La Concha
Concept Description:
La Concha, Puerto Rico welcomes those seeking a tropical escape offering more. A sense of wellness and relaxation. A vibrant social scene and the thrill of adventure outside your door. La Concha is a place to take a step back and enjoy every moment whether it’s feeling the sand between your toes, dancing until the sunrise or exploring the city and natural splendors of the island.
Modern, clean architecture meets warm natural materials and pops of color with textures inspired by the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Brining the outdoors in and crating a sense of calm yet inspiring adventure to create the ultimate urban beach resort, redefined.
Project Description:
Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Rico, La Concha Resort—originally built in 1958— honors its storied past while embracing a fresh, modern and fun sensibility. With deep roots in mid-century Tropical Modernism, the resort is a celebration of time, place, and texture—where history and contemporary coastal living come together seamlessly.
The resort, originally a Renaissance Hotel went through a transformation of both the brand, interior design and guest experience to become an Autograph Collection Hotel. All public spaces including the Porte Cochere, Lobby, Lobby Bar, Reception, Ballrooms & Meeting Rooms, and all restaurants were redesigned to support the unexpected and provide an experience that is exactly like nothing else.
The porte cochere and lobby spaces were designed to highlight the iconic architecture of the resort and provide distinct spaces to check in, have a moment to relax, have a cocktail, and socialize. New custom furniture and decorative woven white leather screens greet guests upon entry adding softness, scale and natural wayfinding between the lounge area and the reception.
The sculptural form of the reception desks and reception screen were inspired by tumbled stone and driftwood, natural materials found on the beach, contrasting with the sleek polished white marble floors.
The lobby lounge and bar were carefully designed to be very social spaces, good for meeting new friends and making lasting memories. A large center bar with feature wood chandeliers in various sizes hover above promoting conversation and a see-and-be-seen guest experience while the lounge area offers a mix of seating for large groups or an intimate moment. Bar height tables adjacent the bar, large conversation pit-style lounge areas and hybrid cocktail/ dining seating help create energy and activation at any time- day or night. A mix of textured white fabrics and light gray patterns add contrast and depth to the clean white backdrop of the architecture. Mother of Pearl shell wallcovering was added to the existing columns throughout adding a dose of tropical glam and sparkle to the space. The addition of ‘La Concha Blue’ accents found on side tables and area rugs add a pop of playfulness and fun to the space.
The ballrooms and meeting rooms carry through a similar palate and design sensibility into these spaces. The carpet design was inspired by the ocean and the patterns and ripples it creates in the sand. Whitewashed wood wall panels and trim add a warmth and softness to each space while new tropical-modern inspired chrome chandeliers add sparkle and elegance.
Each of the new restaurants; Levant by Chef Michael White, AQA and Solera were designed to help support the conversion to an Autograph hotel and provide an exciting range of restaurant experiences for guests at the new La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico.
Project Design Team:
Vincent Celano – Founder & CEO
Stephanie Niebler – Partner & Creative Director
Rob Veluz – Principal & FF&E Director
Diana Bradica – Interior Designer
John Pearson – Project Manager/Designer
Mark Simpson – Associate Director of Lighting Design
Owner/Developer: Paulson & Co. Architect of Record: V Architecture General Contractor: Vendors: Carpet & Area Rugs – Loloey & Jamie Stern Custom Furniture – Style Nations, Blomah, Marquis Wallcovering – Maya Romanoff Fabrics – Erica Shamrock, Kravet, The Romo Group, Valley Forge, Pollack, Maxwell, Architex Custom Leather Screens – iWorks Custom Stone Screen – Celano Collective Decorative Lighting – Visual Comfort & Co. Artwork – Eaton Fine Art Ballroom Chairs – Global Allies
