The St. Regis Astana — Photo by WATG

WATG, the world"s leading hospitality design firm and Wimberly Interiors, a design studio of WATG, are pleased to reveal the design of the St. Regis Astana, inspired by Kazakhstan"s mythology and traditions. This iconic hotel marks the first entry of the St. Regis brand in Kazakhstan, bringing a new height of luxury to the historical crossroads of human civilisation.

Located on the banks of the Ishim River, at Central Park, Astana"s most coveted address, WATG used the hotels" prominent location to inspire a design that highlights the distinct cultural heritage of Astana. The design takes a traditional, yet grand approach to luxury hotel design, using a hierarchy of spaces and forms to make the building an icon within the city scape.

Both the yurt-inspired building form and the hotel entrance engage with the open land and tree-scape nearby, paying homage to the traditional Kazakh dwelling. Crafted using an antique bronze aesthetic combined with steel and glass, the yurt is a modern take on the iconic national Kazakh design. The overall architectural design also positioned the terraces, public promenades and restaurants along the waterfront allowing the hotel to leverage the extraordinary views of the Ishim River.

The interior design narrative takes inspiration from Kazakhstan traditions, every detail is hand-selected and bespoke. Using regal features and luxurious textures including embossed leather chairs, patterned timber flooring, shadgreen clad joinery, Eglomise mirrors and Cut Crystal Chandeliers, whilst maintaining the most modern of comforts. WATG and Wimberly Interiors infused the St. Regis brand elegance with the history or the surrounding landscape and local culture in a subtle but distinctive way. Horses are an intrinsic and historical part of Kazakh culture, and the interior design weaves equine touches effortlessly through various artworks, fabrics and antique bronze equestrian buckle detailing.

Artwork adorns the walls throughout the hotel, with over 400 contemporary pieces complimenting the interior design. One of the focal art features in the lobby includes a large luxurious 24 carat gold and copper leaf mural of a phoenix, designed by Céline Alexandre, referencing the mythological Samruk phoenix.

Hotel website