Silver Sands Resort, Qatar

Silver Sands Resort, a prestigious private members' club in Jeddah, recognised this when they developed their latest offering: a nature-inspired playground designed to enhance not only the experience of younger guests but also to elevate the resort's exclusive appeal.

In today’s hospitality sector, the demand for unique, memorable experiences is paramount. As families increasingly seek destinations that cater to both relaxation and entertainment, a well-designed playground offers a critical competitive advantage.

Silver Sands, known for its luxurious setting, has elevated this concept by introducing a play space that is not only visually distinctive but also thoughtfully crafted to align with the resort’s commitment to delivering family-friendly luxury. In the competitive landscape of hospitality, standing out is key—and this playground accomplishes that by blending innovation with play value for children.

THE ROLE OF PLAY VALUE IN CREATING EXCEPTIONAL GUEST EXPERIENCES

Playgrounds in the hospitality industry cannot simply be an afterthought; they need to offer true "play value," a concept that goes beyond just keeping children busy. A playground rich in play value provides a diverse range of activities that promote sensory, imaginative, social, and physical development. This depth of engagement is crucial for resorts aiming to attract discerning families looking for more than the average experience.

At Silver Sands Resort, Timberplay’s design achieves just that. The playground offers a variety of play opportunities that appeal to children of all ages and abilities. From the thrilling dynamic movement of the rotating disc and seesaw to the immersive sand and water play areas, every element serves a dual purpose: to entertain and to educate. These features not only keep children engaged for longer but also align with the resort’s reputation for excellence, ensuring that the playground is far more than just a place for kids to run around—it’s a space for exploration, creativity, and growth.

SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR RESORT PLAYGROUNDS

In the a very fast-growing climate, resorts must differentiate themselves with unique, high-quality offerings. The Silver Sands playground sets a new standard, both in design and in the quality of experience it offers. Nature-based materials, such as sustainably sourced timber, create an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious space, perfectly aligned with modern luxury values. For developers and landscape architects, this demonstrates a thoughtful approach to both design and sustainability, key factors in creating standout spaces in the region. The playground’s inclusion of carefully chosen play features, such as climbing structures and a water play area, encourages sensory and imaginative play—crucial for a child’s cognitive and emotional development. These features ensure the playground stands out as a unique selling point for the resort, providing a reason for families to return again and again. For developers and architects, this speaks to the long-term value that a well-conceived play space brings to a hospitality project.

FOSTERING SOCIAL INTERACTION IN A CULTURALLY RELEVANT CONTEXT

Family is central, and spaces that encourage social interaction among children are particularly important. The Silver Sands playground has been designed to facilitate this interaction. Its open layout, combined with shared play elements, fosters group play, helping children build confidence, develop social skills, and create lasting friendships in a safe, engaging environment. This emphasis on social play benefits the entire family, providing parents with peace of mind that their children are enjoying a fulfilling, enriching experience.

The Silver Sands Resort playground successfully integrates the importance of family by creating a communal, inclusive space that feels luxurious, while also catering to the values and needs of the clientele.

WHY PLAY VALUE DRIVES COMMERCIAL SUCCESS IN HOSPITALITY

Incorporating a playground with high play value into a luxury resort like Silver Sands is not merely about occupying children; it enhances the overall guest experience and drives long-term commercial success. For parents, the presence of a playground that genuinely engages their children in stimulating, creative play can be the deciding factor in choosing a destination. A well-designed play space not only increases dwell time but also encourages repeat visits, a crucial aspect of maintaining a loyal clientele in the competitive Middle Eastern hospitality market.

The playground at Silver Sands goes beyond the ordinary, offering experiences that invite children to take risks, explore their creativity, and engage their senses. This level of engagement elevates the resort’s offering, ensuring it remains a top choice for families looking for the best in hospitality.

A LASTING LEGACY OF INNOVATION

Silver Sands Resort has not only created a playground; they have set a benchmark for luxury family experiences within the hospitality sector. The design reflects the resort's commitment to thoughtful, well-crafted spaces that enrich the guest experience. Play spaces in luxury hospitality are no longer a secondary feature— they are integral to creating memorable, standout destinations. At Silver Sands, this vision is brought to life in a way that will leave a lasting impact on guests and on the wider industry.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A huge thank you goes to all those involved in this project, including award-winning landscape architects, Cracknell, and resort owner and architecture professional, Amy Lamb. This project would not have been possible without the help of these incredible minds!