American ash creates Polynesia in Dubai

The luxury hotel has been modelled on a Polynesian village in an effort to provide an alternative to the standard resort-like hotels in the city.

The six-storey building, which has a 500m private beach, relies heavily on natural materials such as stone, wood and water.

Stained American ash features particularly in the 361 rooms and suites and 182 residences where it has been used for furniure and joinery.

Designer Mahnaz Liaghat, of Mahnaz International Design & Planning, said the client wanted an exotic wood. American walnut was considered but it would have taken five years to source the volume required. American ash, with its open grain finish and coarse uniform texture, was the best alternative, he said.