Beachy Keen: 3 Retreats Get Revamps

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Spring is a time of renewal and hoteliers are revamping beachfront properties in preparation of the peak travel season. Here’s a look at renovation projects in Florida and Turks & Caicos.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort Debuts $7M Guestroom Renovation

The Pelican Grand Beach Resort, managed by Noble House Hotels & Resorts Ltd. and owned by Jefast Hotels LLC, completed its $7-million dollar guestroom renovation. The eight-month transformation honors the existing property’s old Floridian charm while introducing modernized design and boho-inspired elements.

Seattle-based architecture and interior design firm Degen & Degen created a design representative of Fort Lauderdale’s coastline, inspired by the textures of the beach. Channeling vacation vibes, sand between the toes and relaxed luxury, the rooms are dressed in an intentionally tonal color palate of warm creams, clean whites and soft gray tones with splashes of bright Florida chroma to accentuate the resort’s best asset—the unobstructed sunrise and beachfront ocean views. Accessorized with coastal artwork using a variety of materials from frame prints and canvas to driftwood and nautical rope, each room also boasts spa-inspired fixtures, freestanding soaking tubs, walk-in showers and quartz countertops. 

Renovation Underway for Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino

In May, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino in Palm Beach, FL will undergo a renovation of beachfront space to introduce a beachside adults-only pool, which is slated for fall 2019. The new recreation addition will complement the wealth of resort amenities already offered to guests, which include an 8,000-sq.-ft., multi-level pool complex complete with a three-story water slide, swim-up bar and tropical surroundings.

Overseen by EDSA, a planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firm based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the project will completely remodel a 43,000-sq.-ft. area of the resort’s beachfront outdoor space. Plans include 10 private pool cabanas each with a private entrance and stairway into a tension edge pool designed to make guests feel as though they are floating on the water. Additional features will include outdoor showers, a beach hut that will house towels for guests, use of the resort’s hallmark natural stone walls, and an outdoor space for weddings and events, fully equipped with audio visual capabilities.

“Our vision for Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino’s new adult pool is to incorporate beautiful accent walls with stark stone, create a lush landscape, and add other unique water features to give the space a formal yet comfortable feel,” said EDSA Principal Gregg Sutton. “The reimagined area will really wow guests, and further position the resort as a true destination with something for everyone.”

The project will follow on the heels of the resort’s recently completed $21-million top-to-bottom enhancement of its 359 guestrooms, suites and Regency Club Lounge.

Grace Bay Resorts Unveils Design Plans for Point Grace

Grace Bay Resorts has partnered with New York-based firm, Young Huh Interior Design, to bring a sophisticated new design perspective to Point Grace. The firm is tasked with the refurbishment of its poolside cottages; a number of oceanfront suites; the restaurant, Grace’s Cottage, as well as the lobby and additional public spaces throughout the boutique property. Grace Bay Resorts acquired the management company and a majority of the resort assets in April 2018.

Well-versed in art and design history, yet with a vigilant eye on of-the-moment innovations, Huh plans to incorporate design concepts from an extensive range of sources to create a timeless design with classic proportions and eclectic style. Huh and her team add a youthful and modern edge to Point Grace while maintaining the resort’s British West Indies heritage and style, according to the company.