In the serene, verdant expanse of South Goa, just 270 meters from the tranquil Benaulim Beach, stands ‘The Orchid Passaros’, a vibrant, adults-only resort that defies conventional hospitality design. This remarkable transformation is the brainchild of Mumbai-based Ar. Arzu Jaria and Ar. Mandar Kamble, Principal Architects, The Design Plexus Architects. Known for their refreshingly creative ideas and a bold willingness to challenge norms with their signature “Why not?” approach, the firm has curated an experience that is both immersive and exhilarating.
The Design Plexus Architects embarked on a visionary mission to re-imagine a resort with a quarter-century of history. Their challenge was multi-faceted: not only to functionally increase the number of rooms from 48 to 58, but to infuse the entire property with a distinctive personality. Their solution was audacious and deeply rooted in local inspiration, conceptualizing a design founded on the vibrant beauty of Goan birds intertwined with the liberating spirit of psychedelia. This unique thematic fusion aimed to fill a perceived void in South Goa’s hospitality landscape – a lack of vibrant, engaging spaces where guests could truly unwind, be amused, and celebrate.
The architectural journey began with a comprehensive re-evaluation of the existing structure, focusing on optimizing flow and integrating new amenities seamlessly. The firm introduced an expansive indoor-outdoor restaurant, a tranquil spa, and a state-of-the-art 24-hour gym. At the resort’s core, they designed a captivating central oasis: an amoeba-shaped swimming pool embraced by lush, tropical landscaping, immediately transforming the space into an inviting, forest-like haven adjacent to the beach.
The resort’s central design narrative – the psychedelic beauty of Goan birds – is eloquently expressed throughout. The elegance of Goan avifauna, combined with the landscape they inhabit, was distilled into a rich tapestry of art wallpapers, bespoke bed runner designs, and other intricate room features. Each of the 58 guest rooms falls into one of five distinct categories, named after prominent Goan birds: the Sunbird, Bulbul, Treepie, Kingfisher, and Green Bee-eater. This meticulous assignment wasn’t arbitrary; it was based on the room’s location and premium features, creating a cohesive yet diverse offering. For instance, the numerous deluxe rooms, often facing the poolside, embody the shades and tones of the commonly sighted Kingfisher. In a stroke of playful ingenuity, the Treepie bird, known for soaring high, inspired rooms on the first floor to feature hanging beds, offering guests a unique ‘bird’s eye view’ of the resort below. Every room promises a unique amenity, from an open bathtub in a Sunbird room to private gardens with Jacuzzis or beautiful day beds in ground-floor accommodations, inviting guests into a world of whimsy and fantasy.
The guest’s arrival experience at ‘The Orchid Passaros’ is designed as a captivating prelude. A striking walk-through reception, framed by a distinctive canopy, acts as a visual invitation, framing the resort’s lush interiors and alluring curious eyes from the bustling street outside. This entrance space efficiently combines check-in points with comfortable informal waiting lounges and even indoor play zones, setting a vibrant, welcoming tone. As guests venture into the tropical courtyard, their path is graced by a reflexology pathway, where psychedelic designs are artfully executed using pebbles of various shapes, sizes, and colours, adding a surprising tactile and visual dimension. The main pool further enhances this immersive experience, featuring a satellite bar conveniently located at the shallow end, allowing guests to enjoy their drinks while soaking their feet.
Even the most utilitarian elements have been re-imagined. A centrally located staircase, serving each villa and facing the tropical courtyard and pool, transcends its traditional function. The designers boldly rethought the concept of a conventional railing, replacing it with ropes tied from the floor right up to the ceiling. This innovative treatment creates a visually arresting ‘bird cage’ effect, with a circular frame at its centre, intentionally designed as a picturesque Instagram spot – a testament to the firm’s keen understanding of contemporary guest desires.
While the individual rooms burst with the vibrant colours extracted from their assigned birds, the resort’s common amenities and the central courtyard embrace a striking palette of turquoise and orange. These bold hues stand out dramatically against the backdrop of the lush green tropical landscape, creating a dynamic and visually stimulating environment. The indoor-outdoor restaurant exemplifies this blend; the interiors are designed in beautiful greens and oranges, complemented by curated flooring tiles and lamps that ingeniously continue the rope motif, a unifying design element seen throughout the resort, even at the hostess desk. The outdoor restaurant area, inspired by classic Goan beach shacks, features a sandy floor, ambient fairy lights, and an amazing bar counter adorned with a stunning psychedelic artwork of a soaring falcon – a playful nod to a “high” experience.
‘The Orchid Passaros’ stands as a testament to The Design Plexus Architects’ innovative spirit. It’s a perfect retreat for couples, honeymooners, and adults seeking to rediscover their youth in a world of vibrant energy, whimsical design, and unapologetic fantasy. It’s not just a resort; it’s an experience, meticulously designed to surprise, delight, and transport its guests.
By embracing light, scale, and materiality with intention, Shalini Mandal and her team at The KariGhars have redefined what it means to create a luxurious residence. Amberline Villa is not just a home—it is a design statement that exemplifies how modern architecture can be both grand and intimate, expressive yet timeless.
