Kagi Maldives Spa Island
North Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
Our design mission was to satisfy our client's intent and purpose, that is to create a place that combines the pristine nature of the Maldivian island and well-being of the guests. From our standpoint for this island, well-being comes from the ample private space that is safe, at the same time it is open to the surround nature. Also, we believe that conveying the right balance between the sense of solitude and socialization is crucial.

In designing the masterplan, maximizing the views from some key locations became important. We have placed 40 villas on the water. and 10 villas on the beach. Each villa was designed to have a front deck with a pool facing unobstructed view of the Indian ocean. This is where an ample, safe, private space meets one of the wildest marine life in the world. 

The spa complex places people at its heart, creating an ideal calm place for wellbeing. The lagoon and a ring-shaped building from a seamless whole: reception, retail, wellness café, treatment rooms, relaxing lounges, gym, yoga studio,  and radial steam rooms are all supported by a communal open center 'pod' for the guests to rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and souls. The entire shell-shaped building has one of the largest spa facilities in the country. 

For the restaurant complex, the dining rooms, lounges, bar, wine room and kitchen are also radially arranged with a common center. In which, is an herb garden to convey a sense of openness, where the local horticulture is showcased and interacted by guests. The restaurant / bar seating was arranged for the option of dining indoor or outdoor, natural breeze or air conditioning, private or public. 

We often see beautifully manicured landscapes with exotics in Maldivian resorts, but we believe that the introduction of imported plants may bring unpredicted consequences within a holistic ecosystem. There is an eco system attached in place to existing islands in the region and it was a crucial part of our mission to minimize change.