2023

Hilton Curio Collection

Miral Group

Island Eco-Resort

Where Emirati heritage meets thoughtful luxury, this resort is inspired by the island’s past and designed for today.

Areal view of development next to a body of water
Areal view of development next to a body of water
Areal view of development next to a body of water
Areal view of development next to a body of water
Areal view of development next to a body of water
Collage as conceptual design proposal
Collage as conceptual design proposal
Collage as conceptual design proposal
Collage as conceptual design proposal
Collage as conceptual design proposal

The Curio Eco-Heritage Resort is on Al Samaliyah Island, a place with a rich cultural and ecological history. The project restores and integrates original village structures, retaining architectural details and artifacts that connect the resort to its Emirati roots. This is not a reconstruction; it is a continuation. 

Set within a preserved natural landscape, the resort follows sustainable design principles from the start. Local materials and building methods are prioritized. Biodiversity is protected, and the terrain is left intact. Architecture is positioned to respect the island's natural flow. 

Material palette
Material palette
Material palette
Material palette
Material palette
Material palette

The interiors reflect this same sensitivity. Each space creates a connection between the past and the present. Texture, material, and light are used to highlight the richness of local tradition without excessive styling. The design does not copy heritage; it allows it to be experienced. 

Interior render, public lounge with plants
Interior render, public lounge with plants
Interior render, public lounge with plants
Interior render, public lounge with plants
Interior render, public lounge with plants
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Interior render bar and lounge area
Interior render bar and lounge area
Interior render bar and lounge area
Interior render bar and lounge area
Interior render bar and lounge area

“A resort shaped by land, memory, and the continuity of Emirati tradition.”

Interior render bed and lounge area
Interior render bed and lounge area
Interior render bed and lounge area
Interior render bed and lounge area
Interior render bed and lounge area
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Material pelette
Interior render bathroom
Interior render bathroom
Interior render bathroom
Interior render bathroom
Interior render bathroom

Guestrooms capture the essence of a nomadic shelter. The design is simple yet grounded. Materials keep their texture, and patina is preserved. History is neither erased nor hidden; it remains visible, shaped into subtle layers of meaning and use. 

Interior render, bedroom with lounge area
Interior render, bedroom with lounge area
Interior render, bedroom with lounge area
Interior render, bedroom with lounge area
Interior render, bedroom with lounge area
Material references
Material references
Material references
Material references
Material references
Material references
General plan of a bedroom
General plan of a bedroom
General plan of a bedroom
General plan of a bedroom
General plan of a bedroom

Craft traditions are present throughout. Sadu weaving, pottery, and Khoos techniques are expressed in modern forms. These references are not merely decorative; they hold cultural significance and allow the interiors to convey a shared history.   

Canvas tent built over a wooden pier over a body of water at sunset
Canvas tent built over a wooden pier over a body of water at sunset
Canvas tent built over a wooden pier over a body of water at sunset
Canvas tent built over a wooden pier over a body of water at sunset
Canvas tent built over a wooden pier over a body of water at sunset
External render canvas tent at sunset with a luxury setup, open fire and umbrella
External render canvas tent at sunset with a luxury setup, open fire and umbrella
External render canvas tent at sunset with a luxury setup, open fire and umbrella
External render canvas tent at sunset with a luxury setup, open fire and umbrella
External render canvas tent at sunset with a luxury setup, open fire and umbrella
Interior view of a canvas tent wit a luxury interior, lounge and bedroom
Interior view of a canvas tent wit a luxury interior, lounge and bedroom
Interior view of a canvas tent wit a luxury interior, lounge and bedroom
Interior view of a canvas tent wit a luxury interior, lounge and bedroom
Interior view of a canvas tent wit a luxury interior, lounge and bedroom

Inspiration and Use of Reference Imagery

Our work draws inspiration from the world around us, including urban environments, digital platforms, social media, and other publication and or accessible sources. We make every reasonable effort to identify and credit original authors and creators where possible. In cases where the original source cannot be determined, this is entirely unintentional. All mood boards and reference imagery are used strictly for internal inspiration to help define the atmosphere, tone, and conceptual direction. We do not intend to replicate, copy, or otherwise infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any author, artist, or creator. Such images are not used for commercial purposes, but solely as non-commercial visual references to guide our creative process.