Jean-Michel Gathy Continues to design and innovate Iconic One&Only resorts

Posted in Future, News on 23 August, 2016

Jean-Michel Gathy, the pioneering Principal Designer at Denniston Architects, is continuing to bring his awe-inspiring design and architectural innovations to One&Only Resorts with some exciting developments in the pipeline for 2017 and beyond.

Jean-Michel Gathy, the world-renowned architect has been tasked to design the first One&Only resort in China, One&Only Sanya, and also their inaugural resort in Europe, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, as well as enhancing and developing his iconic design of One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.

One&Only Sanya, China

Jean-Michel Gathy has been engaged for the design of One&Only Sanya, scheduled to open in 2017 on the island of Hainan. One&Only Sanya will command enviable views of azure waters from over 380 metres of private coastline and over 11 hectares of coconut palms set amidst dramatic water gardens throughout the resort.  The vision of the resort will reflect the local culture of the region bringing a sense of destination both indoors and out, enhanced by his inspired contemporary twists and ideal for the traveller seeking ultimate luxury. Red will be a prominent colour throughout the resort, in homage to the Chinese sentiment for the colour, with playful touches such as a red lacquered piano. The interior design throughout the resort will be lively and animated with an evident art deco theme in the bar and Chinese restaurant. Jean-Michel Gathy’s design innovations will also include a large aquarium in the poolside Seafood Bar for guests to select their catch of the day, as well as an innovative Noodle Bar experience.  The resort will feature 190 luxurious guest rooms, suites and villas, to be situated either within the main Manor House or Mansions, as well as a varied collection of restaurants, bars and private dining spaces that will showcase a wide variety of sumptuous regional and international specialties using the finest local ingredients under the guidance of a select team of internationally renowned chefs – including a Chinese Michelin-starred chef. A large Chinese restaurant with private dining rooms and a cigar lounge will also be one of the highlights of the food and beverage experience. Meanwhile, One&Only Sanya will house an indulgent ESPA spa and the only Moroccan Hamman incorporating all elements of well-being, health and fitness in the region. “My role is to serve the market and I have considered this in all aspects of the design of One&Only Sanya,” Jean-Michel Gathy said.

One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro

Jean-Michel Gathy has also been appointed as the principal designer of One&Only’s first resort in Europe, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro. Scheduled to open in 2018, the resort will be located at the entrance to Boka Bay, boasting stunning views over the Adriatic Sea and will offer approximately 120 luxurious guest rooms, suites and villas over 58 acres, a prestigious residential component, a world-class Marina, tennis academy, dining and retail options, as well as an exclusive spa in partnership with Henri Chenot.  Jean-Michel Gathy and the team from Denniston International Architects are responsible for the architecture and interiors, as well as the design of the exterior spaces surrounding the resort. Jean-Michel was tasked with keeping three words in mind – luxury, space and privacy to ensure ultimate luxury is provided to guests. The country’s rich history will be reflected throughout the resort by highlighting the natural juxtaposition of elements from snow-capped mountains to undiscovered lakes and pristine coastlines. Redefining luxury in the region, One&Only Portonovi will set a new level of guest experience through the impeccable service and offering, and will showcase the beauty of Montenegro’s natural elements.

One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean, set on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll, Jean-Michel Gathy was tasked with having Reethi Rah live up to its namesake, ‘Beautiful Island’ in Dhivehi in 2005. Gathy and his team are responsible for the resort’s enhancements that are currently taking place, and ensuring the changes are in line with One&Only’s over-riding philosophies. Jean-Michel Gathy will once again bring his iconic design skills to the resort, as the enhancements include soft renovations to the resort’s villas and facilities.