Situated in the breath-taking Caribbean yacht charter destination – Saint Lucia, the Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina has chosen bespoke design firm, OBM International (OBMI), to re-design the property, starting in May 2014. The Capella Marina will also receive a makeover and its post-renovation will feature a wide range of international shops, bars and restaurants for yacht owners and hotel guests to choose from.
The hotel is currently fully operational and will be accepting guests until end of April and then renovations will commence in earnest until the end of June. OBMI is recognized for the creation of some of the most stunning hotel designs in the global luxury resort marketplace and is adopting a holistic approach with regards to Capella Marigot Bay, by intertwining modern design with a sense of place. The grounds of the resort are three-tiered ranging from Penthouses on the highest point, pools and restaurants on the mid-level and the ground-level which will be home to the Capella Marina area, thus creating a multi-layered landscape. The design by OBMI is deeply rooted in the very essence of Saint Lucia yacht charter location, incorporating the natural environment of this beautiful island destination such as the sun, ocean, the mountains and verdant greenery.
“We’re delighted to partner an award-winning firm such as OBMI to create a hotel that will offer a lush tropical living experience complemented by a unique atmosphere that’s part of the fabric of Saint Lucia, which in turn we hope will occupy a special place in our guests hearts and minds, said Jeroen Quint, General Manager for Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina. “Essentially we already have in place the Capella award-wining service philosophy and coupled with the innovative designs from OBMI, we believe this will become a preferred luxury resort for guests in the Caribbean.”
A key feature of the re-design are the hotel’s one, two, three bedroom Residential Villas which come equipped with full kitchens as well as washer and dryers. These units are ideal for families and can be combined for larger, multi-generational family travelers. Tastefully decorated the Residential Villas will also have its own private team of butlers in addition to the signature Capella Personal Assistants. Renovations are also taking place on the Garden Suites which is located near the Marina waters and each coveted unit opens out onto a large private garden.
“We are very excited to be working with Capella on the repositioning of the Marigot Bay property,” said Brian D’Ornellas, OBMI’s Caribbean Regional Director. “The location has such character and we welcome the opportunity of translating the Capella brand into built form for their first Caribbean resort”.
In addition to enhancing the 122 guest rooms and suites, the renovations at Capella Marigot Bay will also involve the addition of exciting food and beverage concepts as well as a fine dining “rooftop restaurant” delivering breathtaking views of the Marigot Bay cove area. OBMI is also designing an intimate Rum Cave – rum and the Caribbean has long since been a combination that goes hand in hand. The Rum Cave at Capella Marigot Bay will house specialty local rums for connoisseurs to join in tasting. Gastro travelers will be able to experience the aged blends of local distillers in a warm, relaxed “cave-like” space. OBMI will develop “a character to the space” that pays homage to an authentic distillery with a touch of elegance and warmth, using natural stone, wood, rum barrels, copper and intimate lighting.
Adjacent to The Rum Cave will be The Hurricane Hole. The Hurricane Hole Bar has been a stalwart in Saint Lucia and the Marigot Bay area for several years. Its name is derived from the bay as it has been a safe haven for boaters to take refuge during a hurricane. The natural geography of the bay protects the boats from the strong winds and heavy rain. OBMI will re-locate The Hurricane Hole to Capella Marina’s dingy dock area to provide a more authentic and sea-faring type atmosphere close to the water’s edge.
Capella will also introduce its award-winning Auriga spa concept at the Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina. Auriga’s concept is based on the four phases of the moon where signature treatments are designed to reflect the varying energies of the lunar cycle. Auriga also utilizes natural and organic products blending it with indigenous herbs, regional customs and authentic healing practices. Each Auriga spa also draws on the unique strengths of its local environment and offerings are as diverse as the destinations itself. Auriga spas are widely regarded as the best of its kind and have won numerous accolades including Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas’ Auriga spa which is regularly praised by publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s top spas.
Inspired by Saint Lucia yacht charter destination’s beautiful natural environment, the resort’s Auriga spa will be an outdoor spa surrounded by lush greenery. OBMI is developing a series of spa pods or tree houses so that guests will have an intimate experience amongst the heavy foliage. Natural wood decks and stone paths will guide you from one pod to the next and to the strategically located sauna and steam rooms. The spa will have an adjoining full-service salon offering a full range of services including hair styling, treatments, nail services and makeup applications. A new fitness center will also be added to complement the new spa with a roof deck that will play host to yoga and meditation classes.
OBMI will also introduce chic and intimate swimming pool areas bedecked with cozy lounge chairs and cabanas where guests will want to cool-off more often than not. The tri-level series of swimming pool areas will feature an infinity edged pool on the highest level of the resort overlooking the Capella Marina with a swim-up raw bar featuring delectable selections of fresh ceviches and signature tropical cocktails. The mid-level swimming pool area will be tranquil and fashioned as a private relaxation lounge space. The tri-level series of swimming pools will be connected by a waterfall with the flowing water evoking a sense of zen. The pool areas will be served by Capella wait staff serving a wide-range of complimentary treats from thirst-quenching “fruit sashimis” to ice-cold popsicles.
Located just minutes away from the resort will be a beach area which will feature a Capella managed bar and grill as well as cabanas and lounge chairs for guests.
The Capella Marina is also receiving a makeover and post-renovation will feature a dynamic array of international shops, bars and restaurant for yacht owners and hotel guests to choose from. In addition, a cigar bar featuring hand-rolled products as well as a lively sports bar and recreational room featuring the latest video games, board games and other entertainment diversions will be added to the superyacht marina.
The luxury yacht marina boardwalk will be further expanded so that guests can also venture nearer the mangrove tree area adjacent to the hotel.