SĀN Beach Designed by Tristan du Plessis

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Natelee Cocks

Natural materials, soft curves and textures inspired by the spirit of Africa take centre stage at SĀN Beach, Dubai’s newest luxe retreat designed by Tristan du Plessis.

Inspired by and named after Africa’s first people, SĀN Beach is a new culinary experience, beach destination, and tranquil soul retreat situated amid Dubai’s concrete jungle.

“The initial brief was to create the world’s first luxury African inspired beach club. We wanted to create a space that presented Africa in its current contemporary stride. We used the ancient social-focused culture of the San and their primal connection to nature as the backbone of the personality of the beach club,” says the beach club’s interior architect, Tristan du Plessis of Tristan Plessis Studio.

The design highlight of SĀN Beach is the form of the interior space. “Through the use of curves, arches and soft edges, the space seems as if it has been moulded by hand out of ancient clay and has an almost poetic softness and feminine feel,” says Tristan.

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The African art which infuses the interior and exterior space is another key highlight. All the ceramic tables outside have been lovingly handmade in Cape Town, and there’s a beach sculpture made by the artist Jake singer overlooking the water. The interior features lamps by Jan Ernst, sculptural pots by Jade Paton and an enigmatic sculptural bench from David Krynauw.

The design feels ‘multi-layered’ – natural textures and organic lines give the whole beach club tactile appeal. “I always feel that it is crucially important to create highly tactile, imperfect surfaces in contrast with sharper, more polished materials,” explains Tristan. “This tension adds depth and intrigue to the overall design”.

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