If the exterior is tonal and textural, the interiors are a joyful burst of urban cool, expressed through colour, tactility, and local craft. Here, terrazzo floors, specially developed for the project, are paired with oiled Jarrah wood, their natural warmth offset by brass and Corten steel accents. Contemporary furnishings by local brands and designers, many custom-made for the hotel, convey effortless sophistication and idiosyncratic modernity, while colours lean warm and inviting with rich reds, ochres and jewel tones punctuated by indigo and magenta.

Throughout the public spaces, art also forms an integral part of the interior design. Curated by MARS Gallery, the selection of artworks reflects the city’s contemporary multicultural vibrancy through names like Atong Atem, whose expressive portraits punctuate the elevator lobbies on every floor. Most notably, a two-storey digital screen in the lobby features video works by six artists, making for a mesmeric backdrop as guests check in as well as a moment of unexpected engagement for passers-by outside.

Up on level 12, the hotel’s signature restaurant Mid Air cranks up the hotel’s playful design language in step with its vibrant Mediterranean fare. Part indoors, part open-air terrace, the space is animated by a sun-kissed palette of reds, ochres and terracotta, with deep blue accents providing visual punctuation. Diamond-patterned tiles that rise onto bar counters and cropped, sinuous curtains that drape the walls lend the space a flair that borders on theatrical. Meanwhile, the large circular openings punctuating the terrace walls frame the city with a wink.

Chef Nick Deligiannis brings substance to the spectacle, serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes with confident creativity, including spanner crab crumpets at breakfast, lamb breast with vine leaf chermoula, and baked haloumi with charred lemon at lunch and dinner, and a sundae finale served with nostalgic indulgence.

Downstairs, Marmelo restaurant and Mr Mills bar occupy the ground and basement levels respectively, each with a distinct mood but similar design. Hardwood floors, timber wall cladding and brushed metal details establish an understated urban vibe in both venues, while banquette seating upholstered in rich tapestry fabrics adds opulence and intimacy. Textural clay and hand-painted tiles reminiscent of the streets of Lisbon provide a decorative punctuation that echoes the Iberian influences of the menus.

Bathed in daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows, Marmelo’s double-height dining room is understated yet dramatic featuring a gleaming, glass-fronted wine cellar, a serpentine light installation suspended overhead and a custom charcoal grill and wood oven. In contrast, Mr Mills exudes late-night allure with low lighting, edgy artwork, and intimate booths setting the tone. Connecting the two venues, a sweeping yellow-green staircase encapsulates the hotel’s layered tactile, theatrical personality.