In a recent conversation with Virginie Maurel, she revealed the thoughtful integration of HBA’s luxury design concepts with the unique Mauritian essence at Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa. HBA, known for their visionary designs, introduced a refreshing new look with lighter tones and natural materials that beautifully complement the tropical environment and the stunning blue of the seafront.

Collaborations with local artisans were key to the project. The macramé features were crafted by Isloom in Tamarin, while wooden sculptures, seen throughout the resort, were created by GD and Fils in Bel Air. Furniture for public areas was crafted by Built In Products in Port Louis, who repurposed old pieces to align with the new vision. “Repurposing elements of the old resort to match Singapore’s design was a sustainable choice embraced by our management,” Virginie shared.

Virginie detailed the process of adapting Singapore’s designs to local craftsmanship, a task requiring meticulous planning and an understanding of local capabilities. ‘‘We needed to thoroughly analyze the exceptional designs from HBA Singapore and then distribute the work among our talented local artisans”, she explained.

Leveraging her 25 years of experience on the island, Virginie efficiently sourced materials without compromising on quality, ensuring timeliness and promoting sustainability. Time constraints posed the biggest challenge, but the team ensured everything met the high standards and durability expected. The overall vision and balance of modern and traditional elements were guided by HBA, leaving Virginie’s team to focus on execution.

Sustainability was a priority, with local materials like tiles, marble, and granite being utilized as much as possible. while specific items like chairs were imported for their craftsmanship, most furniture pieces were locally made.

“We prioritized using local materials and only imported items that couldn’t be produced here”, Virginie stated.

Balancing aesthetic appeal with functional design in the resort’s common areas and private villas was an ongoing challenge, but the management’s commitment ensured that the resort maintained its pristine look.

“It was a constant effort to balance beauty and practicality,

but the resort has remained stunning and functional”, she concluded.