Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club

The timber-clad cabins blend into the forested surroundings.

Elevated walkways connect all the structures and also lead to the all-day dining restaurant, Cafe Samsara.

Cooling breezes can be let in through the operable glass windows .

Floor-to-ceiling wood-framed glazing frames views of the outdoors.

It’s little wonder that South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, Thekkady, has long charmed both nature lovers and spice traders alike. Draped in lush greenery and cooling breezes, this misty haven for spices and wildlife is a beauty to behold, which is why Bangalore–based Kumar La Noce wisely took a sensitive approach to their recent renovation of the Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club boutique resort. Tasked to design five cabins—as well as a pool and spa block—on a steep site, the architects strategized ways to enhance the dramatic views of the surrounding cardamom plantations, while preserving privacy and minimizing landscape disturbance. Although a minimal and elevated design was necessary, it was also important to balance those restraints with a luxurious touch befitting a resort.

The Bangkirai timber used throughout was treated with linseed oil.

Each cabin opens out to a generously sized deck.

The cabins are specially sited to private privacy, but guests can also pull down the linen shades for the days they'd like to sleep in.

A nearly 50-foot-long infinity pool, also raised on stilts, overlooks views of the cardamon plantations.

A ‘porthole’ window offers a glimpse of the outdoors from the shower area.