Island Resort - Final Synopsis

INTRODUCTION : A resort can be defined as a home away from home. According to resort properties act, a resort is an establishment offering food and drink, ayurvedic/yoga facilities, sleeping accommodation if any traveller who appears able and willing to pay for services and facilities provided. In this ever growing world, the standard of living of an average middle class human being has risen. His responsibilities and work schedule are increasing at the same rate. As a result, there is an increasing need for leisure time to give them a break from their daily work. This brought about the birth and evolution of relaxing environments called RESORTS – Ideal getaway for most families away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Man has been able to assert so much power over the environment, where he also forms a part. Nature will always be in equilibrium and when we introduce certain activities, we might bring about equilibrium that is not conducive to our livelihood. The resultant will be a deteriorating environment. The awareness of deteriorating scenic beauty and destruction of environment and the ecosystem is increasing. Hence this thesis attempts to study the existing problems faced on Site scale and correct it by suitable propositions or let the present condition linger on for more without disturbing the existing features.

AIM OF THE PROJECT : • • • •

The aim of this project is to study the topography, environmental factors, microclimate of the region, landscape, soil characteristics etc and cater to the needs and anticipations of the dwellers. To cater not only to the primary necessities of food and shelter but also to the secondary and tertiary necessities of the dwellers, providing comfort and luxury. To provide the pollution free, cool, peaceful environment in its true prevailing form in order to facilitate the inmates to enjoy the beauty of the place. To satisfy the feeling of every individual who comes to the island – To live with nature and the resultant building to blend harmoniously with the surroundings.

NECESSITY : In today’s world there are high rise and high tech buildings taking over, their never ending shadows. People are escaping to the outdoors to get more acquainted with nature.Hence a resort whose design is sympathetic to the environmental values would probably be a very welcome proposal. Environmental values must be respected in today’s world of growng awareon environmental issues, buildings should be environmental order.

SELECTION OF TOPIC : Plenty of people take interest in retreating away from the busy schedule of everyday life to the most interesting places to stay and find a break shelter. The raw and natural environment amuses the tourists of all ages hailing from different parts of the world. Today’s traveller wants to experience the real thing. What travellers expect is a hotel or resort which reflects and respects the environment in which it is situated and an experience that enhances their lives in a meaningful and memorable way. The time is opportune for architects to breakaway from the shackles of constrained architecture and give vent to their creativity in design for leisure activities.

Island – the word evokes memories of childhood classics such as Robinson Crusoe, The Swiss Family Robinson and Treasure Island. Island Resorts - Here one could spend their days in absolute solitudal bliss far away from the humdrum and monotony of everyday existence.

DESIGN OF RESORTS MAINLY INFLUENCED BY : • • •

Site location and conditions alongwith surroundings and the potential of developing the resort. Market Value Cost of Project

POSSIBLE CASE STUDIES : • •

ESTUARY ISLAND RESORT POOVAR, KERALA

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ISOLA DI COCCO ISLAND RESORT POOVAR, KERALA

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POOVAR ISLAND RESORT POOVAR, KERALA

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ASHTAMUDI RESORT KOLLAM, KERALA

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Isola Di Cocco meaning Island of Coconuts which is set amidst 25 acres of coconut grooves and lagoons situated at Poovar - 18 km south of Kovalam, Trivandrum, Kerala.The resort is on the banks of river Poovar, beyond which is the Arabian Sea. An ideal resort for a peaceful holiday by the river and sea and has excellent Dining facilities and authentic Ayurvedic Health Centre among many other facilities. Isola Di Cocco is tucked away in the southwestern tip of India in the State of Kerala - the internationally renowned tourist destination (projected as one of the 50 best "must see destinations" in the world by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine). Estuary Island, Poovar - The best destination for Meetings,Incentive,Conference,Events Located in front of a great natural phenomenon - a lake, a river, a sea and a beach meeting at one point and this drama unfolds almost every week in summer. The resort is accessible only by boat with a private boat jetty which has ample parking space for vehicles and it is just a 10 mts interesting boat ride through a river and a lake surrounded by coconut groves to reach the resort. Poovar Island Resort: Located in Kerala, India which was recently chosen by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 10 paradises found on earth and one of the 50 'Must See' places of the world.

SITE ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT : Nature plays an important role in our life. The scenic beauty of this nature drags us towards that place and marks it a tourist spot. The various elements, which shape the natural environment like landform, water bodies and vegetation are to be preserved. Nature, which is always in equilibrium, is distributed when new elements are introduced. So the design should be such that it goes well with Nature. It is necessary to regain control over the natural resource and the conservation of earth’s natural resources is a major concern.Tourists are encouraged to know about the local ecology and the total environment and enjoy a nature based recreation that the vegetation is respected and surface material used to protect and complement the natural setting. Water, which is the most crucial input into any ecosystem takes different forms like falls, rivers, lakes, sea,ocean etc. It has always been imperative for life. It brings a feeling of life and significance into the space around it. The musical sound and its dynamic beauty are admired.So a tourist resort near these areas marks it a spectacular spot. Modern tourist associates their experience with relaxation, luxury, service and care escaping from day to day stresses. So, design surrounding these areas maximizes benefits of nature. SITE SELECTION : The State of Kerala, the most peaceful State of India in its southernmost tip, has a unique geographical splendor with the waves of the Arabian Sea lashing through its Malabar Coast and the thick Western Ghats on the east, provide it a separation from the rest of the country, especially in its culture and the Nature. The State of Kerala now leaps giantly towards providing enviable ambience for the globetrotters to have a serene sojourn to enjoy the virgin beauty of the land. No wonder Tourism is the best performing sector of Kerala Economy. Thiruvananthapuram is a mouthful moniker given to Kerala`s quayside state capital. Trivandrum is the main entry point to Kerala is Trivandrum, or what is called Thiruvananthpuram. To add to it is also the nearest airport and a prominent rail section to Varkala. Thiruvananthpuram has every distinction of qualifying a historical city. A composite cosmopolitan city, Thiruvananthpuram has fair share of attractions enwrapped in the form of temples, zoos and museum complexes. Being a sea-side capital of Kerala, beaches are an obvious and commonly sought after attractions here. It is a must visit for all. Let alone stand the attractions, Trivandrum`s boasts of excellent transport network of wide roads, buses and trains too. Thiruvananthpuram is Kerala`s state capital is immediately attractive with an impressive temple, delightful museum and a nearby beach and royal palace. It is also one of the loveliest capital cities in India, small, green and clean. The fort, Sri Ananda Padmanabhavaswami Temple, Malika Palace, The Secretariat, The Public Park and art Galleries are some of the chosen place to ramble around in the city. Thirty kilometers from the state capital of Trivandrum, on the banks of the Neyyar river lies POOVAR. The place has developed into a first-class up-market tourist destination, minus the crowds. Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. - a rare find in Kerala. All along the canals that line Poovar, you will find rural Kerala in microcosm. There are fishing villages and women neck-deep in water hunting for fish with their feet. The best place to stay would, of course, be Poovar Island.

HOW TO REACH Nearest Airport - Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport : (travel time - 45 minutes by road. Nearest railway station Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) - (travel time - 45 minutes by road WHY POOVAR ISLAND CHOSEN AS AN APT SITE?? • Located 38km from the State capital, a fifteen-minute boat ride reaches you at Poovar Island.. • Small coastal fishing island at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram. • The village is embraced by a beautiful beach on one side and the backwaters on the other. During high tides, an estuary links it to the sea. • The 56km Neyyar River passes through Neyyattinkara taluk into the Arabian Sea near Poovar. It's natural beauty enables it to be a quiet tourist spot. • Very close to harbor of Vizhinjam and is a network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, deltas, interspersing forty-four rivers that join the Arabian Sea. Poovar Beach, near the Kovalam Beach, separates the River Neyyar from the sea. • Known for its pristine and virginal beauty, Poovar Beach is haunted by those who love solitude. • Beach activities and water sports are not developed in this beach because of the fishing population. • The estuary there is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land, and is situated adjacent to the Poovar Island . • The area is abundant in well-preserved local flora, with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut groves. • Because of the active fishing population the beach is not really used as a sunbathing spot or for swimming as the currents are quite strong. • Poovar offers several possibilities. Backwater Cruises - to a neighbouring fishing village in 2 minutes. Nearby Destinations Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram Kanyakumari Varkala Kollam (Quilon) Tuticorin Sabarimala Pathnamthitta

CLIMATE : • • • •

Moderately hot and humid place around the year. Heavy showers experienced between June – September due to the South West Monsoon. The North West monsoon brings light rainfall during October – December. December to February is comparatively cooler than the rest of the year.

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT + SITE : •

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Unexplored and unspoilt eco tourism destination in Kerala that has a lot of potential. Any tourism-related business in harmony with a particular locality’s ethos comes under the category of eco tourism.Such innovative tourism products like the eco friendly floating cottages will go a long way in preserving the environment and promoting eco tourism at Poovar.The local people are also expected to be involved in preserving the eco system of the area. The beautiful Poovar beach is enveloped by the backwaters and opens a world of golden sand and beach. The blue lagoons and the verdant natural beauty of this place together make it a perfect tourist destination. The island paradise of Poovar is just 40 km from Kovalam. One of the most enchanting features of Poovar is that one can reach the mainland only by water taxis. Offers a number of recreational facilities to the visitors. Swimming, boating, backwater trips, water sports and cruises are the major attractions of the beach. The natives also use it for fishing purposes. Away from the hustle bustle of city life, Poovar beach offers a contended stay in the beautiful Kerala backwaters. For adventure lovers there are sports like beach volleyball, water sports, indoor games at the resorts, swimming and excursions.Tourists can also be blessed with the magic heal of Ayurveda. massages and rejuvenate your body and mind.

SITE LOCATION

GOOGLE LOCATION OF THE SUITABLE SITE

LOCATION : POOVAR ISLAND DISTRICT : THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AREA : 20 – 22 ACRES app. VEGETATION : COCONUT PLANTATION,PALM TREES, BANANA AND GRASS PATCHES EXISTING STRUCTURES : A COTTAGE NOW TRANSLATED INTO AN INFORMAL OFFICE FOR CONSTRUCTION STAGES LATER MEANT TO BE PULLED DOWN. A WELL for pumping out drinking water for activites on the Island. PROJECT details : PROJECT NAME : SMILE RESORTS. CLIENT : DEAN THOMAS STEPINI •

The close proximity to the water and all the greenery around attracts lots of birdsegrets, cormorants, kingfishers, and bee-eaters.(Best season for Bird – watching – winter)

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TIDAL ANALYSIS – 30 – 32M with AVM CANAL 30m wide along 1 side of the site.

GLIMPSES OF THE SITE :

SURROUNDING SIGHTS : Seeting off on my journey - A shrine errected on the beach after the Tsunami that wreaked havoc....

Fishing Boats

Fishing Village

Sparkling waters

ACCESSIBILITY : • • • • • • •

In order to access the site, you reach a small landing site with parking and facilities for drivers. There the narrow and exceedingly green Neyyar river welcomes with open arms. Here the water is neither gray nor greasy: it's clean and inviting. The ten-minute boat ride to the resort from the landing is absolutely superb -- unlike backwaters elsewhere in Kerala that teem with human habitation, there are no people here, except for a stray few washing their cattle under a bridge. The land we pass is waterlogged, and therefore the only inhabitants are birds -- loads of them. I saw a cormorant, kingfishers, a whole murder of crows. The other wonderful thing about the backwater is the absence of that pernicious weed, the water hyacinth, that has choked many waterways in Kerala, killing off marine life and rendering water traffic impossible. Then you arrive at the piece de resistance.. Beyond the bay is a narrow beach: tempted to wade across to the Arabian Sea, but the bay is too deep. One can be rowed across, or the speedboat will take you there. The beach, really a sand-bar, is breached periodically to let the river flow out to the sea, so

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the water is slightly brackish, but clean. There is a working fishing village down the beach, and fishermen'svallams, canoes, are pulled up on to it.

REQUIREMENTS : PUBLIC SPACE: Lobby Front office Toilets Conference hall

GENERAL SERVICE SPACE : Accounting Office Manager’s Room Secretary Cabin Record Room Reservation Office Linen Room Laundry Maintenance Shop House keeping Water treatment Area Sewage treatment Elaborate Waste Recycling, Including A Large Water-Recycling Mechanism To Use Treated Waste Water For Gardening. The Solid Wastes Are To Be Composted.

Captive Diesel Generators To Offset Any Load Shedding. MECHANICAL SERVICE SPACE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE Restaurant(Semi-outdoor &outdoor) Indoor dining area Bar / Cocktail Lounge Coffee Shop Staff Dining Area Kitchen+ added services

OTHER FACILITIES: Library Cyber Café Shops Amphitheatre Internet Kiosk Water cruises(booking undertaken) The Writers' Retreat in Trivandrum, India is located on the edge of the village offering privacy, and a quiet refuge for our guests. The third-floor rooftop perch gives one a sense of “being here,” but enough distance to take India in slowly, with a three-hundred-sixty degree view of trees. Kerala, is the lush land of history and antiquity, pleasing greenery, colorful festivals, sizzling spices, and smiling people. It will inspire one’s imagination. Aspiring and seasoned writers to imbibe the beauty and mystery of India. The guest house has 10 rooms, housing occasional guests from different parts of the world. It is large enough for guests to be completely reclusive or social, depending on one's mood. Main floor lobby is an expansive space for dining, watching TV, entertaining friends, or watching a puja ceremony. Our second floor lobby has free-standing couches, a coffee table, a traditional swing table, and hosts

our Writer's Retreat office, exclusive for our Writers' Retreat guests. The breezy tree-house-like roof-top area on the third floor is ideal for conferences, yoga instruction, or just for quiet contemplation A stay at The Writers’ Retreat in Trivandrum includes a private room with ceiling fan (A/C optional) a single or double bed with mosquito netting, private bathroom with shower, a desk, a chair, room cleaning service every third day; access to The Writers' Retreat office, including a library with reference books, a cable internet connection, a printer; a Kerala chef who will prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Kerala style; a maitre d' hotel who will answer questions and assist you with shopping, negotiate ride and outing arrangements. Private yoga, meditation, or South Indian cooking lessons are available for a small fee by request. RAHEEM RESIDENCY, Alapuzha Kerala

Raheem Residency is a genuine heritage Hotel situated at at on Alleppey Beach (Kerala, India) at just a few kilometers from the famous backwater circuit. Raheem Residency comprises 10 rooms and serves to a segment of well informed up market traveller who understands the finesse with which the hotel is maintained and run. It attracts a lot of inbound guests into Kerala, writers and upmarket travellers looking for an authentic experience. Raheem Residency was Built in 1868 and showing both Mughal & colonial influence in its architectural style, it was the home of the Raheem’s for five generations over the last 100 years until 2003 when it became a heritage hotel.

Activities * Coir Village and Handicraft Centre Visit * Fishing * Backwater Cruise * View Kathakali Dance Performace * Ayurveda Tharapies / Massages Some of the other things ONE can do is * An Elephant Orphanage ( 2 hrs), * Amma’s ashram (2 hrs),

* Rural Kerala to Aranmula, famous for its hand-crafted mirrors * Shopping in Alleppey town in air-conditioned selected shops Part of the social activities in Alleppey involves a literary exchange between Kerala and Ireland, the native country of our Director, Ms. Baskin. Raheem Residency is therefore a very writerfriendly place. Outside of the tourist season, we devote blocks of time to writers at a special rate who come here to finish their work or to be inspired for a new project.

SYNOPSIS ISLAND RESORTS

JESFAE MARIAM JOHN 25SAR306 SATHYABAMA UNIV.