Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, Bamboo, and Fire, in this 30-acre resort offers a distinct sensory experience corresponding to its elemental form.
Editor’s Note: “At Ananta resort, architecture listens to the land, crafting a poetic dialogue between elemental forces—earth, water, fire, and bamboo. Moreover, each villa is a gentle ode to its origin. Rooted in the Aravallis and lifted by light, this retreat isn’t built to impress but to embrace, offering luxury in its quietest and honest form.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
Ananta Spa And Resort: A Retreat Rooted in Nature and Luxury | Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)
Lobby Area
The lobby is characterized as a luxurious space rooted in the outdoors. Wooden and metallic textures create a centerpiece that reflects the grandeur of the resort. The team uses rough-hewn textured granite to introduce an element of rocky brutalism, which they offset with bespoke couches. Additionally, the amalgamation of various free forms is a defining element and lends an organic ambience. Also, the team encapsulates courtyards lined by vertical columns within the forms of the space, making them one with the outdoors.
Bamboo Villas
Reminiscent of a bamboo grove, the Bamboo Villas stand by each other in a circle. Unimposing in their light form, their angles emulate the natural characteristics of the wondrous grass. The roof curves inwards, much like a pathway lined by bamboo shoots that lean towards one another.
Muted earthy tones of the cane furniture within complement the bamboo grove and cladding in the front verandah, contributing to a soothing atmosphere.
Interior Design Aspects
Furthermore, the interior embraces calming green and brown tones inspired by its namesake. Rattan furniture and exposed wooden rafters pair perfectly with the green furnishings, creating a serene, nature-infused ambiance.
The team designs a cozy loft with an additional bed to evoke a sense of intimacy, making it feel like being among bending bamboo groves.
Lagoon Villas
The team situates the Lagoon Villas atop a water body, designing the structure in a classic cottage shape and elevating it on pillars to allow the natural landscape to flow seamlessly underneath and around it. This design emphasizes complete harmony with its surrounding environment. From the inside, the villa similarly blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature. Sunlight dances on the water below and filters through floor-length windows, filling the space with natural light. Also, the team complements warm, soothing tones with vibrant blues, reflecting the essence of the namesake element. A partial glass floor reveals the flowing water beneath.
Earth Villas
The Earth Villas represent vernacular mud architecture forms of Rajasthan. The fluid forms of the facade are derived from the Rajasthani Bhonga houses, a circular mud structure with a conical thatched roof. The result is a sturdy and culturally-rooted structure.
The interiors provide a warm and intimate retreat. Defined by soothing beige and brown tones and natural materials like stone and wood, they radiate an earthy charm. Lime-plastered walls and smooth curves add a soft, calming touch, creating a serene and grounding atmosphere.
Fire Villas
The Fire Villa is perhaps the most unique in terms of its design and conceptualization. An amalgamation of nature-inspired design and cubist forms, it embodies the abstract shapes of fire within a concrete structure oozing energy.
The facade is reminiscent of the hearth within which a fire is lit. The roof borrows its shape from fireplace bellows that fan a fire to create warmth, a reminder of the necessity of this element. Like its namesake force, the villa’s design exudes vivacity and assertiveness.
Warm wood tones and clean lines dominate the interiors, creating a harmonious and inviting ambiance. The layout emphasizes functionality, with subtle design details like paneling and natural textures adding depth and character.
Every element, from the earthy palette to the open spatial flow, is designed to echo the dynamism of its elemental inspiration.
Amenities
The resort hosts a range of amenities for its visitors. The spa is a luxurious, two-storey building with designated sections for different services such as hydrotherapy, ayurvedic massages and so on. Two banquets of varying sizes are suited to large and small gatherings. Other amenities include a toddlers’ play area, a fitness center, a swimming pool and poolside cafe, a lounge, an entertainment zone, and restaurants overlooking the expansive lawns.
DESIGNED FOR RELAXATION
Our clients’ signature approach to hospitality focuses on immersive experiences and relaxation guided the layout and guest interactions. We aimed to create a retreat where guests can reconnect with nature, experience local culture in a contemporary setting, and enjoy a luxurious escape. There are ample spaces such as the rooms, lounges and spas that allow for relaxation after a safari. At the same time, various banquets, restaurants and a pool deck enable intimate and grand events. The design is about creating warmth and comfort through the landscape, the layouts, and the natural materials. It’s all very simple but still luxurious because it feels real. The organic paths and random placement of the villas break away from the rigid geometry we typically see in architecture, and that’s key to creating a space that feels grounded in nature.
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO LUXURY TRAVEL
Ananta Ajabgarh celebrates a unique interpretation and experience of luxury. “Luxury, in our view, is no longer about abundance for the sake of it. It is about harmony, balance, and a deep respect for the setting in which we build. At Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh, we’ve reimagined what it means to create indulgent spaces that coexist with nature. From rainwater harvesting systems and afforestation drives to the formation of natural water bodies, our efforts are rooted in sustainability. The design of our elemental villas, each inspired by nature’s core elements, further reflects this ethos. Here, luxury is defined by stillness, space, and a thoughtful connection to the earth, offering our guests a quiet, grounded escape from the everyday”, says Kush, founder and principal architect at Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL).
Fact File
Designed by: Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)
Project Type: Hospitality Architecture and Interior Design
Project Name: Ananta Spa and Resort
Location: Ajabgarh, Rajasthan, India
Year Built: 2024
Project Size: 1066704 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Kush Shah
Team Lead: Deepti Vohra
Architecture and Interior Design Team: Prakash Patel, Drashti Upadhyay, Hina Patel, Rajvi Shah, Bhargav Bhavsar & Manthan Thakkar
Photograph Courtesy: Ananta Hotels and Resorts
Consultants for the Project: Civil Contractor – GLOBAL Projects / Interior Designers – Scarlett Designs Landscape Architects – Topio Design Studio / MEP & HVAC Consultants – TechFour / Structure Engineers – DELF / Lighting Designers – Zion DZine
Firm’s Website Link: Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)
Firm’s Instagram Link: Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)
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