DESIGN

As natural as the pristine atolls they adorn, these unspoilt living spaces lift the concept of destination experiences to new heights. Leading the design team for Alila Villas Hadahaa is Chan Soo Khian, founder and principal architect of Singapore-based SCDA Architects. SCDA was named as one of the Design Vanguards of 2003 by the very prestigious Architectural Record, a monthly publication by the American Institute of Architects. The firm also received the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Worldwide Award for one of its projects in Singapore and recently, the inaugural SIA (Singapore Institute of Architects)-Getz Architecture Prize for Emergent Architecture in Asia. In 2006, Chan Soo Khian was named Designer of the Year in the Singapore President’s Design Award.

Alila is proud to celebrate the unveiling of this distinctive resort in partnership with Chan Soo Khian. "I relate to Alila's operating philosophy of creating an ecological and luxurious resort. The island site at the southern atoll of the Maldives is spectacular with excellent diving," the Yale-trained architect lauds.

Soo Khian's signature style is evident here, in the way he engages nature. His is an architectural philosophy that seeks to bring out the best of a locale and its essence. Indeed, Alila Villas Hadahaa is gentle on the earth. The design and construction blueprints were guided by environmental impact studies prior to implementation. In complementing the spirit of environmental stewardship, Soo Khian is careful to ensure that his design promotes rainwater harvesting and minimises disruption to corals around the island. "The concept preserves and reinforces the existing foliage of the island. Waste treatment plants ensure that pollution to the island is minimised." While contemporary in nature, Alila Villas Hadahaa uses natural materials including coconut, timber and coral stones that are found on the Maldives.

Emerging trends in top tier luxury resort design embrace several characteristics - ecological, spiritual, contemporary, boutique, cultural and luxurious. As oases of indulgence and rejuvenation, Alila Villas are at once startling and surprising in their architectural elegance. Come 2008, Alila invites you to the ultimate Maldivian experience of wellness and sensory delights, with nature, ocean, sun and surf at your doorstep.