Nestled in the hills and right by the backwaters of Goa, Amora Vida was conceptualised as a resort to relax and rejuvenate.

The property consists of seven blocks, the first of which is a residential unit that has been turned into a hotel, and it is here that Designers Group's expertise has been utilized in the design. The hotel's location is fortunate as it is easily accessible and close to the airport. The forms of this resort gracefully descend down the hills to the backwaters, thus, distinguishing it and making it appealing to the people. The backwater flows to the property's end, with the hills surrounding it, thus, embracing the hotel's contemporary work.

Surrounded by lush flora and fauna, the structure is thoughtfully carved ou, dramatically blending in with its surroundings while providing an exceptional experience. Large pocket terraces are also present, which is a useful architectural wonder.

The first block was converted into a public space with lobbies, all-day dining, a bar, and a small conference room connected vertically with the lift, while the rest of the blocks were connected via an elevated walkway at various levels that also provide views of the lawn and the backwater. The elevated walkways act as a spine, connecting each unit to the next all the way around.

The rooms followed a contemporary style, with the balcony serving as a significant part of the space, complimenting both aesthetics and functionality. The balcony unveils a beautiful view of the surroundings while contributing to providing natural cross ventilation. The artwork in the rooms resonates with the local art of Goa, in which blue lines represent the beach and wooden strips imitate the dunes, twisted with contemporary elements rendering a rustic feel to the space.

The outdoors host the recreational area, spa, gym, long deck, amphitheatre, and lobby are all amenities for the visitor’s well-being. The lobby is a public place intended for family celebrations and enjoyment, as well as a pathway to the pool area exhibiting a thoughtful combination of spaces. Due to the stilts in the area, various amenities were created, one of which is the amphitheatre, as well as the space was brilliantly crafted out by the virtue of architecture.

The resort was designed in contemporary style, with vivid colour palettes as highlights. Portugal's colour palette was infused in the interiors by adorning intricate details of flora and fauna. The hotel's appeal derives from the accentuated bright colours, which create a pleasant and lively atmosphere throughout the design.

The innovative incorporation of local nuances in the form of elements, for example, replicas of fish and fishing boats created to depict the surrounding fishing villages, the pearl art resembling the rare pearl found all over Goa, paid a tribute to the region’s culture. The latticework was incorporated in a lot of areas so that it becomes a local reference to even the civil work in architecture and also acts as an accent wall. The use of local resources and materials, along with the planting of regional flora, added the factor of sustainability to the overall design.

Hotel Amora Vida was modelled overlooking a magnificent water body and is a pinnacle of Goa and its Konkan culture. Exemplified as a hospitality space for wellness, Amora Vida encompasses a wide range of world-class facilities with breakout spaces for personal interactions and exchanges — offering a contemporary experience in terms of culture, food, and tradition.

2020

Typology: Hospitality
Location: Goa
Area: 53,000 sq.ft

Ar. Khozema Chitalwala

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