When thoughtfully designed, an outdoor space undoubtedly elevates the guest experience, offering visitors a welcome sanctuary and opportunity to connect with their surroundings on a deep level. Alessio Constantino, head of architecture at Bluehaus, shares his thoughts on how to successfully transform an outside space into a relaxing, restorative oasis, while tapping into the region’s natural beauty.

In recent years, the concept of wellness has undergone a profound transformation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in modern spa and retreat design. Guests today are seeking more than just luxury – they’re looking for experiences that reconnect them with nature. Outdoor spaces, like forest bathing zones, rooftop gardens and thermal pools surrounded by vegetation, are becoming defining features of spa and hospitality design.

Harmonious connections

As an architect, I’ve always believed that great design is about creating connections – not just between spaces and people, but between people and their surroundings. This ethos resonates strongly with the idea of outdoor retreats. A well-designed outdoor space can elevate a guest’s experience, offering them a sanctuary that feels both immersive and restorative. Take, for example, Bluehaus’s earlier work on the Al Hamra Walk Boardwalk in Ras Al Khaimah. While not a spa, the project exemplifies how outdoor environments can be thoughtfully crafted to foster a sense of harmony. Inspired by the natural movement of waves, the boardwalk integrates gathering areas, interactive zones and tranquil pockets for reflection. This segmentation ensures that the space appeals to a diverse audience, while maintaining a seamless connection to its surroundings.

Leveraging indigenous landscaping

These same principles can – and should -be applied to outdoor retreats in hospitality design. However, when designing outdoor spaces in a region like the Middle East, it’s essential to consider the local environment. Unlike other regions, where lush greenery may define outdoor retreats, here, sustainability calls for a different approach. Biophilic design tailored to this region means leveraging indigenous landscaping and native materials to create spaces that reflect the local ecosystem, while promoting ecological harmony.

Native landscaping: embracing the desert aesthetic

Incorporating native plants, such as ghaf trees, date palms and desert grasses, can create a visually striking and ecologically sound retreat. These species are not only drought-resistant, but also thrive in arid climates, requiring minimal water and maintenance. This approach doesn’t diminish the beauty of the design –  it enhances it by connecting the space to its surroundings. Instead of mimicking environments from other parts of the world, using native landscapes celebrates the region’s natural identity and cultural heritage.

Local materials and sustainability

The materials used in outdoor retreats also play a significant role in ensuring sustainability. Locally sourced stone, rammed earth and concrete finishes inspired by traditional techniques reduce the environmental footprint of construction, while creating a strong connection to the region’s architectural vernacular. The use of materials with high thermal mass can also help regulate temperature, making spaces more comfortable for guests throughout the year.

Designing for resilience

The Middle East’s extreme weather conditions – intense heat, sandstorms and occasional heavy rains demand designs that are both durable and adaptable. Shading structures made from sustainable materials, such as tensile fabric or local wood, can provide relief from the sun, while maintaining airflow. Water features, like thermal pools or shallow reflecting pools, can help cool spaces naturally, creating a comfortable microclimate for guests.

A balanced approach

The beauty of biophilic design lies in its ability to balance luxury with sustainability. Guests seek authenticity, and there’s no better way to deliver that than by showcasing the region’s natural beauty in its most honest form. By avoiding lush greenery that feels out of place and embracing the desert’s raw, untamed elegance, we can create spaces that resonate deeply with guests, offering a connection to the land they are visiting.

Creating memories

As wellness tourism continues to grow, I see outdoor retreats as a defining feature of modern hospitality. They are no longer optional additions, but integral to the guest experience, offering a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market. Creating spaces that honor both nature and the human need for connection means that we’re not just designing retreats, but are designing memories. The future of hospitality lies in these outdoor oases, where thoughtful design meets the beauty of native landscapes to create spaces that linger in the hearts and minds of those who visit. By celebrating sustainability and embracing what the region has to offer, we can set a new standard for wellness and outdoor living in the Middle East.