In perfect harmony with the latest trends in tourism, where true luxury is represented by ‘silence’ – increasingly rare in frenetic urban contexts – the original Retreat Folly, often in remote and inaccessible locations, represent ideal refuges to regenerate, far from the chaos and activism of everyday life.

The Folly Collection, located among some of the most evocative and isolated landscapes in the United States, redefines the concept of sustainable off-grid luxury, offering places where the art of design meets respect for the environment and for the well-being of the soul.

The ‘Folly’ philosophy is based on a clear concept: luxury and sustainability can coexist, and in fact, they strengthen each other. These Retreats are designed to be completely self-sufficient and disconnected from traditional energy and water networks. The main sources of supply are the sun and the wind, thus minimizing the environmental impact. Each structure is designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape without ‘disturbing’ it, thanks to the use of local and sustainable materials, which reflect the unique qualities of the surrounding nature.

They often appear ‘raw’ and very similar to the landscape hosting them: monolithic constructions, in which the only materials used are concrete, blackened steel and carbonized reclaimed wood, according to an ancient Japanese technique, called Yakisugi, which makes the wood more resistant and also suggestive to the sight.

Who is the creator of this extravagant architecture?

The design direction is up to Malek Alqadi, while Hillary Flur, Co-Founder, takes care of the ‘Experiences’ of the Guests offering them a niche and unconventional stay.

Malek Alqadi was born in Amman, Jordan, a city rich in history and culture that has profoundly influenced his approach to architecture. This cultural tradition has been a source of great inspiration for his Los Angeles studio, founded in 2016, where he develops projects characterized by innovative and sustainable building practices. Alqadi often speaks of “sacred geometry”, a type of architecture realized thanks to the use of precise geometric shapes, with the aim of bringing the individual closer to the divine.

For Malek, the integration of mathematics and symbolism serves as a means to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also possess the power to spiritually uplift those who inhabit them, providing a comfortable and harmonious environment.

The Experiences offered in his Folly Retreats are designed to lead to true Well-being. By joining a Membership Friend, Family o Founders Club, you gain access to the Folly Family and can enjoy all the attractions offered. Whether it’s a tennis lesson with world-famous champions, an architecture & property tour, guided bouldering, cooking classes or meditation and stargazing rituals but also film screenings and shooting: everything is designed to stimulate disconnection from the world, personal growth and calm with oneself.

Let’s see who these contemporary hermitages are, part of the Folly Collection.

Folly Mojave extends along a boundless landscape between the Mojave National Preserve desert and the Joshua Tree National Park in California composed of five minimalist suites but equipped with all the necessary comforts.

Folly Joshua Tree, the second property of the collection, derives its name from the homonymous town with only 9,000 inhabitants about two hours from Los Angeles, also nestled within the Joshua Tree National Park, a varied landscape which, in spring, is adorned with white flowers blooming on the iconic cacti and a myriad of other colors from the surrounding wild flora.

Folly Farm, located in a completely different area on the North Fork of Long Island in New York, is the ‘luxury’ farm of the Folly Collection. It hosts 13 rooms and bungalows, a wellness area, a golf course, a gym and much more to regenerate in refined spaces and with a tasteful interior design.

Malek Alqadi’s creativity doesn’t end here; his work is expanding in the Folly residences and through a project called M-SHLTR designed to create versatile, self-sufficient modular platforms capable of thriving in various environmental contexts, where the connection with the surrounding space plays a crucial role.

This prefabricated collection can be transformed into either a home or a hotel, offering the advantage of customization and meticulous attention to both design and execution. It also places a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and energy autonomy, creating truly sustainable oases.