Sindalah Island, Neom

The island of Sindalah presents an exceptional challenge for landscape design, with its strong winds, saline groundwater, sandy soil, almost no organic matter, low rainfall and high temperatures. Despite these difficult conditions, which undoubtedly limit the use of the botanical palette, the aim is to achieve a comfortable and attractive environment for the island's guests, turning limiting factors into opportunities. In continuity and balance with the island's sporadic wilderness, new additions of unexpected and lush vegetation have been introduced to elaborate a more refined identity.

The philosophy of sustainable landscape design requires considering the island's natural context. The intervention uses a gradient strategy to balance ecosystem protection and human presence. Each open space offers different densities of greenery, species selection and relationships between hardscape and softscape, all adapted to local conditions and maintenance requirements. Extensive landscaping covers most of the island, with native species repopulating the entire coastline, composed of mostly herbaceous or shrubby vegetation that thrives in the extreme climate and natural, loose materials dominating the outdoor landscape.

Mitigating and shading elements consist of shrubby tree belts that form ecological corridors around the buildings in a narrative sequence that leads to the discovery of the entire island's landscape. These paths, created with clear, draining paving, perfectly integrate local materials such as limestone.

The microcosms in the courtyards and small thematic gardens display enchantment and floristic diversity. They are laid out in appropriately screened areas, between building fronts, or within a single architecture, and thanks to technological systems for comfort and the constant presence of water, exotic botanicals are inserted. The Sindalah Village, with its Promenade, Yacht Club and restaurants, surrounds the dock. The maze of buildings creates favourable conditions for dense landscapes with thematic gardens and botanical collections that invite exploration. The Yacht Club, perched on the promontory bordering the Darsena inlet, features native shrubs and succulent plants resistant to strong winds, emphasising its symbolic character.

The Ultra Luxury Resort and Upper Upscale Resort areas provide private villas and lush green spaces for relaxation, recreation, and sports activities. Lush plant cascades and natural water features enhance the architecture and provide idyllic surroundings. The Luxury Resort South and the Beach Club & Sports Centre focus on relaxation and wellness, sunbathing terraces, swimming pools and meeting points shaded by tree and shrub belts. The floristic choice of these areas focuses on using native and ornamental plants to create attractive and sustainable landscapes.