From a breathtaking spa resort in Italy to a respectfully restored property in India, these four remote retreats offer guests one-of-a-kind, truly immersive experiences.

RAAS Chhatrasagar

Located in RAAS Chhatrasagar’s central court, the all-season infinity pool borders Baradari restaurant

Perched atop a nearly 150-year-old dam with sprawling views, RAAS Chhatrasagar celebrates the 800 acres of pristine forestland in the town of Nimaj, India. Courtesy of Studio Lotus, the property is a revamp of a seasonal camp into a year-round destination that captures the one-with-nature essence that has attracted guests there for years.

Laid out in a linear configuration along the length of the reservoir, the property is home to a central court that doubles as the reception and Baradari restaurant; an all-season infinity pool and small garden; and 16 tented pods that border the camp. As guests make their way from a drop-off area surrounded by a dense grove of trees to the courtyard, the dam slowly comes into focus, framing views of the lake. “The site is revealed in layers,” explains Studio Lotus principal Ambrish Arora, “uniting the experience of discovery with an element of surprise by working in harmony with the context and tying numerous touchpoints to establish meaningful connections.”

 

The New Delhi-based firm also paid special attention to the site’s sensitive ecological context, ensuring that any new addition to the property had a minimal footprint. To that end, the new camp is imagined as a system of low-impact foundations and lightweight superstructures that blend with the environment. Further, much of the design connects with the outdoors, featuring decks for lounging, skylights that filter in natural light, and vibrant fabrics that nod to the flora and fauna native to the region. These subtle design moments bring the focus back to the lush setting. “The sunrises over the lake and sunsets into the forest are an integral part of the guest experience,” Arora adds.

Terme di Saturnia

Terme di Saturnia is centered around 3,000-year-old thermal springs, which served as inspiration for the resort’s redesign

Nestled in the southern part of Tuscany, the 132-room wellness retreat Terme di Saturnia is known for its thermal springs. Here, crystal blue waters flow from the top of Mount Amiata to an underground river forming the pool that is a highlight of the luxury golf and spa resort, which has been recently redesigned as it celebrates its 102nd year.

The concept from THDP—derived from a sense of belonging to the land and a deep attachment to nature and its cycles—comes alive in a color palette of earthy gold and rich water hues that reflect the celestial quality of the natural pool. “Once the water flows down to the waterfall, it becomes cooler and the chemical reaction changes the color to a very delicate aqua green,” explains Manuela Mannino, partner and founder of the London-based firm.

 

The building dates back to 1919, so the design had to pay respect to both its history and the famous springs. In the serene lobby and reception area, the firm interpreted the elements of earth, air, and water into pieces like handmade glazed ceramic tiles that are the same shade as the pool and a toile de jouy wallpaper that represents the countryside.

TDHP also translated the ideas of reflection, corrosion, erosion, and ripples into subtle design moments. For instance, suspended lanterns and two large ceiling installations in the public spaces allude to the reflections of water.

“From the view of the crisp blue and turquoise hues on a sunny day or observing the steam floating on the water’s surface late at night and first thing in the morning, it is literally an immersive experience,” says Mannino. “There is a deep ancestral connection with the water in Saturnia.”

Paradero Todos Santos

The curved pool deck and infinity pool overlook the dazzling landscape beyond the property

Nestled in a transformative place where desert, mountains, the sea, and five acres of family-owned farms meet is the 35-suite Paradero Todos Santos, a sustainable resort that blends into its picturesque surroundings. The experience-driven hideaway “looks like it emerged from the soil,” says Bibiana Huber, creative director at B-Huber, the Guadalajara-based firm tasked with the hotel’s interiors. “That is the magic of the project.”

Along with Yektajo & Valdez Architects and landscape architects Polen, Huber crafted a bohemian, earthy aesthetic, complete with a natural material palette of Tornillo timber, black metal, and sand-colored concrete. From daybeds that appear carved from the earth to cushioned “star nets”—hammocks suspended across rooftop suites—guests are immediately immersed in nature. The desert-inspired tones are only enhanced by the half-moon infinity pool and a 100,000-square-foot botanic garden that is home to 60 endemic plant species, including produce that is used in the restaurant’s Oaxacan-inspired dishes.

 

Suites, accessed via a series of paths in the central garden, continue the muted design scheme. “Once inside, one rediscovers the landscape through a sequence of inside-outside spaces, which blur the lines between the property and the environment,” says Ruben Valdez, principal at Yektajo & Valdez Architects. Soothing and sanctuary-like, the minimalist interiors incorporate elements—from large stones to planters—that complement textured patterns on walls and headboards, while the base of large soaking tubs on patios extend into the terrain for a deeper connection to the land.

The open-air living room hums with activity while also instilling a sense of calm. Here, woven rugs, Tornillo stools, and low armchairs are interspersed with Yucatan hammocks and plush jute cushions. “[We focused] on textures, colors, and smells that harmonize with the context,” says Valdez. “The selection of the materials aims to understand luxury not as a material idea, but rather an experiential one.”

PokoPoko

The PokoPoko clubhouse consists of three attached buildings, defined by their roof cone structure made from local pine using traditional Japanese carpentry

Found in Japan’s Nasu Highlands farming region, known for the Mount Nasu volcanoes, PokoPoko brings a sense of joy and playfulness to the existing Risonare Nasu hotel. In addition to renovating the hotel, Tokyo-based firm Klein Dytham Architecture designed the clubhouse, which features three roof cones made from local pine that peek out from the trees. Supported by plywood beams and a central steel ring beam, “the wooden structure uses traditional Japanese carpentry details to create interlocking forms,” says firm cofounder Mark Dytham.

The clubhouse, which is connected to the hotel’s two existing complexes via a new route and footbridge, was designed with families in mind, fostering a sense of connection and togetherness that is now more important than ever. On one end is an indoor playground with a tall white net structure and a ball pit. The opposite side offers an open fireplace for parents to lounge around while taking in the 360-degree views of the surrounding nature; the middle is a space for cooking with a large pizza oven. The act of discovery was also important to the design concept. “It reveals itself magically in the forest,” Dytham says. “We want people to wonder what it is and be drawn closer.”

 

More from HD:
The Tiing Tejakula Villas Take Cues From Bali’s Vernacular
Finding Meaning: Purposeful Travel Reaches New Heights
4 Elevated Cabins Make a Strong Case for Disconnecting