The Mantra Samui Resort is slated to reopen in Thailand in early 2017 following extensive renovations to its lobby, spa, pool, and guestrooms. Spearheaded by Bangkok’s Tierra Design and Terra Architects along with Hong Kong-based Habros Design, the redesign includes environmentally conscious upgrades to the property ranging from rainwater filtration to graywater irrigation.
Indigenous trees and plants frame the road leading to the hotel’s entrance, and a water feature adds a new dimension of the lush surroundings. The lobby now features a tiered ceiling, influenced by the design of traditional Thai houses, as well as a nearly 17-foot-tall vertical garden that highlights the island’s tropical flora.
Natural wood furnishings and contemporary artwork breathe new life into the guestrooms while bathrooms boast his and hers sinks and spacious rain showers. Each 721-square-foot room exudes a cool atmosphere thanks to an earthy palette of creams and browns with splashes of ocean blue. Terracing now encloses large balconies to ensure privacy.
Panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand can be enjoyed from the infinity-edge saltwater pool and swim-up bar, which are framed by a new expanded pool deck finished in locally sourced white marble. Former squash courts have been converted into the property’s spa, Jai, which is home to three single and one double treatment rooms in addition to a foot reflexology treatment area. Mood lighting, high ceilings, and bamboo cladding provide tranquility and a sense of place. The resort’s middle level will be home to a newly refreshed lounge area where guests can enjoy views and partake in various bar games.
The resort’s new sustainable technologies will harvest rainwater for filtration and reuse, reducing the property’s dependency on deep water wells and private suppliers by one-third. Energy-efficient air conditioning has been installed, circulating air across 38 “Love” rooms via only seven units rather than one for each room.
