This Earthy Wellness Resort in Spain Promises the Ultimate Off-Grid Experience
Surrounded by an ancient eucalyptus forest, this unique boutique stay in Galicia that recalls the architectural heritage of the local Celtic forts, is at one with its picturesque rural Setting
Entering O Castro da Costiña, a wild and wonderful wellness resort in Spain's lush northwest region, Galicia, is like traveling back in time to a place that is so rooted in the earth, you can feel the quiet whisper of the seasons. The castros – ancestral, oval-shaped constructions in Galician culture, a manner of fortified villages steeped in mythology – became the starting point for the team at the Spanish design studio Gramática Arquitectónica, who were brought onboard to develop a charming boutique stay inspired by the Celtic tradition.
One of the first – and most important – components of the design intent was the construction of a small wall that would delimit the space where the villas would be located, surrounded by the eucalyptus forest so characteristic of the area. Native deciduous trees and different plants and flowers were planted, so that the gardens would serve as a clear contrast to the architecture, evolving and transforming through the years.
The plot for O Castro da Costiña was organized internally through circles and undulating shapes of different sizes, inspired by Celtic culture and in which crops were planted to grow produce to be used in the restaurant and lodging. Each of the seven ‘shelters’ are named after the forts discovered in the area.
At this wellness resort, sinuous shapes are the key to design with a double circle design creating a spiritual experience: on the one hand, the base plate seems connected to the earth, and on the other hand it appears as it its floating above ground level surrounded by local flora and fauna. Here, nature-made and man0-made seem to exist in perfect harmony.
The materiality of the buildings is marked by the use of off-white colour, in tune with the traditional houses of the area, and is only broken with the use of wood in the interior, which complements and contrasts the architecture. It also seeks to reinforce the feeling that the exterior blends with the interior… whats outside becomes one with whats inside… the perfect design metaphor for a wellness retreat.
Luis Díaz Díaz1/9The upper circular slab protects from rain and sun. It also makes for a more expansive garden, giving the corners of a typical rectilinear construction back to nature. Here wildflowers contribute to a richer ecosystem, inviting small pollinating insects to enrich the crops.
Luis Díaz Díaz2/9The central structure can accommodate up to 22 people and is where the daily breakfast and afternoon tea services are held.
Luis Díaz Díaz3/9Agriculture has shaped our communities for centuries, and in the case of Retiro da Costiña, it has shaped how the accommodations are organised on the land.
Luis Díaz Díaz4/9The first instinctive design decision on the plot was the creation of a small perimeter vegetal wall, demarcating the wild landscape from the slightly more considered wellness resort.
Luis Díaz Díaz5/9All villas face the outside. The light enters through its windows creating a warm and familiar atmosphere.
Luis Díaz Díaz6/9The outdoor terrace is the area connected to the heritage of the place, where you can enjoy the crops, the trees and flowers.
Luis Díaz Díaz7/9The circular façade is continuous but contains large vertical openings that reinforce the connection with nature.
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Luis Díaz Díaz8/9The cabin rooms have a bedroom, bathroom and small office with a living room.
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Luis Díaz Díaz9/9The contrast of textures and colour can be found in the furniture, which provides the most welcoming touch and underscores the idea of a space designed for rest and rejuvenation.
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