The ultimate dream project led us to Stocking Island in the Bahamas.  Helping to design a Geotourism* resort was an adventure on many levels and all good ones.  The owner and visionary of the project is a brilliant developer with properties throughout the Carolinas and a home on the main island of Georgetown, just a short boat ride away from Stocking Island.  This was base camp during some of the conception stages and proved an excellent way to absorb and embrace the character of the very special area.  Having spent years in the Bahamas with a fellow design student who lived there was also a tremendous resource as far as understanding how the elements affect materials.  The boutique, eco-friendly luxury resort and spa involved designing the administrative office, spa, bar and dining room along with the individual cottages.  The process was a comprehensive exercise in perfection, which was easy to execute by way of a life-size mock up in the Wilmington, North Carolina area.  We were able to make detailed adjustments on-site before finalizing everything. We used sapele wood for all the custom built-ins as well as the shutters and doors for its outstanding properties and ability to withstand the tough elements while maintaining its exquisite beauty.  Everything from the bedding to the condiments were carefully chosen to stay in keeping with the vision.. As always with Smith Gsell Design Studio, a modern coastal aesthetic combined with classic clean lines delivered a timeless and treasured vacation spot. 

*Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism encompasses a range of travel including culture and heritage, history, food, nature, the outdoors, water, music and arts.