The Review

January is always a little bitter-sweet. While we are excited for the year ahead, feeling refreshed and motivated, we mourn the end of the holidays. So rather than dwell on that end of summer feeling, we thought we would welcome the new year with some project (and perhaps holiday?!) inspiration. From luxury hotels and resorts to high-end private residences, we hope you enjoy this highlight of some of our favourite projects from 2021.

Be sure to sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for more project inspiration and to stay up to date on all the exciting projects we are working on!

Photo credit: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands — Maldives
Inspired by the beauty and metaphorical significance of the island landscape, renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27 has orchestrated a delicate, rhythmic design for the new resort Patina Maldives. Set amongst the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, the Capella Hotel Group project is a radical example of biophilic design, conjuring up spaces and atmospheres that encourage deep connections with nature. Delicate architectural lines remain respectfully low, never breaching the horizon, while the interiors blend earthy colour palettes, subtle textures and arcadian materials to create a dialogue with nature.

Before the foundations were even laid, Patina Maldives committed to having no single-use plastics on site — even construction workers used refillable bottles — while trees and shrubs were transplanted from islands that were due to be cleared for industrial purposes. In minimizing its carbon footprint, the luxury resort utilises solar power, a sophisticated filtration system that returns purified water to the surrounding landscape, zero-waste kitchens, recycling marine plastic and eco-friendly materials such as wood, rattan, paper cord, natural fibres and our apaiserMARBLE^® luxury baths. Add to that the picture-perfect views, clear waters and tropical setting, and this is a retreat that ensures a stay that has a positive impact to both guests and the islands inhabitants.

Photo credit: Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives — Maldives
GX Associates, in conjunction with URBNarc, conceived a luxurious resort with understated interiors that respectfully complement the natural environment and feature eco-friendly materials such as carpets made from recycled plastic bottles, and our own sustainable apaiserMARBLE^® freestanding baths. Floor to ceiling windows provide undisturbed views of the glistening ocean while you soak in our spacious Sublime bath. Fundamental to the guest experience is consideration of all the senses. URBNarc selected our handcrafted stone baths for its durability, sustainable design, and the tactile and sensual touch of our apaiserMARBLE. Twin Soka basins in a matching custom finish complete the private bathroom oasis.

The resort has an emphasis on wellness and so designed a state-of-the-art spa with eight overwater, oceanfront spa villas, dedicated to holistic self-care and wellness treatments. Pivotal to the spa experience are sumptuous Made-to-Measure Zen baths, allowing guests to relax in an aromatic therapeutic bath while looking out into the turquoise lagoon and listening to the sound of the ocean.

Photo credit: Rory Gardiner

Bilgola Beach House — NSW, Australia
Conceived as an idyllic gathering place for a large family dispersed around the world, Bilgola Beach house is designed to withstand harsh sunlight, high winds and flooding common to the Australian coast, and harmonise with the rhythms of its occupants.

Designed by Seattle’s Olsen Kundig, the beachfront home is set on concrete piles, allowing sand and water to move in and out beneath the building, and cleverly employs shaded retractable window walls that merge inside with outside and provide passive ventilation. This also creates the ideal space for big gatherings and then returns to an intimate, cosy retreat when guests have departed. An interior courtyard brings filtered daylight into the core of the home, where a central water feature helps to cool the air, while indoor and outdoor fireplaces were built for chilly days on the beach. Both comfortable and ageless, like the project, our iconic Haven bath is perfectly situated to capture the stunning ocean views. What’s not to love?

Photo credit: Six Senses Ibiza

Six Senses Ibiza — Spain
Conceived by architect and developer Jonathan Leitersdorf, Six Senses Ibiza blends sustainability with culture and wellness. Found at the northern tip of the island overlooking the stunning Xarraca bay, the resort is a world away from the lively party region in the south and offers the laidback atmosphere that the bohemian north has become known for. Spread across over 430,500 sq ft, the entire site has been designed to exude a village-like feel that truly captures the authentic Mediterranean spirit.
In respect of the precious surrounding and wider landscape, utmost care is taken in every aspect of Six Senses Ibiza to limit its environmental impact – from its construction through to its everyday operations. Regarded as the first sustainable BREEAM certified resort on the island, the property is built using renewable materials, is powered by its own renewable energy source, cites zero waste and zero single-use plastic targets, and features sustainable apaiserMARBLE^® custom baths.

Photo credit: One&Only Portonovi

One&Only Portonovi — Montenegro
Drawing inspiration from the regions stunning natural scenery and traditional monastic architecture, HBA created an understated, modern design that celebrates One&Only Portonovi’s key asset – sweeping vistas of the Unesco world heritage site, Boka Bay.

Featuring architecture and initial concept design by Denniston, the 10 beachfront villas are surrounded by the azure waters and unadulterated nature of the Kotor region it calls home, and features open-plan layouts, natural materials and Mediterranean style that embraces indoor/outdoor living. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the landscape and Adriatic waters as you soak in an apaiserMARBLE^® Sublime bath in a truly unique corner of the world.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Bonsall — Malibu, California, United States
The personal home of designer Vanessa Alexander in Malibu, Alexander sought to create a home that felt elegant and luxurious, yet still homely and relaxed. Working with Kovac Design Studio, she remodelled the interior architecture into a modern barn-style home with touches of Dutch and Belgian influence. Alexander’s blend of low-key luxury and strong architectural lines is reflected in the interiors, which balance textural details with soft and inviting furnishings.

One of her favourite places in the new home, Alexander selected our soaking Haven bath for her ensuite. This relaxing bathroom looks out onto the pool, allowing her to immerse herself in the light and beauty of the verdant surroundings. What a simply stunning space to perform your daily cleansing rituals and what a truly sexy barn!