LUXURY RESORTS

focus
text : : sylvia khan
inputs : : divya jain, swapna desai, vaishnavi uchil
LUXURY RESORTS
bucking global trends, the
luxury market has seen
remarkable growth. rising
standards of living, a
burgeoning tourism industry,
better service and online access have all fueled
this, growth, while clever
business and marketing
strategies create and build
brand awareness
The numbers are impressive. The global
luxury hotels market was valued at USD 148.6
bn in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 195.3
bn by 2021, rising at a compound annual growth
rate (CAGR) of 4.0 per cent from 2015 to 2021.
Geographically, this market is segmented into
Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest
of the World, with North America holding a
dominant share in the global luxury hotels
market in 2014. Analysts predict that this
dominance will continue in the forecast period.
le méridien thimphu, bhutan | ark reza kabul architects pvt. ltd., mumbai
le méridien thimphu, bhutan | ark reza kabul architects pvt. ltd., mumbai
Despite the recent downturn in the economy, the
Indian luxury market is expected to cross USD 18.3
billion by 2016 from the current USD 14.7 billion,
growing at a CAGR of about 25 per cent (Source:
ASSOCHAM) due to increasing brand awareness and
growing purchasing power of the upper classes in
tier II and tier III cities.
Luxury resorts are differentiated from their less
glamorous counterparts by the single element of
design and Indian luxury resorts have seen a drastic
change in the design of interior spaces over the last
few decades as design moves from the functional
to the experiential. In terms of such large spaces,
design has reached a new level where it integrates
with the guest rather than simply being high-tech
or incorporating elements of luxury. Design is
articulated in an attempt to offer a unique and
exclusive experience, and resorts have begun to
incorporate amenities that offer the guest both
convenience and more personalized service. Luxury
resorts have also evolved in terms of safety and
security, automated technology and ergonomics and
made unique by utilizing local and traditional crafts.
Ar. Reza Kabul, Director, ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, says, “Hotels have come beyond
opulence and high-end décor. In their attempt to
offer an overall experience, hotels have begun to
incorporate amenities that have gone from being
simply high-tech and incorporating automation, to a
newer level where it integrates with the guest. While
several have already incorporated the use of room
automation such as lighting, temperature, blinds,
and entertainment consoles from the guests’ smart
phone, there is a niche set of hotels that allow guests
the ability to check in and out, select their rooms,
and check maps from their smart phones. However,
all the technological enhancements are there only to
enhance the experience and they need a room that is
luxurious, comfortable, and fits the guest’s lifestyle.”
In recent times, economic necessity has forced
several resorts to make an effort to attract corporate
groups for business meetings and conferences (the
MICE segment) as they are a major contributor to
the industry at large. This market requires premium
facilities and services, and planners usually want
a self-contained resort with everything in house,
including a multitude of recreational activities.
Analysts say luxury resorts will expand their own
boundaries by themselves becoming holiday
destinations, offering customization on all aspects
from providing amenities to specialized personal
services. To thrive in an increasingly competitive
market segment, luxury resorts will have to focus
on amenities and services such as health spas and
fitness facilities, soft adventure programs and game
zones. It is expected that Indian resorts will maintain
their edge with the perfect blend of cultural heritage
and modern technology in their design vocabulary.
le méridien thimphu, bhutan | ark reza kabul architects pvt. ltd., mumbai
tijara fort-palace, rajasthan |neemrana hotels, new delhi
tree of life resort & spa, jaipur | abhikram, gujarat
kata rocks, thailand| original vision, hong kong and phuket
material choices &
techniques
While luxury becomes more and more high tech
in terms of the amenities, the ease of access and
things that enhance comfort, leading architects
and hoteliers are incorporating more traditional
wisdom into their building. Ar. Nimish Patel
and Ar. Parul Zaveri, Founder and Principal
Architects, Abhikram Architects, Ahmedabad,
have long vaunted traditional materials and
techniques in building, and utilized these in
several of their projects saying it is possible to
offer “historical continuity without fossilization”
and to combine local arts and crafts with
modern amenities to offer a more complete
experience of luxury. Industry doyen Aman
Nath, who refers to himself as a ‘non-architect
architect’ and is co-founder of the stunning
Neemrana properties (which he calls ‘nonhotels’) has spoken with pride about using local
craftsmen and artisans to restore the many
historic structures he has rescued from decay.
Aman Nath, Chairman, Neemrana Hotels, New
Delhi, says, “We use traditional materials : stone,
mortar, lime, cement, plus a lot of re-cycled
architectural waste.”
kata rocks, thailand| original vision, hong kong and phuket
tree of life resort & spa, jaipur | abhikram, gujarat
Commenting on the trends in this elite sector in
his inimitable way, Aman Nath, says, “They have
let our architecture and design be ‘Singaporised’,
as if our vast subcontinent had little to offer!
This happens to a colonized people whose
psyche remains complexed even when their
rulers have left. But the British left 69 years
ago! Even two generations later we are coiling
backwards to impress some latent inferiority
complex. It seems all too sad to me.
Everyone is keen to outdo the other even
at the cost of running into huge debts. I
find this odd in an evolved nation as India
where the nouveau rich were once looked down
upon. Simplicity is a huge luxury, which not
everyone understands. But, maybe, we are going
through another phase of self-flagellation and
introspection as we did after independence in
1947 ? We should be ashamed that over 400
million people are poor. The greatest luxury
would be for all our efforts to get this burden off
our conscience.”
tijara fort-palace, rajasthan |neemrana hotels, new delhi
THE SERAi, CHiKMAGALUR
Gayathri and Namith Architects, Bengaluru
Design brief :
Drawing inspiration from the meaning of
the word ‘serai’ this resort on a 30 acre land
packet combines a luxury ambiance, with
private luxury villas, dining restaurant and
lounge on land surrounded by imposing
trees with thick foliage, creating an ambience
that nurtures innate alignment with nature,
and a state of tranquility and serenity.
Design elements :
• Design inspired by local art
and contemporary techniques
perceptiveness such as slate cladding
on the walls and shingles on the roof,
which are vernacular to Chikmagalur
• The Residence positioned as classy
elegance, exclusivity and privacy,
occupies a private area at the end of
the central axis of the resort; comprises
a master bedroom, a second bedroom,
living and dining rooms
• The Estate Terrace comprises twotiered villas with marvelous views
of the coffee plantation and the
surrounding greenery, private pools
and personal sun decks alongside the
sitting room
• The Estate Villas provide serenity and
great views, and each has a private
pool while some have an added jacuzzi
• Each villa presents an eclectic
combination of contemporary design
and local architecture
• The materials used are made by artists
and craftsmen customized to suit the
needs and ambiance of the space
TiJARA FORT-PALACE,
RAJASTHAN
Design brief :
To convert a regal but unfinished and
vandalised fort, a property situated on a
magnificent hilltop location, into a unique
hotel and conference center, restoring
and adapting the individual buildings and
making them suitable for contemporary
reuse. The design approach was to give
history a new interpretation while the
design concept was to refurbish and modify
the individual buildings in consonance with
their original design, allowing for suitable
innovation and creativity.
In addition, it was necessary to add new
built functional spaces such as restaurants,
conference facilities, an auditorium,
swimming pool and yoga center / spa
as well as a chart of utilities; functions
which are necessary in modern times but
amenities which by their scale and size
could not be accommodated in any of the
three historic structures (i.e. the Mardana
Mahal, the Hawa Mahal or the Rani Mahal).
These structures were to be linked through
a landscape that would allow them to function
as independent buildings but also as part of a
unique complex with a spectacular view.
Design elements :
• Terrain is used organically, using its hilly
nature to locate all the large-scale functions
underground so that they do not clutter the
historic composition of the three historic
buildings above the ground
• New structures constructed in the spaces
between the buildings and functionally link
them, giving uniformity to the complex and
offering eye-catching views of the plains
• An attractive entrance complex created
in the South-East, between the Mardana
Mahal and Hawa Mahal with a composition
of walls and three large gates offering a
juxtaposition of old and new
• A three-storey structure in the South-West
space between the Mardana Mahal and the
Hawa Mahal, houses a swimming pool, a
yoga and wellness center and under it all,
a reservoir for water, which will run off the
landscape and can be reused
• In the North, a four-storeyed structure lies
in the space between the Rani Mahal and
the Hawa Mahal and houses two restaurants
(one, Jain) and their kitchens, an auditorium,
conference rooms and a large amphitheater
with a stunning backdrop
• A new layer of landscape, conceived as a
series of hanging gardens, large enough to
rest or walk around, starts at the highest
point of the Mardana Mahal and steps down
to the Hawa Mahal and Rani Mahal, ending
dramatically at the amphitheatre.
• The three historic structures have been
restored and renewed and the rooms of the
Rani Mahal/Mardana are each named after
a leading Indian painter/designer/aesthete,
thus honoring them.
• Other design features include a series of
camels crafted surrealistically in concrete,
pergola and arcade elements, sculptures
and a memorial dedicated by Aman Nath
to Neemrana Founder Co-chairmain, Late
Francis Wacziarg
FOCUS
Aman Nath, Chairman, Neemrana Hotels, New Delhi
37
THE GOLDEN TUSK RESORT,
NAiNiTAL
M:OFA Studio, New Delhi
Design brief :
Abutting Jim Corbett National Park, Bijrani
Range and Dhela river, this is an ‘Agro
Resort’ intended to provide the experience
of country living to urban travelers and
sensitize them to the idea of living with
nature, effectively utilizing resources and
minimizing waste. The program includes
a farm with poultry, cattle, goats, fish and
an elephant for rides around the forest
and organic vegetable, fruit and herbal
garden from where fresh produce would
be served in the gourmet restaurant
throughout the day.
Design elements :
• Design based on Zen philosophy to
uplift the human spirit and provide
relief from stress
• Cottages use local materials expressed in
a contemporary design
• Residential accommodations include
Forest view suites, Villas and luxury tents
• A rivulet is created by channeling a
natural stream of water that runs
through the site creating a natural spine
• The reception, exhibition gallery,
residential accommodations, restaurant,
swimming pool, recreational areas and
spa have been arranged in pockets
around this rivulet with multiple sit out
spaces and porches
• The design features a minimalistic
expression of materials and elements,
expressive of the simple ways of
countryside living
• Use of local stone masonry, reclaimed
wood carpentry and metalwork reflect
local craftsmanship and materials of
the region that maintain a sensitive
bond of sustainability and keep old
professions alive
Design brief :
To create a small ‘Out of this World’
Indian boutique resort of only 14
suites that blends with the local
terrain and maximizes the use of
local materials, technologies and
crafts to create a contemporary
product. A contrasting blend of
simple rustic exteriors that keep guest
expectations low at first, but with
luxurious interiors that mesmerize.
The prime focus of the design
approach was the experiences created
by the built forms, their correlation,
the construction ingredients as well
as the rising colors and fixtures of the
materials and techniques.
Design elements :
• The site had two distinct characters;
one a ravine-like formation with
level difference of 4.5 mts. and
the other a relatively flat area.
The villas are built on the ravine
areas, around the naturally formed
valleys, with the other facilities in
the level areas
• Emphasis on landscaping with low
maintenance shrubs, water bodies
and lighting
• An uplifted walkway with water
bodies on either side for maximum
greenery, leads guests into the ‘soul’
of the resort in the front-central
portion of the site with a Reception
Block and a central courtyard for
guest entry, a fountain and a water
body. This exemplifies the crafts and
the varying qualities of light as the
day and seasons progress
• The recreation courtyard adjoins
a luxurious, intimate lounge and
restaurant which overlooks the
landscaped open space.
• Fourteen luxurious villas designed
around local art and culture to
create a unique artistic experience
with entry through wooden
decorative doors with traditional
temple bells and private pools and
front and rear private gardens with
massage facility
• Each suite has a large living room,
a luxurious bedroom with a 3.6 mt.
dia dome over the four poster bed,
a spacious toilet with a 1.8 mt dia
dome with a fountain in the central
space and facilities all around it.
• The bathroom is a large
experiential, open space with a high
dome ceiling and a glass wall, which
looks onto an outdoor open space
with plants and statuary, beyond
which is the boundary wall.
• Neither cement nor dressed stones
nor drawings were used in the
construction of the remarkable
domes, which were built from
random rubble stone using lime as
a binder with the other traditional
ingredients of gur, gugal and methi.
• Traditional techniques and
processes were used for the
construction of the random rubble
masonry walls, ‘patthar patties’
for roofing and traditional water
proofing as well as insulation by the
local crafts persons
• Use of R.C.C. was minimized and
roofs of all areas of all suites were
made from the locally available
patthar patties (stone slabs)
• Use of the natural coloured
variation in local stones in the
architecture has enhanced the
artistic quotient of the resort.
TREE OF LiFE RESORT AND
SPA, JAiPUR
FOCUS
Abhikram, Ahmedabad
39
LOPESAN BAOBAB, SPAiN
Simeon Halstead Associates, Spain
Design brief :
To design a beach resort that had
wonderful views over the famous
Maspalomas Dunes, but itself did
not have a beach, being located on
an internal lot. The resort theme was
inspired by Africa and design concept
based on an African village, overlooked
by the 6 storeys of guestrooms.
For the architect, the challenge is to
pull off this intimate village scale in
a resort of almost 700 keys where the
market dictated huge, all-inclusive
restaurants and great variety in the
dining and F+B experience, and the
guestrooms had to be midrise and
relatively massive in scale.
JULY - AUGUST
Design elements :
• The creative entry of the resort
generates great impact as the guest
enters into an enchanted world,
stepping out on to a timber bridge
40
suspended over an ancient stone
quarry, where water cascades down
the walls into pools filled with fish
and flamingoes
• The resorts front space and center
stage is the soaring thatched
structure of the bar and chill-out
lounge with an exclusive specialty
restaurant, the Chef’s Table
• The theme continues into the
soaring thatched palappas of the
Chief’s House restaurants and
right down to the kids club, a
series of mud-domed houses in a
walled compound
• The resort is traditional in
construction with imaginative use
of timber, in the thatched timber
structures as well as in the giant
pergolas on the balconies and
cladding of the elevator towers
• The resort roof has solar collectors
to heat the pool in winter and boost
the hot water of the guestrooms
Design brief :
To convert the stunning West-sloping, beachfront
property and the dramatic rock formations on
the site and along the waterfront, to a luxury
resort. Conceived as an exclusive boutique resort,
the emphasis is on a clean and uncomplicated
space, opening on to private decks and
swimming pools, blurring the line between
indoors and out. A key focus of the overall design
was to reduce the building’s environmental
impact on the site. Overall, the design concept is
to allow the existing to blend seamlessly with the
new planting, creating a location-appropriate
environment that is low-maintenance and uses a
limited amount of water.
• Landscaping is kept simple and uses species
indigenous to the location. In this way, much
of the pre-existing surrounding flora has
been retained or replanted. Supplementary
trees such as frangipani are added, mostly
as signature elements to provide accents in
particular areas
• Massive granite slabs are used for terracing
which gives the resort its name “Kata”
• Available rock was recycled as a building
material and successfully re-used as random
stone walling and feature landscape planters
within the resort while crushed rock is used
for the roof finish, further enhancing the
building design and its integration into the
local surroundings
Design elements :
• The concept of ‘Sky Villas’ is developed for
the accommodations
• The villas are open and laid out to maximize
space and the view. Indoor and outdoor living
is a major feature of the villa where internal
spaces open seamlessly onto large private
terraces and swimming pools
• Cutting-edge environmental control,
communications and audio-visual systems that
are fully integrated with a sophisticated homeautomation network, in all Sky Villas
• Buggy paths in certain areas required
excavation on the uphill side of the slope, and
were treated with the use of local hewn stone
as natural retaining walls, many of which
formed planters creating a soft edge
• Local sand-wash is extensively used in hard
landscape finishes to roads, pathways, steps
and common areas, providing a natural tactile
surface which adds to the informal experience
and relaxed atmosphere
KATA ROCKS, THAiLAND
Original Vision, Hong Kong and Phuket