Two Istanbul-based design firms come together to create a contemporary resort in Bodrum

Situated in the idyllic Hebil Bay, where lush nature meets crystal-clear water, this long-term-stay resort responds to the needs of contemporary travellers. On the one hand, the atmosphere of the resort – which occupies 5,700 of the 10,000 square metres that make up the complete property – makes you feel at home; on the other, guests have discreet access to the services of a five-star hotel.

Behind the design concept of Caja by Maxx Royal are two Istanbul-based design firms: GEOMIM, which was responsible for the architectural design, and GEO_ID, which took care of the interior design. The starting point consisted of examining the spirit of the place to create a connection between the architecture and the surroundings, and to provide an experience where indoor and outdoor living are at one.

“Caja Living is an effort to establish the relationship between past, present and future in terms of hospitality experience,” says GEOMIM founding partner Ali Çaliskan. “We continued the Aegean spirit of summer living: the design codes in scales, textures and integration with nature are all rooted in the region’s vernacular traditions. And yet the spatial programme is innovative in the way that these Bodrum houses are directly but invisibly connected to a complex hotel system.”

A welcoming canopy leads to the reception hall that acts as a lounge with comfortable seating arrangements. Organic patterns inspired by Bodrum’s textures adorn the common areas of Caja by Maxx Royal – from the ceilings of the fitness centre to the walls of the spa and the floors of the restaurants – showcasing several interpretations, visually translated through different materials and scales.

With their monolithic aesthetic, the 22 villas available in different sizes were inspired by the style of constructions in the area from the 1980s. The final look, however, is a modern interpretation.

“Bodrum houses are commonly remembered with blue windows on white walls,” says GEO_ID founding partner Tuğçe Rizeli. “One of the significant aspects that distinguishes this project is our decision to replace blue with black. This seemingly strong contrast helped us achieve the luxurious feel [both] indoors and outdoors while keeping the design minimal in the villas’ interiors.”

Present both inside and outside, the white stucco cladding blurs the lines between the spaces and generates a serene ambiance. The beige palette of the textiles and ceramic surfaces adds a sense of warmth while contrasting with the black furniture, staircase and custom-designed frames.

“Every aspect of the resort experience – the arrival, the lounge, pool and beach, restaurant, fitness and spa – is clustered around the entrance or by the seaside, leaving the villa zones intimate and tranquil,” the team says. “Imagined as a serene Aegean village, guests are welcomed to experience a new summer holiday that will redefine Caja for years to come.”

The magic continues around the building’s exterior, where olive and palm trees, ivy walls and groundcovers, as well as native plants, reflect the idea of restoration and enrichment of the existing conditions that guided the landscape design, resulting in a humble setting that alludes to local villages.

Sustainability was also an important part of the vision for Caja by Maxx Royal. The architecture and the design optimise light transmission, solar gains and heat loss via the use of small rocks, large wooden canopies, green roofs, building orientation, natural ventilation and rainwater collection for irrigation.

With its pure lines, monochromatic tones and carefully maintained vegetation, this serene place comprises all the components for a lifestyle that blends sophistication and tranquillity.