DESIGN
values of the island through its complete focus on nature and wellness , and the hotel supports the regenerative tourism model that we hope aligns with the mindful traveler who wants to reduce their impact and use travel to enrich themselves and the world .”
Native landscaping supports the local ecosystem and amplifies the wellness-driven approach .
Lush foliage , brilliant daylight and revitalizing water elevates the resort ’ s biophilic design .
HUGGING THE ENVIRONMENT Returning the resort to the landscape was no easy task . Situated on volcanic cliffs outside Princeville , in one of the rainiest regions in the world , the conditions posed unexpected challenges to everything .
“ It ’ ll rain multiple times a day , every day . Sometimes it goes for three days . You ’ re always fighting the weather , and when it rains , there ’ s usually good surf , so workers disappear and go surfing for a few days ,” a joking Chris Alvarado , SVP of design for 1 Hotels & Resorts , said . “ I ’ ve been doing these types of projects for 17 years now , and this by far was the project we had to adapt to the most , just because of the environment .”
Alvarado helped oversee the resort ’ s transformation into a cliffside conservatory , deconstructing the original structure so that everywhere guests wander they ’ re immersed in the Hawaiian landscape . Symbolically , the towering , chamber-like lobby of old was excavated to create a
Natural resources like black puka lava rock soothes as well as connects guests to the ecosystem .
Interior and public spaces reflect the commitment to authentic Hawaiian culture .
50 hotelsmag . com May 2023