Art De Vivre: Maison Revka Dubai Brings Bourgeois Splendour To Bluewaters Island
A beach club restaurant that offers both old-world glamour and tranquil sanctuary, Maison Revka brings the maximalist vibes this spring
Elegant Parisian style with Slavic influences commingles with a subtle Arabic twist at Maison Revka Dubai. The restaurant’s Franco-Russian menu is backdropped against bold colourways and rich, heavy velvets that pay tribute to the opulent origins of the brand, while delicate floral prints, bird motifs and greenery nod to its newest home on the coastal landscape of Bluewaters Island.
Located within the new Delano Dubai, this third instalment of Maison Revka follows the success of sister venues in Paris and Saint-Tropez, with architect Laleh Amir Assefi drawing inspiration from the châteaux of Louis XVI, reimagined through the lens of an aristocratic Slavic family, for all three properties.
Maison Revka Dubai offers guests a restaurant, bar area, private dining room, outdoor terrace and boutique – with the addition, for the first time, of a pool and cabanas. “The vision was to create a space that embodies French elegance and a rich Slavic heritage while harmonising with Dubai’s unique setting,” explains Laleh. “Unlike other locations, the Dubai space incorporates the concept of a wooden veranda, open spaces to allow for the natural airflow characteristic of traditional, regional architecture, and a beach club experience with luxurious cabanas draped in floral fabrics and bird motifs – reminiscent of Persian and Mughal miniatures – creating a sophisticated seaside ambience.”
While the pool area may be a new venture for Laleh, much of the brand’s signature design elements have weaved their way over to Dubai: stained glass windows, eccentric light fittings, mirrors and ornaments. “Sculptures inspired by Matryoshka dolls and Art Deco, majestic bookshelves, paintings by Slavic artists, and the arrangement of spaces and seating inspired by 18th- and 19th-century salons are present in Dubai,” says Laleh of the crossovers. Meanwhile outdoors, the burgundy tassels on the poolside parasols, and the intricate ‘MR’ embroidery on sunbed pillows are reminiscent of those at Maison Revka Paris’ terrace garden.
However, each Maison Revka dances to the beat of its own drum, with subtle differences that lean into their respective locations. In Dubai subtle modifications present both regional influences and an appreciation of the wilder coast setting with its soundtrack of crashing waves. Inspiration from traditional Arabic interior design feeds into everything from the deep red hues and emblems used on made-to-measure wall hangings and plush Persian carpets to the geometric patterns on the dining chairs and mosaic-style panelling around the restaurant.
“A meticulous selection of materials and patterns was key,” explains Laleh. “For example, fabrics from the archives of major houses such as Rubelli, Lelièvre, Pierre Frey, and Osborne & Little – drawn from centuries-old documents and originally imported from the East – were used to upholster French-style furniture, creating a harmony between cultures.” She adds that collaborating with local artisans was essential to perfecting said harmony. “Regional artists contributed to creating the painted ceilings, the veranda, the cabanas and the parasols, enriching the space with authentic cultural touches.”
The cerulean sea also played its part in the inspiration for Maison Revka Dubai. “The setting on Bluewaters island inspired a colour palette that evokes the coastline, featuring turquoise blue-greens and sandy hues,” shares Laleh. “The lush vegetation and floral prints recall the concept of paradise, with miniature paintings seamlessly transitioning between the interior and exterior spaces.”
On paper, an intermixture of so many influences has potential to overwhelm, but Laleh’s exuberant cornucopia of clashing prints, patterns and pigments has been weaved to masterful effect – the embodiment of bourgeois splendour, with cosy nooks and corners crafting vibrant, unforgettable moments. A new maison to make your home.
Photographer: Vladimir Martí. Creative Director: Tamim Mortaza. Art Director: Agata Wycichowska. Stylist: Imogene Legrand. Models: Maryam Ghavidel-Rostami at M+P Models and Jaad Belgaid at SELECT. Make-Up Artist: Manu Losada. Hair Stylist: Jean Luc Amarin. Casting Director: Jean-Marc Mondelet. Producer: Erin Steel. Photographer’s Assistant: Jaypee Hardin. Production Coordinator: Evie May. Make-Up Assistant: Jana Korkomaz. Hair Assistant: Elisabeth Pakpahan. Styling Assistants: Marguerita Christoforidis and Catherine Abou Nasr.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Interiors Spring 2025 issue