What are some hotels designed with regenerative and nature-friendly concepts?
Some spaces stand alone. Whether it’s the flow of movement within or the connection between spaces. Whether it’s a luxury resort, a cultural destination, or an immersive experience of an entire island, these global projects share one thing in common: they are all fully integrated by HKS from conception, planning to design, ensuring every step of the experience is smooth, natural, and meticulously thoughtful.
HKS has a history of over 80 years, offering comprehensive services including architecture, interior design, landscape, master planning, and consulting. Its hotel design business is rooted in the concepts of "regenerative design" and "nature-friendly design," combining sustainability with storytelling.
To support the growing number of regional projects, HKS has expanded its Singapore studio, co-led by Dr. Stéphane Lasserre and Robert Day, providing clients with comprehensive integrated design services from the very start of the project.
The following six outstanding projects exemplify HKS’s holistic design philosophy—where design, nature, and narrative intertwine to create extraordinary experiences.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Convention Center, Shanghai West Bund Financial City
Currently under construction, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Convention Center in Shanghai West Bund Financial City is located in the vibrant core of Shanghai’s West Bund. HKS integrates a luxury hotel, a state-of-the-art convention center, and curated cultural spaces to weave a city tapestry. Large glass curtain walls frame views of the Huangpu River, naturally connecting the interior with the city and waterfront panoramas, achieving seamless dialogue between architecture, landscape, and urban context. Thoughtful material use and visual composition enhance the immersive experience and integrity of the overall space.
Belmond Cap Juluca Resort
Originally opened in 1988, HKS has revitalized it as a modern island lifestyle interpretation on Anguilla’s Caribbean coast. Traditional Caribbean architectural elements—white pavilions and open verandas—blend with lush landscaping, encouraging natural flow and maximizing sea views. Every design decision serves one goal: to let the resort extend as naturally as the island itself. This vision has earned the hotel multiple Condé Nast Traveler awards, including the 2021 Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards in 2021 and 2023.
InterContinental Nanjing Garden Expo Hotel
Situated on the mountainous terrain of Nanjing Garden Expo Park, master planned by HKS, it resembles a tranquil village. Inspired by the mining history and natural topography, it integrates cultural narrative with serene scenery and fluid spatial experiences. From the geology-themed restaurant to the cantilevered roofs, every detail forms a unified and immersive resort experience. The project has received international honors such as the MIPIM Asia Gold Award and Asia Pacific Property Awards.
Vie L’Ven Resort and Residences
Located on a hillside on the island of Saint Martin, HKS designed it as a high-end retreat that follows the terrain. Two hotels and private residences are built in tiers with expansive views and natural indoor-outdoor transitions. Most of the site is preserved as a nature reserve, supporting local ecology and adding tranquility to the resort atmosphere. Modern architectural language, flowing landscape design, and a focus on health and resilience ensure every detail serves an unforgettable experience.
MGM National Harbor
The first luxury entertainment resort complex in the Washington, D.C. area, HKS designed it as a bold yet refined landmark on the Potomac River, echoing memorial sites while embodying modern aspirations. To pay tribute to Washington’s iconic white marble buildings, the design features a clean, sculptural form with a 24-story tower rising from a central axis, guiding guests through restaurants, luxury retail, and a light-filled greenhouse. Smooth rooflines and landscaped terraces blur indoor and outdoor boundaries, with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing river and city panoramas.
JW Marriott Hotel Dallas
Located in Dallas’s vibrant arts district, it redefines urban luxury. HKS carefully planned the hotel layout to maximize visual connections with the city, with public spaces leading to a double-height lobby, extending to a rooftop bar, lounge, and pool. The exterior’s flowing lines and large glass areas reflect the spirit of the arts district, while the interior features minimalist elegance paired with curated artworks, blending the boundaries between architecture and art.