Set on the fringes of UNESCO World Heritage city Hampi, the capital of the 14th-century South Indian Vijayanagara Empire, George Ramapuram, managing director and head of architecture and design at Orange County Resorts and Hotels, created a contemporary sanctuary with discreet opulence.
By Kishore Iyengar
Orange County, Hampi
Orange County, Hampi
Orange County, Hampi
The external façade features black stone domes and layered roofs, evoking palatial architecture. Incorporating temple and secular architectural styles, the impressive interiors reflect Indo-Islamic style arches and unique aqueduct-watered temple tanks, and boast an open central courtyard.
Orange County, Hampi
A calming body of water extends outside to the temple courtyard, lending wide-angled dimension to the spacious atrium lounge.
“It had to be representative of the typical Hampi landscape,” Ramapuram says.
Orange County, Hampi
Spotlit Mashaal-shaped lamps (ancient hand-held flaming torches), wood paneling with a lotus motif, and a soft sheer canopy form a decadent, yet relaxing mood for the Ayurvedic therapy experience in a spa treatment room.
Orange County, Hampi
The suites and common guest areas have more elaborate, almost feminine arches while the corridors contrast with more masculine utilitarian, military-style arches, complemented by cutout copper chandeliers and giant handcrafted urns.
Orange County, Hampi
The bar lounge boasts curved custom-engraved wooden posts, extra large sofas, calming reflective pools, and the hotel’s signature ancient granite done with a rough textured, matte finish.
Orange County, Hampi
The spacious 37 suites are clothed in rich fabrics, customized furniture, and period-appropriate art. In the Zanana suite (shown), a handwoven rolling maroon canopy creates a wave-like effect highlighted by bedside lotus-shaped lamps.