Evaluating Biophilic Design Strategies for Enhancing Guest Well-Being in Resort Hotels: A Study of Almat Farms Resort in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Biophilic design has gained vital recognition for enhancing well-being through the integration of nature-based elements into the built environment. The incorporation of natural elements in resort hotels has been associated with improved guest satisfaction and overall experience quality. However, the application of biophilic design strategies in resort environments within Abuja remains underexplored. Therefore, this study examines the extent of biophilic design integration at Almat Farms Resort in Abuja and its implications for guest well-being. A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing field observations and the Biophilic Design Performance Index (BDPI) as the primary evaluation tool. Data were obtained through systematic observation of biophilic elements and analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean scores. The results revealed a moderate to strong integration of biophilic design principles, with an overall BDPI score of 63.75%. Direct experience with nature emerged as the leading feature, while environmental and sensory integration elements recorded the lowest performance, alongside moderate outcomes for ecological and place-based design attributes. Notably, guest well-being was not directly measured through perception surveys but was inferred from the BDPI, based on established literature. The findings suggest that the identified biophilic features are likely to improve environmental quality and promote guest well-being with respect to relaxation, comfort, and connection to nature, based on their quantified performance within the index framework. Therefore, the study highlights the importance of integrating biophilic strategies in designing restorative resort environments.