
The Serai is a luxurious oasis of peace and tranquility nestled within a verdant coffee estate in Chikmagalur. It resonates with the positive vibes only perfect alignment with nature brings.
The Serai is surrounded by imposing trees with thick foliage. More than just estate boundary markers, they serve as the line between the stressful and the serene, the commonplace and the exclusive.
And you will feel this distinction clearly, even as you drive up the winding, tree-lined driveway. The sheer magnificence registers a little later, as you lean on the wooden balustrade of the lobby and receive your first ‘from-the-ramparts’ view of The Serai. Your gaze will traverse over the wide expanse of the main pool and work its way down the waterway-inlaid central walkway. It will linger on the individual villas flanking it and move down to the The Residence at the end of the walkway. Beyond, the rolling hills form a heart-stopping backdrop! You can be sure you will return to this spot often during your stay, for yet another glimpse of this luxurious magnificence! Apart from the 30 villas, each an ode to private luxury, The Serai, slowly reveals its other exclusive secrets, one by one!
The resort is viewed as a contemporary response to the needs of creating luxury and to the fecundity of the nature around thereby creating a unique building typology that serves the ultimate aim of creating a world class resort.
The design was aligned along a central spine of water that served to unify the entire resort and also create a sense of "genus loci" – the spirit of the place. The contemporary minimalist architecture & interiors blends effortlessly with the coffee estate. The central edifice that houses the reception, the restaurant, the bar, the spa and other facilities is fronted by an elegant vanishing edge pool with the cottages laid out along an axis that blends with the hills on the horizon. The cottages have been planned with utmost care incorporating some of the most modern amenities that is comparable with the best in the world.
The use of bold elements in the form of strong axial lines, the use of a variety of materials and textures, the play of levels and framing of picturesque views, the connecting walkways, the detailing of lighting in harmony with the exquisite landscape all come together.
The basis for color has been coffee as the resort is situated within a coffee plantation. Moreover various elements of coffee have been used in the form of plants, mugs, beans etc.
The natural scenery has been integrated with the design, giving it an open feel. Nature has been brought into the interiors. This is best exemplified by the open wash room, open shower among others.
To give a natural feel, most materials have been procured from the plantations. The highlight is the natural rosewood flooring with a mildly unfinished look giving uniqueness both in terms of texture and the material. Interestingly we have not cut any trees to obtain the rosewood. 105 fallen & dead trees collected over a period of twenty years have processed and used.
Hand made materials have been used namely in the lighting in the restaurant and lobby along with accessories in the bathrooms among others.