Shati Al Qurum Mandarin Oriental Muscat, marking the brand’s debut in Oman, blends Omani cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. Located in Muscat’s prime beachfront area of Shatti Al-Qurum, this resort stands as a beacon of design excellence. Visual Energy was responsible for the lighting design throughout the hotel, including guestrooms, landscapes, pools, the spa, façade, and numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés. With over 3,525 decorative fixtures, our lighting enhances both the architecture and the hotel’s rich cultural ambiance, as envisioned by Richmond International and carried forward by renowned French interior design by Xavier Catron.
The project posed unique challenges, requiring a delicate balance between Omani tradition, luxury, and modernity. Our lighting needed to support an elegant aesthetic while being flexible enough to reflect different moods throughout the day. The lighting also had to complement the architectural elements and cultural features of the space.
A standout feature is the grand chandelier in the lobby, made of coluorful crystal lanterns reflecting the local spices and enhancing the Omani craftsmanship around it, including brass sculptures and Mashrabiya-inspired panels. This design shifts organically from vibrant hues during the day to warm, glowing tones at night,
The lighting design prioritized sustainability, through selection of fixtures, manufacturing methods, energy efficient fittings and intelligent use of lighting control.
In the hotel’s dining areas, lighting complements the culinary experience and adapts to different atmospheres throughout the day. In Essenza, the signature restaurant, floating glass lamps create a dynamic, theatrical effect above diners, adding intimacy. At Rawya, the Euro-Asian brasserie, natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows fills the space during the day, while evening lighting shifts to a more relaxing, ambient atmosphere, enhancing the sense of storytelling behind the restaurant’s name.
The pool area features a striking lighting scheme that highlights the grandeur of the pool and surrounding palm trees. Symmetric uplights on the palms and internally lit towers showcasing fisherman’s net patterns create a captivating visual effect that enhances the hotel’s architectural grandeur, especially when viewed from the chandelier above.
In the 103 guestrooms and 47 suites, the lighting design is carefully curated to elevate the luxurious Omani-inspired interiors. Subtle lighting, including backlit headboards and wall lights, highlights key design elements, creating a balanced and immersive atmosphere.
Spa
In the Spa, lighting was designed to guide guests through a calming journey. The lighting gently darkens as guests move through different areas, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the intricate mosaics.
The hotel’s façade lighting enhances the fisherman’s net pattern on the architecture. Custom lanterns offer a soft glow from afar, while closer inspection reveals the rich geometry, shifting perspectives as daylight fades.
Throughout the resort, landscape lighting ensures the hotel’s outdoor spaces are as inviting as its interiors. Uplights on palm trees, accent lighting around pools, and illuminated pathways create an immersive 24-hour experience.
