There is no luxury without sustainability
The concept of luxury today it is already far from concepts such as “all inclusive”, “spa circuit” or “buffet breakfast”.
And it is that the world of hospitality has turned towards new standards based on two fundamental pillars: design and sustainability.
Plastic-free hotels, cabins that blend in with the landscape , lodges built with native materials and full of handcrafted objects, yoga retreats, treatments with natural products and a growing interest in vacation activism These are just some of the travel trends that have been in the spotlight for some time.
One of the most innovative projects is found on the island of Benguerra, in Mozambique: is about Kisawa Sanctuary , a complex created from the water and the sand of the place thanks to the combination of the latest technology and concern for the environment.
Kisawa Sanctuary: sustainable luxury in the middle of nature
FADE TO GREEN
Kisawa Sanctuary aspires to become the maximum exponent of luxury hospitality and sustainable design through two elements: innovation and craftsmanship.
“My mission for Kisawa is to create a level of hospitality and design that, to my knowledge, does not exist today; a place that inspires feelings of freedom and luxury born of nature, space and true privacy” points to Traveler.es Nina Flohr, founder of Kisawa.
Thus, in this retreat in the middle of nature "we have used design as a tool, not as a style, to ensure that Kisawa is integrated, both culturally and environmentally, into Mozambique," adds Nina.
Constructed from 3D printed materials
NATURE AS THE SUMMIT OF PRIVACY
Kisawa Sanctuary houses twelve one-, two-, and three-bedroom bungalows plus the Kisawa Residence, located within an area of 750 acres (about 3,000 square kilometers) of forest, beach and sand dunes.
Each bungalow is individually housed within its own one acre (4,000 square meter) plot, thus offering maximum privacy, minimal disturbance and uninterrupted contemplation of the natural environment that surrounds it.
In addition, each of these bungalows has your own private beach and pool, outdoor kitchen, massage cabana, and a stocked pantry. Do you want more? Kisawa also has a fleet of electric buggies, several restaurants, two beach clubs, a 'lagoon' pool, the Barraca bar and a library.
The spa is specialized in traditional chinese medicine and ayurvedic treatments and its architecture is inspired by the straw houses of the island.
Here there is no set schedule, nor is it necessary. The guests elaborate their agenda to their liking: the meals, the treatments and the activities are totally organized according to their preferences. "We hope to open during the third or fourth quarter of this year," they point out from the complex.
Maximum privacy in a unique environment
CONSCIOUS DESIGN
Nina Flohr came to Africa at a young age and traveled extensively across the continent. This experience inspired and pushed her to protect and celebrate the culture, community and environment of Mozambique.
Thus, Nina has always focused her work in three directions: innovation, investment and collaboration ; being the central purpose of Kisawa the respect for the natural environment.
Nina is also responsible for the creative direction of the property, bringing together an in-house team alongside global experts to execute on this long-term vision: "Kisawa's intention is to be a light touch on the land, but a deep commitment to culture and nature."
The essence of the design of this island resort lies in focus on a conscious approach: employ artisans who use local materials –Kisawa has created more than a thousand jobs for the nearby communities–, thus preserving the environment and the culture of the place.
3D PRINTING WITH INDIGENOUS MATERIALS
Tradition and technology make Kisawa a unique place, where the complex not only stands out for its natural materials but for the innovative use of them.
The most important point of this commitment to innovation is a material created from sand and salt water from the island of Benguerra.
Replacing less sustainable and common construction practices, this sand-based 'mortar' is used in two different ways. First, It is used in various construction elements, such as facades, to create a natural finish.
In addition, the same sand amalgam is also used as a base material for a proprietary 3D sand printing technology, commissioned specifically for this project.
"Some media have assumed that the entire hotel is being 3D printed, which is not correct," they point out from Kisawa Sanctuary.
The mortar fed by the 3D printer, in situ on the island, gives rise to specific construction elements, from masonry to floors and tiles.
Therefore, “the end result is not a completely 3D printed architectural structure, but built with 3D printed components” , they clarify.
These unique construction methods are used throughout the sanctuary and are fused with Mozambican craft practices (weaving, straw, carpentry, etc.).
But the work of the 3D printer does not end there, it will also be used to create objects and design the interiors of the sanctuary , and will be deployed at the other end of the island to print coral reefs made of sand and marine habitats for the Kisawa-based nonprofit Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS).
BENGUERRA: A PARADISE ON AND UNDER WATER
Benguerra is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, WWF National Marine Park since 1971.
Here we find some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean : More than 145 species of birds, killer whales, manta rays, whale sharks, marlins and dolphins are regular visitors or permanent residents.
The warm and crystalline waters of the island are also a globally important habitat for humpback whales, along with five species of sea turtles.
Can you think of a better destination for the summer of 2020? Kisawa Sanctuary rates start at €5,000 per night in a one bedroom bungalow that includes food, drinks, private chef, spa, activities such as diving and marine safari, electric vehicle and bicycles.