Hospitality as an industry is prone to change. Evolving with consumer needs and demands, the focus of the industry and even its design approaches keep changing. Over the past few years especially, there has been a huge shift in terms of the central focus of not only the design but the purpose of hospitality destinations. 

This shift owing to the pandemic has transformed the way the industry perceives and delivers in terms of its services. The demand and need for biophilic design along with increased focus on wellness has ushered about a change in the way designs are created for hotels and resorts. 

The rise in demand for biophilic design in hospitality is equally an influence of the sustainability movement as well as a general common need to reconnect to nature after being confined amidst the pandemic for wellness and peace. A place where luxury, nature, and hospitality all blend together thus has become the perfect solution i.e. Eco resorts. 

Eco resorts are popping up all over the world, each with their own unique take on the blend of hospitality, design and luxury in a natural setting. Here’s a look at eco resorts that are changing the game globally: 

DÔMES CHARLEVOIX, CANADA

Cuddled in a hillside forest in Quebec, Canada, Dômes Charlevoix is an eco resort that is truly breathtaking. The Dômes Charlevoix is named so because the resort is essentially a cluster of three dome structures peering from in between the forest. The three dome cabins at a glance are nothing short of absolute wonders.

The domes have been created with sustainability at heart and impeccable design in mind. The geodesic domes sit atop a wooden platform which has been sourced to match the surrounding perfectly in terms of hues and textures. The placement of the domes too has been done strategically to ensure that it has a natural tree cover protecting it while also ensuring that little to no flora has to be removed for the dome placement.

Keeping to their promise of sustainability, the domes have been created off site and simply installed at the forest site to minimize carbon emissions of the construction process. When you step inside, you unlock a luxurious abode in the middle of the forest. The front portion of the dome has a clear entrance so one can actually peer outside.

The rest of the dome has a gray canvas fabric for its build with insulation properties to manage the internal climate without excessive emissions. The concrete flooring too has been put in with the similar intent alongside a traditional wood heat furnace to keep the guests warm. The interior of the dome screams minimal luxury with a monochromatic theme. Playing in hues of black, gray and white, the inside of the dome has been furnished well almost like a studio apartment complete with a kitchenette. The interior pairs darker tones with softer wooden hues to strike a balance and cut through the dark interiors.

The domes are rather well crafted and thoughtfully placed to give the guests the ultimate view of the forest to heal and rejuvenate during their stay. Overall, the Dômes Charlevoix is the perfect amalgamation of luxury, design and sustainability .

PEDRAS SALGADAS SPA AND NATURE PARK, PORTUGAL

Located in Pedras Salgadas, this eco resort sits amidst a beautiful nature park. The Pedras Salgadas spa is essentially formed by seven stilt cabins placed carefully amidst the nature park. The very premise to divide the resort into seven smaller cabins over a larger hotel complex is motivated by sustainability.

Making smaller chains spread out helps reduce the overall impact on the environment which would be greater for a bigger structure while also protecting the vegetation to a large extent. Moreover, the cabins were envisioned to give the guests an uninterrupted bonding experience with nature with minimal disruptions.

Amongst the heavy greenery lie the gray slate clad cabins for the guests to live in. The cabins have been raised on stilts to even out the terrain and ensure safety of the guests inside. The gray slate tiles clad on the xterior pay an ode to the local construction traditions while also giving the cabin a rustic charm. On the inside, the cabin has been thought out well with the layout identical to a studio but smaller.

The cabin has a living space separate front he bedroom along with a well fitted kitchenette. The interior also carries a vibe of serenity with a minimal outlook. The overall design sticks to a white color palette with variation brought about through wooden fixtures and floorings of different hues and grains.

The design inside is rather simplistic to avoid disruption and lay the focus where it belongs i.e. on the beautiful outdoors. 

RUFF WELL WATER RESORT, CHINA

The Ruff Well Water resort located at the foot of the Luo Fo Shan mountain, Sichuan is a class apart in luxury and design highlighting an element of nature i.e. water. The Ruff Well resort is based around one of the traditional hot water springs in China.

The resort itself consists of multiple geothermal pools or  hot springs spread out across the complex along with indoor and outdoor pools. The entire resort has multiple water features to create a resonance and connection with water as an element of nature while also providing a wellness experience in the form of hot springs or regular water therapy.

The entire architecture and interior design of the resort is entirely themed around nature. The building facades are beautifully modern with glass and wood combination gracing it. The pools and different portions of the resort are connected by pebble paths which span across the entire resort. The resort also has a carefully crafted indoor pool with a metal roof covering it in a quirky geometric angle while the interior is relatively simple with pebbles and live edged wooden logs for seating.

The reception, dining and yoga centers also revolve around highlighting nature. The interior is thus a wooden baffle ceiling that extends to the clear large glass windows that give a beautiful view of the outdoors. Simultaneously, natural stone flooring using local river stones has been put in to maintain the natural effect yet keep the luxe vibe inside.

The overall architecture of the resort is a beautiful medley of the elements of nature while its central focus lies in highlighting water as a rejuvenating source making it the perfect eco resort. 

KASIIYA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA 

The Kasiiya Papagayo resort sitting gracefully alongside the coast of the Gulf of Papagayo is nothing short of an exotic wonder. The Kasiiya papagayo is an example in the eco resorts category with one of the most beautiful looks as well as a surprisingly sustainable process.

The entire resort has been constructed without removing a single tree as well as free of any concrete or nails. The resort is spread out in the form of 14 tent-like cabins to create a small cluster of community yet ensure each guest has  personalized experience. From the top, the tent roofs are hidden beautifully in a heavy cluster of tree canopies and greenery.

The cabins themselves are built out of locally sourced wood. The construction and set up too has been done in a way that allows the resort to simply pack up and move without any impact on the environment and land of the area which is a rather stellar prospect. A timber platform raised above the ground wraps around the cabin with a stunning front porch ahead.

The cabin itself is formed of wood, ceiling to floor windows and light cotton curtains for privacy. The interior of the chains has  a modern boho look with wooden floors, wicker accents and comfy furniture. The interior too mainly revolves around wood and fabric as a way to create a beautiful setup.

Different types and shades of wood have been paired together in the interior to create a beautiful variation. Overall, the Kasiiya Papagayo is not just a trailblazer for its beauty but also for its sustainable outlook to hospitality showing the industry that it is possible to deliver luxury accommodations without meddling with the environment too much. 

MANSHAUSEN ISLAND RESORT, NORWAY

Located in Steigen Archipelago, the Manshausen island resort is a modern marvel in the form of an eco resort. The resort is a collection of aluminium clad cabins sitting atop rock quays with the help of stilts right alongside water. 

The cabins have been placed strategically to ensure safety in extreme weather as well as give the guests privacy. The overall frame of the cabin has been made sustainably with Cross laminated timber. Aluminum sheets coat the CLT frame in order to protect it from weather changes giving it the ultra modern look. The shiny metal cabins stand out amidst the rocky terrain and water.

The entrance of the cabin is towards the stable land with a wooden platform. The front facing the water has been kept minimal with floor to ceiling windows to enhance the truly breathtaking view. Inside, the cabin is fully furnished with a beautiful bedroom, dining area as well as a kitchen.

The interior is entirely done with light toned Cross laminated timber. The glass area forms the sitting area where one can gaze into the view while the bedroom and kitchen are further back into the cabin where the sides are all wood for protection.

The cabin also has a stunning wooden patio attached to its land side to sit and relax on. The Manshausen resort is a luxurious abode at a rather unique location making it a true wonder.