Biophilic Design Hotels That Bring Nature Indoors

The Soneva brand is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, who set out to prove that traveling in style can be achieved entirely au naturel. All accommodation options at Soneva Jani are inspired by nature and crafted from sustainable, ethically-sourced materials such as bamboo, sun-bleached timber and plantation-grown wood. Driftwood is transformed into sculptures and statement lighting, while waste metals and glass are converted into eye-catching design details. Most of the villas feature waterslides into the lagoon and a retractable roof for stargazing, and the open-air, over-water Cinema Paradiso seemingly floats on the crystalline turquoise waters beneath.

With a goal to cultivate the best of eco-conscious design and sustainable architecture, the 1 Hotels brand is upending the typical experience of luxury hospitality. Featuring an ivy-covered façade and Mother Nature-inspired interiors, 1 Hotel Central Park is a natural haven rooted in the middle of Manhattan. Standing just one block south from Central Park, it’s a fitting homage to New York City’s largest green space. Fallen twigs numbering 16,000 are interwoven into the main entrance, preserved moss fills the hallways, living plants stand floor-to-ceiling alongside every door and terrariums can be found in each guest room.

Far removed from the garish extravagance of South Beach, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is a natural Eden of abundant gardens, cascading fountains, colorful expression and unique architectural details. Displaying architect Kenneth Treister’s signature style, each guestroom gives the feel of a small private home, with delightful amenities ranging from private walled gardens to outdoor rain showers. Anchoring the property is the sun-filled atrium garden that greets you as you walk in, along with the poolside rooftop rum bar, adorned with playful touches of greenery and curated island-inspired artworks.

The need for biophilic design is especially prevalent in hot, highly crowded areas, where people tend to opt for air conditioning over the outdoors, and Bali is no exception. Alila Villas Uluwatu sought to remedy this phenomenon, by harnessing natural resources to make indoor spaces more liveable. As Bali’s first resort to substitute plastic amenities for biodegradable and compostable materials, they are proof that embracing an eco-conscious mindset doesn’t mean compromising quality. The interiors accentuate the natural surroundings and provide a seamless transition from inside to outside, with features such as lava rock roofs, bamboo ceilings and rattan interiors.

Sitting at 1800 meters above sea level in the Italian Alps, FORESTIS is every outdoor lover’s dream come true. Echoing the majestic mountain landscape, the furniture is sparse and minimalist, letting nature take center stage. The wood lining the walls is made from storm-felled trees, and the bathroom tubs are carved from Dolomite stone. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in abundant natural light and offer unobstructed views. Inspired by Celtic beliefs, the spa treatments draw from spruce, larch, mountain pine and stone pine trees, and in the kitchen, Head Chef Roland Lamprecht’s unique “Forest Cuisine” dining experience centers on foraged and locally-sourced ingredients in their most natural form.

Designed to have the “lightest possible footprint on the land,” Kisawa Sanctuary is an innovative eco-resort making ground-breaking strides in sustainable tourism. They’re the first to print building materials in 3D, using sand and seawater to create a mortar that’s then used to create everything from floors to furnishings. The buildings themselves are made from locally-sourced earth blocks with roofs made of thatch, and large windows allow for natural ventilation. Extending far past the aesthetic, 3D printing is also used to help restore and expand the area’s coral reef and marine habitats.

Promoting a sense of harmony with nature while maintaining strong cultural roots, Keemala Hotel is known for its unique integration of biophilic elements with traditional Thai architecture. The enchanting tropical paradise is nestled in lush rainforest, with streams and waterfalls incorporated throughout, and a network of jungle walkways connecting the villas. Inspired by clans of fictitious Phuket settlers, the property is divided into four different room types: Clay Pool Cottages, Tent Pool Villas, Tree Pool Houses and Bird’s Nest Pool Villas. Each style features nature-driven narratives and makes creative use of earth-toned colors, reclaimed timber and indoor foliage.

At Treehouse London, the theme is evident from the moment you walk in. Plants cascade from the ceiling and pop out from every corner. Interiors are crafted from repurposed wood and naturally-sourced materials. Even the elevator has been lined with bark, giving the feeling of ascending the inside of a tree trunk. With wooden accents and cozy handwoven textiles, the rooms resemble luxury secret clubhouses, offering panoramic views across the city. Evoking the nostalgia of childhood, the whimsical hotel set out to create an adult playground of sorts, where guests are free to leave their worries at the door.