Hotel Cala Esmeralda Suites and exterior areas
For this project, Isabel López Vilalta + Asociados headed to the idyllic Cala d’Or in Palma de Mallorca to refurbish the suites of the Hotel Cala Esmeralda, inturotel hotel chain, along with remodeling the pool and the attached common areas. The project aimed to offer guests a relaxing and high-quality stay, and in doing so, attract a younger public and move away from the mass tourism that dominates the region.
The subtle and elegant new swimming pool presides over the common space between the two buildings. A stone wall was added nearby, as a reminder of the island's rustic Balearic culture and to connect the space to the main terrace.
The terrace, which belongs to the restaurant, has the same tables and chairs as the poolside space. This creates a unified look with soft, pleasant colours that transmit a sense of breadth and ease-of-movement.
There are 20 suites laid out on two floors of the new building. The semi-exterior hallways that lead to the bedrooms are accessed via the lobby, whose main feature is a fountain of bamboo and cotton lamps that takes full advantage of the three-storey space and also serves as an artistic installation.
The third floor contains 10 suites with private terraces, and the top floor a further 10 suites with small private pools. The overall aesthetic references the 1970s, when the hotel was first built, as well as the artisanal products that are traditional on the island and throughout the Mediterranean. The materials and furnishings were carefully chosen and designed to reflect these influences and to create a harmonious space that is simultaneously contemporary, fresh and colourful.
The 35 sqm (380 sqft) of balcony space allocated to each upper-level suite are furnished with an armchair, a rocking chair, and a table under a pergola. There is also a tantalizing double lounger overlooking the sea views.
Meanwhile, the deluxe suites each have a small balcony with a table, rocking chair and a bench which leads onto the attractive private pool.
