9 minute read
Where Values Meet Design
ENVI is growing organically and has reached the design phase of a number of exciting new projects. We catch up with Noelle Homsy, co-founder, to find out more.
You have attended our last two Eco Resort Network events and spoken on the subject of your brand and your vision. Now you are about to break ground on your first projects. How challenging is this period in the development of ENVI?
This phase represents a critical juncture in the development of ENVI, where we translate the core values of our brand into tangible ecolodges. It’s a time when we vividly envision and create the guest experience within a specific environment, climate, and culture, while also defining unique, sustainable experiences. We now lay the groundwork for ecolodges that will host guests for many years to come.
Yet, this phase hasn’t been without its share of unexpected challenges. We’ve come to understand that in the realm of sustainability, bridging the gap between theory and practice can be a big job. While our initial intention was to incorporate every possible sustainable system into the design and construction, we realized that sustainability is unfortunately expensive, and we need to find the right balance between the financial feasibility of our projects, the comfort of our guests and the lodges’ impact on the environment. This was particularly evident in locations where air conditioning is essential, especially given our lodges’ positioning in the luxury segment.
What is the planned schedule for opening of your current roster of projects?
We’ve got several exciting openings on the horizon. Towards the end of 2024 and in early 2025, you can look forward to experiencing ENVI Al Nakheel in Al Ahsa, ENVI Laguna Bay on the Red Sea, and ENVI Paje in Zanzibar. Additionally, we’re planning to unveil two ecolodges in Oman, one in Jabal Akhdar and the other whose location is shortly to be revealed, set to welcome guests in 2025. Keep an eye out for ENVI The Islita in Costa Rica, which is projected to open by late 2025 or early 2026.
Besides, what’s particularly exciting about ecolodges is that their development phase can be relatively short, so we may have more signings in the near future that could also open around the same time.
We saw the first renders of the Saudi project from Kristina Zanic during our Montenegro event – how did this collaboration come about?
Collaborating with Kristina Zanic on ENVI Al Nakheel has been an absolute pleasure. She is a highly regarded interior designer in the luxury hospitality sector, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her.
One of ENVI’s sustainability pillars is “Building with a Sense of Place”, which technically involves creating spaces that truly resonate with their surroundings. Kristina Zanic has done an exceptional job in capturing this essence. The inspiration of her interiors draws heavily from the local saying, “under the palms,” a tradition in the Al Ahsa region where people gather beneath palm trees during the pleasant spring season for social gatherings and reunions. The room designs also take inspiration from the intricate palm leaf weaving showcased on the ceilings with hand-woven canopies using various techniques. We are yet to see how these interiors will be once executed and we hope to get the chance to work again with Kristina and her team on other ENVI projects.
What are you striving for when it comes to the design of an ENVI project?
During the design phase of every ENVI lodge, we prioritize several key principles that can be categorized into 2 buckets, “sustainable” and “experiential”. First and foremost, we aim to create a project that seamlessly integrates with its environment, maintaining a strong sense of place. This extends to ensuring that the project blends well with its surroundings, unlike many other projects that aim to stand out.
We’re committed to sustainability and employ sustainable, natural, and locally sourced materials. We always choose structures that have a minimal impact on the land, consciously avoiding concrete to prevent soil sealing and toxic leakage. Whenever possible, we implement systems and use materials designed to reduce energy consumption.
Our lodges consist of individual guest units, and we aim to provide each unit with ample privacy to facilitate guest disconnection and relaxation. We also ensure the efficient utilization of the site, reserving prime spots for common facilities that all guests can enjoy. This ensures that every guest has the opportunity to experience the best that the location has to offer.
How much is the location key to designing for the guest experience?
Location is the foundation of our design philosophy. We initiate our concept with the location as the focal point, shaping the guest experience by carefully considering not only the on-site amenities but also the opportunities in the surroundings. Our goal is to fully immerse guests in the natural environment, nurturing their connection with the surroundings through a wide range of activities.
Furthermore, we hold the preservation of local culture in high regard. This commitment is reflected in our culinary offerings, the integration of local arts and crafts, and our engagement with local communities to facilitate meaningful interactions between guests and residents.
In addition to this, our choice of guest unit types is influenced by the unique attributes of each location, including natural features, cultural elements, climate, and, in some instances, the region’s traditional architectural styles. This holistic approach ensures that the guest experience is deeply rooted in the essence of the destination.
Who are the key members of your team involved in this stage of project development and what skills are they bringing to the table?
This stage of development necessitates a multifaceted team, each member contributing their specific expertise to ensure all aspects are addressed comprehensively.
We have a dedicated design expert responsible for the front-of-house, ensuring the proper implementation of our brand identity and guest flow. Our MEP, sustainability and back-of-house expert takes care of the behind the scenes systems that guests don’t typically see.
In addition, we have Christina, our in-house wellness specialist, who plays a crucial role in advising on the design of our spas and wellness centres, creating spaces that promote guest well-being. When it comes to specialized areas like kitchen and laundry facilities, we collaborate closely with our operations team, led by Paul Jordaan. They provide invaluable insights on layouts and equipment tailored to the practical needs of our operations. This collective effort ensures that all facets of our projects are expertly addressed.
You recently announced your first African project in Zanzibar – can you take us through your projects and the reason why you fell in love with them?
Each of our projects holds a unique story and brings significant value to our portfolio. Here is a closer look at what makes each one special:
ENVI Paje in Zanzibar is nestled along one of the most coveted white sand beach strips on the island. The destination is a magnet for kite surfers and draws in travellers seeking a serene but also adventurous beach getaway.
ENVI Al Nakheel, located on a date farm in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, offers a distinctive immersive agri-tourism experience tailored for both adults and families.
ENVI Laguna Bay, positioned just an hour north of Jeddah on the Red Sea, is set against a backdrop of pristine beaches surrounded by mangroves. It’s an ideal escape for both locals and expats seeking an environmental beach experience.
ENVI Al Jabel Al Akhdar is perched on a mountaintop, providing awe-inspiring vistas and direct access to a verdant wadi with rich biodiversity, perfect for hikers and adventurers.
ENVI Oman (location to be revealed) is conveniently close to Muscat, situated on a pristine sandy beach where a wadi converges with the Gulf of Oman, creating a unique landscape.
Lastly, ENVI The Islita in Costa Rica is located in a destination renowned for luxury experiential ecolodges, making it a prime choice for those seeking an unforgettable eco-luxury experience.
We spoke about the challenges of striving to be ever more environmentally friendly – especially in some locations where the climate makes it difficult to compromise on guest comfort. What have you learned during the design phase that will really stand you in good stead for the future?
A key lesson has been the importance of setting realistic, achievable sustainability targets from the outset. By doing so, we prevent reaching a stage where we must resort to value engineering, which can lead to rushed decisions that compromise the guest experience.
Additionally, we’ve recognized the significant advantages of collaborating with specialists early in the project’s development. Their expertise enables us to identify alternatives for reducing our carbon footprint more effectively.
We’ve also come to appreciate that, in most cases, sourcing materials locally is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly. This approach often surpasses the environmental benefits of shipping so-called “sustainable materials” across the oceans.
We hope that these lessons will come in handy for our future projects but are also sure that we’ll experience new challenges that we’ll learn from.
By May 2024 when you join us in Mauritius, you will be in the construction phase - will you also be taking on more new properties?
Our organizational structure has been designed to facilitate swift expansion, even across multiple continents. In 2024, we are actively growing our team to effectively execute our current projects.
However, we will continue to be selective in our expansion efforts, focusing on projects that either bring substantial value to our portfolio or are situated in locations where we can create a meaningful and positive impact. Our commitment to quality and sustainability will always guide our decisions when considering new properties.
You are known to be very precise with your plans and expansion roadmap. Has the journey so far lived up to your expectations?
Our current position aligns with our initial plans and expansion roadmap. However, it’s important to note that the journey to reach this point presented challenges we hadn’t fully anticipated!
