By Jamie Derringer
Source: Design Milk
Oh if only we were here right now. The 130-year-old Hamilton Princess & Beach Club has been newly renovated to marry traditional Bermudian elements and history with modern comfort, luxury and art.
The architect team included Botelho Wood Architects senior architectural technologists Mark Danforth and Gary Ince, architect and partner Ted Wood, architect Michael Strohecker and senior architectural technologist and partner Jason Mackertich. The build was carried out by D&J Construction, Somers Construction and Correia Construction. The team took into consideration the environmental impact of the build, doing undersea research to make sure they weren’t encroaching on sea life. The entire renovation included 33 rooms and 66 suites with a new infinity-edge resort pool and hot tub, a new full-service, 59-berth marina complete with electrical and water services for local and visiting craft and featuring dock master and customs offices, with a restaurant above. The entire project seemed to come together so well that it won an award.
The hotel’s newly-renovated Poinciana Wing guest rooms have modern touches with lots of soft gray blue hues, reflecting the beautiful water views. With designy furnishings from brands we love like Dedon, and beautifully-designed quality bath products like Le Labo—you know this is right up our alley.
But what really drew us to this place (besides the tropical weather and modern design!) was the artwork. People don’t always pay much attention to hotel artwork, which is unfortunate, because a lot of thought and energy goes into choosing the right art for every space. Choosing art for commercial spaces is not much different than doing so for your home, except that they do it with much greater quantity with the greater challenge to make sure it has mass appeal.
The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club boasts a very nice collection of modern art from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Josef Albers, Philippe Decrauzat and more. Some are acquired pieces and others are on loan. Mixed in with the modern originals and prints are vintage Bermuda travel posters.
When you first walk in, the lobby is full of color. It features four multicolored works by Takashi Murakami and colorful Reigning Queens pieces by Andy Warhol, as well as Cineole (2004) by Damien Hirst from his famous dots series.
In the stairway, it only makes sense to see Philippe Decrauzat’s Sz, a swirly whirly black and white op-art piece, leading you upstairs.
Appropriated Alphabet by Peter Blake is a portfolio of 12 alphabets sourced from his personal collection of printed ephemera. The two alphabets that grace Crown & Anchor Restaurant off the lobby are a nice juxtaposition: one all black and white using stencils and the other is an incredibly colorful font-driven piece.
The hotel even offers a special art-themed package during specific dates called Art Connoisseurs Weekend, featuring accommodations and an Art Walk. We’re hoping to get a chance to visit soon!
What: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a Fairmont managed hotel
Where: 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 08
How much? From $529 per night. To make reservations, call 866.540.4447
Design draw: Incredible new modern addition and renovation plus an extensive modern art collection.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club via Burst Media.
