New design concept pays homage to Santa Cruz's historical past and vibrant artisan community
Santa Cruz, California, {November 23, 2015} … Considered one of Santa Cruz's premier destination resorts, the AAA Four Diamond Chaminade Resort & Spa recently commenced on an extensive $7.9 million remodel slated for completion by January 30, 2016. General Manager Kevin Herbst made the announcement.
The historic, Mission-style property is completely transforming all 156 guest rooms, bathrooms and corridors featuring a more modern, eclectic, bohemian style reflective of Santa Cruz's artisan community. (Click here to see new room illustrations). Many of the design elements were inspired by the city's railroad industry, vintage technology and Santa Cruz's vibrant arts and culture scene which has created an authentic and forward-thinking community. Given the city's close proximity to the Silicon Valley which is home to some of the world's largest high-tech corporations and startup companies, the design concept also draws on the evolution of technology, originality and the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. CBT Hospitality Design out of Boston, is the interior design firm on the project.
According to CBT, the new design for Chaminade is considered playful, authentic and memorable. "We've created a fun and interactive guest room design for Chaminade Resort & Spa that speaks across generations and is meant to foster creative thought and innovation among its guests," said Jacqueline McGee, principal and director of CBT Hospitality. "We were deeply inspired by the history and craftsmanship of Santa Cruz. The rail industry of Santa Cruz County has been instrumental in the city's growth, sparking an influx of technological advances and ideas. This element has played a vital role in creating a local culture that the community has embraced and integrated into what is experientially Santa Cruz."
Paying homage to that same authentic craftsmanship, coupled with vintage themed accessories, will help tell the story and showcase Chaminade's new guest room interiors. Antique refrigerators inspired the new mini-bar cabinets and authentic abacus headboards will be complemented by rich, dark leathers and warm reds. Reclaimed woods and artwork will reflect the city's local artisan culture. Family favorite vintage games are embellished into the design concept utilizing over-scaled dominoes that will become room numbers, and crossword puzzles will appear throughout the corridors along with bohemian patterned carpeting. Further influenced by Santa Cruz's historic tanning industry which saw its start in 1843, bedside tables in the guest rooms are woven drums from a local tannery, deep red accent walls reflect the color of the tannery building and guests can relax in oversized, soft leather chairs. Eclectic blackened steel tables and other accessories lend an industrial flair to the playful design concept as well. Chaminade has also partnered with local Bay Area artist Julie Coyle, who will be creating artwork to feature throughout the hotel.
Open concept closets and shelving will offer flexible storage options and more floor space. New drapes, accent mirrors, floor lamps, pendant lighting and spacious lounge areas will be added, in addition to Samsung 55" flat panel TV's, multiple plug-in units for mobile devices and high speed internet access. All bathrooms will be fully remodeled and well-crafted featuring walk-in showers, sleek open-style vanities, new lighting, fixtures and wood-look tile flooring.
Tranquil meditation alcoves in select rooms are also being incorporated for those guests who routinely practice meditation, mindfulness and well-being when traveling. Each nook will feature premium tailored meditation cushions and pillows situated by windows or sliding glass doors offering picturesque outdoor views of towering eucalyptus trees and the resort's natural landscape. Soothing glow lighting above the headboards will also be incorporated.
"Many people travel to Santa Cruz for personal or spiritual retreats, and practicing mindfulness and well-being whether you're traveling for business or pleasure is a trend that is here to stay," said Herbst. "The meditation alcoves will allow our group or leisure guests the option to maintain their daily routine of balancing peace and tranquility. We're looking to launch a variety of mindfulness programs, packages and amenities throughout 2016 and will be weaving mindfulness into the overall culture of the property."
