The Kali Hotel is an example of contemporary design that not only organises the space but also restores its significance. This intimate, fifteen-room property was built in the village of Kali on the island of Ugljan, in a location well known to locals – for decades, the town’s only restaurant operated here, serving as an important meeting place in the 1970s. The Rôck&Villa team from Majorca, responsible for the interior design, treated this history as a foundation. Rather than cutting themselves off from the past, the architects consciously incorporated it into a new narrative of hospitality, local identity and contemporary comfort.
The hotel’s interiors draw on the aesthetics of the 1970s, though not in the form of a literal reconstruction. It is rather a subtle reinterpretation of that decade’s design language. Where can one spot the historical motifs? Soft lines, rounded forms, textured glass and a palette of warm, earthy colours create an atmosphere of nostalgia, but without the heaviness of retro styling. The design balances between memory and modernity, ensuring the spaces remain elegant, light and timeless.
Inspiration from bygone years is complemented by materials rooted in the Adriatic landscape. Natural stone, wood and textured fabrics create a sense of closeness to the surroundings, whilst the colour scheme draws on the local palette – the glow of the sun, the sand and the blue of the sea. The interiors do not attempt to compete with the island’s landscape, but blend harmoniously with it, creating a cohesive, tranquil whole.
Graphic elements play an important role. Original prints inspired by the movement of Adriatic waves appear in various parts of the hotel, providing a subtle complement to the composition and emphasising the connection with the sea. One of the most distinctive features is the bed designed specifically for Hotel Kali – a sculptural form with an upholstered, arched headboard that evokes the setting sun over the Adriatic. This element serves both a practical and symbolic function, becoming the focal point of every room.
The project also has a personal dimension. Paulo Valcic, co-founder of Rôck&Villa, hails from Kali. Working on the hotel in his hometown has imbued the project with a special sensitivity, and design decisions were made with the local community and its heritage in mind. As a result, the interiors are not anonymous; they possess the character of a place that knows its history and is able to utilise it creatively.
Hotel Kali is an example of a successful reinterpretation of the past. A former restaurant has been transformed into a boutique hotel where the spirit of the 1970s, Adriatic heritage and Mediterranean hospitality create a new standard of quality. Rôck&Villa offers a space that respects local identity whilst providing a contemporary, sophisticated standard of accommodation. It is a project that demonstrates how memory can become a fully-fledged architectural material if treated with care and sensitivity.
more about the hotel: https://hotelkali.hr
interior design: Rôck&Villa
photos: Mood Authors
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