Conrad Punta de Mita

SB Architects transformed the former La Tranquila Resort by repositioning the lobby and lobby bar, adding new low-rise guestroom buildings, and designing a three-meal restaurant, specialty restaurant, pool bar and grill, beach grill, sunset bar, adult pool bar, spa, and conference center. Accentuated by lush tropical vegetation, open corridors and contemporary and coastal décor, the resort’s nature-centric design enhances wellness and reflects a core belief of the Huichol, that transformation and personal development occur through connection to nature. A special ritual mandala of the Huichol representing odysseys of the soul is showcased through woven and awe-inspiring colors. Representing five points - the center as origin, and north, south, east, and west - the mandala is expressed in the built structures, columns, and terraces throughout the resort, inspiring personal reflection, and connection to the environment. In the spa, strong connections to Mexican culture and Huichol rituals are found in a material palette of natural fibers and locally sourced stone, along with outdoor cocoon-style pods inspired by the indigenous peyote plant. Authentic patterns created with woven wood adorn the rooftops, allowing light to enter and dance in a pattern across the floor. In honor of the Huichol shamanism traditions, SB Architects and EDSA opened corridors from the lobby into the landscape and out over the pool toward the ocean, creating floating outdoor terraces to increase circulation around the resort and resonate with guests emotionally. The main design challenge involved breaking down the scale of a relatively large site to reflect a more intimate ambiance. Conscious of the project’s environmental impact, SB Architects used an authentic material palette of local, regional stone and bamboo where possible. Riviera Nayarit is home to all four groups of mangroves – White, Red, Black and Buttonwood – and reserves on-site were completely protected. SB Architects situated the specialty restaurant next to one of the largest mangrove reserves and worked within the local government regulations to sensitively construct the space, creating a transformative, captivating experience for guests