AvroKO Blends Past With Present for the Centara Reserve Samui Resort

Centara Reserve Samui is a modern luxury retreat located in Ko Samui, Thailand, designed by AvroKO. This resort renovation leans heavily on the architectural heritage of its location, weaving elements of the colonial past with the intricate artistry of traditional Thai wood carvings. The designers have skillfully updated these influences, opting for simplified forms and geometric patterns, all while introducing a striking theme that plays with the perception of weight and buoyancy across the resort’s design.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by an elevated pathway leading to the lobby, flanked by water features that seem to defy gravity with their marble-stepped design encircling a verdant tropical centerpiece. The lobby itself is a study in balance and contrast, with a monumental reception desk set against oversized teak cabinets and ethereal floral art installations suspended from above. The material palette is deliberately muted, emphasizing texture over color.

The resort features three dining experiences – Act 5, The Terrace, and Sa-nga – each blending colonial architecture with Thai motifs to maintain unique identities. Act 5 exudes formality with its homage to the pong lang instrument and a modern butcher’s shop aesthetic, accented with teak wood and custom floor tiles. The Terrace lightens the mood with its olive and white palette, curved bar, and organic elements inspired by natural formations. Sa-nga, playful and vibrant, draws from Benjarong ceramics and features Gaudí-inspired designs, showcasing the resort’s knack for blending cultural influences.

The guest rooms extend the thematic interplay of tradition and modernity, with features like curvilinear wood screens and stone desks that enhance the sense of privacy and luxury while maintaining a connection to the resort’s design ethos. The use of light and neutral colors, along with carefully chosen materials and decorative lighting, continues the narrative of contemporary elegance informed by heritage.

To learn more about AvroKO’s iconic hospitality design visit avroko.com.

Photography by Owen Raggett.

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