Chaminade Resort & Spa’s newly redesigned interiors reflect the spirit and heritage of the property
Santa Cruz’s elegant Chaminade Resort & Spa has emerged from a landmark US$10 million dollar renovation, which involved the comprehensive redesign of its sprawling public areas.
Chaminade Resort & Spa was for many years considered one of Santa Cruz’s leading luxury resorts, renowned for its breathtaking views over Monterey Bay, but it’s now been given a whole new lease of life. We take a closer look at the ambitious revamp of this 156-room retreat.
Reimagining the resort’s interiors
San Francisco Bay Area-based EDG Interior Architecture & Design was responsible for reimagining Chaminada. “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 optimise the guest’s connection to the outdoors.”
The property’s public areas now include a spacious lobby with arched glass ceiling showcasing the California sky, along with a signature restaurant and lounge, expansive outdoor areas and 12,000 sq ft event space. All of this was the canvas for restoring the spirit and heritage of the resort’s 1930s Spanish Revival architecture with new design elements such as coloured tiles emphasising a Spanish-modern aesthetic.
The resort’s new restaurant and lounge, The View, is reminiscent of a traditional Hacienda-style home, in which a central fireplace acts as the focus, with a terrace accented by string lights overlooking the sparkling waters of Monterey Bay. The resort’s event space follows the same style of understated Spanish elegance, with the French doors of the Seascape Ballroom opening onto a lushly landscaped courtyard and fireside patio.
Enhancing the natural surroundings
The exclusive 300-acre mountaintop retreat is just minutes from the famed Santa Cruz Boardwalk and beaches. Positioned 300 ft above sea level, the resort provides an idyllic base for enjoying the outdoors; the many activities available to guests include tennis, hiking, swimming in the outdoor pool, unwinding in the full-service spa (which is temporarily closed) and taking in California’s famous sunsets and bay views.
Making the most of the surrounding natural beauty, the resort has clearly enhanced the outdoor guest experience. “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 with a bottle of wine.”
This transformation follows the recent renovation of all 156 guest rooms, suites, bathrooms and corridors throughout the resort. Designed to reflect Santa Cruz’s artisan community, each space incorporates elements inspired by the city’s history and vibrant arts.