In an era where self-care and well-being are more valued than ever, designers are reimagining spaces that soothe the senses and elevate relaxation to an art form. This February, we invited designers to step into the world of high-end wellness and craft a luxury spa concept that exudes tranquillity, elegance, and indulgence. From organic textures to rich finishes and serene colour palettes, our participants created stunning material boards that transported us to the most lavish spa retreats imaginable.🤩
After much deliberation, our tutors have chosen the top three entries that truly captured the essence of a luxury wellness escape. Among many exceptional entries, these three stood out for their unique take on high-end tranquillity. Let’s take a closer look at these breathtaking designs and the creative minds behind them!
🥇 First Place: Clare Meaton – Japonica Spa
A Zen Retreat with a Japanese Twist
Clare’s Japonica Spa is a masterclass in balancing luxury with nature. Designed to be an oasis of peace, this spa concept blends the elegance of Japanese aesthetics with organic elements, creating a space where guests can escape the chaos of everyday life. Black panels, delicate origami-inspired accents, and ambient Japanese lighting set the mood, while embroidered kimonos offer a thoughtful, luxurious takeaway. The colour palette—deep greens, earthy browns, and subtle golds—adds an opulent yet grounded feel, making the space feel both indulgent and harmonious.
About Clare
🥈 Second Place: Yasmine Mohammed
A Spanish-Andalusian Inspired Escape
Yasmine’s spa design is a seamless blend of timeless beauty and warmth, drawing inspiration from the Spanish-Andalusian aesthetic. Natural materials such as wood, plaster, and handcrafted pottery breathe authenticity into the space, while large arched windows framed with soft linen curtains invite in natural light. The atmosphere is further enhanced by fragrant lavender and eucalyptus oils, handcrafted accessories, and sustainable, high-quality finishes. Soft, earthy tones paired with terracotta and cream hues create a space that feels grounded yet effortlessly luxurious.
The interplay of textures, from smooth marble to handwoven textiles, ensures a tactile and visually soothing experience. Every detail has been carefully considered to create an environment that soothes the senses and elevates relaxation to an art form.
Unlike Clare’s minimalist Japanese-inspired retreat, Yasmine’s design leans into an inviting, warm aesthetic rooted in rich cultural heritage, offering a softer, more intimate interpretation of luxury wellness.
About Yasmine
Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Yasmine has a background in design and arts, with a recent Professional Diploma in Interior Design from the National Design Academy. She’s passionate about creating spaces that blend creativity, quality, and sustainability. Follow her design journey on Instagram at @the_art_villa_sa.
🥉 Third Place: Amal Kang – Urban Oasis: Retreat from the City
A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Elegance
Amal’s Urban Oasis offers a peaceful sanctuary within a bustling metropolis. The design draws from East Asian influences, incorporating a round wooden soaking tub, emerald green tiles, and deep burgundy chevron flooring to create an immersive, sensory-rich experience. Soft, ambient lighting enhances the spa’s organic textures, while carefully selected accessories, such as an Asian-inspired vase and pond-like foot mat, add cultural depth. The contrast between structured architectural elements and soft natural details makes this spa feel like a hidden retreat, where guests can reconnect with nature in a refined setting.
About Amal
A recent graduate of the NDA’s Professional Diploma in Interior Design, Amal has already launched her own interior design business, Namu Interiors. Her focus is on blending traditional East Asian elements with contemporary aesthetics to create unique residential spaces, including home spas and indoor retreats. Explore her work at www.namuinteriors.com or follow her on Instagram at @namuinteriors.ae.
Feeling Inspired? Don’t Miss the Next Challenge! 🚀
These stunning designs have truly set the bar high, proving that luxury and wellness go hand in hand. If you missed out this time, don’t worry—our next Mattoboard Challenge is just around the corner! Stay tuned for more opportunities to showcase your creativity, gain exposure, and build an inspiring portfolio.
Which design resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments or tag us onour socials with your thoughts! Follow us on social media to be the first to hear about upcoming challenges, and who knows? You could be our next winner!🤩
