Located in the financial hub that is Santa Fe, the 260-room hotel serves as a retreat from the city located in the AMARA complex, within close proximity to major corporations including Ericsson, Chrysler, Sony, IBM and Bancomer Convention Center. Local artisans were brought in to incorporate imaginative touches rooted in Mexican culture to help create a unique and authentic sense of place in the quickly-emerging financial center. The rooftop bar and pool takes cues from a cruise ship deck, seeking to evoke feelings of luxury and escape with sweeping rooftop views from its wooded deck and sparkling blue waters.
In order to create a more contemporary look, the design is underscored with contrast and juxtaposition – straight lines give away to organic gestures, allowing bold geometric forms, and natural materials and textures to tell the story of the new property, steeped in indigenous heritage and tradition.
In the lobby, strong geometries favour balance over symmetry in the lounge area. With a nod to more classical ideals, this lounge space strikes a balance between warmth and coolness, with a sleek linear fireplace at floor level. Elements of nature and daylight are thoughtfully refined to convey an easy and inherently peaceful vibe.
Anchoring the lounge space is the lobby bar, featuring dramatic two-story sliding panels that seamlessly transform the space from day to evening. Mirrored screens slide open in the afternoon to reveal the wine and liquor display and a view to the spectacular garden beyond. Fine finishes and familiar patterns give an air of glamour and richness to the overtly sleek and contemporary bar scene – piece by piece, wooden flanks are stacked upon one another as they float over the spaces. Purity and elegance are complimented by tactile, organic surfaces and textures. Wood, ceramic and stone that lend a subtly playful dynamic, suiting the space for both day and night.