THE HILLS KNOW OF YOU

Sham Salim and Aslam Karadan, Principal Architects at aslam.sham architects, build a lush resort in Coimbatore that resonates with the harmonious and humble architecture of Bali

- ELA DAS

An hour’s drive from Coimbatore, along the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, leads to a lush areca palm plantation which is home to Maayaa — a tropical modern Balinese-style resort spread across 40,000 sq ft. Offering travellers a tranquil getaway with rooms and cottages, a clubhouse, luxurious amenities and a host of restaurants, Sham Salim and Aslam Karadan, Principal Architects at aslam.sham architects have built a tropical paradise overlooking the Nilgiris, with the Bhavani and Siruvani rivers converging at one corner. “On our first visit, we had identified this spot to build the resort for its view,” points out Sham as we look out from the top of the cliff and watch the fog slowly roll in. “Rather than focusing on building an impressive structure, our process was rooted in maximising the potential of this vantage point,” adds Aslam.