Contract Magazine - April 2017 - 82

The reception area
(right) highlights custom
furnishings and artwork
with a large driftwood lamp
as its centerpiece. Beyond,
a series of mirrors forms dots
and dashes that spell "hope"
in Morse Code. The ceviche
bar, Pesca, includes a custom
handblown glass and ceramic
pendant light (opposite,
bottom, and sketch), as well
as a feature wall (opposite,
top left) based on flotsam,
jetsam, and the crustaceans
from Pacific tidal pools. The
lounge bar (opposite, top
right) showcases a metallic
silver driftwood pendant with
handblown glass orbs in
shades of the sea. The antique
bar front, preserved from the
original design, was newly
hand-painted by artisans to
enhance the ocean theme.
Handmade agave lanterns
illuminate the bar's back
wall and bottle display.

a new ceviche bar, pool, and spa-Palmer's team
developed an efficient guiding concept that focuses
on two elements: color and culture.
In place of the festive, salmon-hued
scheme that characterized the resort before Odile,
Esperanza's new muted palette draws from the
surrounding landscape and the sea-grays, beiges,
and blues-allowing the driftwood-hued buildings
and glass-tiled pool to meld almost seamlessly with
the coast. Palapas comprised of thatched palms
atop ebony-stained eucalyptus columns punctuate
the property, while cantera stone tile (the pool deck),
poured concrete pavers with inlaid pebble patterns
(the lobby and restaurant terrace), and large stone
pavers (the spa path) offer a variety of textured
walking surfaces. These materials complement
the hotel's rough stone walls-preexisting elements
that echo the rocky cliff from which they arise.
Throughout the property, shades of ocean
blue play against more neutral elements. In the
lounge, an antique wooden bar features a wavelike pattern refinished in a weathered aqua. Above
float handblown glass pendants reminiscent of
green-blue sea glass, while outside, the terraced
infinity pool, framed by native vegetation and
redone in Pacific-blue glass tiles, flows down
toward the sea.
To impart a sense of culture, Palmer's
team worked with artisans and manufacturers
82

in Guadalajara to custom design all furniture, art,
and accessories-from the woven leather-backed
teak chairs in the ceviche bar and lounge to the
decorative straw sun hats and weathered wooden
dressers in the guestrooms. "Using leather,
embroidery, ceramics, woodwork, and other
materials," says Palmer, "these pieces represent
traditional Mexican artistry and reinterpret it with
a fresh, natural color palette based on Esperanza's
unique cliffside location."
In guestrooms, welcoming gray-cushioned
white oak chairs, cream-colored bedding, and bright
walls create a neutral yet luxurious backdrop,
highlighting the Sea of Cortez as its focal point.
Taking advantage of the hotel's spectacular site,
each room boasts ocean views from an ample private
terrace, complete with comfortable banquette
seating and either a hot tub or hammock. Wood-like
porcelain-tile flooring continues from the room
onto the terrace-blurring the boundary between
inside and out and rendering the room as an
extension of its stunning natural site.

Key Design Highlights
Rejuvenated following hurricane
damage, Esperanza offers 57
guestrooms and dining options,
as well as a pool and spa.
Palapas comprise thatched
palms atop ebony-stained
eucalyptus columns.
The muted color palette-with
grays, beiges, and blues-draws
inspiration from the surrounding
landscape and the sea.
A variety of stone and concrete
pavers, some inlaid with pebble
patterns, provide a variety of
textured walking surfaces
that are illuminated at night
by candles.
The designers worked
with artisans and manufacturers
based in Guadalajara to
custom design all furniture,
art, and accessories.
Each of the completely
renovated guestrooms boasts
sea views and private terraces.

Candles and hope
As the final transformative detail for Esperanza,
Palmer's team introduced a crucial romantic
element-candles. As evening arrives, hundreds
of candles illuminate the property. Hurricane
lanterns line walkways, staircases, and terraces.
contractdesign.com

APRIL 2017

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Contract Magazine - April 2017

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