Nature-Focused Resort Unna Captures the Unspoiled Beauty of Puro

Name:
Unna
Location:
Puro, Philippines
Designer:
Vianca Soleil
Photography:
Vianca Soleil
Words:
Marissa Stempien

It’s not every day that you drop what you’re doing and move to a small hut on a remote island—but that’s exactly what interior designer, photographer, and all-around creative Vianca Soleil did. After spending years as an interior designer working in Dubai, the US, and Kenya, she decided to return to the Philippines. But instead of moving back to the busy streets of Manila, she opted for the tiny and untouched island of Puro. An oasis of unspoiled land with no establishments and pristine beaches that go on for miles. Vianca hopes to show others the beauty of the land with a nature-focused resort, Unna.

Using entirely local materials and craftsmen, Vianca is currently building her dream project, a resort that will allow travelers to enjoy the secluded haven for what it is—a natural respite filled with unfettered beauty and a new, untethered way of living. Unna offers a simpler way of life, an opportunity to slow down, appreciate the Filipino culture, and even dig your toes in the sand. All of these she’s doing with sustainability, responsibility, and nature at the heart of her design. She spoke with us about her project and what building this resort means to her.

Visual Pleasure Magazine:
You’re an interior designer by profession, but with so many other artistic endeavors under your belt do you see yourself more as a general creative or artist?

Vianca Soleil: I find the word artist to be such a big word. Although most of what I do equates to trying to be an artist, I don’t take too seriously what I do outside of interior design. I see it more as a constant exploration of different ways of creating. I guess, a general creative would be more fitting.

You’ve lived all over the world and visited a plethora of countries before you called Puro home. How does this island set itself apart from anywhere else in the world and speak to your creativity and inspiration?

During my travels, I was mostly drawn to exploring remote villages and have always admired that simple way of life. Moving to Puro is my attempt at that, to move back to the basics. This island felt like the most ideal and magical place because it’s still so untouched. It instantly felt like home.

You’re transforming your newly-built beach home into an eco-resort, Unna. Can you tell us a little about the process on a remote island like this?

The only practical way to build on an island with no road nor establishment is to do it like a local. That became my basis for the design approach and how we would run the resort as well. All materials are sourced within the Romblon Islands, mostly in Puro itself. The thatched roofing is made of common cogon grass and the kitchen hut is made from coconut palm and timber.

Romblon also happens to be abundant in marble. The floors are made of marble bits taken from the shore and we work closely with craftsmen in the neighboring island to carve out furniture pieces. It’s a slow and mindful build that champions local craftsmanship.

What were some of the biggest life lessons you learned in taking on this new endeavor? Some of the things you struggled with? Some of your favorite parts?

After more than a year on the island—which makes three major typhoons, a constant logistic headache, and a current pandemic—I learned that attitude is really everything, to always stay relaxed and to always choose to have a good day. My favorite part would be when my family came here for the very first time. Also the day we finally found a water supply!

Has Unna been a lifelong dream for you? Was this something that played into your passion for interior design or travel and remote destinations?

It’s my biggest dream to live in a small hut by the sea and it took me three years before finally moving here to build. I see Unna as my life’s work, a place where I can keep pursuing my passions, not only with design and travel but also in helping out our small community. Our project’s goal is to also help bring out the potential of the island.

As you design your home and resort, do you find that you are honing in on your interior design talents, or are you discovering new untapped talents?

Apart from the interiors, I also did the architecture which is a first time [for me]. It’s the challenge of learning about architecture and unlearning about interior design. Unlearning because I try to approach Unna with a fresher and uncomplicated eye. To build not based on what I’ve been used to back in the city. As I’ve mentioned, to build like an island local.

“It’s a slow and mindful build that champions local craftsmanship.”

What kind of aesthetic are you hoping to capture?

A humble and raw structure that’s appreciated second to nature. Unna is comprised of huts which makes the outside always part of moving around a home. The interiors are still evolving as we’re not done filling it with pieces. So far, it’s looking very natural with a bit of modernism and playfulness.

How are you connecting nature, artistry, and functionality together to create an idealistic destination?

By making it all about nature and its people, by building with the pulse of the island. We see Puro as the ideal setting to experience the Filipino island way of life. There’s nothing fancy here, just the best of life’s simple pleasures and same with us, staying at Unna would mean home for you.