SB Architects announces completion of world’s largest spa complex

The spa and volcanic mineral springs comprise a major component of Mission Hills ▪ Haikou, a five-star resort offering a wide range of wellness, leisure, recreation, entertainment and dining experiences including 10 renowned golf courses. Showcasing the design talents of SB Architects, Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa celebrates its exciting debut in conjunction with the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf taking place November 24-27, 2011. 
 
Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa is home to the largest natural springs reserve in the region, and measures an incredible 950,000 square-feet. The design of this awe-inspiring destination is the result of a collaboration between two of the world’s leading designers of luxury destinations – San Francisco-based SB Architects and landscape designers EDSA, based in St. Lauderdale, Fla. The magnificent Spa at Mission Hills is the central defining feature of the expansive mineral springs complex.  It is surrounded by 473,000 square-feet of lushly landscaped gardens, 168 springs and water features, and treatment venues inspired by the five continents – Asia, Oceania, North & South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa – which comprise the Volcanic Mineral Springs.  Twenty-nine luxurious Spa Villas provide an intimate and exclusive sanctuary for residents and guests seeking longer-term solace.
 
“We are proud to introduce Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa to a global audience—one that encompasses all from the avid golfer to the seeker of solitude to the travel aficionado—in search of uncharted destinations and new discoveries,” said Scott A. Lee, principal at SB Architects.” We believe we have created a destination that sets the standard by which design, service and the spa experience are measured on Hainan Island and throughout China.”
 
The Spa
The iconic main spa structure is comprised of soaring, semi-circular bamboo, rising from a massive lava stone base that is slightly canted to increase its sense of grandeur. The soaring sense of verticality imposed by the sustainable bamboo makes a powerful design statement, while the use of locally-abundant lava stone and bamboo firmly grounds the design in the nature and topography of Hainan Island.
 
Featuring 61 well-appointed spa treatment suites, the Spa takes its design inspiration from the traditional Hakka Earthen Fortress Villages of Southern China. These distinctive communal structures—historically used for defense and communal living—have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites for their unique contribution to the history of building and human settlement. The space fuses both western and oriental design elements in their most refined form while honoring the long-standing Chinese philosophies of balance and harmony.
 
Volcanic Mineral Springs
The volcanic lava springs, which pay homage to ancient bathing rituals and healing journeys, are organized into a series of five continental zones in which the architecture, landscape and therapeutic treatments reflect the indigenous qualities of Asia and Oceania, North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  Different geographical zones are linked by a dramatic 800-meter bamboo-covered walkway, which snakes through the spa grounds, resembling a dragon’s spine when viewed from the air. Gateway pavilions reflecting the architectural heritage of each region provide ceremonial entry points to each of the destination points within this extensive, indoor/outdoor sanctuary.
 
Guests can roam and relax at more than 168 springs and water features. Each of the five continental zones is home to more than 40 pools featuring different ingredients, bathing experiences and temperatures, honoring the centuries-old bathing rituals and healing philosophies from that particular region.  SB Architects designed signature elements representative of the regions, including a hot stone bath, foot reflexology tunnel and Lingzh spring in the Asia zone; a replication of a Turkish hamman and the Dead Sea in the Middle East zone; a grotto springs, Amazon River aqua massage therapy and Red Indian hot sand bath in the North and South America zone; and an all-season indoor Roman bath house in the European zone.
 
Spa Villas
Clustered amid contemplation pools and ritual gardens at one end of the Volcanic Mineral Springs, the Mission Hills Spa Villas provide an exclusive, private retreat within this expansive resort destination.  The 28 one-bedroom villas, each measuring 95 square meter, are grouped in seven intimate clusters of four.  In addition, a 490 square-meter VIP villa features four bedrooms, two spa treatment suites and amenities, plus  living and dining spaces on the first floor.  These structures echo the unique design language created for the resort, with intricately constructed bamboo spaces soaring above solid bases of local lava stone, which seem to float over the surrounding ponds. Expanses of glass usher in equally expansive views of indoor/outdoor pools, gardens, and the golf course beyond. Private treatment rooms with soaking tubs allow the option of complete privacy or participation in any aspect of the Volcanic Mineral Springs experience – including private access to the Spa at Mission Hills, Haikou.
 
“SB Architects has helped realize an inspired vision for the design of Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa” says Dr. Kenneth Chu, chairman and chief executive officer of Mission Hills Group. “The resulting visual and experiential impact truly befits the largest spa destination in the world. The continental schema impresses with a range of historically authentic, indigenous architectural influences and lends itself to a comprehensive global experience. A magnificent addition to Hainan’s tropical island paradise, Mission Hills Haikou is poised to be the island’s premier sanctuary, attracting visitors from around the globe.”
 
In conjunction with the completion of Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa, the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup will tee off from November 24 to 27 at the Blackstone championship course of Mission Hills Resort in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Island.