Project Brief
The vision for the newly refurbished Sanara Spa and Gym centres on improving user experience and circulation, breathing new life into the established wellness destination. The narrative begins as soon as the guest arrives at the lift lobby, reimagined as a sophisticated, neutral threshold where a prominent host stand serves as the focal point, fluidly orchestrating the journey. From this central nexus, the path diverges into two distinct experiences. Guests seeking high-energy wellness zones are guided toward the gym, which seamlessly extends from the lobby’s contemporary aesthetic. Conversely, those pursuing tranquility are drawn into the dedicated spa area, where the design intentionally celebrates and elevates a rich, Asian-inspired heritage. This experiential journey was carefully choreographed by optimizing the flow between the changing rooms, treatment sanctuaries, relaxation areas, and spa facilities. The journey eventually extends outdoors, where a newly incorporated external terrace unfolds naturally as a serene extension of the Onsen pools and dedicated relaxation zones, due to be complete later this year.

Concept
A truly holistic approach was taken in the design, from carefully considering the initial guest journey to the overall narrative and scheme direction, and finally translated through to the individual user treatments. The design is guided by the ancient wisdom of oriental healing, beautifully balanced with the transformative energy of gemstones and chakras. Seven precious stones drove the material and colour palette, including Ruby, Honey Amber, Citrine, Jade, Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, and Amethyst, allowing individual spaces to naturally engage with one another while maintaining their distinct identities. This creates an intuitive flow throughout the environment that corresponds with the chosen treatment and deeply enhances the overall guest experience.

Various Design Elements
The arrival lobby exudes a calming elegance with subtle touches of Asian influence, delicately transitioning guests from the main residential lobby into the world of Sanara Spa. A striking focal pendant, designed closely alongside Vann Furniture, and a custom pop-of-colour host stand draw the eye from the lift lobby, welcoming visitors at the start of their journey.

Upon entry into the reception, warm timbers, soft neutral wall coverings, intentional pops of teal, and elegant Asian-inspired elements gently draw guests further into the immersive environment.

Throughout the corridors, the extensive collection of artworks and artifacts serve as the hero pieces. Nestled within cabinets, these pieces are showcased alongside custom niches celebrating Buddha statues set against a backdrop of gold-brushed bamboo, instantly transporting guests away from the hectic city into a calming, distant land.

The Veil of Stillness changing rooms are infused with the grounding energy of Jade, featuring a custom lava stone vanity, luxurious textured wallpaper, and warm, raw carved timber paneling that cocoons guests,  evoking instant calm. Each Chamber of Renewal treatment room is uniquely attuned to a specific chakra and harmonized through tailored color palettes, scents, and gemstone energies to align with the chosen treatment. This concept is tangibly reflected through bespoke lava stone accents, textured handmade Japanese tiles, and curated antique artworks.

The Radiance of Renewal relaxation rooms are anchored by the deeply calming presence of Amethyst, a stone known for its connection to clarity, peace, and higher consciousness. Guests are encouraged to release, restore, and reconnect post-treatment through the delicate purple fabrics and customised cherry blossom wallcovering, creating a truly relaxing experience.

About the Ambience
Sanara Spa is designed as a serene, jewel-toned sanctuary where atmospheric lighting, rich natural textures, and gemstone-inspired hues create a deeply immersive environment. The clever dappling of natural light through rippled glass and decorative resin screens, combined with the intentional obscuring of outside views, fosters a profound sense of privacy while allowing daylight to permeate deep into the interior, offering a true hideaway from the rush of the city where guests can retreat, recharge, and re-emerge fully replenished.

Material Selection
Great importance was placed on letting the rich, authentic tones of the gemstones express themselves throughout the project, which is beautifully realized in the custom lava stone pieces and the rich, deep luster of handmade Japanese Mittsu tiles. Carved timber elements and rippled glass screens introduce a refined, raw texture to the spaces, successfully grounding the vibrant jewel tones and tying the entire material narrative together. These raw, hard materials are perfectly complimented by the detailed Pierre Frey fabrics, playing off the gemstone tones and textures in their design.

Furniture Selection
A mixture of existing antique furniture and new contemporary Asian pieces are used throughout the space, complementing each other to create a rich environment that feels authentic to the design. New pieces have intricate carved details, delicate tassels, integrated lighting, and inlaid mother of pearl, adding an extra level of detail that truly elevates and enriches the space.

These antique pieces, originally sourced from across Asia for the spa, were intentionally retained to preserve the property's heritage, brought back to life through thoughtful reupholstery, refinishing, or a careful clean and polish.

Team:

Architects: LW Design Group

Contractor: Woodpecker Interiors

Designers: Rachel Kidd, Brodie Kane, Casey Carillo

Photographer: Ingrid Rasmussen

Materials Used:

Custom Lighting throughout project – feature pendant, accent ceiling lights, and wall lights to lift lobby & arrival; feature lamps to custom benches, Kimono artwork frame lighting at reception.

Vann Furniture & Interior Design  

Fleury from Braquenie Collection Anniversaire 1823: Pierre Frey

Thesee Table Lamp: Graphite

Passepoil Velours Velvet Piping Cord: Houles

Royal Tiger from Soleil Levant Collection: Pierre Frey

The Song of the Dunes from Deserts Collection: Pierre Frey