Destinations in Design

Lagen Island Resort, Philippines

WATG and Wimberly Interiors have unveiled the reimagined Lagen Island Resort, setting a new benchmark for preservation-first luxury in Southeast Asia. Conceived as an eco-sanctuary deeply rooted in its surroundings, the 42-key private island retreat embraces a regenerative design philosophy that prioritises conservation, cultural authenticity and immersive guest experiences.

Rather than rebuilding, the design team retained nearly all of the resort’s original structures, significantly reducing environmental impact while protecting the island’s biodiversity. Existing materials, including nara wood flooring, were carefully repurposed into new architectural features, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainable reuse. Across the six-hectare resort, architecture and interiors draw heavily from Filipino heritage, weaving traditional craftsmanship into every detail to support the local community. Hand-carved wood, woven textures and indigenous motifs inspired by the Tagbanua, Tausug and Maranao peoples create a layered narrative of place and culture. 

From water villas that blur the boundary between sea and shelter to forest rooms immersed within lush greenery, the resort’s design fosters a seamless connection to Palawan’s dramatic landscape, where nature itself becomes the ultimate luxury.

Amangiri, USA

Designed by original Amangiri architect Marwan Al-Sayed, the retreat’s new Six-Bedroom Villa brings a distinctly architectural perspective to desert living. Set deep within the untouched Utah landscape, the 1,115-square-metre residence is conceived as an extension of its surroundings, with low-slung lines, walled gardens and expansive terraces dissolving into the canyon terrain. Rooted in Aman’s restrained design language, interiors layer walnut, cypress and poured concrete to mirror the raw tones and textures of the desert beyond. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame sweeping vistas, while open-plan living spaces transition seamlessly into shaded loggias, alfresco dining areas and a dramatic 36-metre central swimming pool.

Balancing monumental scale with an intimate residential feel, the villa’s six ensuite king bedrooms are designed for privacy and retreat, including a primary suite with its own secluded courtyard and plunge pool. A dedicated spa, steam room, sauna and fitness studio further reinforce the sense of sanctuary. Conceived as a private desert home rather than a conventional resort stay, the experience is elevated through highly personalised service, including a private chef and dedicated villa host.

Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Bisate’s architecure and interior design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition as exemplified in the design of the Royal Palace of the traditional monarch. The spherical, thatched structures echo the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape. The architecture is also inspired by Bisate’s amphitheatre setting, with the forms and outlines of the lodge thus accentuating the spectacular natural surroundings. This volcanic mountainous terrain also resonates in the volcanic stone that is used in Bisate’s fireplaces and its surrounds, while natural ‘flamed’ granite is used for many surfaces. 

The architecture was completed by Garreth Kriel from Nicholas Plewman and Associates – who pulled the project together, with Designers Caline Williams-Wynn and Nilfah Adams from Artichoke. Materials used included concrete, steel, timber, synthetic thatch, volcanic rock, bamboo, reed, and papyrus. Bisate’s interior design is drawn from a variety of aspects of the Rwandan lifestyle, particularly the colourful textiles and use of texture. “The emerald green colour in the textiles and chandeliers is reminiscent of the verdant greens of the rainforests, as well as the vibrant markets that dot the villages throughout the country,” shares Williams-Wynn. Following through with Artichoke’s commitment to the principle of recycling, the chandeliers are of recycled glass, and the ibyansi milk jug motif is reused across a number of elements. Many of the furnishings are decorated using imigongo, an art form unique to Rwanda that uses cow dung. The use of black and white cow hides reflect the rural way of life in the villages, and volcanic stone is used in the fireplaces to echo the volcanoes of the adjacent Volcanoes National Park.

With only six luxurious forest villas, each villa comprises a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception area and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breathtaking views out across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke.

Recently, Wilderness has unveiled the Sanctuary – a purpose-built wellness space dedicated to restoration, reflection and connection to place. The spatial journey is defined by a deliberate interplay of scale, light and movement and local craftsmanship lies at the heart of the Sanctuary’s design. 

One&Only Mandarina, Mexico

One&Only Mandarina is deeply immersed in the culture and landscape of Mexico, with the eco-conscious retreat designed to preserve the untouched beauty of Riviera Nayarit. Conceived by Studio Rick Joy, the resort responds sensitively to its surroundings, allowing the dense jungle, ancient trees, and dramatic coastline to guide the architectural language and spatial planning.

“Our designs naturally attune with the views, light, activity and atmosphere created by the hundreds of hues of greens that stimulate all the senses from foreground to horizon. Our process was narrated not just by the hundreds of years’ old trees and vegetation but also the pre-Hispanic history and artifacts on site – so much so that it became necessary that the roads be constructed to divert disturbance and a great weaving take place throughout the site to preserve as much as possible,” says Studio Rick Joy. “Our intent is that those who visit, will sense the rare ancient timelessness of nature and uniqueness of this place.”

Throughout the resort, interiors celebrate Mexican craftsmanship through bespoke furnishings, artisanal textiles, and locally made artworks. Highlights include cast-bronze pieces by the Grez family, gold-leaf installations by Mexico City-based studio Fervor, and handwoven textiles sourced from artisan communities in Oaxaca and Chiapas. The One&Only Spa, set within a volcanic rock garden, draws inspiration from Huichol sacred geometry, with its eight-point star layout symbolising rebirth, renewal, and spiritual regeneration

STORY Carrousel Rabat, Morocco

Dubai-based studio ROAR has reinterpreted Amazigh heritage through a contemporary spatial language rooted in movement, craft, and materiality. Conceived as an immersive journey rather than a conventional hotel, the project balances cultural references with a refined architectural sensibility.

Throughout the interiors, tactile wall reliefs reinterpret traditional weaving techniques, transforming craft into architectural surfaces rather than decorative gestures. Geometric compositions derived from Berber textiles inform flooring patterns, joinery, and custom details, while wayfinding elements subtly reference Tuareg jewellery and protective amulets. “We wanted to distill Amazigh heritage into something more abstract and architectural, where culture is felt through space rather than explicitly shown,” says Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director at ROAR. Natural materials, layered textures, and a muted palette inspired by Morocco’s landscapes define the guest rooms, while ocean-oriented planning and rooftop social spaces reinforce the hotel’s connection to the Atlantic coastline.