A new resort, Amanvari, is being realised on Baja California's east coast, in the transitional zone between the desert and the Sea of Cortés. The project is based on an original architectural concept by Heah & Co. Planning and design of the resort, with its 18 casitas, were carried out by Elastic Architects. Aman's core principles, such as generosity, privacy and a respectful approach to nature, were significantly taken into account. The entire architectural ensemble is designed to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and to subtly encourage guests to interact with their surroundings.
The design of the resort references the region's distinctive landscape forms: the desert, the lagoon, the sea and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. The resort is structured into a fluid sequence of spaces leading from the arrival area, across an existing lagoon, to the coastline. This concept reveals new perspectives on the diverse ecosystems of the surroundings with every step, fostering a sense of tranquillity and a deep connection to the landscape. The lagoon serves as a natural focal point, while the horizon remains ever-present, framed by expansive windows in public areas and the casitas.
The Casa Grande forms the resort's central element, where the influences of desert and sea conceptually converge. Open areas, high ceilings and expansive openings characterise the space, allowing for the unimpeded flow of light and sea breeze. Elevated terraces appear to float above the vegetation and water, offering wide views of the Sea of Cortés. The freestanding casitas, each 82 square metres in size, adopt this design concept. They are constructed from exposed concrete and tropical hardwoods, whose materials echo the natural colours and textures of the landscape. Their location varies from within a palm grove to slightly elevated ground or directly by the water.
Each casita features a generous 160-square-metre terrace, which includes heated pools, outdoor showers and fire pits, extending the living space outwards. The orientation of the living and sleeping areas has been optimised to capture the changing light of Baja California throughout the day. The material selection is clear and restrained: Iroko wood defines the architecture and furnishings, champagne-coloured limestone for washbasins reflects the region's hues, and Vermont Beige marble enriches floors and walls. Black Caledonia granite gives the water features a mirror-like effect. Exposed concrete, mixed and processed on site by local craftsmen, connects indoor and outdoor areas into a timeless whole.
Amanvari's art concept is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and places the landscape at its centre. It combines contemporary Mexican design with traditional craftsmanship. Participating artists and studios include Encrudo Studio, Tomás Díaz Cedeño from Disciplina Studio, Charabati Bizzarri and Aura Carpio. Their works explore themes of geology, time, erosion and the transformation of nature. An installation in the entrance area of the Casa Grande, created by Abi and Luisa Calvete from EXTRA NEUTRO, is a relief-like dome with a structured surface, whose production took around 1,000 working hours. It is inspired by Nummulites, extinct marine microfossils, and symbolises personal growth.
In Luma, the Mexican coastal restaurant, Walther Alcala from Raiz Studio continues the tradition of Mexican ceramic art with handcrafted ceramic vessels from the TIERRA series, made from clay from Jalisco. These objects are entirely hand-formed, broken and reassembled. In the Italian restaurant Arva, a historical ceramic and terracotta water jug from Puebla complements the collection, while in the casitas, works by Arozarena de la Fuente address themes of erosion and earth changes. These are complemented by sculptural ceramics by Tomás Díaz, which emphasise traditional craftsmanship.
