Mindescapes Club by Studio Detail

Perched high in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet), MindEscapes is a unique club resort envisioned and crafted by Studio Detail Architects. More than just a luxury retreat, this project functions as a tranquil creative hub—designed specifically for directors, actors, musicians, writers, and professionals seeking mental clarity, inspiration, and focused productivity. Seamlessly integrated into the ever-shifting landscape of the mountains, the resort is a striking example of how architecture can nurture both inner peace and creative expression.

A Dialogue with Nature and Context

The resort is built upon the foundations of an existing, aging structure that Studio Detail Architects reimagined and transformed into a contemporary, minimalistic design. Rather than imposing on the surrounding environment, the intervention honors it. The architects opted for locally sourced grey stone cladding to revitalize visually unappealing walls, ensuring the building blends naturally with the terrain and visually recedes into its surroundings.

The design language is calm, muted, and deeply responsive to the topography of the Nilgiri Hills. As the landscape changes with every season—mist in the mornings, clear skies in summer, monsoon greens, and winter fog—the architecture acts as a frame for these atmospheric shifts. The surrounding environment teems with wildlife such as bison, leopards, and Indian wild dogs, offering an unpredictable and thrilling natural backdrop for guests, further heightening the resort’s immersive experience.

Conceptual Form and Spatial Layout

Organized in the shape of a ‘C’, the building opens itself to the breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. This form ensures that every room and common space maintains a direct visual relationship with the mountains and sky. The ground level comprises seven themed suites, each thoughtfully designed around one hue of the rainbow—from violet to red. These chromatic narratives are not arbitrary but rooted in planetary symbolism and emotional associations, making each room a sensory and spiritual journey.

For example, the Tulip Suite, bathed in royal violet, draws inspiration from Neptune, evoking themes of intuition and spirituality. The Daffodil Room in yellow represents Mars and the Sun, symbolizing wisdom and power. The Amaryllis Room, in vibrant red, channels the energies of Saturn and Earth—grounding, secure, and full of vitality. Each room is adorned with corresponding animal sculptures and crystal elements that extend the conceptual language into tactile forms.

All guest rooms are equipped with intuitive technology that allows users to control lighting, drapes, temperature, entertainment, and even schedule room service or sunrise wake-up calls—ensuring a seamless and luxurious stay.

Amenities for Leisure, Reflection, and Gathering

The first floor hosts Celeste and Nirvana, two restaurants designed with glass railings that provide uninterrupted views of the hills. Locally sourced wood is used for floors and ceilings, infusing the interiors with warmth and a distinctly regional character that complements the misty Ooty weather. Outdoor dining at Kaizen allows guests to enjoy meals amidst fresh mountain breezes.

At the heart of the property lies Divino, a bar where guests can gather around a long counter, watch live sports on projection screens, or simply unwind with a drink. Designed with a balance of raw and polished materials—wood, stone, and steel—this space reflects the project’s overall sensibility: sophisticated yet unpretentious.

Other notable amenities include Lumina, a private screening room with plush recliner seating; Conclave, a formal conference space for meetings; and The Tipping Point, a dramatic 7-foot cantilevered balcony enclosed in seamless glass. Standing here gives the illusion of floating amidst the mountain air—a meditative vantage point unlike any other.

Materiality and Landscape Integration

Natural tones dominate both the interior and exterior material palette. Externally, the building is clad in desert grey, a color that allows it to vanish into the early morning mist. Rather than compete with nature, the architecture retreats into it, allowing the lush surroundings to take center stage.

A small pond at the rear of the structure hosts local fish and attracts birds and insects, creating a micro-ecosystem that invites quiet observation. A kitchen garden provides fresh produce for the restaurants, aligning with the resort’s farm-to-table ethos. Fruit trees planted throughout the site draw butterflies and birds, further emphasizing a design narrative rooted in ecological sensitivity.

At night, a designated bonfire area within the expansive landscape fosters communal moments beneath the stars, adding warmth and intimacy to the overall guest experience.

Craftsmanship and Construction

Due to the site’s steep contours and unpredictable seasonal changes, construction posed significant challenges. Studio Detail Architects dedicated extra time to forming and training a local labor force capable of achieving the meticulous finishes required by the design. This investment not only enhanced the quality of the build but also contributed to the local economy and community development.

A Multi-Sensory Escape

MindEscapes is more than a resort—it’s an experiential retreat that engages all senses. The sound of rustling leaves, the sight of misty hills, the tactile quality of handcrafted materials, and the fragrance of local flora all combine to create a place of restoration and inspiration.

Through a balance of narrative, landscape sensitivity, and thoughtful design, Studio Detail Architects have created a sanctuary that allows the mind to slow down and the imagination to awaken.

Photography: Dishank Shah