The Kessler Collection has completed a comprehensive renovation of the Grand Bohemian Casa Monica in St. Augustine, Florida, reopening the 137-room property after a transformation that balances its 19th-century architectural legacy with modern hospitality expectations. The hotel, originally built in 1888, now showcases a refined interpretation of its Spanish and Moorish Revival influences, positioning it as a cultural anchor in the city's historic district.
Design direction and creative leadership
Creative direction for the project was led by Diana Kessler, who heads the Kessler Collection Design Studio. The renovation preserves the building's original character—arched windows, ornate cornices, and a distinctive bell tower—while introducing contemporary touches that appeal to today's luxury travelers. Interiors draw inspiration from Morocco and Southern Spain, featuring peacock blues, jewel-toned greens, and intricate marquetry. Handcrafted Moroccan tiles and custom artwork add texture to public spaces, creating a layered aesthetic that respects the past without feeling dated.
“We wanted to honor the building's storied past while giving guests a fresh, immersive experience,” said Kessler in a statement. “The design celebrates the cultural crossroads that St. Augustine represents.”
Art and guestroom enhancements
Art remains a cornerstone of the guest experience. The guestrooms now display 14 commissioned works by French-Canadian artist Jean-Claude Roy, whose vibrant canvases depict scenes from the region and beyond. The Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, located on-site, continues to offer rotating exhibitions, reinforcing the brand's commitment to integrating art into hospitality.
The renovation also includes upgrades to The Spa at Grand Bohemian, which offers treatments inspired by local botanicals and Moorish wellness traditions. Guests can access the spa, gallery, and a new poolside venue without leaving the property.
Soltana Pool Lounge and culinary offerings
A notable addition is the Soltana Pool Lounge, a vibrant outdoor space designed for relaxation and socializing. The menu blends Mediterranean flavors with Florida-sourced ingredients, featuring dishes such as grilled octopus, citrus-marinated olives, and charred flatbreads. Signature cocktails—like the Saffron Spritz and the Casa Monica Cooler—are complemented by a curated music program that shifts from ambient daytime beats to live acoustic sets in the evening.
The hotel's main restaurant, the 95 Cordova, has also been refreshed, offering a menu that highlights local seafood and Southern cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The bar program emphasizes craft cocktails and a curated wine list, appealing to both hotel guests and local patrons.
Location and market positioning
Situated in St. Augustine's historic district, the Grand Bohemian Casa Monica is within walking distance of landmarks such as the Lightner Museum and Castillo de San Marcos, making it a convenient base for cultural tourism. The property's reopening aligns with a broader trend of heritage hotels investing in renovations to attract discerning travelers—similar to recent projects like the lobby refresh at Rosa Grand Milano and the debut of Mamaka Phuket in the Tapestry Collection.
The Kessler Collection, which operates a portfolio of art-centric hotels across the United States, sees this renovation as a way to differentiate the property in a competitive Florida market. “St. Augustine is a destination with deep historical roots, and we're offering a product that respects that while delivering contemporary comfort,” said a company spokesperson.
For travel professionals, the renovated Grand Bohemian Casa Monica presents an opportunity to sell a distinctive experience that combines heritage, art, and modern amenities. The property is positioned for both leisure travelers seeking cultural immersion and corporate groups looking for a unique meeting venue, with flexible event spaces and a dedicated events team.
The reopening also underscores the ongoing investment in heritage properties across the industry, as seen with Bahia Principe's revamped resorts and the expansion of the Registry Collection. As travelers increasingly seek authentic, design-led stays, the Grand Bohemian Casa Monica aims to be a benchmark for adaptive reuse in the luxury segment.
