A CITY HOTEL OFTEN SUPPORTS THE TRIP.

A RESORT CAN BECOME THE TRIP ITSELF.

GUESTS ARRIVE NOT SIMPLY TO SLEEP SOMEWHERE COMFORTABLE, BUT TO SLOW DOWN, DISCONNECT, STAY LONGER, AND SPEND SIGNIFICANT TIME WITHIN THE PROPERTY. THEY MAY MOVE FROM A VILLA TO THE POOL, FROM BREAKFAST TO A SPA, FROM A SHADED TERRACE TO A BEACH BAR, AND BACK AGAIN OVER SEVERAL DAYS.

THAT CHANGES THE ROLE OF DESIGN COMPLETELY.

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER CREATES INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS THAT ALLOW GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE A DESTINATION AS A CONTINUOUS JOURNEY — BALANCING IDENTITY, CLIMATE, LANDSCAPE, PRIVACY, COMFORT, OPERATIONS, AND A GENUINE SENSE OF ESCAPE.

FOR DEVELOPERS AND RESORT OWNERS, THIS MEANS RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED AS HOTEL DESIGN WITH MORE GREENERY.

IT REQUIRES ANOTHER LEVEL OF THINKING ABOUT HOW GUESTS INHABIT A PLACE OVER TIME.

WHAT IS A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER?

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER SPECIALISES IN THE PLANNING, CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, DETAILING, AND FURNISHING OF INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES WITHIN RESORT PROPERTIES.

DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT, THIS MAY INCLUDE:

• ARRIVAL AND LOBBY SPACES
• GUESTROOMS AND SUITES
• STANDALONE VILLAS AND POOL VILLAS
• RESTAURANTS AND BARS
• SPAS AND WELLNESS AREAS
• LOUNGES AND CLUBHOUSES
• POOLSIDE AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES
• SELECTED BACK-OF-HOUSE AND SUPPORT AREAS
• TRANSITIONS BETWEEN BUILDINGS, LANDSCAPE, AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

THE ROLE OVERLAPS SIGNIFICANTLY WITH HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN, BUT RESORT PROJECTS OFTEN REQUIRE MORE INTENSIVE CONSIDERATION OF CLIMATE, LANDSCAPE, INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING, PRIVACY, LONGER GUEST DWELL TIME, AND MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES SPREAD ACROSS A LARGER SITE.

IN TROPICAL AND COASTAL DESTINATIONS, THE DESIGNER MAY ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER HUMIDITY, UV EXPOSURE, SALT AIR, VENTILATION, DRAINAGE INTERFACES, OUTDOOR FURNITURE PERFORMANCE, AND THE WAY MATERIALS AGE IN MORE DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR IS THEREFORE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL WHEN IT OPENS.

IT HAS TO BELONG TO ITS LOCATION AND CONTINUE PERFORMING WITHIN IT.

WHY RESORT GUEST EXPERIENCE REQUIRES A DIFFERENT DESIGN APPROACH

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANY URBAN HOTELS AND RESORTS IS HOW GUESTS USE TIME.

A BUSINESS OR CITY HOTEL GUEST MAY MOVE QUICKLY: CHECK IN, LEAVE THE PROPERTY, RETURN, SLEEP, AND DEPART.

A RESORT GUEST OFTEN DOES THE OPPOSITE.

THEY DWELL.

THEY MAY SPEND ENTIRE DAYS INSIDE THE PROPERTY.

THAT MEANS EVERY SPACE IS EXPERIENCED MORE SLOWLY AND OFTEN REPEATEDLY.

A RESTAURANT MAY BE VISITED SEVERAL TIMES.

THE PATH BETWEEN A VILLA AND THE POOL MAY BECOME FAMILIAR.

A TERRACE MAY BE USED EVERY MORNING.

A GUEST MAY SPEND HOURS RATHER THAN MINUTES IN A ROOM.

THIS CREATES A DIFFERENT DESIGN TEST.

A VISUAL IDEA THAT IS EXCITING FOR THIRTY SECONDS MAY BECOME TIRING AFTER THREE DAYS.

A CHAIR THAT PHOTOGRAPHS BEAUTIFULLY BUT IS UNCOMFORTABLE BECOMES MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE.

A GENERIC LUXURY INTERIOR MAY IMPRESS ON ARRIVAL BUT REVEAL VERY LITTLE AFTERWARDS.

RESORT DESIGN THEREFORE HAS TO REWARD LONGER INHABITATION.

IT NEEDS LAYERS.

THE FIRST IMPRESSION MATTERS.

BUT SO DOES THE HUNDREDTH.

1. A POWERFUL SENSE OF ARRIVAL

ARRIVAL IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN BECAUSE IT MARKS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSITION FROM EVERYDAY LIFE INTO ANOTHER PACE.

UNLIKE AN URBAN HOTEL, WHERE A GUEST MAY ARRIVE DIRECTLY FROM A BUSY STREET, RESORT ARRIVAL OFTEN BEGINS MUCH EARLIER.

THE ROAD.

THE LANDSCAPE.

A GATE.

A SHADED PATH.

A CHANGE IN SOUND.

A GLIMPSE OF WATER.

A LOBBY THAT MAY DELIBERATELY REVEAL THE VIEW ONLY AT THE FINAL MOMENT.

GOOD RESORT DESIGN UNDERSTANDS THAT THE ARRIVAL IS NOT ONE SPACE.

IT IS A SEQUENCE.

SOMETIMES THE MOST EFFECTIVE GESTURE IS NOT AN ENORMOUS LOBBY, BUT A CAREFULLY CONTROLLED DELAY BEFORE THE LANDSCAPE IS REVEALED.

THE DESIGNER IS ESSENTIALLY ASKING:

HOW DO WE MAKE THE GUEST FEEL THAT THEY HAVE ARRIVED SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT BEFORE ANYONE EXPLAINS IT TO THEM?

2. INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING SHOULD FEEL NATURAL, NOT FORCED

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING IS CENTRAL TO MANY RESORT PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN TROPICAL AND COASTAL LOCATIONS.

BUT SIMPLY OPENING A WALL DOES NOT CREATE A SUCCESSFUL INDOOR-OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE.

THE RELATIONSHIP NEEDS TO CONSIDER SHADE, HEAT, WIND, RAIN, PRIVACY, INSECTS, MAINTENANCE, FURNITURE PERFORMANCE, CIRCULATION, AND HOW SPACES FUNCTION ACROSS DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY.

DEEP VERANDAS, COURTYARDS, TERRACES, COVERED WALKWAYS, OPERABLE OPENINGS, OUTDOOR BATHROOMS, AND POOL-ADJACENT LIVING SPACES CAN ALL HELP DISSOLVE THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE.

IN PROJECTS SUCH AS THE TITLE VILLA KIRARA PHUKET, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERIOR, PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACE, AND TROPICAL SURROUNDINGS BECOMES PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY A VISUAL BACKDROP.

THE OBJECTIVE IS NOT TO BRING THE OUTSIDE IN AS A DESIGN EFFECT.

IT IS TO ALLOW THE GUEST TO LIVE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT MORE DIRECTLY.

3. CLIMATE IS PART OF THE DESIGN BRIEF

TROPICAL RESORT DESIGN CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM CLIMATE.

HUMIDITY, HEAT, INTENSE SUNLIGHT, RAINFALL, SALT AIR, AND WIND ALL INFLUENCE HOW MATERIALS, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES SHOULD BE DESIGNED.

THESE CONDITIONS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED ONLY AS TECHNICAL PROBLEMS TO SOLVE AFTER THE CONCEPT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.

THEY CAN SHAPE THE CONCEPT ITSELF.

SHADE CAN BECOME ARCHITECTURE.

VENTILATION CAN INFLUENCE SPATIAL PLANNING.

WEATHERING CAN INFORM MATERIAL CHOICE.

A COVERED TRANSITION CAN BECOME A MEMORABLE PART OF THE GUEST JOURNEY.

IN BEACHFRONT SETTINGS, FINISHES AND HARDWARE MAY NEED TO RESIST CORROSION. OUTDOOR FABRICS AND FURNITURE NEED TO WITHSTAND MOISTURE AND UV EXPOSURE. NATURAL MATERIALS MUST BE SELECTED WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THEY WILL BEHAVE OVER TIME.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DOES NOT FIGHT THE CLIMATE UNNECESSARILY.

THE BETTER APPROACH IS OFTEN TO DESIGN WITH IT.

4. MATERIALS SHOULD BELONG TO THE PLACE

NATURAL STONE, TIMBER, RATTAN, WOVEN SURFACES, PLASTER, METAL, AND REGIONAL CRAFT CAN GIVE RESORT INTERIORS WARMTH AND A STRONG CONNECTION TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS.

BUT USING NATURAL MATERIALS DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY CREATE A SENSE OF PLACE.

THE IMPORTANT QUESTION IS:

WHY THIS MATERIAL, HERE?

A LOCAL STONE CAN CONNECT A PROJECT TO ITS GEOLOGY.

A WEAVING TECHNIQUE CAN BE REINTERPRETED THROUGH CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE.

A FAMILIAR REGIONAL MATERIAL CAN BE USED IN AN UNFAMILIAR SCALE OR FORM.

THE STRONGEST RESORT INTERIORS DO NOT LOOK LOCAL BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN A COLLECTION OF LOCAL-LOOKING OBJECTS.

THEY FEEL LOCAL BECAUSE MATERIALS, CRAFT, ARCHITECTURE, AND LANDSCAPE ARE PART OF THE SAME IDEA.

AT THAT’S ITH, WE BELIEVE THE GOAL IS NOT TO REPRODUCE VERNACULAR DESIGN LITERALLY.

IT IS TO UNDERSTAND ITS INTELLIGENCE AND REINTERPRET IT.

5. PRIVACY HAS TO COEXIST WITH OPENNESS

RESORTS OFTEN AIM TO CREATE A FEELING OF OPENNESS.

LARGE VIEWS.

TERRACES.

POOLS.

OUTDOOR BATHROOMS.

OPEN-AIR LOUNGES.

LANDSCAPE CONNECTIONS.

BUT THE MORE OPEN A PROPERTY BECOMES, THE MORE CAREFULLY PRIVACY MUST BE DESIGNED.

THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR LUXURY VILLAS AND POOL VILLAS, WHERE PRIVACY IS OFTEN PART OF WHAT THE GUEST IS PAYING A PREMIUM FOR.

SCREENING, PLANTING, LEVEL CHANGES, ORIENTATION, WALLS, COURTYARDS, DISTANCE, LIGHTING, AND CAREFULLY CONTROLLED SIGHTLINES CAN ALL CREATE INTIMACY WITHOUT MAKING THE SPACE FEEL ENCLOSED.

PRIVACY IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT HIDING ONE GUEST FROM ANOTHER.

IT IS ALSO PSYCHOLOGICAL.

A GUEST SHOULD BE ABLE TO SIT BESIDE A PRIVATE POOL WITHOUT CONSTANTLY WONDERING WHO CAN SEE THEM.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RESORT DESIGN ALLOWS OPENNESS TO FEEL EFFORTLESS BECAUSE THE PRIVACY STRATEGY HAS ALREADY BEEN RESOLVED.

6. RESORT VILLAS NEED A DIFFERENT DESIGN MINDSET

A RESORT VILLA IS NOT SIMPLY A LARGER HOTEL ROOM.

IT OFTEN BEHAVES MORE LIKE A TEMPORARY PRIVATE RESIDENCE.

GUESTS MAY STAY LONGER.

THEY HAVE MORE SPACE.

THEY MAY HAVE A PRIVATE POOL, TERRACE, GARDEN, DINING AREA, OUTDOOR BATHING SPACE, OR SEPARATE LIVING ROOM.

THIS CHANGES THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

THE ARRIVAL CAN BECOME MORE PERSONAL.

STORAGE BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT.

FURNITURE SHOULD SUPPORT LONGER PERIODS OF USE.

OUTDOOR SPACE BECOMES PART OF THE ROOM RATHER THAN AN AMENITY OUTSIDE IT.

PRIVACY BECOMES MORE VALUABLE.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER THEREFORE CONSIDERS VILLA ACCOMMODATION AS A DISTINCT GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY SCALING UP A STANDARD GUESTROOM TEMPLATE.

FOR THE HIGHEST-TIER VILLAS, THE QUESTION BECOMES:

HOW CAN THE GUEST FEEL THE FREEDOM OF A PRIVATE HOME WHILE STILL RECEIVING THE EXPERIENCE OF A RESORT?

7. WELLNESS SHOULD BE EMBEDDED THROUGHOUT THE RESORT

RESORTS HAVE LONG BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH SPAS AND WELLNESS.

BUT CONTEMPORARY RESORT DESIGN INCREASINGLY TREATS WELLBEING AS SOMETHING BROADER THAN A TREATMENT MENU.

SLEEP.

LIGHT.

ACOUSTICS.

THERMAL COMFORT.

PRIVACY.

NATURAL VENTILATION.

CONNECTION TO LANDSCAPE.

PLACES TO WITHDRAW.

PLACES TO MOVE.

THE AMOUNT OF SENSORY STIMULATION ACROSS THE DAY.

ALL OF THESE CAN AFFECT WHETHER A RESORT ACTUALLY FEELS RESTORATIVE.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN EVERY PROPERTY SHOULD ADOPT A WELLNESS AESTHETIC.

WELLBEING IS NOT BEIGE.

IT IS NOT BAMBOO.

AND IT DOES NOT NEED TO ANNOUNCE ITSELF.

A VIBRANT RESORT CAN STILL SUPPORT RESTORATION IF THE GUEST JOURNEY HAS ENOUGH CONTRAST BETWEEN ACTIVITY AND RETREAT.

A LIVELY BEACH CLUB AND A QUIET VILLA ARE NOT CONTRADICTORY.

THEY CAN BE PART OF THE SAME EMOTIONAL RHYTHM.

8. DINING AND SOCIAL SPACES NEED THEIR OWN IDENTITY

IN A RESORT, RESTAURANTS AND BARS OFTEN CARRY MORE RESPONSIBILITY THAN PROVIDING FOOD AND BEVERAGE.

GUESTS MAY REMAIN ON PROPERTY FOR SEVERAL DAYS, WHICH MEANS THEY NEED VARIATION.

BREAKFAST SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE DINNER.

A POOL BAR SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE THE DESTINATION RESTAURANT.

A SUNSET LOUNGE SHOULD CREATE ANOTHER REASON TO MOVE THROUGH THE PROPERTY.

THIS IS WHY RESORT F&B DESIGN OFTEN BENEFITS FROM DISTINCT IDENTITIES WITHIN ONE OVERALL NARRATIVE.

THE SPACES SHOULD FEEL RELATED WITHOUT FEELING REPEATED.

LIGHTING, FURNITURE, MATERIALITY, SCALE, VIEW ORIENTATION, AND ATMOSPHERE CAN HELP EACH OUTLET CREATE A DIFFERENT MOMENT IN THE STAY.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT GIVES GUESTS REASONS TO REDISCOVER THE PROPERTY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

VARIETY PREVENTS A LONG STAY FROM FEELING VISUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY REPETITIVE.

9. LANDSCAPE IS PART OF THE INTERIOR EXPERIENCE

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN RARELY SUCCEEDS IN ISOLATION FROM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.

A VIEW FROM A LOBBY DEPENDS ON WHAT HAS BEEN PLANTED OUTSIDE IT.

THE PRIVACY OF A VILLA MAY DEPEND ON LANDSCAPE SCREENING.

A RESTAURANT TERRACE CAN SUCCEED OR FAIL BECAUSE OF SHADE.

A PATHWAY MAY SHAPE ANTICIPATION BEFORE A GUEST EVEN ENTERS A BUILDING.

GARDENS, COURTYARDS, WATER, PLANTING, TOPOGRAPHY, AND FRAMED VIEWS SHOULD THEREFORE BE TREATED AS PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN DECORATION SURROUNDING THE ARCHITECTURE.

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER, ARCHITECT, AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE SAME OVERALL JOURNEY.

THE STRONGEST RESORT PROJECTS BLUR THE POINT AT WHICH ONE DISCIPLINE STOPS AND ANOTHER BEGINS.

NOT CONTRACTUALLY.

BUT EXPERIENTIALLY.

THE GUEST DOES NOT CARE WHICH CONSULTANT DESIGNED THE TREE, THE THRESHOLD, OR THE CHAIR.

THEY EXPERIENCE ONE PLACE.

10. MULTI-SENSORY DESIGN MATTERS MORE WHEN GUESTS STAY LONGER

RESORT GUESTS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ENVIRONMENTS REPEATEDLY.

THAT MAKES ATMOSPHERE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT.

THE SOUND OF WATER.

THE ACOUSTIC QUALITY OF A RESTAURANT.

THE TEXTURE OF A FLOOR UNDER BARE FEET.

THE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHADED TERRACE AND AN INTERIOR ROOM.

A SCENT ASSOCIATED WITH ARRIVAL.

THE FEELING OF A MATERIAL WARMED BY SUNLIGHT.

THESE DETAILS BUILD MEMORY OVER TIME.

BUT MULTI-SENSORY DESIGN SHOULD BE SUBTLE.

A CONSTANT SIGNATURE SCENT CAN BECOME OVERWHELMING.

A DRAMATIC SOUNDSCAPE MAY FEEL THEATRICAL AT FIRST AND IRRITATING AFTER SEVERAL DAYS.

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER THEREFORE HAS TO THINK NOT ONLY ABOUT SENSORY IMPACT, BUT SENSORY ENDURANCE.

A GOOD RESORT EXPERIENCE SHOULD CONTINUE TO FEEL GOOD AFTER REPETITION.

COMMON MISTAKES IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

EVEN AMBITIOUS AND WELL-FUNDED RESORT PROJECTS CAN LOSE THEIR IDENTITY WHEN SEVERAL RECURRING MISTAKES ARE MADE.

IMPORTING A DESIGN LANGUAGE THAT IGNORES THE SITE

A GENERIC LUXURY FORMULA MAY PHOTOGRAPH WELL BUT DISCONNECT THE PROPERTY FROM ITS ACTUAL LOCATION.

IF THE SAME DESIGN COULD BE MOVED UNCHANGED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, THE RESORT MAY NOT BE RESPONDING DEEPLY ENOUGH TO PLACE.

PRIORITISING PHOTOGRAPHY OVER COMFORT

PHOTOGENIC MOMENTS MATTER IN CONTEMPORARY HOSPITALITY MARKETING.

BUT GUESTS LIVE IN THE SPACE AFTER THE PHOTOGRAPH IS TAKEN.

SHADE, COMFORT, AIRFLOW, ACOUSTICS, PRIVACY, SEATING ERGONOMICS, AND USABILITY ULTIMATELY MATTER MORE.

UNDERESTIMATING CLIMATE AND MAINTENANCE

A MATERIAL THAT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL IN A SAMPLE ROOM MAY PERFORM VERY DIFFERENTLY AFTER SEVERAL RAINY SEASONS OR YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO SALT AIR.

MATERIAL AGEING SHOULD BE PART OF DESIGN THINKING FROM THE BEGINNING.

TREATING EVERY SPACE WITH THE SAME DESIGN LANGUAGE

CONSISTENCY DOES NOT REQUIRE REPETITION.

A RESORT NEEDS ENOUGH VARIATION TO REMAIN INTERESTING OVER A MULTI-DAY STAY.

TREATING VILLAS AS OVERSIZED GUESTROOMS

VILLA GUESTS OFTEN EXPECT A MORE RESIDENTIAL, PRIVATE, AND PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE.

THE PLANNING AND DETAILING SHOULD REFLECT THAT DIFFERENCE.

IGNORING TRANSITIONS

BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS CONNECTED BY UNCONSIDERED PATHWAYS CREATE A FRAGMENTED EXPERIENCE.

IN RESORTS ESPECIALLY, MOVEMENT BETWEEN SPACES IS PART OF THE STAY.

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER VS. HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNER

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE MANY FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS.

BOTH WORK WITH CONCEPT, SPACE PLANNING, GUEST JOURNEY, MATERIALS, FF&E, LIGHTING, OPERATIONS, TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND CONSULTANT COORDINATION.

THE DIFFERENCE IS USUALLY ONE OF CONTEXT AND EMPHASIS, NOT TWO COMPLETELY SEPARATE PROFESSIONS.

URBAN HOTELS OFTEN INVOLVE DENSER SITES, VERTICAL CIRCULATION, SHORTER GUEST DWELL TIMES, REPEATED GUESTROOM FLOORS, AND STRONGER INTERACTION WITH THE SURROUNDING CITY.

RESORTS MAY INVOLVE LARGER LANDSCAPES, DISPERSED BUILDINGS, VILLAS, EXTENSIVE OUTDOOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR AREAS, LONGER STAYS, AND A STRONGER DEPENDENCE ON CLIMATE AND NATURAL SETTING.

EXPERIENCED HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGNERS CAN WORK ACROSS BOTH.

THE DESIGN PRINCIPLES REMAIN.

THE PRIORITIES CHANGE.

SUSTAINABILITY IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

SUSTAINABILITY IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO RESORT DESIGN BECAUSE THE PROPERTY IS OFTEN POSITIONED IN DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE.

A RESORT CANNOT CREDIBLY CELEBRATE ITS LANDSCAPE WHILE MAKING DESIGN DECISIONS THAT IGNORE IT.

RESPONSIBLE DESIGN MAY INCLUDE LOCAL SOURCING, DURABLE MATERIALS, PASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES, RETENTION OF EXISTING SITE FEATURES, REDUCED UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT, AND CONSIDERATION OF HOW THE PROPERTY WILL OPERATE OVER TIME.

BUT SUSTAINABILITY SHOULD NOT BECOME ANOTHER VISUAL STYLE.

A TIMBER CEILING IS NOT INHERENTLY SUSTAINABLE.

A NATURAL-LOOKING MATERIAL IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY RESPONSIBLE.

THE MORE USEFUL QUESTION IS:

HOW DOES THIS DECISION PERFORM ENVIRONMENTALLY, OPERATIONALLY, CULTURALLY, AND OVER THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT?

WHEN SUSTAINABILITY IS INTEGRATED INTO THE THINKING RATHER THAN ADDED AS A MARKETING LAYER, THE RESULT OFTEN FEELS MORE AUTHENTIC ANYWAY.

WHAT SHOULD DEVELOPERS LOOK FOR IN A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER?

EXPERIENCE WITH THE RELEVANT RESORT CONTEXT

A BEACHFRONT PROPERTY, MOUNTAIN RETREAT, TROPICAL ISLAND RESORT, AND WELLNESS DESTINATION EACH CREATE DIFFERENT DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CONDITIONS.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

STRONG INDOOR-OUTDOOR THINKING

LOOK BEYOND INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

HOW DOES THE STUDIO HANDLE TERRACES, THRESHOLDS, COURTYARDS, VIEWS, CLIMATE, AND TRANSITIONS?

EVIDENCE OF COLLABORATION

RESORT PROJECTS REQUIRE CLOSE COORDINATION WITH ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, LIGHTING CONSULTANTS, ENGINEERS, OPERATORS, AND CONTRACTORS.

A STRONG INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD WORK COMFORTABLY WITHIN THAT ECOSYSTEM.

A SITE-SPECIFIC POINT OF VIEW

THE PORTFOLIO SHOULD SHOW DIFFERENT ANSWERS TO DIFFERENT PLACES.

IF EVERY RESORT LOOKS THE SAME, THE STUDIO MAY BE DESIGNING A BRAND OF ITSELF RATHER THAN THE IDENTITY OF THE PROPERTY.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

RESORT CONDITIONS CAN BE DEMANDING.

THE STUDIO NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND MATERIALS, DURABILITY, DETAILING, DOCUMENTATION, AND EXECUTION — NOT ONLY CONCEPT IMAGERY.

UNDERSTANDING OF OPERATIONS

A BEAUTIFUL RESORT MUST STILL WORK FOR HOUSEKEEPING, SERVICE, F&B OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, STAFFING, AND GUEST CIRCULATION.

HOW THAT’S ITH APPROACHES RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

AT THAT’S ITH INTERIOR, WE DO NOT START A RESORT PROJECT BY ASKING WHAT STYLE IT SHOULD BE.

WE START WITH THE SITE.

ITS LANDSCAPE.

CLIMATE.

CULTURE.

LIGHT.

AUDIENCE.

BRAND.

AND THE EXPERIENCE THAT SHOULD EXIST BETWEEN ALL OF THEM.

FROM THERE, THE IDENTITY BEGINS TO EMERGE.

SOMETIMES THAT IDENTITY IS QUIET.

SOMETIMES IT IS DRAMATIC.

SOMETIMES THE MOST IMPORTANT MATERIAL COMES FROM THE REGION.

SOMETIMES THE STRONGEST DESIGN DECISION IS NOT AN OBJECT AT ALL, BUT A VIEW, A SHADOW, A TRANSITION, OR AN INTENTIONAL MOMENT OF EMPTINESS.

FOR US, FEARLESS LUXURY IN RESORT DESIGN IS NOT ABOUT ADDING MORE.

IT IS THE CONFIDENCE TO MAKE THE DECISION THE PLACE ACTUALLY NEEDS.

THAT IS WHY ONE THAT’S ITH RESORT OR HOSPITALITY PROJECT CAN LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANOTHER.

THE CONSISTENCY IS NOT A VISUAL SIGNATURE.

IT IS THE COMMITMENT TO MAKING EACH PLACE UNMISTAKABLY ITSELF.

OUR ROLE IS TO TRANSLATE THE IDENTITY OF THE SITE INTO AN EXPERIENCE THAT CONTINUES TO REVEAL ITSELF THROUGHOUT THE STAY — FROM ARRIVAL, TO VILLA, TO RESTAURANT, TO LANDSCAPE, AND TO THE MOMENTS IN BETWEEN.

THAT IS WHAT DESIGNING PLACES PEOPLE REMEMBER MEANS IN A RESORT CONTEXT.

EXPLORE THAT’S ITH HOSPITALITY AND RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS.

PLANNING A RESORT OR VILLA DEVELOPMENT?

THE MOST IMPORTANT RESORT DESIGN DECISIONS ARE OFTEN MADE BEFORE THE FURNITURE, FINISHES, OR EVEN INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN FULLY RESOLVED.

EARLY COLLABORATION ALLOWS INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, GUEST JOURNEY, OPERATIONS, AND CLIMATE RESPONSE TO DEVELOP TOGETHER RATHER THAN COMPETE LATER.

LED BY FOUNDER AND DESIGNER ITH PALACH, THAT’S ITH INTERIOR IS A BANGKOK-BASED INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO WORKING ACROSS HOSPITALITY, RESIDENTIAL, AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS IN THAILAND AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.

WE COLLABORATE WITH DEVELOPERS, RESORT OPERATORS, ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONSULTANT TEAMS TO TRANSLATE SITE, IDENTITY, GUEST EXPERIENCE, AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS INTO MEMORABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS.

CONTACT THAT’S ITH INTERIOR TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT RESORT, POOL VILLA, HOSPITALITY, OR DESTINATION PROJECT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER PLANS, CONCEPTUALISES, DEVELOPS, AND DETAILS INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES WITHIN RESORTS.

DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT SCOPE, THIS CAN INCLUDE LOBBIES, GUESTROOMS, VILLAS, RESTAURANTS, BARS, SPAS, CLUBHOUSES, FF&E, MATERIAL SELECTION, GUEST JOURNEY, LIGHTING COORDINATION, TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE TEAMS.

HOW IS A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DIFFERENT FROM A HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNER?

THE CORE SKILLS OVERLAP SIGNIFICANTLY.

RESORT PROJECTS OFTEN PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION, INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING, CLIMATE, VILLAS, PRIVACY, SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES, AND LONGER GUEST DWELL TIME, WHILE URBAN HOTELS MAY FOCUS MORE HEAVILY ON DENSE PLANNING, VERTICAL CIRCULATION, REPEATED GUESTROOM FLOORS, AND INTERACTION WITH THE CITY.

WHY IS INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN IMPORTANT IN RESORTS?

INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN ALLOWS GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE THE LANDSCAPE AS PART OF THE STAY RATHER THAN SIMPLY VIEWING IT THROUGH GLASS.

IN TROPICAL RESORTS, IT CAN ALSO INFLUENCE NATURAL VENTILATION, SHADE, SPATIAL CHARACTER, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GUESTROOMS, VILLAS, POOLS, GARDENS, AND PUBLIC SPACES.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE SUITABLE FOR TROPICAL AND BEACHFRONT RESORT INTERIORS?

THERE IS NO SINGLE BEST MATERIAL PALETTE.

MATERIALS SHOULD BE SELECTED ACCORDING TO LOCATION, EXPOSURE, MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS, INTENDED USE, AND DESIGN CONCEPT. IN COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS, DESIGNERS NEED TO CONSIDER HUMIDITY, UV EXPOSURE, SALT AIR, CORROSION, MOISTURE, CLEANING, AND HOW FINISHES WILL AGE OVER TIME.

HOW DO RESORT DESIGNERS CREATE PRIVACY IN OPEN LAYOUTS?

PRIVACY CAN BE CREATED THROUGH ORIENTATION, PLANTING, SCREENING, LEVEL CHANGES, COURTYARDS, WALLS, DISTANCE, CONTROLLED VIEWS, AND LIGHTING.

THE GOAL IS TO MAINTAIN CONNECTION WITH LANDSCAPE WHILE GIVING GUESTS PSYCHOLOGICAL AND VISUAL PRIVACY WHERE IT MATTERS.

WHY SHOULD RESORT VILLAS BE DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY FROM GUESTROOMS?

VILLAS GENERALLY PROVIDE MORE SPACE, PRIVACY, LONGER DWELL TIME, AND STRONGER INDOOR-OUTDOOR RELATIONSHIPS THAN STANDARD GUESTROOMS.

THEY OFTEN BEHAVE MORE LIKE TEMPORARY RESIDENCES, SO PLANNING, FURNITURE, STORAGE, PRIVACY, OUTDOOR LIVING, AND GUEST COMFORT SHOULD RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.

WHEN SHOULD A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER JOIN A PROJECT?

IDEALLY, THE INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED DURING THE EARLY CONCEPT OR PLANNING STAGE.

RESORT PROJECTS BENEFIT ESPECIALLY FROM EARLY COORDINATION BETWEEN INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, GUEST CIRCULATION, CLIMATE RESPONSE, AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM IN THAILAND?

LOOK FOR RELEVANT RESORT EXPERIENCE, STRONG BUILT WORK, UNDERSTANDING OF TROPICAL CLIMATE AND MATERIALS, THOUGHTFUL INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN, COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE TEAMS, TECHNICAL CAPABILITY, OPERATIONAL AWARENESS, AND A PORTFOLIO THAT DEMONSTRATES DIFFERENT DESIGN RESPONSES TO DIFFERENT SITES.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, LOOK FOR A STUDIO CAPABLE OF CREATING A RESORT THAT BELONGS TO ITS LOCATION RATHER THAN APPLYING A GENERIC LUXURY FORMULA.

A CITY HOTEL OFTEN SUPPORTS THE TRIP.

A RESORT CAN BECOME THE TRIP ITSELF.

GUESTS ARRIVE NOT SIMPLY TO SLEEP SOMEWHERE COMFORTABLE, BUT TO SLOW DOWN, DISCONNECT, STAY LONGER, AND SPEND SIGNIFICANT TIME WITHIN THE PROPERTY. THEY MAY MOVE FROM A VILLA TO THE POOL, FROM BREAKFAST TO A SPA, FROM A SHADED TERRACE TO A BEACH BAR, AND BACK AGAIN OVER SEVERAL DAYS.

THAT CHANGES THE ROLE OF DESIGN COMPLETELY.

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER CREATES INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS THAT ALLOW GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE A DESTINATION AS A CONTINUOUS JOURNEY — BALANCING IDENTITY, CLIMATE, LANDSCAPE, PRIVACY, COMFORT, OPERATIONS, AND A GENUINE SENSE OF ESCAPE.

FOR DEVELOPERS AND RESORT OWNERS, THIS MEANS RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED AS HOTEL DESIGN WITH MORE GREENERY.

IT REQUIRES ANOTHER LEVEL OF THINKING ABOUT HOW GUESTS INHABIT A PLACE OVER TIME.

WHAT IS A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER?

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER SPECIALISES IN THE PLANNING, CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, DETAILING, AND FURNISHING OF INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES WITHIN RESORT PROPERTIES.

DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT, THIS MAY INCLUDE:

• ARRIVAL AND LOBBY SPACES
• GUESTROOMS AND SUITES
• STANDALONE VILLAS AND POOL VILLAS
• RESTAURANTS AND BARS
• SPAS AND WELLNESS AREAS
• LOUNGES AND CLUBHOUSES
• POOLSIDE AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES
• SELECTED BACK-OF-HOUSE AND SUPPORT AREAS
• TRANSITIONS BETWEEN BUILDINGS, LANDSCAPE, AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

THE ROLE OVERLAPS SIGNIFICANTLY WITH HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN, BUT RESORT PROJECTS OFTEN REQUIRE MORE INTENSIVE CONSIDERATION OF CLIMATE, LANDSCAPE, INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING, PRIVACY, LONGER GUEST DWELL TIME, AND MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES SPREAD ACROSS A LARGER SITE.

IN TROPICAL AND COASTAL DESTINATIONS, THE DESIGNER MAY ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER HUMIDITY, UV EXPOSURE, SALT AIR, VENTILATION, DRAINAGE INTERFACES, OUTDOOR FURNITURE PERFORMANCE, AND THE WAY MATERIALS AGE IN MORE DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR IS THEREFORE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL WHEN IT OPENS.

IT HAS TO BELONG TO ITS LOCATION AND CONTINUE PERFORMING WITHIN IT.

WHY RESORT GUEST EXPERIENCE REQUIRES A DIFFERENT DESIGN APPROACH

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANY URBAN HOTELS AND RESORTS IS HOW GUESTS USE TIME.

A BUSINESS OR CITY HOTEL GUEST MAY MOVE QUICKLY: CHECK IN, LEAVE THE PROPERTY, RETURN, SLEEP, AND DEPART.

A RESORT GUEST OFTEN DOES THE OPPOSITE.

THEY DWELL.

THEY MAY SPEND ENTIRE DAYS INSIDE THE PROPERTY.

THAT MEANS EVERY SPACE IS EXPERIENCED MORE SLOWLY AND OFTEN REPEATEDLY.

A RESTAURANT MAY BE VISITED SEVERAL TIMES.

THE PATH BETWEEN A VILLA AND THE POOL MAY BECOME FAMILIAR.

A TERRACE MAY BE USED EVERY MORNING.

A GUEST MAY SPEND HOURS RATHER THAN MINUTES IN A ROOM.

THIS CREATES A DIFFERENT DESIGN TEST.

A VISUAL IDEA THAT IS EXCITING FOR THIRTY SECONDS MAY BECOME TIRING AFTER THREE DAYS.

A CHAIR THAT PHOTOGRAPHS BEAUTIFULLY BUT IS UNCOMFORTABLE BECOMES MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE.

A GENERIC LUXURY INTERIOR MAY IMPRESS ON ARRIVAL BUT REVEAL VERY LITTLE AFTERWARDS.

RESORT DESIGN THEREFORE HAS TO REWARD LONGER INHABITATION.

IT NEEDS LAYERS.

THE FIRST IMPRESSION MATTERS.

BUT SO DOES THE HUNDREDTH.

1. A POWERFUL SENSE OF ARRIVAL

ARRIVAL IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN BECAUSE IT MARKS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSITION FROM EVERYDAY LIFE INTO ANOTHER PACE.

UNLIKE AN URBAN HOTEL, WHERE A GUEST MAY ARRIVE DIRECTLY FROM A BUSY STREET, RESORT ARRIVAL OFTEN BEGINS MUCH EARLIER.

THE ROAD.

THE LANDSCAPE.

A GATE.

A SHADED PATH.

A CHANGE IN SOUND.

A GLIMPSE OF WATER.

A LOBBY THAT MAY DELIBERATELY REVEAL THE VIEW ONLY AT THE FINAL MOMENT.

GOOD RESORT DESIGN UNDERSTANDS THAT THE ARRIVAL IS NOT ONE SPACE.

IT IS A SEQUENCE.

SOMETIMES THE MOST EFFECTIVE GESTURE IS NOT AN ENORMOUS LOBBY, BUT A CAREFULLY CONTROLLED DELAY BEFORE THE LANDSCAPE IS REVEALED.

THE DESIGNER IS ESSENTIALLY ASKING:

HOW DO WE MAKE THE GUEST FEEL THAT THEY HAVE ARRIVED SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT BEFORE ANYONE EXPLAINS IT TO THEM?

2. INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING SHOULD FEEL NATURAL, NOT FORCED

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING IS CENTRAL TO MANY RESORT PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN TROPICAL AND COASTAL LOCATIONS.

BUT SIMPLY OPENING A WALL DOES NOT CREATE A SUCCESSFUL INDOOR-OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE.

THE RELATIONSHIP NEEDS TO CONSIDER SHADE, HEAT, WIND, RAIN, PRIVACY, INSECTS, MAINTENANCE, FURNITURE PERFORMANCE, CIRCULATION, AND HOW SPACES FUNCTION ACROSS DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY.

DEEP VERANDAS, COURTYARDS, TERRACES, COVERED WALKWAYS, OPERABLE OPENINGS, OUTDOOR BATHROOMS, AND POOL-ADJACENT LIVING SPACES CAN ALL HELP DISSOLVE THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE.

IN PROJECTS SUCH AS THE TITLE VILLA KIRARA PHUKET, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERIOR, PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACE, AND TROPICAL SURROUNDINGS BECOMES PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY A VISUAL BACKDROP.

THE OBJECTIVE IS NOT TO BRING THE OUTSIDE IN AS A DESIGN EFFECT.

IT IS TO ALLOW THE GUEST TO LIVE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT MORE DIRECTLY.

3. CLIMATE IS PART OF THE DESIGN BRIEF

TROPICAL RESORT DESIGN CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM CLIMATE.

HUMIDITY, HEAT, INTENSE SUNLIGHT, RAINFALL, SALT AIR, AND WIND ALL INFLUENCE HOW MATERIALS, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES SHOULD BE DESIGNED.

THESE CONDITIONS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED ONLY AS TECHNICAL PROBLEMS TO SOLVE AFTER THE CONCEPT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.

THEY CAN SHAPE THE CONCEPT ITSELF.

SHADE CAN BECOME ARCHITECTURE.

VENTILATION CAN INFLUENCE SPATIAL PLANNING.

WEATHERING CAN INFORM MATERIAL CHOICE.

A COVERED TRANSITION CAN BECOME A MEMORABLE PART OF THE GUEST JOURNEY.

IN BEACHFRONT SETTINGS, FINISHES AND HARDWARE MAY NEED TO RESIST CORROSION. OUTDOOR FABRICS AND FURNITURE NEED TO WITHSTAND MOISTURE AND UV EXPOSURE. NATURAL MATERIALS MUST BE SELECTED WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THEY WILL BEHAVE OVER TIME.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DOES NOT FIGHT THE CLIMATE UNNECESSARILY.

THE BETTER APPROACH IS OFTEN TO DESIGN WITH IT.

4. MATERIALS SHOULD BELONG TO THE PLACE

NATURAL STONE, TIMBER, RATTAN, WOVEN SURFACES, PLASTER, METAL, AND REGIONAL CRAFT CAN GIVE RESORT INTERIORS WARMTH AND A STRONG CONNECTION TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS.

BUT USING NATURAL MATERIALS DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY CREATE A SENSE OF PLACE.

THE IMPORTANT QUESTION IS:

WHY THIS MATERIAL, HERE?

A LOCAL STONE CAN CONNECT A PROJECT TO ITS GEOLOGY.

A WEAVING TECHNIQUE CAN BE REINTERPRETED THROUGH CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE.

A FAMILIAR REGIONAL MATERIAL CAN BE USED IN AN UNFAMILIAR SCALE OR FORM.

THE STRONGEST RESORT INTERIORS DO NOT LOOK LOCAL BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN A COLLECTION OF LOCAL-LOOKING OBJECTS.

THEY FEEL LOCAL BECAUSE MATERIALS, CRAFT, ARCHITECTURE, AND LANDSCAPE ARE PART OF THE SAME IDEA.

AT THAT’S ITH, WE BELIEVE THE GOAL IS NOT TO REPRODUCE VERNACULAR DESIGN LITERALLY.

IT IS TO UNDERSTAND ITS INTELLIGENCE AND REINTERPRET IT.

5. PRIVACY HAS TO COEXIST WITH OPENNESS

RESORTS OFTEN AIM TO CREATE A FEELING OF OPENNESS.

LARGE VIEWS.

TERRACES.

POOLS.

OUTDOOR BATHROOMS.

OPEN-AIR LOUNGES.

LANDSCAPE CONNECTIONS.

BUT THE MORE OPEN A PROPERTY BECOMES, THE MORE CAREFULLY PRIVACY MUST BE DESIGNED.

THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR LUXURY VILLAS AND POOL VILLAS, WHERE PRIVACY IS OFTEN PART OF WHAT THE GUEST IS PAYING A PREMIUM FOR.

SCREENING, PLANTING, LEVEL CHANGES, ORIENTATION, WALLS, COURTYARDS, DISTANCE, LIGHTING, AND CAREFULLY CONTROLLED SIGHTLINES CAN ALL CREATE INTIMACY WITHOUT MAKING THE SPACE FEEL ENCLOSED.

PRIVACY IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT HIDING ONE GUEST FROM ANOTHER.

IT IS ALSO PSYCHOLOGICAL.

A GUEST SHOULD BE ABLE TO SIT BESIDE A PRIVATE POOL WITHOUT CONSTANTLY WONDERING WHO CAN SEE THEM.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RESORT DESIGN ALLOWS OPENNESS TO FEEL EFFORTLESS BECAUSE THE PRIVACY STRATEGY HAS ALREADY BEEN RESOLVED.

6. RESORT VILLAS NEED A DIFFERENT DESIGN MINDSET

A RESORT VILLA IS NOT SIMPLY A LARGER HOTEL ROOM.

IT OFTEN BEHAVES MORE LIKE A TEMPORARY PRIVATE RESIDENCE.

GUESTS MAY STAY LONGER.

THEY HAVE MORE SPACE.

THEY MAY HAVE A PRIVATE POOL, TERRACE, GARDEN, DINING AREA, OUTDOOR BATHING SPACE, OR SEPARATE LIVING ROOM.

THIS CHANGES THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

THE ARRIVAL CAN BECOME MORE PERSONAL.

STORAGE BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT.

FURNITURE SHOULD SUPPORT LONGER PERIODS OF USE.

OUTDOOR SPACE BECOMES PART OF THE ROOM RATHER THAN AN AMENITY OUTSIDE IT.

PRIVACY BECOMES MORE VALUABLE.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER THEREFORE CONSIDERS VILLA ACCOMMODATION AS A DISTINCT GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY SCALING UP A STANDARD GUESTROOM TEMPLATE.

FOR THE HIGHEST-TIER VILLAS, THE QUESTION BECOMES:

HOW CAN THE GUEST FEEL THE FREEDOM OF A PRIVATE HOME WHILE STILL RECEIVING THE EXPERIENCE OF A RESORT?

7. WELLNESS SHOULD BE EMBEDDED THROUGHOUT THE RESORT

RESORTS HAVE LONG BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH SPAS AND WELLNESS.

BUT CONTEMPORARY RESORT DESIGN INCREASINGLY TREATS WELLBEING AS SOMETHING BROADER THAN A TREATMENT MENU.

SLEEP.

LIGHT.

ACOUSTICS.

THERMAL COMFORT.

PRIVACY.

NATURAL VENTILATION.

CONNECTION TO LANDSCAPE.

PLACES TO WITHDRAW.

PLACES TO MOVE.

THE AMOUNT OF SENSORY STIMULATION ACROSS THE DAY.

ALL OF THESE CAN AFFECT WHETHER A RESORT ACTUALLY FEELS RESTORATIVE.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN EVERY PROPERTY SHOULD ADOPT A WELLNESS AESTHETIC.

WELLBEING IS NOT BEIGE.

IT IS NOT BAMBOO.

AND IT DOES NOT NEED TO ANNOUNCE ITSELF.

A VIBRANT RESORT CAN STILL SUPPORT RESTORATION IF THE GUEST JOURNEY HAS ENOUGH CONTRAST BETWEEN ACTIVITY AND RETREAT.

A LIVELY BEACH CLUB AND A QUIET VILLA ARE NOT CONTRADICTORY.

THEY CAN BE PART OF THE SAME EMOTIONAL RHYTHM.

8. DINING AND SOCIAL SPACES NEED THEIR OWN IDENTITY

IN A RESORT, RESTAURANTS AND BARS OFTEN CARRY MORE RESPONSIBILITY THAN PROVIDING FOOD AND BEVERAGE.

GUESTS MAY REMAIN ON PROPERTY FOR SEVERAL DAYS, WHICH MEANS THEY NEED VARIATION.

BREAKFAST SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE DINNER.

A POOL BAR SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE THE DESTINATION RESTAURANT.

A SUNSET LOUNGE SHOULD CREATE ANOTHER REASON TO MOVE THROUGH THE PROPERTY.

THIS IS WHY RESORT F&B DESIGN OFTEN BENEFITS FROM DISTINCT IDENTITIES WITHIN ONE OVERALL NARRATIVE.

THE SPACES SHOULD FEEL RELATED WITHOUT FEELING REPEATED.

LIGHTING, FURNITURE, MATERIALITY, SCALE, VIEW ORIENTATION, AND ATMOSPHERE CAN HELP EACH OUTLET CREATE A DIFFERENT MOMENT IN THE STAY.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT GIVES GUESTS REASONS TO REDISCOVER THE PROPERTY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

VARIETY PREVENTS A LONG STAY FROM FEELING VISUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY REPETITIVE.

9. LANDSCAPE IS PART OF THE INTERIOR EXPERIENCE

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN RARELY SUCCEEDS IN ISOLATION FROM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.

A VIEW FROM A LOBBY DEPENDS ON WHAT HAS BEEN PLANTED OUTSIDE IT.

THE PRIVACY OF A VILLA MAY DEPEND ON LANDSCAPE SCREENING.

A RESTAURANT TERRACE CAN SUCCEED OR FAIL BECAUSE OF SHADE.

A PATHWAY MAY SHAPE ANTICIPATION BEFORE A GUEST EVEN ENTERS A BUILDING.

GARDENS, COURTYARDS, WATER, PLANTING, TOPOGRAPHY, AND FRAMED VIEWS SHOULD THEREFORE BE TREATED AS PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN DECORATION SURROUNDING THE ARCHITECTURE.

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER, ARCHITECT, AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE SAME OVERALL JOURNEY.

THE STRONGEST RESORT PROJECTS BLUR THE POINT AT WHICH ONE DISCIPLINE STOPS AND ANOTHER BEGINS.

NOT CONTRACTUALLY.

BUT EXPERIENTIALLY.

THE GUEST DOES NOT CARE WHICH CONSULTANT DESIGNED THE TREE, THE THRESHOLD, OR THE CHAIR.

THEY EXPERIENCE ONE PLACE.

10. MULTI-SENSORY DESIGN MATTERS MORE WHEN GUESTS STAY LONGER

RESORT GUESTS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ENVIRONMENTS REPEATEDLY.

THAT MAKES ATMOSPHERE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT.

THE SOUND OF WATER.

THE ACOUSTIC QUALITY OF A RESTAURANT.

THE TEXTURE OF A FLOOR UNDER BARE FEET.

THE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHADED TERRACE AND AN INTERIOR ROOM.

A SCENT ASSOCIATED WITH ARRIVAL.

THE FEELING OF A MATERIAL WARMED BY SUNLIGHT.

THESE DETAILS BUILD MEMORY OVER TIME.

BUT MULTI-SENSORY DESIGN SHOULD BE SUBTLE.

A CONSTANT SIGNATURE SCENT CAN BECOME OVERWHELMING.

A DRAMATIC SOUNDSCAPE MAY FEEL THEATRICAL AT FIRST AND IRRITATING AFTER SEVERAL DAYS.

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER THEREFORE HAS TO THINK NOT ONLY ABOUT SENSORY IMPACT, BUT SENSORY ENDURANCE.

A GOOD RESORT EXPERIENCE SHOULD CONTINUE TO FEEL GOOD AFTER REPETITION.

COMMON MISTAKES IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

EVEN AMBITIOUS AND WELL-FUNDED RESORT PROJECTS CAN LOSE THEIR IDENTITY WHEN SEVERAL RECURRING MISTAKES ARE MADE.

IMPORTING A DESIGN LANGUAGE THAT IGNORES THE SITE

A GENERIC LUXURY FORMULA MAY PHOTOGRAPH WELL BUT DISCONNECT THE PROPERTY FROM ITS ACTUAL LOCATION.

IF THE SAME DESIGN COULD BE MOVED UNCHANGED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, THE RESORT MAY NOT BE RESPONDING DEEPLY ENOUGH TO PLACE.

PRIORITISING PHOTOGRAPHY OVER COMFORT

PHOTOGENIC MOMENTS MATTER IN CONTEMPORARY HOSPITALITY MARKETING.

BUT GUESTS LIVE IN THE SPACE AFTER THE PHOTOGRAPH IS TAKEN.

SHADE, COMFORT, AIRFLOW, ACOUSTICS, PRIVACY, SEATING ERGONOMICS, AND USABILITY ULTIMATELY MATTER MORE.

UNDERESTIMATING CLIMATE AND MAINTENANCE

A MATERIAL THAT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL IN A SAMPLE ROOM MAY PERFORM VERY DIFFERENTLY AFTER SEVERAL RAINY SEASONS OR YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO SALT AIR.

MATERIAL AGEING SHOULD BE PART OF DESIGN THINKING FROM THE BEGINNING.

TREATING EVERY SPACE WITH THE SAME DESIGN LANGUAGE

CONSISTENCY DOES NOT REQUIRE REPETITION.

A RESORT NEEDS ENOUGH VARIATION TO REMAIN INTERESTING OVER A MULTI-DAY STAY.

TREATING VILLAS AS OVERSIZED GUESTROOMS

VILLA GUESTS OFTEN EXPECT A MORE RESIDENTIAL, PRIVATE, AND PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE.

THE PLANNING AND DETAILING SHOULD REFLECT THAT DIFFERENCE.

IGNORING TRANSITIONS

BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS CONNECTED BY UNCONSIDERED PATHWAYS CREATE A FRAGMENTED EXPERIENCE.

IN RESORTS ESPECIALLY, MOVEMENT BETWEEN SPACES IS PART OF THE STAY.

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER VS. HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNER

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE MANY FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS.

BOTH WORK WITH CONCEPT, SPACE PLANNING, GUEST JOURNEY, MATERIALS, FF&E, LIGHTING, OPERATIONS, TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND CONSULTANT COORDINATION.

THE DIFFERENCE IS USUALLY ONE OF CONTEXT AND EMPHASIS, NOT TWO COMPLETELY SEPARATE PROFESSIONS.

URBAN HOTELS OFTEN INVOLVE DENSER SITES, VERTICAL CIRCULATION, SHORTER GUEST DWELL TIMES, REPEATED GUESTROOM FLOORS, AND STRONGER INTERACTION WITH THE SURROUNDING CITY.

RESORTS MAY INVOLVE LARGER LANDSCAPES, DISPERSED BUILDINGS, VILLAS, EXTENSIVE OUTDOOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR AREAS, LONGER STAYS, AND A STRONGER DEPENDENCE ON CLIMATE AND NATURAL SETTING.

EXPERIENCED HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGNERS CAN WORK ACROSS BOTH.

THE DESIGN PRINCIPLES REMAIN.

THE PRIORITIES CHANGE.

SUSTAINABILITY IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

SUSTAINABILITY IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO RESORT DESIGN BECAUSE THE PROPERTY IS OFTEN POSITIONED IN DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE.

A RESORT CANNOT CREDIBLY CELEBRATE ITS LANDSCAPE WHILE MAKING DESIGN DECISIONS THAT IGNORE IT.

RESPONSIBLE DESIGN MAY INCLUDE LOCAL SOURCING, DURABLE MATERIALS, PASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES, RETENTION OF EXISTING SITE FEATURES, REDUCED UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT, AND CONSIDERATION OF HOW THE PROPERTY WILL OPERATE OVER TIME.

BUT SUSTAINABILITY SHOULD NOT BECOME ANOTHER VISUAL STYLE.

A TIMBER CEILING IS NOT INHERENTLY SUSTAINABLE.

A NATURAL-LOOKING MATERIAL IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY RESPONSIBLE.

THE MORE USEFUL QUESTION IS:

HOW DOES THIS DECISION PERFORM ENVIRONMENTALLY, OPERATIONALLY, CULTURALLY, AND OVER THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT?

WHEN SUSTAINABILITY IS INTEGRATED INTO THE THINKING RATHER THAN ADDED AS A MARKETING LAYER, THE RESULT OFTEN FEELS MORE AUTHENTIC ANYWAY.

WHAT SHOULD DEVELOPERS LOOK FOR IN A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER?

EXPERIENCE WITH THE RELEVANT RESORT CONTEXT

A BEACHFRONT PROPERTY, MOUNTAIN RETREAT, TROPICAL ISLAND RESORT, AND WELLNESS DESTINATION EACH CREATE DIFFERENT DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CONDITIONS.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

STRONG INDOOR-OUTDOOR THINKING

LOOK BEYOND INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

HOW DOES THE STUDIO HANDLE TERRACES, THRESHOLDS, COURTYARDS, VIEWS, CLIMATE, AND TRANSITIONS?

EVIDENCE OF COLLABORATION

RESORT PROJECTS REQUIRE CLOSE COORDINATION WITH ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, LIGHTING CONSULTANTS, ENGINEERS, OPERATORS, AND CONTRACTORS.

A STRONG INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD WORK COMFORTABLY WITHIN THAT ECOSYSTEM.

A SITE-SPECIFIC POINT OF VIEW

THE PORTFOLIO SHOULD SHOW DIFFERENT ANSWERS TO DIFFERENT PLACES.

IF EVERY RESORT LOOKS THE SAME, THE STUDIO MAY BE DESIGNING A BRAND OF ITSELF RATHER THAN THE IDENTITY OF THE PROPERTY.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

RESORT CONDITIONS CAN BE DEMANDING.

THE STUDIO NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND MATERIALS, DURABILITY, DETAILING, DOCUMENTATION, AND EXECUTION — NOT ONLY CONCEPT IMAGERY.

UNDERSTANDING OF OPERATIONS

A BEAUTIFUL RESORT MUST STILL WORK FOR HOUSEKEEPING, SERVICE, F&B OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, STAFFING, AND GUEST CIRCULATION.

HOW THAT’S ITH APPROACHES RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

AT THAT’S ITH INTERIOR, WE DO NOT START A RESORT PROJECT BY ASKING WHAT STYLE IT SHOULD BE.

WE START WITH THE SITE.

ITS LANDSCAPE.

CLIMATE.

CULTURE.

LIGHT.

AUDIENCE.

BRAND.

AND THE EXPERIENCE THAT SHOULD EXIST BETWEEN ALL OF THEM.

FROM THERE, THE IDENTITY BEGINS TO EMERGE.

SOMETIMES THAT IDENTITY IS QUIET.

SOMETIMES IT IS DRAMATIC.

SOMETIMES THE MOST IMPORTANT MATERIAL COMES FROM THE REGION.

SOMETIMES THE STRONGEST DESIGN DECISION IS NOT AN OBJECT AT ALL, BUT A VIEW, A SHADOW, A TRANSITION, OR AN INTENTIONAL MOMENT OF EMPTINESS.

FOR US, FEARLESS LUXURY IN RESORT DESIGN IS NOT ABOUT ADDING MORE.

IT IS THE CONFIDENCE TO MAKE THE DECISION THE PLACE ACTUALLY NEEDS.

THAT IS WHY ONE THAT’S ITH RESORT OR HOSPITALITY PROJECT CAN LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANOTHER.

THE CONSISTENCY IS NOT A VISUAL SIGNATURE.

IT IS THE COMMITMENT TO MAKING EACH PLACE UNMISTAKABLY ITSELF.

OUR ROLE IS TO TRANSLATE THE IDENTITY OF THE SITE INTO AN EXPERIENCE THAT CONTINUES TO REVEAL ITSELF THROUGHOUT THE STAY — FROM ARRIVAL, TO VILLA, TO RESTAURANT, TO LANDSCAPE, AND TO THE MOMENTS IN BETWEEN.

THAT IS WHAT DESIGNING PLACES PEOPLE REMEMBER MEANS IN A RESORT CONTEXT.

EXPLORE THAT’S ITH HOSPITALITY AND RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS.

 

PLANNING A RESORT OR VILLA DEVELOPMENT?

THE MOST IMPORTANT RESORT DESIGN DECISIONS ARE OFTEN MADE BEFORE THE FURNITURE, FINISHES, OR EVEN INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN FULLY RESOLVED.

EARLY COLLABORATION ALLOWS INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, GUEST JOURNEY, OPERATIONS, AND CLIMATE RESPONSE TO DEVELOP TOGETHER RATHER THAN COMPETE LATER.

LED BY FOUNDER AND DESIGNER ITH PALACH, THAT’S ITH INTERIOR IS A BANGKOK-BASED INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO WORKING ACROSS HOSPITALITY, RESIDENTIAL, AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS IN THAILAND AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.

WE COLLABORATE WITH DEVELOPERS, RESORT OPERATORS, ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONSULTANT TEAMS TO TRANSLATE SITE, IDENTITY, GUEST EXPERIENCE, AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS INTO MEMORABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS.

CONTACT THAT’S ITH INTERIOR TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT RESORT, POOL VILLA, HOSPITALITY, OR DESTINATION PROJECT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER PLANS, CONCEPTUALISES, DEVELOPS, AND DETAILS INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES WITHIN RESORTS.

DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT SCOPE, THIS CAN INCLUDE LOBBIES, GUESTROOMS, VILLAS, RESTAURANTS, BARS, SPAS, CLUBHOUSES, FF&E, MATERIAL SELECTION, GUEST JOURNEY, LIGHTING COORDINATION, TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE TEAMS.

HOW IS A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DIFFERENT FROM A HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNER?

THE CORE SKILLS OVERLAP SIGNIFICANTLY.

RESORT PROJECTS OFTEN PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION, INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING, CLIMATE, VILLAS, PRIVACY, SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES, AND LONGER GUEST DWELL TIME, WHILE URBAN HOTELS MAY FOCUS MORE HEAVILY ON DENSE PLANNING, VERTICAL CIRCULATION, REPEATED GUESTROOM FLOORS, AND INTERACTION WITH THE CITY.

WHY IS INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN IMPORTANT IN RESORTS?

INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN ALLOWS GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE THE LANDSCAPE AS PART OF THE STAY RATHER THAN SIMPLY VIEWING IT THROUGH GLASS.

IN TROPICAL RESORTS, IT CAN ALSO INFLUENCE NATURAL VENTILATION, SHADE, SPATIAL CHARACTER, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GUESTROOMS, VILLAS, POOLS, GARDENS, AND PUBLIC SPACES.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE SUITABLE FOR TROPICAL AND BEACHFRONT RESORT INTERIORS?

THERE IS NO SINGLE BEST MATERIAL PALETTE.

MATERIALS SHOULD BE SELECTED ACCORDING TO LOCATION, EXPOSURE, MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS, INTENDED USE, AND DESIGN CONCEPT. IN COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS, DESIGNERS NEED TO CONSIDER HUMIDITY, UV EXPOSURE, SALT AIR, CORROSION, MOISTURE, CLEANING, AND HOW FINISHES WILL AGE OVER TIME.

HOW DO RESORT DESIGNERS CREATE PRIVACY IN OPEN LAYOUTS?

PRIVACY CAN BE CREATED THROUGH ORIENTATION, PLANTING, SCREENING, LEVEL CHANGES, COURTYARDS, WALLS, DISTANCE, CONTROLLED VIEWS, AND LIGHTING.

THE GOAL IS TO MAINTAIN CONNECTION WITH LANDSCAPE WHILE GIVING GUESTS PSYCHOLOGICAL AND VISUAL PRIVACY WHERE IT MATTERS.

WHY SHOULD RESORT VILLAS BE DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY FROM GUESTROOMS?

VILLAS GENERALLY PROVIDE MORE SPACE, PRIVACY, LONGER DWELL TIME, AND STRONGER INDOOR-OUTDOOR RELATIONSHIPS THAN STANDARD GUESTROOMS.

THEY OFTEN BEHAVE MORE LIKE TEMPORARY RESIDENCES, SO PLANNING, FURNITURE, STORAGE, PRIVACY, OUTDOOR LIVING, AND GUEST COMFORT SHOULD RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.

WHEN SHOULD A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER JOIN A PROJECT?

IDEALLY, THE INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED DURING THE EARLY CONCEPT OR PLANNING STAGE.

RESORT PROJECTS BENEFIT ESPECIALLY FROM EARLY COORDINATION BETWEEN INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, GUEST CIRCULATION, CLIMATE RESPONSE, AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM IN THAILAND?

LOOK FOR RELEVANT RESORT EXPERIENCE, STRONG BUILT WORK, UNDERSTANDING OF TROPICAL CLIMATE AND MATERIALS, THOUGHTFUL INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN, COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE TEAMS, TECHNICAL CAPABILITY, OPERATIONAL AWARENESS, AND A PORTFOLIO THAT DEMONSTRATES DIFFERENT DESIGN RESPONSES TO DIFFERENT SITES.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, LOOK FOR A STUDIO CAPABLE OF CREATING A RESORT THAT BELONGS TO ITS LOCATION RATHER THAN APPLYING A GENERIC LUXURY FORMULA.

A CITY HOTEL OFTEN SUPPORTS THE TRIP.

A RESORT CAN BECOME THE TRIP ITSELF.

GUESTS ARRIVE NOT SIMPLY TO SLEEP SOMEWHERE COMFORTABLE, BUT TO SLOW DOWN, DISCONNECT, STAY LONGER, AND SPEND SIGNIFICANT TIME WITHIN THE PROPERTY. THEY MAY MOVE FROM A VILLA TO THE POOL, FROM BREAKFAST TO A SPA, FROM A SHADED TERRACE TO A BEACH BAR, AND BACK AGAIN OVER SEVERAL DAYS.

THAT CHANGES THE ROLE OF DESIGN COMPLETELY.

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER CREATES INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS THAT ALLOW GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE A DESTINATION AS A CONTINUOUS JOURNEY — BALANCING IDENTITY, CLIMATE, LANDSCAPE, PRIVACY, COMFORT, OPERATIONS, AND A GENUINE SENSE OF ESCAPE.

FOR DEVELOPERS AND RESORT OWNERS, THIS MEANS RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED AS HOTEL DESIGN WITH MORE GREENERY.

IT REQUIRES ANOTHER LEVEL OF THINKING ABOUT HOW GUESTS INHABIT A PLACE OVER TIME.

WHAT IS A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER?

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER SPECIALISES IN THE PLANNING, CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, DETAILING, AND FURNISHING OF INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES WITHIN RESORT PROPERTIES.

DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT, THIS MAY INCLUDE:

• ARRIVAL AND LOBBY SPACES
• GUESTROOMS AND SUITES
• STANDALONE VILLAS AND POOL VILLAS
• RESTAURANTS AND BARS
• SPAS AND WELLNESS AREAS
• LOUNGES AND CLUBHOUSES
• POOLSIDE AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES
• SELECTED BACK-OF-HOUSE AND SUPPORT AREAS
• TRANSITIONS BETWEEN BUILDINGS, LANDSCAPE, AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

THE ROLE OVERLAPS SIGNIFICANTLY WITH HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN, BUT RESORT PROJECTS OFTEN REQUIRE MORE INTENSIVE CONSIDERATION OF CLIMATE, LANDSCAPE, INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING, PRIVACY, LONGER GUEST DWELL TIME, AND MULTIPLE EXPERIENCES SPREAD ACROSS A LARGER SITE.

IN TROPICAL AND COASTAL DESTINATIONS, THE DESIGNER MAY ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER HUMIDITY, UV EXPOSURE, SALT AIR, VENTILATION, DRAINAGE INTERFACES, OUTDOOR FURNITURE PERFORMANCE, AND THE WAY MATERIALS AGE IN MORE DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR IS THEREFORE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL WHEN IT OPENS.

IT HAS TO BELONG TO ITS LOCATION AND CONTINUE PERFORMING WITHIN IT.

WHY RESORT GUEST EXPERIENCE REQUIRES A DIFFERENT DESIGN APPROACH

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANY URBAN HOTELS AND RESORTS IS HOW GUESTS USE TIME.

A BUSINESS OR CITY HOTEL GUEST MAY MOVE QUICKLY: CHECK IN, LEAVE THE PROPERTY, RETURN, SLEEP, AND DEPART.

A RESORT GUEST OFTEN DOES THE OPPOSITE.

THEY DWELL.

THEY MAY SPEND ENTIRE DAYS INSIDE THE PROPERTY.

THAT MEANS EVERY SPACE IS EXPERIENCED MORE SLOWLY AND OFTEN REPEATEDLY.

A RESTAURANT MAY BE VISITED SEVERAL TIMES.

THE PATH BETWEEN A VILLA AND THE POOL MAY BECOME FAMILIAR.

A TERRACE MAY BE USED EVERY MORNING.

A GUEST MAY SPEND HOURS RATHER THAN MINUTES IN A ROOM.

THIS CREATES A DIFFERENT DESIGN TEST.

A VISUAL IDEA THAT IS EXCITING FOR THIRTY SECONDS MAY BECOME TIRING AFTER THREE DAYS.

A CHAIR THAT PHOTOGRAPHS BEAUTIFULLY BUT IS UNCOMFORTABLE BECOMES MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE.

A GENERIC LUXURY INTERIOR MAY IMPRESS ON ARRIVAL BUT REVEAL VERY LITTLE AFTERWARDS.

RESORT DESIGN THEREFORE HAS TO REWARD LONGER INHABITATION.

IT NEEDS LAYERS.

THE FIRST IMPRESSION MATTERS.

BUT SO DOES THE HUNDREDTH.

1. A POWERFUL SENSE OF ARRIVAL

ARRIVAL IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN BECAUSE IT MARKS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSITION FROM EVERYDAY LIFE INTO ANOTHER PACE.

UNLIKE AN URBAN HOTEL, WHERE A GUEST MAY ARRIVE DIRECTLY FROM A BUSY STREET, RESORT ARRIVAL OFTEN BEGINS MUCH EARLIER.

THE ROAD.

THE LANDSCAPE.

A GATE.

A SHADED PATH.

A CHANGE IN SOUND.

A GLIMPSE OF WATER.

A LOBBY THAT MAY DELIBERATELY REVEAL THE VIEW ONLY AT THE FINAL MOMENT.

GOOD RESORT DESIGN UNDERSTANDS THAT THE ARRIVAL IS NOT ONE SPACE.

IT IS A SEQUENCE.

SOMETIMES THE MOST EFFECTIVE GESTURE IS NOT AN ENORMOUS LOBBY, BUT A CAREFULLY CONTROLLED DELAY BEFORE THE LANDSCAPE IS REVEALED.

THE DESIGNER IS ESSENTIALLY ASKING:

HOW DO WE MAKE THE GUEST FEEL THAT THEY HAVE ARRIVED SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT BEFORE ANYONE EXPLAINS IT TO THEM?

2. INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING SHOULD FEEL NATURAL, NOT FORCED

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING IS CENTRAL TO MANY RESORT PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN TROPICAL AND COASTAL LOCATIONS.

BUT SIMPLY OPENING A WALL DOES NOT CREATE A SUCCESSFUL INDOOR-OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE.

THE RELATIONSHIP NEEDS TO CONSIDER SHADE, HEAT, WIND, RAIN, PRIVACY, INSECTS, MAINTENANCE, FURNITURE PERFORMANCE, CIRCULATION, AND HOW SPACES FUNCTION ACROSS DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY.

DEEP VERANDAS, COURTYARDS, TERRACES, COVERED WALKWAYS, OPERABLE OPENINGS, OUTDOOR BATHROOMS, AND POOL-ADJACENT LIVING SPACES CAN ALL HELP DISSOLVE THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE.

IN PROJECTS SUCH AS THE TITLE VILLA KIRARA PHUKET, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERIOR, PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACE, AND TROPICAL SURROUNDINGS BECOMES PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY A VISUAL BACKDROP.

THE OBJECTIVE IS NOT TO BRING THE OUTSIDE IN AS A DESIGN EFFECT.

IT IS TO ALLOW THE GUEST TO LIVE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT MORE DIRECTLY.

3. CLIMATE IS PART OF THE DESIGN BRIEF

TROPICAL RESORT DESIGN CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM CLIMATE.

HUMIDITY, HEAT, INTENSE SUNLIGHT, RAINFALL, SALT AIR, AND WIND ALL INFLUENCE HOW MATERIALS, FURNITURE, LIGHTING, AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES SHOULD BE DESIGNED.

THESE CONDITIONS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED ONLY AS TECHNICAL PROBLEMS TO SOLVE AFTER THE CONCEPT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.

THEY CAN SHAPE THE CONCEPT ITSELF.

SHADE CAN BECOME ARCHITECTURE.

VENTILATION CAN INFLUENCE SPATIAL PLANNING.

WEATHERING CAN INFORM MATERIAL CHOICE.

A COVERED TRANSITION CAN BECOME A MEMORABLE PART OF THE GUEST JOURNEY.

IN BEACHFRONT SETTINGS, FINISHES AND HARDWARE MAY NEED TO RESIST CORROSION. OUTDOOR FABRICS AND FURNITURE NEED TO WITHSTAND MOISTURE AND UV EXPOSURE. NATURAL MATERIALS MUST BE SELECTED WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THEY WILL BEHAVE OVER TIME.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DOES NOT FIGHT THE CLIMATE UNNECESSARILY.

THE BETTER APPROACH IS OFTEN TO DESIGN WITH IT.

4. MATERIALS SHOULD BELONG TO THE PLACE

NATURAL STONE, TIMBER, RATTAN, WOVEN SURFACES, PLASTER, METAL, AND REGIONAL CRAFT CAN GIVE RESORT INTERIORS WARMTH AND A STRONG CONNECTION TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS.

BUT USING NATURAL MATERIALS DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY CREATE A SENSE OF PLACE.

THE IMPORTANT QUESTION IS:

WHY THIS MATERIAL, HERE?

A LOCAL STONE CAN CONNECT A PROJECT TO ITS GEOLOGY.

A WEAVING TECHNIQUE CAN BE REINTERPRETED THROUGH CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE.

A FAMILIAR REGIONAL MATERIAL CAN BE USED IN AN UNFAMILIAR SCALE OR FORM.

THE STRONGEST RESORT INTERIORS DO NOT LOOK LOCAL BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN A COLLECTION OF LOCAL-LOOKING OBJECTS.

THEY FEEL LOCAL BECAUSE MATERIALS, CRAFT, ARCHITECTURE, AND LANDSCAPE ARE PART OF THE SAME IDEA.

AT THAT’S ITH, WE BELIEVE THE GOAL IS NOT TO REPRODUCE VERNACULAR DESIGN LITERALLY.

IT IS TO UNDERSTAND ITS INTELLIGENCE AND REINTERPRET IT.

5. PRIVACY HAS TO COEXIST WITH OPENNESS

RESORTS OFTEN AIM TO CREATE A FEELING OF OPENNESS.

LARGE VIEWS.

TERRACES.

POOLS.

OUTDOOR BATHROOMS.

OPEN-AIR LOUNGES.

LANDSCAPE CONNECTIONS.

BUT THE MORE OPEN A PROPERTY BECOMES, THE MORE CAREFULLY PRIVACY MUST BE DESIGNED.

THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR LUXURY VILLAS AND POOL VILLAS, WHERE PRIVACY IS OFTEN PART OF WHAT THE GUEST IS PAYING A PREMIUM FOR.

SCREENING, PLANTING, LEVEL CHANGES, ORIENTATION, WALLS, COURTYARDS, DISTANCE, LIGHTING, AND CAREFULLY CONTROLLED SIGHTLINES CAN ALL CREATE INTIMACY WITHOUT MAKING THE SPACE FEEL ENCLOSED.

PRIVACY IS NOT SIMPLY ABOUT HIDING ONE GUEST FROM ANOTHER.

IT IS ALSO PSYCHOLOGICAL.

A GUEST SHOULD BE ABLE TO SIT BESIDE A PRIVATE POOL WITHOUT CONSTANTLY WONDERING WHO CAN SEE THEM.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RESORT DESIGN ALLOWS OPENNESS TO FEEL EFFORTLESS BECAUSE THE PRIVACY STRATEGY HAS ALREADY BEEN RESOLVED.

6. RESORT VILLAS NEED A DIFFERENT DESIGN MINDSET

A RESORT VILLA IS NOT SIMPLY A LARGER HOTEL ROOM.

IT OFTEN BEHAVES MORE LIKE A TEMPORARY PRIVATE RESIDENCE.

GUESTS MAY STAY LONGER.

THEY HAVE MORE SPACE.

THEY MAY HAVE A PRIVATE POOL, TERRACE, GARDEN, DINING AREA, OUTDOOR BATHING SPACE, OR SEPARATE LIVING ROOM.

THIS CHANGES THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

THE ARRIVAL CAN BECOME MORE PERSONAL.

STORAGE BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT.

FURNITURE SHOULD SUPPORT LONGER PERIODS OF USE.

OUTDOOR SPACE BECOMES PART OF THE ROOM RATHER THAN AN AMENITY OUTSIDE IT.

PRIVACY BECOMES MORE VALUABLE.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER THEREFORE CONSIDERS VILLA ACCOMMODATION AS A DISTINCT GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY SCALING UP A STANDARD GUESTROOM TEMPLATE.

FOR THE HIGHEST-TIER VILLAS, THE QUESTION BECOMES:

HOW CAN THE GUEST FEEL THE FREEDOM OF A PRIVATE HOME WHILE STILL RECEIVING THE EXPERIENCE OF A RESORT?

7. WELLNESS SHOULD BE EMBEDDED THROUGHOUT THE RESORT

RESORTS HAVE LONG BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH SPAS AND WELLNESS.

BUT CONTEMPORARY RESORT DESIGN INCREASINGLY TREATS WELLBEING AS SOMETHING BROADER THAN A TREATMENT MENU.

SLEEP.

LIGHT.

ACOUSTICS.

THERMAL COMFORT.

PRIVACY.

NATURAL VENTILATION.

CONNECTION TO LANDSCAPE.

PLACES TO WITHDRAW.

PLACES TO MOVE.

THE AMOUNT OF SENSORY STIMULATION ACROSS THE DAY.

ALL OF THESE CAN AFFECT WHETHER A RESORT ACTUALLY FEELS RESTORATIVE.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN EVERY PROPERTY SHOULD ADOPT A WELLNESS AESTHETIC.

WELLBEING IS NOT BEIGE.

IT IS NOT BAMBOO.

AND IT DOES NOT NEED TO ANNOUNCE ITSELF.

A VIBRANT RESORT CAN STILL SUPPORT RESTORATION IF THE GUEST JOURNEY HAS ENOUGH CONTRAST BETWEEN ACTIVITY AND RETREAT.

A LIVELY BEACH CLUB AND A QUIET VILLA ARE NOT CONTRADICTORY.

THEY CAN BE PART OF THE SAME EMOTIONAL RHYTHM.

8. DINING AND SOCIAL SPACES NEED THEIR OWN IDENTITY

IN A RESORT, RESTAURANTS AND BARS OFTEN CARRY MORE RESPONSIBILITY THAN PROVIDING FOOD AND BEVERAGE.

GUESTS MAY REMAIN ON PROPERTY FOR SEVERAL DAYS, WHICH MEANS THEY NEED VARIATION.

BREAKFAST SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE DINNER.

A POOL BAR SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE THE DESTINATION RESTAURANT.

A SUNSET LOUNGE SHOULD CREATE ANOTHER REASON TO MOVE THROUGH THE PROPERTY.

THIS IS WHY RESORT F&B DESIGN OFTEN BENEFITS FROM DISTINCT IDENTITIES WITHIN ONE OVERALL NARRATIVE.

THE SPACES SHOULD FEEL RELATED WITHOUT FEELING REPEATED.

LIGHTING, FURNITURE, MATERIALITY, SCALE, VIEW ORIENTATION, AND ATMOSPHERE CAN HELP EACH OUTLET CREATE A DIFFERENT MOMENT IN THE STAY.

A SUCCESSFUL RESORT GIVES GUESTS REASONS TO REDISCOVER THE PROPERTY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

VARIETY PREVENTS A LONG STAY FROM FEELING VISUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY REPETITIVE.

9. LANDSCAPE IS PART OF THE INTERIOR EXPERIENCE

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN RARELY SUCCEEDS IN ISOLATION FROM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.

A VIEW FROM A LOBBY DEPENDS ON WHAT HAS BEEN PLANTED OUTSIDE IT.

THE PRIVACY OF A VILLA MAY DEPEND ON LANDSCAPE SCREENING.

A RESTAURANT TERRACE CAN SUCCEED OR FAIL BECAUSE OF SHADE.

A PATHWAY MAY SHAPE ANTICIPATION BEFORE A GUEST EVEN ENTERS A BUILDING.

GARDENS, COURTYARDS, WATER, PLANTING, TOPOGRAPHY, AND FRAMED VIEWS SHOULD THEREFORE BE TREATED AS PART OF THE GUEST EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN DECORATION SURROUNDING THE ARCHITECTURE.

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER, ARCHITECT, AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE SAME OVERALL JOURNEY.

THE STRONGEST RESORT PROJECTS BLUR THE POINT AT WHICH ONE DISCIPLINE STOPS AND ANOTHER BEGINS.

NOT CONTRACTUALLY.

BUT EXPERIENTIALLY.

THE GUEST DOES NOT CARE WHICH CONSULTANT DESIGNED THE TREE, THE THRESHOLD, OR THE CHAIR.

THEY EXPERIENCE ONE PLACE.

10. MULTI-SENSORY DESIGN MATTERS MORE WHEN GUESTS STAY LONGER

RESORT GUESTS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ENVIRONMENTS REPEATEDLY.

THAT MAKES ATMOSPHERE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT.

THE SOUND OF WATER.

THE ACOUSTIC QUALITY OF A RESTAURANT.

THE TEXTURE OF A FLOOR UNDER BARE FEET.

THE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHADED TERRACE AND AN INTERIOR ROOM.

A SCENT ASSOCIATED WITH ARRIVAL.

THE FEELING OF A MATERIAL WARMED BY SUNLIGHT.

THESE DETAILS BUILD MEMORY OVER TIME.

BUT MULTI-SENSORY DESIGN SHOULD BE SUBTLE.

A CONSTANT SIGNATURE SCENT CAN BECOME OVERWHELMING.

A DRAMATIC SOUNDSCAPE MAY FEEL THEATRICAL AT FIRST AND IRRITATING AFTER SEVERAL DAYS.

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER THEREFORE HAS TO THINK NOT ONLY ABOUT SENSORY IMPACT, BUT SENSORY ENDURANCE.

A GOOD RESORT EXPERIENCE SHOULD CONTINUE TO FEEL GOOD AFTER REPETITION.

COMMON MISTAKES IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

EVEN AMBITIOUS AND WELL-FUNDED RESORT PROJECTS CAN LOSE THEIR IDENTITY WHEN SEVERAL RECURRING MISTAKES ARE MADE.

IMPORTING A DESIGN LANGUAGE THAT IGNORES THE SITE

A GENERIC LUXURY FORMULA MAY PHOTOGRAPH WELL BUT DISCONNECT THE PROPERTY FROM ITS ACTUAL LOCATION.

IF THE SAME DESIGN COULD BE MOVED UNCHANGED TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, THE RESORT MAY NOT BE RESPONDING DEEPLY ENOUGH TO PLACE.

PRIORITISING PHOTOGRAPHY OVER COMFORT

PHOTOGENIC MOMENTS MATTER IN CONTEMPORARY HOSPITALITY MARKETING.

BUT GUESTS LIVE IN THE SPACE AFTER THE PHOTOGRAPH IS TAKEN.

SHADE, COMFORT, AIRFLOW, ACOUSTICS, PRIVACY, SEATING ERGONOMICS, AND USABILITY ULTIMATELY MATTER MORE.

UNDERESTIMATING CLIMATE AND MAINTENANCE

A MATERIAL THAT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL IN A SAMPLE ROOM MAY PERFORM VERY DIFFERENTLY AFTER SEVERAL RAINY SEASONS OR YEARS OF EXPOSURE TO SALT AIR.

MATERIAL AGEING SHOULD BE PART OF DESIGN THINKING FROM THE BEGINNING.

TREATING EVERY SPACE WITH THE SAME DESIGN LANGUAGE

CONSISTENCY DOES NOT REQUIRE REPETITION.

A RESORT NEEDS ENOUGH VARIATION TO REMAIN INTERESTING OVER A MULTI-DAY STAY.

TREATING VILLAS AS OVERSIZED GUESTROOMS

VILLA GUESTS OFTEN EXPECT A MORE RESIDENTIAL, PRIVATE, AND PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE.

THE PLANNING AND DETAILING SHOULD REFLECT THAT DIFFERENCE.

IGNORING TRANSITIONS

BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS CONNECTED BY UNCONSIDERED PATHWAYS CREATE A FRAGMENTED EXPERIENCE.

IN RESORTS ESPECIALLY, MOVEMENT BETWEEN SPACES IS PART OF THE STAY.

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER VS. HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNER

RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE MANY FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS.

BOTH WORK WITH CONCEPT, SPACE PLANNING, GUEST JOURNEY, MATERIALS, FF&E, LIGHTING, OPERATIONS, TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND CONSULTANT COORDINATION.

THE DIFFERENCE IS USUALLY ONE OF CONTEXT AND EMPHASIS, NOT TWO COMPLETELY SEPARATE PROFESSIONS.

URBAN HOTELS OFTEN INVOLVE DENSER SITES, VERTICAL CIRCULATION, SHORTER GUEST DWELL TIMES, REPEATED GUESTROOM FLOORS, AND STRONGER INTERACTION WITH THE SURROUNDING CITY.

RESORTS MAY INVOLVE LARGER LANDSCAPES, DISPERSED BUILDINGS, VILLAS, EXTENSIVE OUTDOOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR AREAS, LONGER STAYS, AND A STRONGER DEPENDENCE ON CLIMATE AND NATURAL SETTING.

EXPERIENCED HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGNERS CAN WORK ACROSS BOTH.

THE DESIGN PRINCIPLES REMAIN.

THE PRIORITIES CHANGE.

SUSTAINABILITY IN RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

SUSTAINABILITY IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO RESORT DESIGN BECAUSE THE PROPERTY IS OFTEN POSITIONED IN DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE.

A RESORT CANNOT CREDIBLY CELEBRATE ITS LANDSCAPE WHILE MAKING DESIGN DECISIONS THAT IGNORE IT.

RESPONSIBLE DESIGN MAY INCLUDE LOCAL SOURCING, DURABLE MATERIALS, PASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES, RETENTION OF EXISTING SITE FEATURES, REDUCED UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT, AND CONSIDERATION OF HOW THE PROPERTY WILL OPERATE OVER TIME.

BUT SUSTAINABILITY SHOULD NOT BECOME ANOTHER VISUAL STYLE.

A TIMBER CEILING IS NOT INHERENTLY SUSTAINABLE.

A NATURAL-LOOKING MATERIAL IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY RESPONSIBLE.

THE MORE USEFUL QUESTION IS:

HOW DOES THIS DECISION PERFORM ENVIRONMENTALLY, OPERATIONALLY, CULTURALLY, AND OVER THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT?

WHEN SUSTAINABILITY IS INTEGRATED INTO THE THINKING RATHER THAN ADDED AS A MARKETING LAYER, THE RESULT OFTEN FEELS MORE AUTHENTIC ANYWAY.

WHAT SHOULD DEVELOPERS LOOK FOR IN A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER?

EXPERIENCE WITH THE RELEVANT RESORT CONTEXT

A BEACHFRONT PROPERTY, MOUNTAIN RETREAT, TROPICAL ISLAND RESORT, AND WELLNESS DESTINATION EACH CREATE DIFFERENT DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CONDITIONS.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

STRONG INDOOR-OUTDOOR THINKING

LOOK BEYOND INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

HOW DOES THE STUDIO HANDLE TERRACES, THRESHOLDS, COURTYARDS, VIEWS, CLIMATE, AND TRANSITIONS?

EVIDENCE OF COLLABORATION

RESORT PROJECTS REQUIRE CLOSE COORDINATION WITH ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, LIGHTING CONSULTANTS, ENGINEERS, OPERATORS, AND CONTRACTORS.

A STRONG INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD WORK COMFORTABLY WITHIN THAT ECOSYSTEM.

A SITE-SPECIFIC POINT OF VIEW

THE PORTFOLIO SHOULD SHOW DIFFERENT ANSWERS TO DIFFERENT PLACES.

IF EVERY RESORT LOOKS THE SAME, THE STUDIO MAY BE DESIGNING A BRAND OF ITSELF RATHER THAN THE IDENTITY OF THE PROPERTY.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

RESORT CONDITIONS CAN BE DEMANDING.

THE STUDIO NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND MATERIALS, DURABILITY, DETAILING, DOCUMENTATION, AND EXECUTION — NOT ONLY CONCEPT IMAGERY.

UNDERSTANDING OF OPERATIONS

A BEAUTIFUL RESORT MUST STILL WORK FOR HOUSEKEEPING, SERVICE, F&B OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, STAFFING, AND GUEST CIRCULATION.

HOW THAT’S ITH APPROACHES RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN

AT THAT’S ITH INTERIOR, WE DO NOT START A RESORT PROJECT BY ASKING WHAT STYLE IT SHOULD BE.

WE START WITH THE SITE.

ITS LANDSCAPE.

CLIMATE.

CULTURE.

LIGHT.

AUDIENCE.

BRAND.

AND THE EXPERIENCE THAT SHOULD EXIST BETWEEN ALL OF THEM.

FROM THERE, THE IDENTITY BEGINS TO EMERGE.

SOMETIMES THAT IDENTITY IS QUIET.

SOMETIMES IT IS DRAMATIC.

SOMETIMES THE MOST IMPORTANT MATERIAL COMES FROM THE REGION.

SOMETIMES THE STRONGEST DESIGN DECISION IS NOT AN OBJECT AT ALL, BUT A VIEW, A SHADOW, A TRANSITION, OR AN INTENTIONAL MOMENT OF EMPTINESS.

FOR US, FEARLESS LUXURY IN RESORT DESIGN IS NOT ABOUT ADDING MORE.

IT IS THE CONFIDENCE TO MAKE THE DECISION THE PLACE ACTUALLY NEEDS.

THAT IS WHY ONE THAT’S ITH RESORT OR HOSPITALITY PROJECT CAN LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANOTHER.

THE CONSISTENCY IS NOT A VISUAL SIGNATURE.

IT IS THE COMMITMENT TO MAKING EACH PLACE UNMISTAKABLY ITSELF.

OUR ROLE IS TO TRANSLATE THE IDENTITY OF THE SITE INTO AN EXPERIENCE THAT CONTINUES TO REVEAL ITSELF THROUGHOUT THE STAY — FROM ARRIVAL, TO VILLA, TO RESTAURANT, TO LANDSCAPE, AND TO THE MOMENTS IN BETWEEN.

THAT IS WHAT DESIGNING PLACES PEOPLE REMEMBER MEANS IN A RESORT CONTEXT.

EXPLORE THAT’S ITH HOSPITALITY AND RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS.

 

PLANNING A RESORT OR VILLA DEVELOPMENT?

THE MOST IMPORTANT RESORT DESIGN DECISIONS ARE OFTEN MADE BEFORE THE FURNITURE, FINISHES, OR EVEN INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN FULLY RESOLVED.

EARLY COLLABORATION ALLOWS INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, GUEST JOURNEY, OPERATIONS, AND CLIMATE RESPONSE TO DEVELOP TOGETHER RATHER THAN COMPETE LATER.

LED BY FOUNDER AND DESIGNER ITH PALACH, THAT’S ITH INTERIOR IS A BANGKOK-BASED INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO WORKING ACROSS HOSPITALITY, RESIDENTIAL, AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS IN THAILAND AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.

WE COLLABORATE WITH DEVELOPERS, RESORT OPERATORS, ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONSULTANT TEAMS TO TRANSLATE SITE, IDENTITY, GUEST EXPERIENCE, AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS INTO MEMORABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS.

CONTACT THAT’S ITH INTERIOR TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT RESORT, POOL VILLA, HOSPITALITY, OR DESTINATION PROJECT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?

A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER PLANS, CONCEPTUALISES, DEVELOPS, AND DETAILS INTERIOR AND SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES WITHIN RESORTS.

DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT SCOPE, THIS CAN INCLUDE LOBBIES, GUESTROOMS, VILLAS, RESTAURANTS, BARS, SPAS, CLUBHOUSES, FF&E, MATERIAL SELECTION, GUEST JOURNEY, LIGHTING COORDINATION, TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE TEAMS.

HOW IS A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER DIFFERENT FROM A HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGNER?

THE CORE SKILLS OVERLAP SIGNIFICANTLY.

RESORT PROJECTS OFTEN PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION, INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING, CLIMATE, VILLAS, PRIVACY, SEMI-OUTDOOR SPACES, AND LONGER GUEST DWELL TIME, WHILE URBAN HOTELS MAY FOCUS MORE HEAVILY ON DENSE PLANNING, VERTICAL CIRCULATION, REPEATED GUESTROOM FLOORS, AND INTERACTION WITH THE CITY.

WHY IS INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN IMPORTANT IN RESORTS?

INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN ALLOWS GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE THE LANDSCAPE AS PART OF THE STAY RATHER THAN SIMPLY VIEWING IT THROUGH GLASS.

IN TROPICAL RESORTS, IT CAN ALSO INFLUENCE NATURAL VENTILATION, SHADE, SPATIAL CHARACTER, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GUESTROOMS, VILLAS, POOLS, GARDENS, AND PUBLIC SPACES.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE SUITABLE FOR TROPICAL AND BEACHFRONT RESORT INTERIORS?

THERE IS NO SINGLE BEST MATERIAL PALETTE.

MATERIALS SHOULD BE SELECTED ACCORDING TO LOCATION, EXPOSURE, MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS, INTENDED USE, AND DESIGN CONCEPT. IN COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS, DESIGNERS NEED TO CONSIDER HUMIDITY, UV EXPOSURE, SALT AIR, CORROSION, MOISTURE, CLEANING, AND HOW FINISHES WILL AGE OVER TIME.

HOW DO RESORT DESIGNERS CREATE PRIVACY IN OPEN LAYOUTS?

PRIVACY CAN BE CREATED THROUGH ORIENTATION, PLANTING, SCREENING, LEVEL CHANGES, COURTYARDS, WALLS, DISTANCE, CONTROLLED VIEWS, AND LIGHTING.

THE GOAL IS TO MAINTAIN CONNECTION WITH LANDSCAPE WHILE GIVING GUESTS PSYCHOLOGICAL AND VISUAL PRIVACY WHERE IT MATTERS.

WHY SHOULD RESORT VILLAS BE DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY FROM GUESTROOMS?

VILLAS GENERALLY PROVIDE MORE SPACE, PRIVACY, LONGER DWELL TIME, AND STRONGER INDOOR-OUTDOOR RELATIONSHIPS THAN STANDARD GUESTROOMS.

THEY OFTEN BEHAVE MORE LIKE TEMPORARY RESIDENCES, SO PLANNING, FURNITURE, STORAGE, PRIVACY, OUTDOOR LIVING, AND GUEST COMFORT SHOULD RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.

WHEN SHOULD A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGNER JOIN A PROJECT?

IDEALLY, THE INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED DURING THE EARLY CONCEPT OR PLANNING STAGE.

RESORT PROJECTS BENEFIT ESPECIALLY FROM EARLY COORDINATION BETWEEN INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE, GUEST CIRCULATION, CLIMATE RESPONSE, AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A RESORT INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM IN THAILAND?

LOOK FOR RELEVANT RESORT EXPERIENCE, STRONG BUILT WORK, UNDERSTANDING OF TROPICAL CLIMATE AND MATERIALS, THOUGHTFUL INDOOR-OUTDOOR DESIGN, COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE TEAMS, TECHNICAL CAPABILITY, OPERATIONAL AWARENESS, AND A PORTFOLIO THAT DEMONSTRATES DIFFERENT DESIGN RESPONSES TO DIFFERENT SITES.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, LOOK FOR A STUDIO CAPABLE OF CREATING A RESORT THAT BELONGS TO ITS LOCATION RATHER THAN APPLYING A GENERIC LUXURY FORMULA.