A Boutique Retreat Woven into a Secret Garden.
vY Boutique Hotel.
Location: Havana, Cuba
Collaborator: Axel Architect
Completion: 2021
Scope: Landscape Design
Area: 400 sqm
Collaborative Design Journey for VY Boutique Hotel, Havana.
Beneath the sun, drenched skies of Havana, where the rhythmic pulse of Cuban culture permeates every street corner and courtyard, we embarked on one of our most memorable collaborative ventures, the landscape design of VY Boutique Hotel. Joining forces with an overseas architect deeply embedded in the heart of Cuba, our team of landscape architects was entrusted with a singular vision: to craft an immersive tropical oasis that would honor the spirit of its surroundings while offering guests an experience that transcends the ordinary.
The journey began with sketches, intimate, exploratory drawings that sought to echo the rich cultural tapestry of Cuba. Every line drawn was informed by the island's vibrant identity: its colonial architecture, its exuberant flora, and the deeply rooted relationship its people share with the natural world. These early concepts evolved through a continuous dialogue between our team and our international collaborators, a creative exchange that brought together diverse perspectives and design philosophies, ultimately enriching the outcome far beyond what either party could have achieved alone.
From concept to construction, the design process was as layered and dynamic as the landscape itself. On-site management allowed us to remain closely attuned to the nuances of the space, the way light moved across the garden at different hours, how the tropical breeze interacted with the canopy, and where moments of stillness and shelter were most needed. It was through this careful, hands-on stewardship that our collective vision was translated into living form.
The resulting landscape is one of deliberate harmony, a seamless dialogue between lush greenery, thoughtfully placed architectural elements, and the built fabric of the hotel itself. Tropical plantings were curated not merely for their aesthetic value, but for the sensory journey they create: the density of foliage offering shade and seclusion, the fragrance of blooms carried on the warm Havana air, and the gentle movement of leaves that softens the boundary between interior and exterior. Every element was positioned with intention, ensuring that the landscape does not simply surround the hotel, but becomes an inseparable part of its narrative.
VY Boutique Hotel stands today as a testament to what is possible when international collaboration is guided by mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and a shared commitment to design excellence. It is a place where the authenticity of Cuba is not merely referenced, but genuinely felt, a tropical sanctuary where nature and structure exist in quiet, eloquent conversation.
