Zadun a Ritz Carlton Reserve Hotel resort

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Zadun, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the first hotel in Mexico of only four in the world in the ultraluxury category of this hotel chain. The design of the complex was built on an area of 7has, with 350 meters beach front behind two majestic dunes and spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez. The design intent relies on the creation of a very horizontal, noninvasive building, that allows each suite to be unique and have a particular atmosphere.

Dimensions & Packaging

The complex has 30,000sm built on an area of 7has, with 350 meters beach front. 116 units divided in 88 Typical Rooms, 5 K suites, 20 Executive Suites, two Deluxe Suites and one Grand Reserve Villa.

Tags

Desert, Reserve, Barefoot Luxury, Corten, Subtle Elegance, Hospitality, Sense of Place

Production Technology

The ambience of subtle elegance is based on the integration of local materials both in buildings and in the outdoor environment, including regional stone, wood and marble in a range of tones going from brown and ocher to sand, as well as the use of aluminum and corten, since it integrates very well with the colors of the desert, behaves well in the outdoors, provides character and timelessness to architecture.

Design Challenge

A brand like Ritz Carlton has well-defined standards for the design of its hotels. However, with only three Reserve resorts built in the world, it was necessary to carry out a continuous and complex exchange of ideas and a reflection process with the brand and all the team involved in the different areas of design in order to understand and assimilate the philosophy of a Reserve and translate it into a true luxury experience based on simplicity, sense of place and deep contact with nature.

Research

The research was based on three main axes: the brand's experience in the other three Reserve already built, the study of ecosystem and particular conditions of the site, and the study of architecture in desert locations from Frank Lloyd Wright to recent resorts like Amangiri in Utah. The data obtained served as the basis for proposing a very contemporary architecture, fully integrated with the Baja California desert and in compliance with Reserve values and philosophy required by the brand.

Inspiration

The inspiration comes from the desert and its surroundings. The light, color and vegetation that characterize the Baja desert are extraordinarily strong elements and a natural invitation to consider architecture as a tribute to it. For this purpose, a series of horizontal planes that emerge from the land were proposed, as well as the use of large black overhangs that, by their arrangement, accentuate the light/shadow balance, taking advantage of the unique quality of the light of the Baja desert.

Project Duration

The design phase started in 2015 in Mexico City, the construction started in July 2017 and it was completed in November 2019. Zadun is located in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Operation Flow

The Reserve "barefoot luxury" philosophy was embraced: guests are in deep contact with nature, in a relaxed atmosphere away from daily stress and reconnecting with themselves in a unique natural environment where local materials are fully integrated with the architecture and the landscaping.

Image Credits

Image #1: Marriott International, Image #2: Marriott International, Image #3: Marriott International, Image #4: Marriott International, Image #5: Marriott International