SB Architects is returning to sun-soaked Cyprus, alongside design leaders EDSA and Rockwell Group, for the latest chapter in the island’s luxury refresh: the Grand Hyatt Limassol, the brand’s Cypriot debut, slated to open in 2025.
SB Architects’ work in Cyprus began more than 20 years ago with the design of the Anassa Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort in the small town of Polis on the northwest end of Cyprus. Most recently, the firm completed the AMARA Hotel in Cyprus, a five-star resort set on a beachfront outside the seaside town of Limassol, where the firm purposefully leveraged a contemporary approach to hospitality that puts the visitor in touch with Cyprus – and its history – in an authentic way. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is home to the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty who emerged from the sea at birth. The design concept for the Grand Hyatt Limassol takes cues from the natural erosion of the Cypriot coastline, creating a dialogue between the contemporary built forms and the Mediterranean Sea. All guestrooms boast ample terraces and panoramic sea views.
“Drawing on our client’s vision, we’ve designed a contemporary resort that celebrates Cypriot lifestyle and culture in balance with the island’s natural beauty,” said SB Architects Senior Vice President and Principal, Mark Sopp.
Designed to bring to life the legend and romance of Cyprus and to showcase the enchanting, wild beauty of the landscape, the 300-key Grand Hyatt Limassol is a four-hectare Mediterranean oasis where the indoors seamlessly merge with the natural outdoors, connecting the guest authentically to the locale.
“We imagined spaces in the landscape that will bring people together and mediate between nature and culture,” said Derek Gagne, EDSA Associate Principal. “By maintaining a holistic approach, we created a place where the connection between the gardens and the sea will be strengthened alongside the landscape’s growth and maturation.”
Mimicking the way sea meets sand, public spaces organically flow into each other. The grand foyer blends seamlessly into the surrounding courtyard gardens, directing views out to the sea, and site paths are planned to allow guests to meander from land to shore. Designed to embrace a lush landscape, the resort features numerous outdoor terraces and flexible event spaces, including a rooftop bar and terrace. The landscape will highlight a native planting palette, in which species are chosen to gently sway in the sea breeze. Organic curves of the pool edges play with the clean, modern architectural lines, adding an interesting interplay of contrasting visuals. Inspired by the natural grottos formed along the coastline, an indoor pool provides an immersive wellness experience. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, event space, retail, a beach club, and a variety of rich dining experiences.
The Grand Hyatt Limassol sits as the jewel in the larger Zaria Resort, which will be comprised of serviced residential apartments and private villas.