With the unprecedented changes that have happened in recent times, people have become hyper-aware of global health issues. We have a keen interest in caring for ourselves in ways we might not have been regarded in the past. This renewed sense of wellness flows into the design of buildings and spaces we spend time in. For architects and designers working in the hospitality industry, it became much more important to adapt to the changing needs of the people. We should rethink how they design hotels to promote the health and well-being of the users.
For many guests, a hotel signifies a place of rejuvenation that breaks us from the hustles of daily lives and an opportunity to relieve ourselves from the stresses encountered every day. Carefully designed interiors have been proven to have a positive impact on the well-being and mental health of those who stay there. From ensuring the perfect lighting scheme and cutting-edge facilities to bathrooms that offer ultimate relaxation, there is much to be considered during the design process to ensure the result is a terrain that isn’t only aesthetically charming but has a continuing effect on the guest and their mindset.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, renovated by Designers Group, sits quietly against the lush green landscapes of Alibaugh. The sense of serenity offered by the surrounding greenery is also reflected in the interiors through earthy hues and airy spaces that give a revitalizing feel to the users. The hotel allows a generous flow of air and ventilation and serves as a perfect example of healthy spaces. The design is bound by water bodies in the form of reflective pools which create smaller microclimates in the environment and render a pleasant surrounding to stay. Using microclimates as a way of transforming environments is a passive technique of air conditioning and hence is a simple way of achieving sustainability and wellness. The wood laminates spread the aura of nature into the interiors which helps in improving the quality of life. Guests are invited to unwind here and achieve peace in the pleasant climate of the town after a hectic week.
Amora Vida is conceptualised by Designers Group, as a resort to relax and rejuvenate. The expertise has been displayed in the design of a residential block that has been turned into a hotel. The guest rooms are designed with wellness in mind with the balconies that unveil a beautiful view of the surroundings while contributing to natural cross ventilation. The artwork in the rooms resonates with the local art of Goa, which adds a sense of meaningful experience in hotels. The blue lines of the artwork represent the beach and wooden strips imitate the dunes, twisted with contemporary elements rendering a refreshing feel to the space. The outdoors are designed to meet the future needs of health and well-being. The spaces host the recreational area, spa, gym, long deck, amphitheater, lobby, and all amenities that supplement visitors’ well-being. The lobby is designed as a communal place intended for celebrations and enjoyment. The stilts in the area allow for the amphitheatre that offers a social experience. The local resources and materials, along with the regional plants, added the sustainability factor to the overall design. Exemplified as a hospitality space for wellness, Amora Vida encompasses a wide range of world-class facilities with breakout spaces for personal interactions and exchanges — offering a contemporary experience in terms of culture, food, and tradition.
As designers, we should help hotels evolve into a sustainable and wellness-focused environment ideal for relaxing, adventuring, or working away from home. The sustainable and healthy hotel of the future should concentrate on guest wellbeing, laboriously responding to their evolving habits and requirements, and epitomise their overall experience with a renewed commitment to wellness, sustainability, and the original community to produce a satisfying and reimagined hostel stay.