Shell Spa

Perched on the cliffs of Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida, the Sea Shell Spa forms an integral part of Intaaya Retreat. Shaped by its surroundings, the spa was conceived as an architectural expression of balance, between openness and intimacy, earth and sky, human presence and the infinite horizon of the ocean.

The plan follows an oval form, opening at its center to a sweeping curved window that frames uninterrupted views of the sea. The geometry was inspired by the organic curves of a seashell, its layered form reinterpreted as a spatial sequence that unfolds from openness to enclosure. At either end of the oval, two secondary spaces provide a gradual transition between openness and privacy, including therapy rooms and bathing facilities. Rammed earth walls define this spatial rhythm, their raw texture grounding the building in the very soil of Nusa Penida. Reclaimed timber from old Indonesian joglos lends warmth to doors, frames, and joinery, further rooting the design in memory and place.

Structurally, the Sea Shell Spa is carried by bamboo, with trios of Dendrocalamus Asper rising from the rear of the building and extending outward toward the horizon. This gesture creates both strength and lightness, holding the roof of Ulin wood shingles while maintaining an uninterrupted axis that draws the gaze to the sea. Inside, limestone sourced directly on-site shapes bathtubs, sinks, and tables, its unrefined presence reinforcing the connection to the island’s geological character.

The combination of materials establishes a dialogue between lightness and solidity. Bamboo provides the structural rhythm, rammed earth grounds the walls in the landscape, and limestone carries the island’s geology into the interior. Together, they create a spa that feels rooted in its site while opening fully to the horizon, offering a space where architecture and nature meet with clarity and purpose.