorporated into treatments to offer complete, customised escapism and guided meditations, transporting clients to the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Related: ZAAZ Wellness & Beauty Spa Dubai by VSHD Design.

[Images courtesy of Roar. Photography by Oculis Project.]