Author name: Skinnyboy

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN Designed by an award winning architect, Moro Ma Doto Resort is a combination of new and vernacular concepts in tropical design. The celebration lies in the simplicity of what the land has to offer and in the gentle approach through its landscape and architecture. Naturally inspired by the topography and the qualities of the land and sea, the buildings convince with their true essence. Natural winding pathways connect the main public spaces with the villas.  The careful placement of the dwellings and the spacious setting naturally provide freedom and privacy. Garden spaces freely intermingle with the buildings and extend further to the restaurant and swimming pool, giving the experience of the flow of the land.Weathered timbers and drift wood are carefully selected, combined with new natural materials and used to create unique interiors, rich in character. Traditional fish traps and baskets have been handcrafted into lampshades or used as accessories in the spacious rooms, as well as woven pandanus fibre, used for backings or rugs. The outer roof layer is constructed from the leaf of the sago palm, which is a traditional choice of material and blends thus perfectly into the surrounding forests.

LOCATION Moro Ma Doto Resort sits in splendid seclusion, bordered by rolling hills to the west and a 1.7 km long beach facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. Nestled in the natural topography of the sixty two hectare resort are a number of carefully placed architect-designed, thatched private villas.Traveling time from Daruba’s airport to the resort is approximately one hour. It is a short stroll along the beach from Moro Ma Doto to the small traditional village of Buho Buho.

PHILOSOPHY Our dream is to offer our guests a dramatically new destination resort. Our philosophy is based on integrating the local community, while cultivating environmental awareness and responsibility. We encourage the skilled local workforce to assist in building all structures in a vernacular context and then to eventually work with us in the operational phase.  The traditional materials of local timber, bamboo, natural fibres and palm fronds for roofing are sourced respectfully on the island.  Building sites are carefully chosen, not only to maximise the views, but to ensure all structures sit gently in the land’s contours and between the existing trees.  Low impact and sustainability are two of our uncompromising maxims. The resort operates its own permaculture farm, where organically grown fruit and vegetables are harvested daily, fresh for our kitchens.