A stunning wellness retreat in Indonesia showcases innovative bamboo architecture with sweeping roofs designed to mimic sea creatures like manta rays, seashells, and fish. The Intaaya Retreat, created by Balinese practice Pablo Luna Studio, sits dramatically on the edge of a cliff on Nusa Penida island and has been recognized as a finalist in both the leisure and wellness project and sustainable building categories of the Dezeen Awards 2025.

The retreat comprises 12 tented guest suites alongside essential wellness facilities including a yoga studio, spa, restaurant, and tea room. Each structure is sheltered beneath a distinctive roof topped with timber shingles, creating an organic architectural landscape that flows with the natural environment. The project emphasizes environmental sustainability through the use of local materials such as bamboo, limestone, and rammed earth.

"The design draws inspiration from the ocean and the principles of biomimicry, resulting in structures that echo the fluid movements of marine life," Pablo Luna Studio explained. "It combines Balinese craftsmanship with environmentally regenerative systems to promote wellbeing, awareness, and connection with the natural and cultural context of Nusa Penida."

Each of the five main facility buildings represents a different form of marine life, creating a cohesive yet varied architectural experience. The Shell Lobby, positioned at the site's entrance and highest point, serves as the reception area and overlooks the entire retreat beneath a domed, crab-like roof structure. Adjacent to it stands the Shell Restaurant, crowned by an undulating roof that mimics the form of a giant clam.

The Fish Tail Tea Room features a curved pitched roof with ends that sweep dramatically upward, while the Manta Yoga Studio showcases a roof design that evokes the graceful form of a manta ray. The Shell Spa, positioned closer to the cliff edge alongside the yoga studio, completes the marine-inspired collection with its own distinctive shell-like roof structure.

The architectural journey through the retreat follows a carefully planned sequence from the highest arrival point down to the cliff's edge. "This spatial sequence reflects the overall masterplan of Intaaya, a descent from the highest point of arrival to the very edge of the cliff," Pablo Luna Studio noted. "The journey moves from enclosure to openness, from land to sea, culminating where the architecture meets the horizon."

All roofs are supported by branching clusters of bamboo columns and clad with shingles made from native ulin wood, which will naturally weather over time to develop a silvery grey patina. The majority of spaces remain completely open to the elements, allowing guests to fully experience the tropical climate. Only the tea room and spa feature more enclosed designs with walls constructed from rammed earth and glazing for additional privacy and comfort.

The guest accommodations consist of canvas fabric stretched over timber and rammed-earth structures, with each tent suite opening onto a dedicated terrace that offers spectacular views toward the sea. This design approach allows visitors to maintain a close connection with the natural environment while enjoying modern comfort and amenities.

Sustainability plays a central role in the retreat's operations and design philosophy. Since much of Nusa Penida's energy grid relies on diesel power, Intaaya Retreat incorporates solar panels to provide all of its electricity needs. The facility also features a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system and a natural wastewater treatment system developed in collaboration with the non-profit Biosphere Foundation.

Pablo Luna Studio, founded by Chilean architect Pablo Luna, has gained recognition for its innovative approach to sustainable architecture. The firm has also been shortlisted in the emerging architect of the year category of the Dezeen Awards 2025, highlighting its growing influence in contemporary architectural design.

The Intaaya Retreat project represents a growing trend in bamboo architecture that combines traditional building techniques with modern design principles. This approach demonstrates how sustainable materials and biomimetic design can create compelling architectural experiences while minimizing environmental impact and celebrating local craftsmanship traditions.