RIBEIRA GRANDE | PORTUGAL
Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort Natural coastal landscape meets modern luxury Overlooking the grand beach of Santa Barbara, Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort, the Azores’ first ecologically-friendly eco beach resort was opened in 2015. It began with a passion for the natural black beaches along the picturesque northern coast of São Miguel in the Azores. The unique, almost magical, green pastures and mountain hues that contrast with the azure blue oceans are the ideal backdrop for a calming resort retreat. The inviting natural coastal landscape, the elegance of the modern luxury spaces and the commitment to a full-range of experien es epitomizes the passion for the art of hospitality, nature and, above all, the Azores. The resort is dedicated to sustainability: The architecture and luxury amenities, the Farm-to-Table supply chain, environmen tal support and energy/water efficiency programs were con stituted to reduce the ecological impact, maintain the natural beauty and environmental balance of the coastal ecosystem. The architectural design and the choice of materials were selected to blend harmoniously with natural surroundings. The minimal
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ist architecture was adjusted to the morphology of the land, in order to minimize its impact on the natural landscape. This was enhanced by the use of natural building materials sourced local ly or nationally, such as the islands’ cryptomeria, exotic bamboos and domestic cork that built on the simple natural setting. Construction of the Santa Bárbara resort prioritized the use of natural materials, primarily the use of local wood (cryptomeria), cork and bamboo, and infused decorative elements that callback to traditional Azorean motifs and accents. Santa Bárbara’s furni ture was designed and built exclusively for the resort. Other dec orations were made from repurposed materials, such as lamps which were made from oil containers of an abandoned farm, and the restaurant chairs and tables which were made from reused iron and covered with vegetable fiber, using matting crafts.