MANA 88

CONCEPT DESIGN

Deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological spirit of the Riviera Maya, MANA 88 is envisioned as a regenerative wellness community inspired by the sacred Alamo tree — guardian of the cenotes and symbol of protection, renewal, and connection between worlds.
Located in Akumal, Mexico, the project redefines the relationship between architecture and nature, creating a holistic environment where design, ecology, and human experience coexist in balance.

The master plan draws from the principles of sacred geometry and the Mayan cosmology of the three realms — the roots (underworld), trunk (earth), and branches (sky). These archetypes shape the spatial and symbolic organization of the entire development, guiding circulation, hierarchy, and visual alignment. The geometry unfolds as a living mandala: a network of paths, plazas, and gardens organized around the Wellness Center, the spiritual and social heart of the community.

Within this circular sanctuary, water, light, and vegetation intertwine to create spaces of calm and renewal. The architecture becomes an instrument of balance — a dialogue between openness and refuge, between the elements and the human spirit. Around it, recreational amenities, meditation decks, and reflective gardens integrate seamlessly with clusters of villas designed for privacy, connection, and contemplation.

ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION

The architecture of MANA 88 expresses the harmony between material, landscape, and meaning. Inspired by the natural textures of limestone, bamboo, and rammed earth, the built language feels both timeless and rooted in place. Simple geometric forms emerge from the terrain as extensions of the landscape, blurring the line between built and natural.

Each villa prototype embodies the project’s regenerative philosophy — designed with passive systems for natural ventilation, solar orientation, and shading. The typologies respond to different micro-landscapes: jungle, cenote, and clearing, offering varied experiences of light, privacy, and connection to nature. Interiors are open and tactile, where stone, wood, and woven details evoke serenity and craft.

The Wellness Center, envisioned as a circular temple of wellbeing, anchors the entire composition. Its ring-shaped design embraces an inner oasis with thermal pools, shaded hammocks, and meditative gardens. The curved colonnade filters sunlight through bamboo lattices, casting ever-changing shadows that mirror the movement of water and wind.

LANDSCAPE & EXPERIENCE

In MANA 88, landscape is not the backdrop of architecture — it is the soul of the project. The master plan restores native ecosystems and weaves them into the spatial fabric of the community. A network of pathways connects the cenote lagoons, wellness zones, and recreational areas, encouraging slow movement, mindfulness, and discovery.

The vegetation palette prioritizes native and adaptive species — ceiba, chicozapote, palm, and endemic tropical flora — reinforcing biodiversity and resilience. Water is celebrated as a sacred element: shallow pools, reflective channels, and natural wetlands form a continuous hydrological network that cools the air, recharges the aquifer, and sustains the cenote ecology.

Every space is choreographed to awaken the senses — the texture of stone underfoot, the scent of wet earth, the sound of rustling bamboo. Community pavilions, fire-pit lounges, and yoga decks create social nodes that foster connection and belonging, while quiet corners invite solitude and reflection.

SUSTAINABILITY & VISION

Sustainability in MANA 88 extends beyond environmental responsibility — it is a spiritual and cultural commitment to regeneration. The project integrates passive design strategies, solar collection, and rainwater harvesting to minimize its ecological footprint. Low-impact construction methods preserve existing topography and vegetation, while permeable materials maintain the site’s natural drainage and connection to the water table.

The architectural palette embraces local materials and craftsmanship: limestone from nearby quarries, bamboo harvested from sustainable sources, and artisanal finishes that celebrate Mayan traditions. Each structure is designed for long-term adaptability and minimal maintenance, ensuring resilience across generations.

More than a real-estate development, MANA 88 aspires to be a living organism — a model of regenerative living that harmonizes wellbeing, ecology, and culture. It embodies a vision of luxury as consciousness, where design becomes a vehicle for connection, restoration, and reverence for the natural world.

Project Name: MANA 88
Location: Akumal, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Project Type: Regenerative Wellness & Residential Development
Site Area: 50Ha
Built Area: Approx. 25,000 m² Villas
Design Period: 2025
Status: Concept Design

Architects: sanzpont [arquitectura]
Developers: MANA 88 Developers

MANA 88 by sanzpont arquitectura in Mexico won the WA Award Cycle 52. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.