Environmentally Sensitive Architecture in the World’s Most Beautiful Places

There are stunning examples of innovative architecture and design in hotels all over this great planet, some of which we have been privileged enough to visit over the course of our travels. But the most impressive are those hospitality ventures that haven’t taken over a landscape, but have instead become part of it, quietly. 

In this episode, we first speak with Reda Amalou, architect and founder of AW², who allowed the dynamic topography of Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula to guide his low-impact designs for the intimate yet sprawling beach and jungle retreat, Kasiiya Papagayo.

On the other side of the world, on the tiny yet lush Christmas Island, Swell Lodge is the result of wildlife photographers and guides Chris and Jess Bray’s passion for what’s sometimes referred to as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.” 

What Kasiiya and Swell Lodge have in common is a reverence for the natural environment that runs so deep they have not sought to change it. Listen to the episode for more from these visionaries, and follow them on Instagram at @kasiiyapapagayo, @redaamaloudesign, @aw2_architecture, @swelllodge and @chrisbrayphotography.