A modern hotel bar with a raised tiled platform, black bar stools, a patterned white counter, warm pendant lighting, a deep blue brick column in the foreground with nautical art in the background.

Coastal Classic

LOCATION

Premier Resort Cutty Sark | Scottburgh, KZN

TYPE

Hotel | Public Spaces

BRIEF

Upgrade the public areas of the original 1956 resort hotel as part of its refurbishment by the Premier Hotel Group, creating a more contemporary hospitality experience while working with the character and structure of the existing building.

Originally built in 1956, the Cutty Sark carries the unmistakable character of a South Coast resort hotel. The refurbishment was approached as an evolution rather than a complete reinvention, retaining the building’s established identity while giving the interiors a stronger, more contemporary point of view.

A subtle nautical influence runs through the design, interpreted through deep blue tones, brass detailing, curved forms and scalloped tilework rather than obvious themed references. Dark-painted brick and exposed roof structure are balanced with warm timber and layered lighting, creating contrast between the building’s original structure and the more refined new finishes.

A modern hotel lobby interior design scene featuring a slatted wood reception desk, gold pendant lights, a blue patterned accent wall with three oval mirrors, and a light-colored tiled floor.

The curved, timber-clad reception desk takes its cue from the form of a boat, while deep blue scallop-patterned wallpaper, brass detailing and round mirrors carry the nautical influence through the space.

Three round decorative mirrors with gold frames mounted on a navy blue wall covered in a wallpaper with repeating gold scallop pattern. The mirrors reflect an hotel lobby with warm lighting and furniture.

The bar is given its own identity within the larger public space through patterned tilework, darker finishes and a change in level, creating a more intimate place to gather without separating it from the rest of the space.

A modern hotel bar with a raised tiled platform, black bar stools, a patterned white counter, warm pendant lighting, a deep blue brick column in the foreground with nautical art in the background.
A modern nautical style hotel bar and lounge interior with a lit fireplace in a dark brick wall, gray upholstered chairs, a round coffee table, and a bar area in the background under exposed ceiling beams.
A modern nautical interior hotel lobby with two gray upholstered armchairs in the foreground, a round wooden coffee table, a dark green brick accent wall, and a bar in the background with shelving and lighting.
A modern luxury hotel guest lounge with a large brown leather sofa, gray upholstered armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking a lush green outdoor lawn and palm trees.

The guest lounges connected to the reception area are arranged as a series of smaller seating zones, giving the open public space a more intimate, relaxed feel. Changes in floor level, open shelving and varied ceiling treatments help define each area while maintaining a sense of continuity throughout the interior.

Modern hotel restaurant interior design featuring a dark gray ribbed metal counter front, a black tiled accent wall, a curved concrete tiled pizza oven, and a hanging brass pendant light.
A modern nautical hotel restaurant interior space with a curved buffet counter featuring dark blue metal sheeting and a white stone top, alongside a matching rectangular serving counter in the background. The room has exposed white ceiling beams, a wood floor, and a light stone wall.
Decorative patterned ceramic wall tiles with a blue and beige floral motif, mounted behind a dark blue paneled hotel buffet counter.

The hotel dining room combines tactile surfaces with the warmth of the original timber floor, creating a space that feels layered without becoming busy. Pattern and texture are used selectively across the walls and counters, while sculptural pendant lights overhead introduce a lighter element, reminiscent of birds in flight.

Modern resort-style poolside scene at sunset with an infinity pool, lounge chairs, palm trees, a low-rise building, and distant ocean view.