California resort renovations inspired by art, technology, industry and meditation
Boston studio CBT Hospitality Design have drawn on an eclectic range of influences for a US$7.9m (€7.5m, $5.2m) renovation of California's Chaminade Resort & Spa.
The property, located in the city of Santa Cruz, is transforming all of its 156 guestrooms to feature a more bohemian style, reflective of the local artisan community.
Given Santa Cruz's close proximity to Silicon Valley – home to some of the world’s largest high-tech corporations – CBT'S interior design also references the evolution of technology, originality and entrepreneurial spirit in the region.
The resort's rooms will feature vintage-themed accessories, abacus headboards, dark leathers, warm reds and reclaimed wood. Oversized dominoes are used as room numbers, and corridors feature bohemian-patterned carpeting. Bedside tables are woven drums from a local tannery, reflecting the city’s historic tanning industry.
“We’ve created a fun and interactive guestroom 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. Another influence was the rail industry of Santa Cruz County, which has been instrumental in the city’s growth and sparked 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.”
As part of the remodelling work, meditation alcoves are being added to select rooms for guests who routinely practice meditation, mindfulness and wellbeing when travelling. Each nook will feature tailored meditation cushions and pillows situated by windows or sliding glass doors, offering outdoor views of 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 practising mindfulness and wellbeing – whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure – is a trend that is here to stay,” said Kevin Herbst, general manager of Chaminade.
“The meditation alcoves will allow our group or leisure guests the option to maintain their daily routine of balancing peace and tranquility.”
Herbst also said the property will launch a variety of mindfulness programmes, packages and amenities throughout 2016, and “will be weaving mindfulness into the overall culture of the property.”
Chaminade includes a 1,700sq ft (158sq m) spa that offers a ‘Green Spa Experience,’ with an aim to enhance the connection between personal and planetary wellness and featuring holistic treatments, integrating products from the ocean, fields and vineyards surrounding the property.
The resort also features three miles of hiking trails, a heated outdoor pool, four tennis courts, a fitness centre with sauna and whirlpool, volleyball and badminton courts, croquet lawn and a private geo-caching course.
Situated on 300 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains with views over Monterey Bay, Chaminade is owned by LaSalle Hotel Properties. The resort’s main building was originally a high school built in 1930, and has also been a centre for training priests, a religious retreat and a conference centre.