Designing unique hospitality spaces
Aug 16 2022

Sujith.G.S Monastery of Architecture Blog There is an explosion of hospitality spaces like resorts, hotels, jungle lodges, glamping tents etc, across multiple locations around the country. It is also because of the high demand for good hospitality properties, especially as people long for getaways after the multiple lockdowns during the pandemic. This is also fuelled by the explosion of social media and FOMO amongst today’s generation. In this sense, for a resort / hotel to be successful, good design of hospitality spaces matters a lot. The majority of the resorts are not designed in the first place, which affects their long-term viability. Hospitality spaces which are well designed are much more successful, offering great experiences to the guests as well as becoming financially viable for the stakeholders. Good architecture design goes a long way in crafting successful hospitality properties. Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects which would define the design of a successful hospitality property. ---- IT HAS TO BE CONTEXTUAL For any hospitality space, the foremost uniqueness arises from its immediate context itself, which might be the surrounding natural features, unique history, art etc. Good architecture accentuates this and brings out these unique elements which would give each property its own character and ambience. An architecture which responds to its regional context would be rooted in that place and would create a much deeper experience for the guests. --- IT IS ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCE For hospitality projects, it is always about the overall User Experience. Gone are the days when a good view / feature alone might have been a selling point for a property. Today, it is about the overall experience. Architecture aids in the creation of a memorable experience through well designed, functional spaces which are well detailed, aesthetically pleasing and ultimately relaxing. Of course, the service element as well as the food also play an equally important role in the hospitality spaces, but it is good design which brings it all together. Crafting memorable experiences should always be at the back of an architect's mind always while designing any hospitality property – be it a resort, or a hotel or a boutique jungle lodge. Of course, the positioning of the resort and its overall theme would also go a long way in defining this. This is where a good architect would add immense value. The architect would be able to advise and guide the Client about the user experience part, which is so critical in any hospitality space. --- NATURE One cannot stress the importance of nature in hospitality spaces. To create a relaxing ambience where the guests can unwind, design should always highlight nature and the surrounding landscape. Guests ultimately come to relax and have a good time. There is no better way to help them do this than by helping them reconnect with nature. This is especially important in today’s world, where our fast-paced lives are increasingly controlled by digital and social medias. Good architecture helps one engage with nature, by creating multiple opportunities to experience nature. This, combined with great landscape design would elevate the experience of any hospitality space. Truly, Nature is the ultimate luxury. --- LOCAL CULTURE, CRAFT TRADITIONS & MATERIALS FOR A UNIQUE CONTEXTUAL EXPERIENCE Local craft traditions and techniques help anchor the architecture design in its surrounding context. This is extremely relevant as a design which evolves out of the surrounding context will have depth and will naturally create a richer experience for the guests. For hospitality spaces, this becomes critical as guests are looking for an immersive experience of the local culture and place, one that will expose them to the unique arts, crafts and other narratives which would add uniqueness to any property. --- DETAILS As the famous architect Mies van der Rohe stated, ‘God is in details. Great attention to detail is what would elevate any space. This starts with the architecture and the interiors and extends to aspects like signages, way finding etc, which would define the overall guest experience. Great hospitality brands go to large extents to craft a personalised experience for each user. This level of detailing naturally has to be reflected in the architecture as well to create a luxurious, memorable space. --- THE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT In today’s post-pandemic world, guests are increasingly interested in involving with the local communities around each project. People are looking beyond the glitz to do something meaningful, which even extends to their choice of hospitality spaces. Naturally, properties who contribute meaningfully to the surrounding communities and society attract more people. Designing a unique hospitality space which is successful in its operations is challenging and needs to consider multiple factors which all need to come together to create a memorable experience for each and every guest. Monastery of Architecture (MOA) is one of the top designers of resorts in Kerala and have experience in designing multiple well received resorts, especially wellness resorts. The resort designs by MOA ensure that the guests have a unique, holistic and luxurious experience. At the same time, by ensuring an impeccably planned hospitality space which works functionally, while being efficient in operations and services, ensures great returns for the promoters and the investors. Monastery of Architecture is one of the best architects in Kerala to design Resorts and other hospitality projects. Have a project in mind? Get in touch for all your resort / hotel design needs. Call us at 8089719493 or email our Principal architect directly at [email protected]