A long-term evolution of an established wellness retreat, encompassing new architecture, renovated accommodation, reception and social spaces, poolside living and interiors — bringing each phase together through a cohesive, relaxed tropical design language.
Planning of the new accommodation within the established retreat, considering existing buildings, landscape, circulation, privacy and future development.
Review of existing site conditions, surveys, levels, access and infrastructure to establish the parameters for the new development.
Complete architectural design of the accommodation buildings, including planning, building form, elevations, roofs, openings and indoor-outdoor relationships.
Complete interior planning and design of the guest rooms, bathrooms and associated spaces, balancing functionality, comfort and a restrained material language.
Specification of architectural and interior finishes, lighting, custom furniture and joinery to create a cohesive identity throughout the accommodation.
Detailed plans, elevations, sections, construction details, specifications and interior documentation required for implementation.
Selection and sourcing of furniture, lighting, fabrics and accessories, balancing design quality, durability, availability and commercial requirements.
Ongoing design review and coordination during construction to resolve details, respond to site conditions and maintain the intended design direction.
Planning of the new accommodation within the established retreat, considering existing buildings, landscape, circulation, privacy and future development.
Review of existing site conditions, surveys, levels, access and infrastructure to establish the parameters for the new development.
Complete architectural design of the accommodation buildings, including planning, building form, elevations, roofs, openings and indoor-outdoor relationships.
Complete interior planning and design of the guest rooms, bathrooms and associated spaces, balancing functionality, comfort and a restrained material language.
Specification of architectural and interior finishes, lighting, custom furniture and joinery to create a cohesive identity throughout the accommodation.
Detailed plans, elevations, sections, construction details, specifications and interior documentation required for implementation.
Selection and sourcing of furniture, lighting, fabrics and accessories, balancing design quality, durability, availability and commercial requirements.
Ongoing design review and coordination during construction to resolve details, respond to site conditions and maintain the intended design direction.
Samahita Retreat is an established yoga, fitness and wellness destination on the southern coast of Koh Samui. BAYA was commissioned to design and deliver a new series of guest accommodation buildings, expanding the retreat while maintaining the relaxed, grounded character developed across the property over many years.
Rather than conventional resort rooms, the accommodation responds directly to guests attending yoga retreats, teacher training, fitness and wellness programmes. Compact floorplans were carefully resolved around comfort, practicality, privacy and calm, while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding gardens.
Steeply pitched thatched roofs, white rendered walls, natural timber, polished concrete and generous openings establish a simple tropical architectural language. Mature trees were retained wherever possible, while custom timber elements, integrated storage and tactile natural finishes bring warmth and functionality to the interiors without unnecessary complexity.
Designed and built within clearly defined commercial parameters, the accommodation demonstrates how thoughtful planning, proportion and material selection can create distinctive spaces without excess. The result is architecture that feels purposeful, relaxed and intrinsically connected to Samahita and its tropical setting.
Working within controlled construction parameters became an integral part of the design process. Simple building forms, efficient planning and a deliberately limited material palette allowed resources to be concentrated where they have the greatest impact on comfort, atmosphere and the guest experience.
Pitched thatched roofs, rendered masonry, timber detailing and generous openings give the accommodation a distinctly tropical character. The architecture remains deliberately quiet, allowing mature vegetation, filtered light and the beachfront setting to become an essential part of the experience.
Guest rooms were planned around the practical requirements of retreat stays, balancing sleeping, storage, working and bathing within compact footprints. Integrated furniture and straightforward natural finishes make the spaces highly functional while retaining warmth and individuality.
The accommodation is arranged amongst established tropical vegetation and mature trees, creating small-scale clusters rather than a conventional hotel block. Garden paths, private terraces and framed views strengthen the relationship between architecture, landscape and the wider retreat.
Whether you’re planning a private residence, boutique hotel, luxury resort or interior transformation, we’d be delighted to hear about your vision and discuss how we can help bring it to life.