LÉONIE ALMA MASON

Wrapped in the spectacular depths of the Maslinica Bay, on Hvar Island in Croatia, therein lies the Maslina Resort designed by Léonie Alma Mason. Stretching across two hectares, the resort is marvellously surrounded by pine forests and the crystalline Adriatic Sea. 

The resort has been consciously designed to be unintrusive, and exists in symbiosis with the natural forest surrounds. The height of the architecture has been deliberately kept to a minimum, where the scattered wood cladded pavilions with ventilated panels, blend in with its natural environment. The materiality and colour palette chosen by Mason for the interiors has been informed and captured by natural elements such as; the Adriatic sea, pearly white rocks, salty sea breezes as well as the luscious green forests. “It was essential to use natural materials, to create a peaceful, elegant ambience.” 

The island’s rhythms and scenes have been portrayed throughout the various spaces in the hotel. These notes of symbiosis are found with notable features such as the Brač stone reception desk that has been adorned using the kintsugi technique - a Japanese method that involves repairing broken pieces with gold. 

The shadow casting from pine trees during the midday sun, inspired the darker palette of colours that have been applied in some parts of the hotel. The use of black terracotta on the walls and olive black lava stone, have also been used to mimic these scenes. 

To balance the natural elements and create a warm and festive feel to the hotel, Mason chose to play with a number of materials such as terracotta, bronze mirrors, exotic wood and glass lamps. This has been delicately offset with the use of white curtains which float throughout the common areas and guests rooms, and have been used to create a light, fresh and ethereal appeal to the hotel. 

 “The luxury here resides in the large spaces, the magnificent environment and the use of local and natural, noble materials. Each detail was scrupulously designed and specially manufactured to provide the best possible guest experience, for a beautiful and easy-going stay, even though this is a five-star hotel.”

The boutique hotel is comprised of 50 rooms and suites, where each space captures and denotes the resort’s essences and purlieu. The hotel also has three private villas available that provide spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces for its guests.

Mason has captured how sustainability and luxury can be intertwined and cultivated in a splendid contemporary 5 star resort setting. Taking cues from the hotel’s surrounds, she has ingeniously weaved and reinterpreted the materiality into the design of this hotel.

PHOTOGRAPHY | CLAIRE ISRAEL