Santa Cruz, CA (August 4, 2020) – Considered one of Santa Cruz’s premier, luxury destination resorts with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay, the 156-room Chaminade Resort & Spa is celebrating the completion of an extensive, $10 million transformation.
To restore the integrity of the beloved property’s 1930’s iconic Spanish Revival architecture, the property’s public spaces including a new arrival experience, spacious lobby, signature restaurant and lounge with spectacular views, the expansive outdoors and firepit areas as well as its 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, provided an ideal canvas to renew the spirit and heritage of Chaminade’s endearing legacy.
The exclusive 300-acre mountaintop retreat that is just minutes from the famed Santa Cruz Boardwalk and beaches, is a staycation playground nestled 300 feet above sea level towering over Santa Cruz with an abundance of outdoor leisure and recreational amenities that allow for ample physical distancing while still being able to remain socially connected. Given the beauty of Chaminade’s natural surroundings, scenic hiking trails, disc golf, tennis and pickleball, corn hole, bocce ball, a sparkling outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center with Peloton bikes, a full-service spa* and four new personal firepits perfect for enjoying the spectacular California sunsets and bay views, guests have a myriad of options from which to choose including just soaking up the scenery. *(The resort’s spa is temporarily closed at this time).
The new design elements emphasize a Spanish-modern aesthetic that comes through with bold, colorful tiles and features that embrace the property’s heritage as seen in the Spanish arches and exposed decorative wood beams. Upon entering the lobby, an impressive grand entry stairway is accented with bold tiles and warm woods with a towering, arched glass ceiling above that showcases the beautiful California sky.
San Francisco Bay Area-based EDG Interior Architecture & Design was the interior design firm responsible for reimagining Chaminade. “Our goal was to enhance the overall guest experience by restoring the integrity and romance of the property,” said EDG President and CEO Jennifer Johanson. “We created multiple indoor/outdoor social spaces to optimize the guest’s connection to the outdoors.”
The resort’s new restaurant and lounge, The View, was warmly redesigned to be reminiscent of a traditional Hacienda style home anchored by a massive fireplace that is a central focal point. Among Chaminade’s most sought out and iconic settings is The View terrace, accented with string lights, sleek high top bar stools and four tops all socially spaced and overlooking towering treetops and the sparkling waters of Monterey Bay.
The resort’s almost 12,000 square-feet of flexible meeting space and event venues, along with its expansive outdoor spaces, were also included in the overall transformation following the same classic, understated Spanish elegance interior design styles and patterns. A stunning new 2,800 square-foot ballroom was created by combining two rooms into the new Seascape Ballroom that features two sets of French doors opening onto the lushly landscaped courtyard and fireside patio with spectacular bay views. This venue, along with its expansive terraces makes for a picturesque backdrop for weddings, vow renewals and special occasions.
Capitalizing on the resort’s stunning natural surroundings and enhancing the overall outdoor guest experience was a key element of the new design and transformation. “Chaminade’s awe-inspiring beauty and mountaintop views with 300 plus acres of nature to explore, is what sets this resort apart from any other in Santa Cruz,” said General Manager Kevin Herbst. “Its manicured lawns and gardens allow ample space for guests to enjoy the hiking trails, their privacy, or sit by a personal fire pit on the lawn and enjoy a gourmet picnic basket and bottle of wine.”
Chaminade recently completed an $8 million renovation that transformed all 156 guest rooms, suites, bathrooms and corridors reflective of Santa Cruz’s artisan community. Many of the design elements were inspired by the city’s railroad industry, vintage technology and pay homage to Santa Cruz’s history and vibrant arts culture. The resort’s accommodations are spread across 11 two-story villas, half of which feature direct entry from the outdoors with many offering spacious patios and balconies shaded by towering Eucalyptus trees.
For more information about Chaminade Resort & Spa, visit online at www.chaminade.com or call 831-475-5600.
