Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort

CONCEPT DESIGN
A contemporary sanctuary rooted in history, culture, and nature, Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort emerges from a profound respect for the land it inhabits and the stories it carries. Just fifteen minutes from the historic city of Murcia, the resort stands as a dialogue between the ancestral and the contemporary, merging the essence of Islamic-Andalusian heritage, the warmth of the Mediterranean landscape, and the harmony of sacred geometry found in nature. It is a destination that invites guests not only to rest but to reconnect—with the land, with themselves, and with the deeper rhythms of life.
The master plan is structured through the principles of sacred geometry, a design philosophy that translates universal patterns—circles, hexagons, and fractals—into the spatial organisation of the site. Inspired by the geometric intricacy of Islamic architecture, these patterns express balance, unity, and spiritual continuity, giving form to plazas, courtyards, and gardens that unfold with natural rhythm and human scale. Every axis, every curve, every threshold has symbolic and spatial intent: to guide movement, to inspire stillness, and to create a seamless transition between architecture and landscape.
At the heart of the resort lies the ring-shaped Wellness Center, conceived not merely as a facility, but as the emotional and spiritual core of the entire composition. Its ring-shaped structure embodies connection and infinity, housing within its protective geometry a lush internal oasis. Guests enter a realm of calm and sensory immersion—thermal baths, hammams, treatment rooms, and meditation spaces surround a tranquil water garden shaded by palm canopies. Here, filtered sunlight penetrates through terracotta latticework, dancing across water surfaces and earthen walls, creating an atmosphere of quiet transcendence. The architecture feels ancient in its symbolism, yet forward-looking in its ecological intelligence and spatial fluidity.
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ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION
The architecture of Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort draws directly from its contextual and cultural roots, using form, material, and texture as tools of storytelling. The built language is defined by a fusion of minimalism and craftsmanship, where every surface is expressive of natural materials and local tradition. The terracotta envelope, crafted from locally sourced clay, provides both chromatic harmony with the surrounding terrain and high thermal inertia, contributing to passive temperature regulation.
A network of arcaded walkways, shaded patios, and open-air lounges create transitional spaces that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. The design embraces permeability and climatic responsiveness—natural ventilation and controlled shading maintain comfort throughout the seasons, while the gentle presence of water enhances both sensory and thermal comfort.
Radiating outward from the Wellness Center, clusters of triangular villas reinterpret the geometry of desert tents and nomadic dwellings. Their bold, angular forms rise from the landscape like sculpted terrains, combining privacy and openness. These villas are oriented strategically to capture views of the mountains, olive groves, and inner gardens, while maintaining optimal solar protection. The perforated metal screens—patterned with abstracted motifs from Islamic geometry—filter the sun and cast intricate shadows, giving each interior a dynamic, ever-changing quality of light.
Inside, the design embodies a language of serenity and craft. Walls are finished with carved plaster reliefs and woven latticework that recall the artistry of Andalusian interiors. A palette of natural stone, pale timber, linen, and brass sets a tone of timeless sophistication. The furniture is tactile and low to the ground, evoking intimacy and repose, while generous glazing opens the rooms to the surrounding gardens, blurring the threshold between refuge and landscape.
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LANDSCAPE & EXPERIENCE
The landscape master plan transforms the resort into a living, breathing ecosystem. Nature is not a backdrop, but a co-author of the design. The planting strategy emphasises native and adaptive Mediterranean species—olive, palm, and aromatic herbs—chosen for their resilience and sensory richness. The layout of gardens and pathways encourages slow movement, reflection, and discovery.
Every space within the resort is choreographed to evoke emotion. Intimate courtyards offer solitude for meditation or private dining; shaded terraces encourage social interaction; and open plazas host performances or cultural gatherings. Water plays a central role, not only as a cooling and reflective element but as a metaphor for renewal. Streams, pools, and fountains weave through the site, culminating in the Surf Lagoon, a vast body of crystalline water that doubles as both recreational attraction and environmental feature.
The Surf Lagoon anchors the resort’s leisure zone, offering an active counterpoint to the tranquil wellness spaces. Beyond its visual impact, the lagoon contributes to microclimatic balance—its large surface aids in natural cooling and humidity control. Adjacent facilities, such as the sports courts, celebration gardens, and fire pit lounges, complete the experience of movement and connection, allowing guests to flow effortlessly between activity and rest, social energy and quiet contemplation.
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SUSTAINABILITY & VISION
Sustainability at Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort is not an addition—it is the foundation of its design philosophy. The architecture employs passive cooling systems, solar collection technologies, and natural materials to minimise energy consumption. Roofs integrate photovoltaic panels discreetly within their geometry, while rainwater harvesting systems support irrigation of the landscape. Permeable paving and bioswales ensure responsible water management, preserving the hydrological integrity of the site.
Material selection prioritises local resources and low-carbon production. Clay, timber, and stone are sourced regionally to reduce transportation impact and support local craftsmanship. Each building envelope is designed to optimise insulation and shading according to orientation, reducing mechanical dependency and maintaining indoor comfort naturally.
But sustainability extends beyond environmental metrics—it encompasses cultural and emotional sustainability. By reviving the spatial poetry of Andalusian architecture and reconnecting guests with the slow, sensory rhythms of Mediterranean life, the resort offers a model of regenerative luxury—where wellness, ecology, and heritage coexist harmoniously.
More than a resort, the project is an architectural symphony of balance and belonging. It celebrates the wisdom of tradition while embracing the possibilities of the future. Through its fusion of form, light, and landscape, it offers an experience of stillness, beauty, and renewal—a contemporary sanctuary that honours the timeless dialogue between humanity and the earth.

Project Name: Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort
Location: Murcia, Spain
Project Type: Hotel & Tourism Resort
Site Area: 220.00 m²
Design Period: 2025