Nestled just a short stroll from Fatrade Beach in South Goa, Amaraanth is a twelve-suite seaside retreat that feels like the country home of a well-traveled friend. Here, every experience is thoughtfully curated—whether it’s indulging in gourmet creations crafted with the guidance of a culinary icon, admiring art by celebrated Indian artists, or unwinding with wellness treatments usually found in London.
Created by Shradha Binani, Amaraanth is inspired by a flower from Greek mythology that never withers—a promise that your memories here will be just as lasting. Designed by architect George Seemon, with flavors curated by Ritu Dalmia and drinks crafted by Pankaj Balachandran, this hideaway blends Goan charm with global sophistication. Sophisticated susegad—where time slows down, and every moment lingers.
Note on design by George Seemon of the award-winning practice Stapati:
“Amaraanth’s design philosophy revolves around harmonizing the natural surroundings with the built environment. As the architect, I was inspired by the rural charm of this secluded destination, nestled within a walkable distance to the sea. With an existing structure already in place, our aim was to retain as much of it as possible, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into its surroundings and minimizes its environmental impact. Our vision was to enhance and showcase the inherent value of the location, resulting in a seamless blend of contemporary design with traditional vernacular style, emphasizing outdoor living and the natural beauty of the locale.
Our approach involved combining smaller rooms into larger, more open spaces to enhance the sense of expansiveness. We incorporated open bathrooms and some open-to-sky bathtubs to bring elements of nature indoors. Natural stone flooring was used throughout the rooms, providing guests with a tactile connection to the natural environment both inside and outside, with this flooring extending into the bathrooms to create a continuous and expansive feel.
The first-floor rooms were oriented to offer expansive views of the landscape, inviting gentle sea breezes to flow through and create a tranquil atmosphere. In contrast, the ground floor features private landscaped courtyards, ensuring privacy while still offering views of the lush, tropical surroundings. Locally sourced furniture, subtle color themes, and works by local artists immerse guests in the cultural richness of the area.
The resort’s architectural layout balances form and function, allowing the landscape and structure to coexist in harmony. Guests are enveloped in the beauty of Goa at every turn, with spaces designed to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor environments. Key aspects of Amaraanth’s design include the meticulous use of locally sourced materials and sustainable building methods. The use of laterite stone pays homage to traditional Goan architecture while supporting environmental sustainability. The furniture predominantly features bamboo and wicker weave, and the sloping roofs and internal lime-plastered walls reinforce the sustainable and cohesive design language throughout the resort.
The resort’s spaces were designed to be multifunctional. For example, the waiting lounge also serves as an extension to the restaurant, functioning as a coffee shop, a library, or simply a place to unwind, and opens onto the larger vista. These spaces are interconnected with the pool lounge, which also becomes part of the restaurant or lobby space when needed. The intention was to create porosity in the space with minimal walls, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas.
The restaurant draws inspiration from the nearby sea, featuring artwork by local artist Thomas, who created a mural depicting marine life, making it feel like an extension of the sea towards the resort.
The bar, named The Lab, was designed to evoke an intimate and emotional atmosphere, contrasting with the more open spaces in the rest of the resort. This intimate vibe is created using dark red tones, reminiscent of copper, which mirrors the deepest shades of laterite prominently featured throughout the resort. The space is crafted to be a haven for relaxation and relief, with copper-plaster finishes enhancing the cozy ambiance.
A notable feature is the long bar counter that extends to the outdoors, seamlessly transforming into an outdoor bar that serves guests in other areas of the resort. The custom-built light above the bar is inspired by sea waves. The design theme incorporates deep red hues and rounded profiles, complemented by copper lighting, aiming to stir the wild energy within the space through an abstract emotional concept. The color palette extends to the custom-built furniture, which retains the resort’s signature rattan wicker weave, harmonizing with the overall aesthetic. The black and white striped flooring creates a striking contrast to the copper walls, further enhancing the intimate and captivating atmosphere.”