The coastal town of Pondicherry is witnessing a rapid transformation, where numerous small to medium-scale accommodations and heritage homes are being converted into homestays to serve a growing influx of tourists. Amidst this crowded hospitality landscape.
Project name
Nomads - Destination Stays
Architecture firm
Seeders I Biophilic Architecture Studio
Location
Pondicherry, India
Principal architect
Dinesh D
Design team
Sivaranjani S, Archakam Sai Harsha Vardhan, Aakaash M
Interior design
Seeders I Biophilic Architecture Studio
Landscape
Seeders I Biophilic Architecture Studio
Civil engineer
JB builders
Material
Brick, Concrete, Wood, Metal and Glass
Typology
Hospitality › Boutique Resort
RAVÂ is a conceptual eco-lodge located in Yazd, Iran, that reinterprets vernacular desert architecture through a contemporary, climate-responsive lens. Organized around a central courtyard, the design features modular brick units with vaulted forms and soft arches, interconnected by vibrant pedestrian bridges.
Project name
RAVÂ A Contemporary Eco-Resort in the Desert Region of Iran
Architecture firm
studio samane_zare_m
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Samane Zare
Typology
Hospitality › Hotel, Resort
Block722's new 5-star resort for JW Marriott in Marathi, Crete is a benchmark for sustainable Mediterranean hospitality. Set on the steep hillside above Souda Bay, the project combines contemporary architectural precision with the spirit of the Cretan landscape.
Project name
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa
Architecture firm
Block722
Photography
Ana Santl, George Pappas
Principal architect
Sotiris Tsergas, Katja Margaritoglou, Christina Kontou, Elena Milidaki
Design team
Apostolos Karastamatis, Eirini Tsakalaki, Danai Lazaridi, Electra Polyzou, Marilena Michalopoulou, Xenia Bouranta, Georgia Nikolopoulou, Tzemil Moustafoglou, Gregory Bodiotis
Collaborators
Planting: M&M Constructions Ltd. Project Manager: Vasilakis SA, Yiannis Poulianakis, Sofia Papavasileiou. Procurement: Vasilakis SA. Spa & Wellness consultants: Eminence Hospitality and Andrew Gibson. Art direction: Block722, Efi Spyrou. Styling: Priszcilla Varga. Operational Manager: SWOT Hospitality. Hotel Owner: Vasilakis SA
Structural engineer
PLINTH
Environmental & MEP
AGAPALAKIS & ASSOCIATES L.P.
Lighting
L+DG Lighting Architect
Client
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Typology
Hospitality › Resort
From cliffside infinity pools to castle courtyards and vineyard views, these design-led escapes invite guests to float through Europe’s most beautiful landscapes one swim at a time. The art of summer transcends destinations—it’s defined by the emotions they inspire. At these handpicked members of The Aficionados, that sentiment often begins at the...
Written by
The Aficionados
Photography
The Aficionados
Tucked deep within a lush evergreen forest and embraced by a dramatic mountainous landscape, The Forest Crescent Retreat is a visionary example of how contemporary architecture can harmonize with untamed nature. Designed as a high-end eco-tourism destination.
Project name
The Forest Crescent Retreat
Architecture firm
Arch Aspire Studio (Sama Hajati)
Location
Conceptual – Forested Mountain Region (Exact location not disclosed)
Tools used
AI-assisted tools (Krea AI, Midjourney), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom
Principal architect
Sama Hajati
Design team
Sama Hajati, Arch Aspire Visualization Unit
Collaborators
In-house team at Arch Aspire Studio
Built area
Approx. 450 m² per unit (conceptual)
Site area
Approx. 10,000 m² (flexible depending on deployment)
Client
Self-initiated Concept for Exhibition & Research Purposes
Typology
Hospitality › Eco-tourism Retreat, Biophilic Resort
MASK architects proudly announces the unveiling of the world’s first hydrogen-powered resort, a revolutionary fusion of architecture, sustainability, and cutting-edge hydrogen technology. This groundbreaking project sets a new standard for eco-friendly luxury, redefining the future of tourism and hospitality in the Middle East.
Project name
The World’s first hydrogen-powered Luxury Floating resort in Middle East
Architecture firm
MASK architects
Tools used
Autodesk 3ds Max, Rhinoceros 3D, Corona Renderer, RunwayMl Animation
Principal architect
Oznur Pinar Çer
Design team
Oznur Pinar Çer, Danilo Petta
Visualization
MASK architects
Typology
Hospitality › Hotel & Resort
“Design, whose only role is to beautify the world, has no chance of survival,” says Paulina Czurak-Czapiewska, the owner of the Sopot-based architectural studio Ideograf, which has been creating premium projects since 2008. Under the careful guidance of the charismatic leader.
“Valmara” is not just a cabin or a villa, it is a floating sanctuary that honors the history of ancient vessels, transforming them into a new destination for rest and contemplation. Inspired by the rebirth of ships that once sailed the oceans, this structure elevated on stilts captures the essence of navigation.
Architecture firm
Veliz Arquitecto
Tools used
SketchUp, Lumion, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Jorge Luis Veliz Quintana
Visualization
Veliz Arquitecto
Typology
Hospitality › Hotel, Resort
