Everyone has a few favourite spots to celebrate good news or a personal milestone, and at Art in the Middle HQ, Bungalo34 is high on the list. Owned by Tashas Group and founded by Natasha Sideris, Bungalo34 sits gracefully on the tranquil Pearl Jumeira Island.
The venue transports visitors straight to the Mediterranean Riviera, offering a blend of art, design and seaside sophistication. Every corner tells a story, from the interiors to the curated artworks on the walls, creating an environment that feels both personal and effortlessly chic.
The structured grid ceiling, checkerboard flooring and tailored wood furnishings anchor the room in a 1950s–60s mood, defined by crisp lines, warm materials and understated confidence. Sunlight pours through expansive windows, drawing the eye to a terrace dotted with red-striped umbrellas and palms, where the boundary between indoors and outdoors gently dissolves.
Bursts of 1970s-inspired décor bring personality and texture throughout the space. Oversized globe pendants hover above the bar, a playful nod to space-age optimism, while the setting encourages guests to linger, polished enough to feel refined yet relaxed enough to embrace the soft breeze and the clink of glasses.
Art is central to the Bungalo34 experience. Natasha has woven together her personal collection, commissioned works and selected pieces from XVA Gallery, each placed with intention to complement the venue’s layout, colour palette and ambience.
Guests encounter a varied mix of sculptures, striking mixed media pieces and vivid oils. A pair of mirrored frames depicting the star signs Pisces and Cancer holds sentimental value, gifted to Natasha’s parents during their wedding in the 1970s. Al Braithwaite’s The Right Eye of DJ Cool, positioned behind the DJ booth, adds a playful narrative twist, while Halim Al Karim’s Anunnaki Secrets 1, 2017, affectionately known as the ‘blurry guy’, has become a focal point, often sparking conversation and spontaneous toasts.
Ceramic works by South African siblings David and Alexandra Ross introduce a tactile, colourful element at the entrance corridor opposite the fish bar. Further enhancing the visual journey, a commissioned water feature by Marina Ehlers of Mosaic Arts in Pretoria graces the lower deck, reflecting the venue’s coastal and vibrant spirit.
Art at Bungalo34 is dynamic by design. Selected pieces from XVA Gallery are available for acquisition and, as works find new homes, fresh additions take their place, ensuring an ever-evolving showcase of talent.
Bungalo34 captures the relaxed elegance of the European Riviera. Soft natural textures, curated lighting and thoughtfully arranged seating evoke the leisurely glamour of Mediterranean hideaways. Guests are encouraged to explore the space, whether enjoying a quiet breakfast in the sunlit garden or lingering over an evening meal while absorbing the art and ambience.
In partnership with Collective Africa, Bungalo34 also offers a retail experience, presenting beach-inspired fashion and objects d’art that extend the venue’s sensory story beyond the dining table.
Visit: bungalo34.com
Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
