Giselaine's Spa | Knickerbocker Group

Project Details

Builder

Knickerbocker Group

Architects

Patrick Costin & Timothy Hart, Canal 5 Studio

Interior Architect + Millwork

Knickerbocker Group

Interior Design

Knickerbocker Group

Lighting Design

Greg Day Lighting + Prism Lighting Design

Photography

Jeff Roberts

Recognition

Maine Home + Design, November/December 2023

Meticulously thoughtful

A true collaboration of expertise, the team behind Giselaine’s Spa included architects Patrick Costin, Timothy Hart, and Canal 5 Studio, alongside Greg Day Lighting, Prism Lighting Design, and Knickerbocker Group’s interior design, interior architecture and millwork. The result is a premier spa that blends rustic elegance with tranquility.

The design embraces a clean, sophisticated style, incorporating natural materials and tones, complemented by ornate lighting and furnishings. A soothing, neutral color palette is accented by dark charcoals, blacks, and ebonies. The building’s materials—cleft granite, travertine, and plaster—reflect a rustic sensibility, while the lighting and furnishings bring an element of grace through fine rugs, velvets, brass, and crystal.

An exclusive art collection by renowned photographer David McLain adorns the space, with coastal horizon imagery throughout the building that reflects the spa’s iconic setting. Each carefully curated black-and-white silver gelatin print offers refined contrasts, adding to the overall serene atmosphere.

A stillness to each space

While every detail of the spa is meticulously designed, there is a stillness to each space that resonates with all who visit. Guests enter a cathedral-ceiling hall, spanning the length of the structure, accented by oak trusses and a sea of chandeliers. Beyond an ebony-toned two-story glass wall, the Relaxation Lounge awaits on the South end of the Main Level. The space is characterized by several seating areas, a three-sided contemporary fireplace, and a beverage station with a backlit onyx countertop. Adjacent to the Relaxation Lounge, a grand staircase is surrounded by forged iron balusters and adorned with a custom-designed Nepalese stair runner. The runner’s cascading vine pattern leads patrons to the Lower Level, accompanied by the gentle sound of a large waterfall wall.

**TOWN LANDING**ARCHITECT + BUILDER, Knickerbocker Group | INTERIOR DESIGN, Knickerbocker Group | PHOTOGRAPHER, Darren Setlow

Discover serenity

The Lower Level features the Women’s Sanctuary, providing guests access to amenities such as a Steam Room, traditional and infrared Saunas, a spacious Shower, Dressing Rooms, and a Locker Room. Design details include a custom tile floor, three-dimensional stone cladding at the vanity, intentional use of wallpaper on both the walls and ceiling, and strategic placement of decorative and accent lighting. Neighboring the Women’s Sanctuary are two serene Treatment Rooms featuring custom wallpaper and lighting. Each room leads to a private patio where guests may relax following their treatments, immersed in the outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery, and the peaceful sounds of a carved stone water fountain. The calming oasis continues outside with an open pool terrace, encouraging guests to extend their stay. 24-carat gold tile accents the pool and seemingly glistens in the sun.

Giselaine’s spa evokes

luxurious ambiance

Seamless integration

The pool and jacuzzi are surrounded by a granite terrace with private lounge chairs and umbrellas. The landscape architecture enhances the terrace with lush gardens and native plantings, providing a serene palette throughout the open season. Fire bowls, torches, and a fire pit pair with water fountains, offering evening warmth as well as ambient sound for relaxation. Despite the complexity of the building’s layout, which presented challenges for concealing necessary building and structural systems, the design and build teams collaborated effectively to devise innovative solutions. Their collective ingenuity supports the original vision and ensures optimal ceiling heights were achieved throughout the primary public areas. The result: a sophisticated spa that exudes indoor and outdoor tranquility.