The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has announced that it is currently undergoing a renovation and redesign of its 375 guest rooms, including 41 suites, providing guests with what was described as a “chic, oceanfront retreat to further define the property as the leading luxury resort in the area”.
Diego Gronda, managing and creative director of Rockwell Group Europe, with interior design consultant Linda Zarifi, is overseeing the room transformation, which will pay tribute to the existing historical architecture while incorporating refined offerings.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach was originally established in 1953 as the DiLido Hotel by Morris Lapidus, the architect of neo-baroque hotels and “father” of Art Deco. Lapidus took a “whimsical approach” to design, incorporating chrome spheres, curvatures, and other organic shapes into his overall vision – all of which became inspirational to the $10 million guest room redesign.
In addition to Lapidus’ iconic gestures, Gronda is said to have drawn inspiration from the “azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami’s golden sandy beaches, and the vigor of South Beach”. On feature are: walkways adorned with platinum glazed walls that complement aqua-colored, textured carpets with patterns reminiscent of the reflection of light on water; ocean blue, sea mist green, and coral tones woven throughout beach-inspired textiles, bedding, upholstery, and décor; and cream and bronze shagreen finishes accenting an entry wall mirror and decorative table top, respectively.
Also featured are: contemporary furnishings, such as espresso-stained bookcases and desks and nightstands with antique rubbed bronze legs, create a living space where fashion meets function; and hanging pendants, orbital lamps, and uniquely shaped lounge furniture in Morris Lapidus’ original design approach.
Moments of surprise have also been incorporated in the rooms, in the form of found objects, a library of Taschen books, and contemporary artwork curated by The Diana Lowenstein Gallery. Commissioned artists include Polish-Mexican Xawery Wolski, known for his sculptures and use of simplicity, and Peruvian native Cecilia Paredes, a performance artist, whose work combines nature and femininity.
The oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, one of only two recognized “Art Hotels” on South Beach, is a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark in the city’s historic Art Deco district. It boasts the Club Level (the only VIP level of any South Beach hotel), the oceanfront DiLido Beach Club, and poolside services including a concierge, the world’s only Tanning Butler and “Mixology on wheels.” It is the only Ritz-Carlton in the country with music choreographed for every location at different times of day by music stylist Felix Cutillo. It has the largest Mobil Four Star spa on Miami Beach with the largest Carita menu of any Miami spa, a multi-million dollar art collection, and is located steps away from Lincoln Road.
