Santa Marina

A large-scale coastal landscape where architecture and nature have been carefully integrated to create a lush, living park environment. Existing pine vegetation was preserved and enriched with more than 330 native and exotic tree and shrub species, forming diverse spaces for relaxation, recreation, sports, play, and connection with nature. Developed over nearly two decades, the landscape has gradually grown into the defining green identity of Santa Marina, with the buildings becoming naturally immersed in its evolving seasonal character.

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Santa Marina Holiday Complex

A green oasis by the sea. | Area: ~140,000 m²

Realization

2006-2026

For me, the landscape of Santa Marina Holiday Village has never been simply about landscaping around buildings. It emerged from a natural need to preserve the spirit of the place and create an environment where architecture and nature could coexist in harmony.

When we began, the site of the future complex already contained an experimental plantation of Black Pine. From the very beginning, one of the main objectives was to preserve as many of the existing trees as possible and gradually enrich this natural foundation with new species, so that over the years a sustainable, diverse, and living park environment could develop.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to invest my professional knowledge, imagination, and a great part of myself into the development of this place. The favourable coastal climate, natural characteristics, and steep terrain gave us the opportunity to experiment, create, and dream with greenery.

The terrain itself became part of the composition. Through planting, different spaces were created — quiet and shaded areas for relaxation, colourful gardens, pathways and viewpoints, children's playgrounds and play areas, as well as a forest park zone with sports fields, tennis courts, and spaces for children and active recreation. The idea has always been that greenery should not only be seen, but experienced.

With each passing year, the plants grew, the environment evolved, and the buildings gradually began to disappear into the greenery. Each season adds its own colour and character — from the freshness and blossoms of spring to the dense shade of summer and the rich colours of autumn.

Today, the park environment of Santa Marina features a dendrological collection of more than 330 native and exotic tree and shrub species and cultivars. Among them are numerous exotic plants that have gradually found their natural place among the existing vegetation and have become part of the identity of the complex.

For me, the greatest value of what has been created is that the greenery is no longer simply a decorative element. It is the living fabric of Santa Marina — an environment for relaxation, movement, children's play, sports, learning, and experiencing nature.

This is a place that was not created all at once. It was grown — tree by tree, space by space, year after year.