top 10 getaways and resorts of 2015

top 10 getaways and resorts of 2015

throughout 2015, a number of getaways and resorts have been established, occupying a variety of landscapes in unusual locations. the destinations form places of escape, often in remote or picturesque settings, offering a break from an ever more hectic world. although similar in function, the ten selected schemes are incredibly diverse in form, providing guests with tranquil and calming temporary residences. continuing our annual review of the year’s big stories, we take a look at the getaways and resorts that caught our eye over the past 12 months.

awasi patagonia by felipe assadi arquitectos

image © fernando alda

perched on the hillside of a private reserve directly overlooking the neighboring lake and mountain range, felipe assadi was charged with constructing ‘awasi patagonia’ in chile. the getaway features twelve lodges which have been carefully organized and distributed on the grounds of the site to ensure privacy for the guests, and at the same time, frame sweeping views.

manshausen island resort by snorre stinessen

image © siggen stinessen

situated in the steigen archipelago off the coast of northern norway, this adventure resort on manshausen island has been designed by architect snorre stinessen. completed for polar explorer børge ousland, the scheme responds to both the island’s topography, and the site’s two most prominent structures — an 18th century farmhouse and the existing stone quays.

naman spa and resort in vietnam

image © hiroyuki oki

the vast naman spa and resort in vietnam includes of eighty bungalows, a hotel, six VIP villas and twenty villas. masterplanned by vo trong nghia architects, the overall concept of the scheme was to use nature and the environment to provide a relaxing and healing space for guests — both physically and mentally. this has resulted an array of facilities, including a spa, yoga, beach, bar and restaurants; all of which display a consistent, harmonious mix of bamboo, green and stone construction.

sky lodge adventure suites in peru

image © natura vive

hanging from a sheer cliff face in peru’s sacred valley of cuzco, three transparent capsules have been installed, providing accommodation for particularly intrepid guests. to reach the sleeping pods, lodgers must first climb 400 feet (122 meters), or hike an challenging trail using ziplines before enjoying the impressive views of the mystical valley.‬ ‪

vivood landscape hotel in spain

image © vivood landscape hotels

nestled in southeastern spain’s guadalest valley, a sustainable luxury resort has opened its doors to guests. the inaugural vivood landscape hotel comprises 25 independent suites, which are lightly and unobtrusively perched above the rugged, undulating terrain. the retreat also includes a fine dining restaurant and lounge bar, a panoramic swimming pool, and a host of private terraces and jacuzzis.

sobreiras – alentejo country hotel by future architecture thinking

image © joão morgado

surrounded by cork and olive trees, miguel correia of future architecture thinking / FAT was charged with designing the sobreiras – alentejo country hotel. located an hour from the portuguese city of lisbon, the destination sits on a hilltop comprising eight volumes which use a suspended structure to enable them to gently rest above the rough terrain.

the cocoon tree can be hung in any location

image © cocoon tree

weighing only 60 kilos, the cocoon tree is a spherical and versatile den based on a reinterpreted tree house. fitted with a mattress, the robust form has been crafted with aluminum and is wrapped in a waterproofed canvas, where six cords are used to sustain suspension, and another six employed for lateral stability. customizable to the user’s needs, mosquito screens, fans or even heating devices can be fitted.

wanda vista xishuangbanna resort by OAD

image © chen he

chinese studio OAD office of architecture and design celebrated the recent inauguration of the wanda vista xishuangbanna resort. located on a lush mountainside in the chinese province of yunnan, the luxury complex includes 151 villas, a conference center, spa, pagodas and accompanying amenities. the architecture relies heavily on the traditional chinese forms that historically shaped the landscape. walls of stone and roofs of wood form a series of structures that elegantly blend the contemporary with the vernacular.

lima duva resort in thailand by IDIN architects

image © spaceshift studio

located on the popular island destination of koh samed in thailand, IDIN architects have designed a romantic and family getaway in the form of lima duva resort. the design process involved creating a retreat for the many couples visiting the island, as well as the needs of larger families. the different buildings on the site making up the various facilities and private rooms have been given their own identity, while immersed in the region’s lush scenery.

relux hotel in greece by A31 architecture

image © yiannis hatjiaslanis

located on the greek island of ios, A31 architecture has completed the transformation of an existing hotel. the site has had a complete overhaul with facilities and services upgraded to suit its 4 star boutique identity. taking advantage of site specific features such as the thriving micro-climatic, distinct topographical conditions, and the existing vegetation, the combination of white walls and stacked gabions allows the building to blend seamlessly with its setting.