Elevating Leisure Experiences: Architecture and Authenticity in Travel

As holidays have evolved into self-catered affairs and operators seek to increase occupancy rates following the global recession, there has been an opposite rising demand among discerning travellers for truly authentic experiences.

The right Accommodation

The right accommodation is now seen as a step on the journey to discovering distinct regional values. It continues to dominate booking concerns and can be divided into four groups - Luxury hotels, resorts, holiday ownership and privately owned villas – all offering exclusive retreats.

We have been fortunate to be at the forefront of this move and believe that architecture should lead the current thinking for change away from the well oiled black boxes, or themed activity centres, by blending and structuring those human needs together with sensibility and control. The relaxation process for guests, community and visitors alike, not only for accommodation but spas and attractions as well, starts upon arrival and only finishes when the positive memory fades.

Our Belief

We also share the belief that all Leisure facilities should be a starting point or a stop, a logistic place for Community, Visitors and Guests to co-exist. The fascination of a landscape can't be summarised in a single component. Instead, it is a mixture of architectural, historical, culinary excellences that reflect its distinct contextual values. The travellers accommodation is a step on the journey to discover the region. A journey which may encompasses castles, cities, folklore, natural reserves and cultural cuisine.

All our projects present their own challenges as they often have to be planned around an incredibly rich environment (natural or heritage). Each give out unique clues to how a series of unique 'discoveries' can be connected thus providing an inherent way finding system. All new structures should (re) use local materials which sit effortlessly within context and combine with tactile surfaces and sensory zones to define visitor routes. Textures (vertical and horizontal) should combine with sensory change (planting the nature trails and wildlife habitats) to further enhance zonal functions.

We might still be daydreaming.......

"Without Mark's prompting and guidance, and inspiring us to see what could be possible, we might still be day-dreaming."

A and S Evans, Chiswick