Design
Above: The designers spoke to botanists to plan how the foliage would interact with each space.
Above right: The team have learnt the importance of maintenance with minimalist design.
Below: The hotel features high-quality fi nishes that provide a luxury feel.
In Mexico, the team had to understand the local patterns in nature to project how the property would look and feel five years or more from opening. “Natural waterways were evaluated, we inquired with botanists how the foliage would take over the elements we were introducing, we even studied the life cycle of trees as they would collapse on their own and we had to know when and where,” he notes. “We saw we had to learn the flora and fauna in detail not to disturb the wildlife while providing our guests with the exquisite comfort that is expected of us.” Two important lessons have already been learnt just two years since the property opened – the first about the importance of maintenance. “We went the extra mile to make sure our impact on nature will be minimal, and saw that nature has a never-ending thirst to conquer,” Ozkasikci says. “A Nature Resort like this has a lot to do with material durability, correct detailing, high-quality finishes, and putting
a bullet-proof maintenance strategy in place that comprises routine and preventative maintenance in one.” One&Only Mandarina has become the group’s testing ground for these principles and is already proving to be an invaluable source of information for the team at Kerzner.
The second lesson, about accessibility, is still in progress. “Vehicular access and pedestrian access require two very different analyses at a site like One&Only Mandarina, and the latter needs the property to settle a bit to find and add alternatives to assist with exploration, comfort, and ease,” Ozkasikci explains. “We are still learning from the site, and I am very happy to admit that there are still elements and experiences we are discovering that are worthy of providing pedestrian pathways for.”
The distance the freestanding treehouse fl oats above ground, blending indoor and outdoor spaces with fl oor-to-ceiling windows and sliding walls. One&Only Mandarina
40ft 34
The One&Only Mandarina is an extreme example of how a property can integrate with the nature surrounding it, but the themes the design team have explored and the approaches they have taken – from encouraging guests to explore the great outdoors to taking immaculate care over the sustainability of the property – are resonating more and more with guests, who have learnt a lot about themselves and what they want out of life over the past couple of years. As Ozkasikci concludes: “The stresses and pressures of a hectic urban lifestyle are definitely driving factors in individuals wanting to seek out more time among nature reconnecting with natural surroundings and working on their well-being. Hotel design enjoys the opportunity to provide this comfort while, of course, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment.” ●
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
One&Only Mandarina
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