For the first boutique hotel in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Abdallah El Ghandour had a specific vision: to create a place where locals, expatriates and visitors mingle.

To turn this vision into a refined reality, he called on Parisian agency Liautard and the Queen to design the interiors and Abidjan-born Desiré Mbengue to oversee the architecture.

The result is a property made up of nine buildings, with a strong emphasis on green public spaces, local materials and regional products. Low concrete buildings are juxtaposed with high ceilings, bespoke terrazzo flooring and full-height windows. With public spaces at the heart of the design, intertwining garden paths link the living spaces to the restaurant, bar, green marble swimming pool and numerous terraces.

In each of the hotel’s 74 bedrooms, Liautard and the Queen brought their expertise to bear by designing bespoke carpets in rich reds and greens, blending perfectly with wood panelling and bespoke furniture in local woods.

The bathrooms are spacious and bright, accented with cream and sage-coloured tiles and elegant Art Deco-inspired taps. Beyond the standard rooms are the superior rooms, offering generous space and lush garden views; junior suites with separate bedrooms and sitting areas, as well as a guest bathroom.

The Signature Suites, the most prestigious rooms available, offer separate dining, relaxation and sleeping areas, a guest bathroom and, for some, a balcony. All the rooms, as well as the public areas, are also decorated with photographs and sculptures by Côte d’Ivoire artists.

Next to the swimming pool and a covered terrace are Le Bistrot Palmier and Le Bar.

The faux marble bar painted by patina artist Julien Gauthier pays homage to the tropicality of the place.

Like the building materials, which were sourced in the sub-region, the restaurant also uses local ingredients to create contemporary, international French cuisine. Dishes such as a fresh palm kernel salad can be enjoyed alongside classic and inventive drinks, including the hotel’s signature natural green cocktail ‘30 février’.’