Kessler Collection Unveils Grand Bohemian Casa Monica in Florida

Hotel Reopening and Heritage

The Kessler Collection announced the reopening of its 137-room Grand Bohemian Casa Monica in St. Augustine, Florida, which began welcoming guests in early November 2026. Formerly known as the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, the property has undergone a significant transformation, now operating under the luxury Grand Bohemian brand.

The renovation project aimed to preserve the hotel's distinctive Spanish and Moorish Revival architecture, a hallmark of its original construction in 1888 by Boston architect Franklin W. Smith.

This marks a new chapter for the historic hotel, which was once acquired by railroad pioneer Henry Flagler and later served as a county courthouse before its restoration by Kessler Collection Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler in the 1990s.

Design Philosophy and Interiors

The reimagining of Grand Bohemian Casa Monica was spearheaded by Diana Kessler, Creative Director of the Kessler Collection Design Studio, alongside the company's in-house design team. The refreshed interiors draw inspiration from the artistic traditions of Morocco and Southern Spain, reflecting an updated interpretation of the hotel's Moorish influences.

This effort builds upon earlier design work in the public spaces, which incorporated handcrafted Moroccan tiles, unique lighting fixtures, and woodwork directly sourced from Morocco. Custom gold-leaf artistry by Sarah Pelfrey and Tina Davis further contributed to the hotel’s distinctive aesthetic.

Mark Kessler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Kessler Collection, stated that the goal was to honour the hotel's legacy while creating a more immersive guest experience through art, design, music, and cuisine.

Enhanced Amenities and Culinary Offerings

As part of the renovation, the property introduced several new and enhanced amenities. The Soltana Pool Lounge now offers a reimagined poolside retreat, complete with a new bar. Its menu features a fusion of Mediterranean flavours and local Florida ingredients, including dishes like Moroccan Hummus and Florida Fish Tacos.

The cocktail programme draws inspiration from Southern Spain and Moroccan beach clubs, serving signature drinks such as the Marrakesh Limonana. Additionally, the adjacent Soltana Pavilion provides a versatile venue for events, while The Spa at Grand Bohemian has been rebranded to offer personalised treatments aligned with the brand's artistic expression.

Market Relevance for Asian Hospitality

The extensive renovation of Grand Bohemian Casa Monica in St. Augustine illustrates a growing trend in the global hospitality sector: the revitalisation of historic properties with a focus on cultural authenticity and luxury amenities.

For Asian hospitality groups, this project offers insights into strategies for preserving architectural heritage while integrating contemporary guest expectations.

As Asian markets see increasing demand for unique, culturally rich travel experiences, the approach taken by The Kessler Collection in blending historic design with modern luxury, and creating immersive artistic and culinary programmes, could inform similar developments in heritage destinations across Asia, from refurbished colonial buildings in Southeast Asia to traditional ryokans in Japan. This strategy aims to attract discerning travellers seeking deep connections with their destination.