Redesign and Renovation Underway for 375 Guest Rooms of the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami

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. October 15, 2012

MIAMI BEACH, FL - October 15, 2012 - The illustrious Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is currently undergoing a renovation and redesign of its 375 guest rooms, including 41 suites, providing guests with a chic, oceanfront retreat and further defining the property as the leading luxury resort in the area. Diego Gronda, Managing and Creative Director of Rockwell Group Europe, with interior design consultant Linda Zarifi, is overseeing the room transformation, which will pay tribute to the existing historical architecture while incorporating a new level of sophistication, refinement, and barefoot luxury to the celebrated South Beach property.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach was originally established in 1953 as the DiLido Hotel by Morris Lapidus, the legendary architect of neo-baroque hotels and “father” of Art Deco who saw Miami Beach as his theater and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach as his stage. Lapidus took a whimsical approach to design, incorporating chrome spheres, sensuous curvatures, and other organic shapes into his overall vision-all of which became inspirational to the $10 million guest room redesign.

In addition to Lapidus' iconic gestures, Gronda drew inspiration from the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami's golden sandy beaches, and the vigor of South Beach to present rooms that simultaneously reduce and relax. From the moment guests exit the elevator and ascend to their room, they will experience a sensation of tranquility and an aura of elegance. Opulent walkways adorned with shimmering platinum glazed walls complement aqua-colored, textured carpets with patterns reminiscent of the reflection of light on water. Ocean blue, sea mist green, and coral tones weave throughout beach-inspired textiles, bedding, upholstery, and decor. Subtle gestures of nature appear in the form of cream and bronze shagreen finishes accenting an entry wall mirror and decorative table top, respectively. Sleek and contemporary furnishings, such as espresso-stained bookcases and desks and nightstands with antique rubbed bronze legs, create a living space where fashion meets function. Hanging pendants, orbital lamps, and uniquely shaped lounge furniture play up the circular gestures in Morris Lapidus' original design approach.

“We are thrilled to introduce a uniquely modern concept to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach while still honoring this historic structure,” says Gronda. “With the beauty and serenity of South Beach outside inspiring the touches of elegant, modern luxury we have created inside, guests will truly feel that they have escaped to their own private estate by the sea.”

Moments of surprise have also been incorporated in the rooms, in the form of found objects, a library of Taschen books, and contemporary artwork thoughtfully curated by The Diana Lowenstein Gallery. Commissioned artists include Polish-Mexican Xawery Wolski, best known for his sculptures and use of profound simplicity, and Peruvian native Cecilia Paredes, a performance artist, whose work combines nature and femininity.

To learn more about The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach or to make reservations, visit www.RitzCarlton/SouthBeach or call +1 (786) 276-4000.

About The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, one of only two recognized “Art Hotels” on South Beach, is a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark in the city's historic Art Deco district. It is recognized for personalized services and amenities found nowhere else, including the Club Level (the only VIP level of any South Beach hotel), the oceanfront DiLido Beach Club, and poolside services including a concierge, the world's only Tanning Butler and “Mixology on wheels.” It is the only Ritz-Carlton in the country with music choreographed for every location at different times of day by renowned music stylist, Felix Cutillo. It has the largest Mobil Four Star spa on Miami Beach with the largest Carita menu of any Miami spa, a multi-million dollar art collection, and is located steps away from Lincoln Road, a thriving 10-block pedestrian esplanade with myriad dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife options.

About Rockwell Group Europe
Unique design narratives shape the look, feel, and bold concepts of all of Rockwell Group Europe's projects. Led by Diego Gronda, Managing and Creative Director, RGe explores new territories with an extraordinary team of artists, architects, and interior, graphic, and industrial designers who help create connections between varied disciplines, ideas, and cultural landscapes. Building upon the energy and eclecticism of Rockwell Group's main office in New York, and Diego Gronda's extensive work on all five continents, Rockwell Group Europe focuses on designing hotels, restaurants, retail centers, and spas with a unique and refined aesthetic. Projects include Wasabi Restaurant for Chef Morimoto and Harbour Bar in the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai; W Paris - Opera; Nobu Hotel Riyadh; Juana Manso mixed-use complex in Buenos Aires, Argentina; a W Retreat & Spa in Vieques, Puerto Rico; Gordon Ramsay's restaurant at the St. Regis in Doha, Qatar; The Westin Palace in Madrid; the Arts Hotel in Barcelona; Mega Bangna Cineplex in Bangkok; and a Le Meridien hotel in Oran, Algeria. For more information please visit www.rockwellgroup.com.

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