The Buchan Group Go Tropical With New Design Projects

Global architecture firm The Buchan Group has taken their show across the Asia-Pacific. Intent on bolstering its tourism expertise, the group has currently undertaken design and refurbishment projects at three world-class resorts in Fiji.

Currently under construction and due to open during the next 18 months, the resorts include the existing Sheraton Resort & Spa at Tokoriki Island and the Westin Resort & Spa in Denarau, along with the new Momi Bay Resort.

The Buchan Group’s Brisbane Interiors Team was appointed to the Sheraton Tokoriki and Westin Denarau resort projects in 2013 to conceptualise and implement the interior design and refurbishments of guestrooms and upgrades to central facilities and outdoor areas. Some of this work has needed to be redone following damage caused by Cyclone Winston earlier this year.

Sheraton Tokoriki Fiji receptionOriginally owned by Starwood Hotels, both the Sheraton Tokoriki and the Westin Resort & Spa are now part of Marriott International group.

Buchan Group Associate Margaret Davis said both of these resorts required a relaxed aesthetic to encourage patronage and emulate each hotel’s picturesque surroundings.

“Buchan’s concept design of the Westin Resort & Spa Denarau will see the transformation of its garden view guestrooms into luxury spa suites with separate dining and pool areas from the main central facilities, as part of the resort’s exclusive new spa offering,” she said.

Westin Denarau suite“The first option includes the merging of two guestrooms to create large one-bedroom suites.

"Our second design will see the extension of the ground level suites to include large ‘indoor/outdoor’ bathrooms complete with a five-piece offering, as well as a private deck and plunge pool.”

Buchan also undertook the concept design and refurbishment for the Sheraton Resort & Spa at Tokoriki Island’s existing 3,632 square metres of central facilities and pool areas, as well as the conception of the resort’s new honeymoon suites.

Sheraton Tokoriki Fiji diningThe resort is due to reopen on 1 February 2017.

“Since Fiji is one of the world’s most well-known honeymoon destinations, we were tasked to undertake the interior design concept for the resort’s new luxury honeymoon suites,” Ms Davis said.

This is a particularly interesting challenge as the aim of each resorts is to maintain the reputation the world has for Fiji as a top-choice destination for weddings and honeymoons (especially). The resort's information each boasted lavishly decorated and furnished accomodation served with comfort in mind to create the perfect and blissful honeymoon.

“The design for the Honeymoon Suites at Tokoriki Island combined contemporary design and natural materials to achieve the desired aesthetic of ‘relaxed elegance’.

“A modern take on ethnic artwork and artefacts was incorporated into various elements such as screening to pay homage to local culture and history. This was designed to make the hotel more appealing to international guests.

In the coming months, construction is expected to be completed on the new five-star AU$70 million Momi Bay Resort, designed by the Gold Coast team at The Buchan Group.

Momi Bay will include a full array of recreational facilities in store for adults, teens and kids. These include two swimming pools, a 120 square meter fitness centre, a spa with eight treatment rooms, kids’ club, recreation centre, water activities centre and two tennis courts.

The 250-room resort, to be operated by Marriott, is located at Momi Bay, 45 minutes from Nadi International Airport. It will become one of Fiji’s main overwater bure resorts and is centred on a 21- hectare lagoon.

“Across all our resort projects in the Asia-Pacific region, our designs aim to deliver exceptional comfort and amenity, embrace local styles and materials, and highlight the surrounding natural beauty so that they entice and delight visitors from around the world."