Bookmark Resorts: “Bookmarking” the Best of Hospitality Stay
Sanskirti Architects
Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Navin Jain, Pukhraj Jain
Vacations — you hear it, and every cell in the brain starts rejoicing. Isn’t it? But what makes these idle times ideal; have you thought? It’s the hospitality we receive while on our vacations – be it inside those cosy restaurants, comfortable stays or the warmth we receive in general. And for the seekers of everything fine in life, nothing less than a true luxury experience can be enough. Today, holidaying has become so much about choosing a resort or a stay that stays with them long after they’re gone. Let’s sink into one such hospitable experience in our trademarked UnFiltered way… Here we go…
This project creates a luxury hospitality experience that blends modern comfort with traditional Indian heritage. The resort is designed as a series of two-story villas arranged around a central courtyard, creating a sense of community and enclosure. The architecture draws heavy inspiration from historic “havelis” (mansions), featuring prominent stone cladding, arched entryways, and sloping tiled roofs.
The layout focuses on leisure and relaxation, centered around a large geometric swimming pool and manicured green lawns. Guests are offered a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors through large glass doors, private balconies, and open terraces. The resort aims to provide a tranquil escape, using local materials and design motifs to ground the modern facilities in the cultural context of the region.
(UnFiltered) Elements
- The “Stepwell” Pool Deck: The swimming pool area features tiered, step-like seating arrangements that resemble traditional Indian “baoris” (stepwells), turning the pool into a social hub rather than just a swimming area.
- Sunken Fire Pit: A designated outdoor lounge area with a central fire pit provides a cosy nighttime gathering spot, contrasting with daytime pool activities.
- Rooftop “Chhatris”: The decorative red-domed pavilions on the roof break the horizontal roof-line and add a royal, silhouetted identity to the building profile.
- Water Fountains: Traditional stone spouts pouring water into the pool add an auditory element of flowing water, enhancing the calming atmosphere.
(UnFiltered) Design
The core design philosophy is “Contextual Luxury.”
- Heritage Aesthetics: The design adopts a “fortress-style” aesthetic using rough-hewn stone and decorative “chhatris” (domed pavilions) on the roof, paying homage to the architectural history of Rajasthan.
- Symmetry and Order: The site plan is highly symmetrical, with buildings mirroring each other across the central axis of the pool and courtyard, creating a sense of grandeur and balance.
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: The philosophy emphasizes opening up enclosed spaces to nature. Every room appears to have a balcony or patio, ensuring guests are constantly connected to the landscape and natural light.
Material (Not UnFiltered!)
- Facade: Grey Quartzite or Sandstone (Ashlar or Random Rubble pattern).
- Roof: Red terracotta roof tiles
- Flooring: Natural stone slabs (Sandstone) for outdoor decks; vitrified tiles
- Fenestration: Dark grey Aluminum window frames with large glass panels.
- Pool: Turquoise mosaic tiles.
- Details: Mild Steel (MS); decorative stone jaalis (screens).
