Navigating the Path to a Regenerative Future in Hospitality Design
Lorraine Francis: Can you share the journey of Playa Viva and how has the vision evolved over these years?
David Leventhal: Playa Viva’s evolution began with our Troncones home turned Airbnb, emphasizing community and values encapsulated in “Where your vacation meets your values.” Meeting Bill Reed in Greenville initiated a regenerative development journey, involving detailed studies and design charrettes. Originally planning fractional ownership homes and a boutique hotel, economic challenges led to Playa Viva becoming a boutique hotel in 2008. Evolution continued with queen and king echocositas to accommodate yoga retreat demands. Funding from Conservation International and Root Capital supported these changes. Notably, an idea emerged to transplant palm trees from the coconut grove to the beach, using their root balls as living piers to anchor sensitive dunes. Recent developments include the creation of tree houses and the Manta Treehouse Village, inspired by drone photography. Playa Viva has transformed into a retreat center, sparking curiosity about future developments.