Puerto Rico is rebounding from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and its luxury hotels are coming back online. Among these, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is set open on October 29 following a $60-million renovation to all guestrooms and suites, the Plantation House, the St. Regis Bar and the property's restaurant, seaside pool and esplanade, spa and the ocean-front golf course (designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.).
Beyond the initial renovation, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is also allocating $85 million for a new beachfront residential development, to be called Ocean Drive, as well as The Atlantic Drive Estates.
The property is also planning a further $30-million expansion to the resort. Occupying a secluded stretch of land adjacent to the current guestroom accommodations, the expansion will add 60 oceanfront rooms to the hotel's inventory and introduce a more contemporary style with flexible rooms.
$60-Million Renovation
Designed by Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado together with Hirsch Bedner Associates of San Francisco, and inspired by the surrounding sea, sand and foliage, the 139 refurbished rooms and suites at The St. Regis will have an aesthetic described as "modern and organic" in a contemporary and residential setting. The color palette will include shades of whites and blues, while custom furniture pieces such as a glass bar cabinet will evoke a luxurious home.
The light-centric design will also be seen in the Plantation House, which will be home to the resort's fine dining restaurant and St. Regis Bar. Anchored by The Long Awaited Voyage, a mural by Puerto Rican artist Arnaldo Roche Rabell that was restored following the storms and hangs above The St. Regis Bar, the two-story building overlooks the ocean.
The seaside pool/esplanade was also renovated, and will have indoor and outdoor seating in addition to poolside cabanas and lounge chairs.
The spa will debut as The Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort when the property reopens.
All structures have been built below the tree line, affording views along the resort's two-mile stretch of private beach.
$85-Million New Development
The $85-million beachfront Ocean Drive Residences development, meanwhile, include 30 condominium residences in three beachfront buildings, Each condo will have three- and four-bedroom residences and penthouse models ranging in size from 3,379 square feet to 4,048 square feet of interior space. Created by SB Architects of Miami and Hirsch Bedner Associates of San Francisco, the design of each residence will be inspired by the nature and wild environment surrounding the property. Features will also include living areas, beachfront terraces with outdoor bars and kitchens, and direct private elevator access. The first building is under development and is expected to be completed by June 2019.
The property is also scheduled to open The Atlantic Drive Estates, a collection of coastal home sites located just west of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.
Located on a former coconut plantation and situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is set on 483 acres and it is the only Gold-certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary in Puerto Rico as well as rated AAA Five Diamond. Ian-Robert Ciappara is the GM of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.
Photo credit: The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort