The concept of wellness in recent years has changed dramatically, as can be seen by the modern design for spas and retreats. Today’s guests are looking for more than luxury. They want experiences that connect them to nature. Spa and hospitality designs are increasingly incorporating outdoor spaces such as forest bathing areas, rooftop gardens, and thermal pools that surround vegetation.
Harmonious Connections
As an architect I have always thought that good design was about making connections. Not just between space and people but also between the people and their environment. The idea of an outdoor retreat is a strong fit with this ethos. An outdoor area that is well designed can enhance a guest’s experience by offering them an immersive, restorative sanctuary. Consider Bluehaus’s work at the Al Hamra Walk Boardwalk, in Ras Al Khaimah. The project, while not a spa itself, shows how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can foster harmony. The boardwalk is inspired by the movement of the waves and incorporates areas for gathering, zones that are interactive, as well as quiet spaces to reflect. The segmentation of the boardwalk ensures it appeals to diverse audiences while still maintaining its seamless connection with its surrounding.
Leveraging indigenous landscaping
The same principles should be applied in the design of outdoor retreats. When designing outdoor areas in the Middle East it is important to take into account the environment. In contrast to other areas, where lush vegetation may be the hallmark of outdoor retreats in these parts, sustainability requires a completely different approach. This region’s biophilic design uses indigenous materials and landscaping to reflect its ecosystem while also promoting harmony.
Desert landscaping: embrace the native aesthetic
You can make a beautiful and eco-friendly retreat by incorporating native plants such as date palms, ghafs trees and desert grasses. They are drought resistant and thrive in climates with little water. The beauty of the design is not diminished by this approach – in fact, it’s enhanced because it connects the space with its surrounding. Instead of emulating environments in other places, native landscapes can celebrate the natural identity of the area and its cultural heritage.
Sustainability and local materials
Materials used for outdoor retreats play an important role in sustainability. The use of locally sourced materials such as stone, concrete, and rammed-earth finishes, which are inspired by the traditional methods, reduces the construction’s environmental impact while also creating a connection with the architectural vernacular. Materials with a high thermal mass help to regulate the temperature and make spaces more comfortable all year round.
Designing resilience
Extreme weather in the Middle East – heat waves, heavy rainfalls, and sandstorms – requires designs that can adapt to these conditions. Shade structures, made of sustainable materials such as local wood or tensile fabrics, provide shade and air circulation while providing relief from the heat. Thermal pools and shallow reflecting pools can create a microclimate that is comfortable for your guests.
Balanced approach
Biophilic design is a great way to combine luxury and sustainability. The best way to give guests the authenticity they seek is by showing off nature’s beauty at its purest form. We can achieve this by avoiding greenery and instead embracing the raw beauty of the desert. This will help guests feel a deeper connection with the place they’re visiting.
Create memories
Outdoor retreats are a key feature in modern hospitality, as wellness tourism grows. These retreats are not optional, they’re integral and offer a competitive advantage in a market that is becoming increasingly crowded. We’re creating memories when we create spaces that respect both the need of humans to connect with nature, and also their desire for connection. These outdoor oasis are the future of hospitality, as they combine thoughtful design with the natural beauty of the landscape to create spaces which will stay in visitors’ minds. We can create a new standard in outdoor living and wellness by celebrating sustainability, and taking advantage of the best that the Middle East has to offer.
