USHUAÏA UNEXPECTED HOTEL TO OPEN AL MARJAN ISLAND

In hospitality, first impressions are everything, and at The Unexpected Al Marjan, the lobby is designed to ensure they linger long after check-in.

Set along the evolving shoreline of Al Marjan Island, The Unexpected Al Marjan Hotel is shaping up to be one of the region’s most design-forward hospitality openings, and its striking lobby offers the first glimpse into what guests can expect.

Conceived as a fully immersive arrival experience rather than a traditional hotel entrance, the lobby has been brought to life. The design approach reflects the wider philosophy of the hotel itself. Positioned on the shores of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, The Unexpected Al Marjan Hotel draws inspiration from Ibiza’s energy and lifestyle, translating that spirit into a contemporary Middle Eastern setting. The property is designed as a destination that blends music, culture and luxury hospitality, creating a vibrant experience that moves seamlessly from day to night.

With more than 400 rooms and suites planned, the hotel aims to deliver a high-energy yet refined stay rooted in design, gastronomy and entertainment. Avant-garde architecture inspired by the patterns of waves and sound, known as cymatics, informs the building’s visual language, creating fluid forms that echo the surrounding sea and reinforce the sense of movement and rhythm throughout the property.

This ethos is immediately felt upon entering the lobby. Sculptural forms anchor the space, while immersive lighting shifts in tone throughout the day, transforming the atmosphere from calm daytime arrival to dramatic evening ambience. The result is a setting that feels less like a reception area and more like an experiential gallery, a place where design and hospitality intersect.

Operated by Palladium Hotel Group, the hotel is set to become part of a new generation of lifestyle-led destinations in the region, combining first-class service with music-driven experiences and forward-thinking design. Its location on Al Marjan Island places it within one of the UAE’s fastest-growing leisure and entertainment hubs, positioning the hotel at the centre of a rapidly evolving coastal scene.