The idea was to create something that was comfortable, peaceful and luxurious; a
place that felt like home, filled with plenty of beautiful artworks.
Another aspect was to capture that traditional Maldivian vibe and blend seamlessly
with the natural environment. From the beginning, design process relies on major
points from the very beginning until the end.
The island itself, a ninety acres of massive, dense tropical forest imposed us to keep
existing beauty both on the island and underwater with a tremendous effort. Signing
all existing and relocation of more than 700 coconut trees was more than six months
job prior to construction. Detailed underwater surweys and coral mapping defined the
right location and shape of the jetty without destroying the main coral fields.
Being on a remote island in the middle of the ocean is always a great passion and
favorite hide away from the real. After couple of days, a great feeling of isolation
represses self and all feeling may change in to depression. To solve, we analysed the
local living and also fifty percent of staff is local. Their definition of home scale is whole
island. This ideal pushed us to keep existing and reserve geneorus spaces both for staff
and guest for experience.
Effort for keeping existing provided us design accordingly. Every villa for guest offers
an unique experience of environment. In villa design, you first enter to your big garden
totally dedicated to you. After, you have your own villa, stages of privacy sections and
areas. Dedication of a defined space by borders on the island for the user gives an
opportunity to own and root in easily.
Space of the volume is basically designed to have all characteristics of tropical climate.
Customer may choose to use ultra luxury room conditions inside or they can easily
open all doors and windows to have all the ocean breeze in to experience tropical
climate without any discomfort from climatic conditions.
Locations and relation of the social areas in between was a big desicion. In evening,
scattering small guest population in different parts and creating various centers for
gather forms another feeling of isolation. We have created all social dining areas in at
least eye contact with each other. At night, rather than looking at a pitch black dark
horizon, you are surrounded by volumes and light in distance, feeling the center strong
and alive.
Art-immersive aspect will also help user to feel rooted with the existing and will create
a path for allowing emotions flow through. Idea is to make the guests’ stay there more
meaningful. An exclusive art map helps guests to carry out their own treasure hunt. It
pinpoints all the art and sculptural pieces to be discovered throughout the resort, and
includes information about the artists so guests have a better understanding of each
piece. The resort also features an Art Studio & Gallery, which conducts workshops and
hosts international artists throughout the year and invite guests to experience the art
as participants.