SB Architects is returning to sun-soaked Cyprus, alongside design leaders EDSA and Rockwell Group, for the latest chapter in the island’s luxury refresh: the Grand Hyatt Limassol, the brand’s Cypriot debut, slated to open in 2025.
SB Architects’ work in Cyprus began more than 20 years ago with the design of the Anassa Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort in the small town of Polis on the northwest end of Cyprus. Most recently, the firm completed the Amara Hotel in Cyprus, a five-star resort set on a beachfront outside the seaside town of Limassol, where the firm purposefully leveraged a contemporary approach to hospitality that puts the visitor in touch with Cyprus—and its history—in an authentic way. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is home to the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty who emerged from the sea at birth. The design concept for the Grand Hyatt Limassol takes cues from the natural erosion of the Cypriot coastline, creating a dialogue between the contemporary built forms and the Mediterranean Sea. All guestrooms boast ample terraces and panoramic sea views.
“The island of Cyprus is rich in history and steeped in myth and legends that are inextricably tied to the land and sea,” said Keith Houchin, senior associate at SB Architects. “Aiming to channel the island’s wild beauty, our design concept takes cues from the natural erosion of the Cypriot coastline, creating a dialogue between the contemporary built forms and the Mediterranean Sea.”
Designed to bring to life the legend and romance of Cyprus and to showcase the enchanting, wild beauty of the landscape, the 300-key Grand Hyatt Limassol is a four-hectare Mediterranean oasis where the indoors seamlessly merge with the natural outdoors, connecting the guest authentically to the locale.
“The design is intended to blend the landscape, architecture and interiors, taking reference from both natural landscape elements and Cypriot traditions,” Houchin said. “The podium elements step down onto the beachfront and consist of split face stone that is staged to imply the layered exposure created as if waves had carved them out over time. Floating above the podium, the public spaces take on a light and airy atmosphere through expansive glass and wide-open views connecting the guests to the ocean horizon. The guestrooms above the public spaces use warm wood elements to provide a softer touch to the guest experience and balcony planters incorporate a native plant palette. Accent elements of copper, that reference back to the historic metalwork found in Cypriot craftsmanship, can be found throughout, providing a sparkling contrast to the otherwise monolithic forms of stone or glass.”
Mimicking the way sea meets sand, public spaces organically flow into each other. The grand foyer blends seamlessly into the surrounding courtyard gardens, directing views out to the sea, and site paths are planned to allow guests to meander from land to shore. Designed to embrace a lush landscape, the resort features numerous outdoor terraces and flexible event spaces, including a rooftop bar and terrace. The landscape will highlight a native planting palette, in which species are chosen to gently sway in the sea breeze. Organic curves of the pool edges play with the clean, modern architectural lines, adding an interesting interplay of contrasting visuals. Inspired by the natural grottos formed along the coastline, an indoor pool provides an immersive wellness experience. Additional amenities include a fitness center, event space, retail, a beach club and a variety of rich dining experiences.
“Guests can immediately sense the local culture and landscape upon arrival, when they drive past the lush greenery in the hotel’s public garden, promenades to arrive at a spectacular view of the Mediterranean,” Houchin said. “The Grand Foyer is a reinterpretation of a traditional Cypriot cloister, the internal garden spaces found in the monasteries and historically Greek courtyards of ancient times. These spaces are used as transition zones and gathering spaces for guests to meet with friends, family, or colleagues before venturing onto one of the amenities within the resort and acts as a central organizing node, blurring the lines between the natural environment, the architecture and the interior lobby space.”
The Grand Hyatt Limassol sits as the jewel in the larger Zaria Resort, which will be comprised of serviced residential apartments and private villas.
“Thousands of years of Greek history and mythology are woven into the natural beauty of the area, so in creating a design that merges the indoors seamlessly with the natural outdoors, guests experience the rich local legend and lore,” Houchin said. “The story is one of transformation and blurred lines, which you see in Cyprus’ landscape, in the way the cliffs have been undercut by the action of the waves. Guests will experience how the thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor design blends with the natural landscape, showcasing the rich history of the island and its mythical roots.”
