Graham Downes Architecture Designs a Luxury Eco-resort in Ghana

The Royal Beach Resort

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. May 11, 2011

SAN DIEGO, CA - May 10, 2011 - Graham Downes Architecture, the highly respected Southern Californian design firm, announces completion of preliminary design for The Royal Beach Resort, a 25-acre seaside resort in the Eguafo District, on the Cape Coast Central Region of Ghana.

The Royal Beach Resort is Central Africa's very first luxury eco-resort and will offer the latest leisure standards based on the most current principles of sustainable development. The boutique property provides unique entertainment and relaxation programs - it is a health-oriented, recreational retreat that will attract both continental and overseas visitors; appealing to business, recreation and also family guests. Lodging accommodations comprise 120 exquisitely appointed suites where the accent is on privacy. A range of recreation, sporting and social activities include a remote spa, offering rejuvenation and solitude, saltwater pools for cooling and sunbathing, water-sports on the beach, sports courts and a gym, miniature golf course and a children's playground. The conference center caters weddings, events and functions, corporate retreats, and provides an escape environment for business meetings.

Guests arrive through estate-like gates on the north ridge. A guardhouse check-in delivers the first welcoming smiles and provides an immediate sense of security. The driveway winds down through orchards where most the produce offered is organically grown on the grounds. Frequent glimpses of ocean, beach and approaching buildings heighten expectation. A circular drive forms a motor-court for drop-off, valet and warm greetings. The porte cochere canopy off the lobby building reaches out to protect from midday heat and afternoon showers. The point of arrival is central to the whole development and feeds access roads to the Conference and Sports Centers and the Spa.

The one and two story architecture of the guest units are generously spread out over the site with walking paths opening into courtyards and palapas providing moments of respite from the heat. Each guest unit is outfitted with a spa-like bathroom and a private balcony or porch. Unique to the project are the private villas with secure auto access and individual pools.

Graham Downes is principal designer for the project and Margit Whitlock AIA project director for Graham Downes Architecture. The project is being developed by Premium Estate Limited.

Recent design commissions for Graham Downes Architecture include the Padre Hotel in Bakersfield, Le Meridien in Dallas, interior design of the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, Love Culture stores nationwide, and the remake of the iconic Bali Hai Restaurant at San Diego's harbor.

The creative agency was founded by international architect Graham Downes in 1994 and is known for providing innovative solutions for retail, hospitality, entertainment and mixed-use projects. The firm's recent focus and design acclaim has been for boutique hotels, adaptive re-use structures and urban infill housing projects. Headquarters are in San Diego with offices in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

For more information, please go to www.grahamdownesarchitecture.com.