The Kessler Collection has relaunched the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine, Florida under a new name — Grand Bohemian Casa Monica, St. Augustine, Autograph Collection — following a comprehensive renovation that reinterprets the 137-room property's Spanish and Moorish Revival architecture through contemporary design, original commissioned art, and an expanded food-and-beverage program.
The rebrand marks a significant repositioning for one of Florida's most storied hotels. Originally built in 1888, the property was later acquired by railroad pioneer Henry Flagler, fell into disrepair during the Great Depression, and served as a county courthouse before The Kessler Collection restored it in the 1990s. In 2010, it became the first hotel to join Marriott International's Autograph Collection. The latest transformation, led by Kessler Collection Design Studio Creative Director Diana Kessler, layers peacock blues, jewel-toned greens, antique brass, and custom textiles throughout guestrooms and public spaces, drawing direct inspiration from Morocco and Southern Spain.
The Food & Beverage Pivot
For operators tracking hospitality dining and bar concepts, the Soltana Pool Lounge represents the most commercially significant piece of the renovation. An entirely new poolside bar clad in handcrafted emerald Moroccan Zellige tile and illuminated by brass fixtures anchors the space. The menu blends Mediterranean flavors with Florida-sourced ingredients — Moroccan Hummus with roasted garlic and lemon alongside Florida Fish Tacos topped with chipotle crema, mango pico, and lime sit alongside shareable plates designed for all-day dining that transitions into evening service. The cocktail program takes cues from Southern Spanish and Moroccan beach clubs, with signature drinks like the Marrakesh Limonana and Mandarin Mirage built around mint and citrus profiles. The adjoining Soltana Pavilion extends the concept into a dedicated event and wedding venue, while the property's existing Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar remains part of the full amenity suite.
Art, Design, and Guest Experience
Art remains a defining pillar of the Grand Bohemian brand identity. Fourteen original works were commissioned from French-Canadian artist Jean-Claude Roy specifically for the new guestrooms, each inspired by the landscapes, architecture, and culture of Morocco. The Grand Bohemian Art Gallery continues on-property, reinforcing Kessler's broader positioning of its hotels as curated living museums. "Our guests want more than a beautiful room. They want luxury, discovery and a genuine connection to the destination," said Mark Kessler, president and chief operating officer of The Kessler Collection, explaining the guiding philosophy behind the transformation.
The renovation also reflects a broader trend in luxury hotel repositioning where food, beverage, and experiential programming are increasingly central to the value proposition rather than ancillary amenities. By building a culturally specific cocktail and culinary identity into Soltana Pool Lounge from the ground up — rather than retrofitting an existing menu — the Kessler team is signaling that hospitality operators can use F&B design as a primary differentiator even within a heritage property context. The Spa at Grand Bohemian has also been rebranded and refreshed with treatments aligned to the property's new artisan-and-craft narrative. Recognized on Historic Hotels of America's Top 25 lists for its art, architecture, and storied past, the property is located at 95 Cordova Street in St. Augustine's Historic District, within walking distance of the Lightner Museum, Flagler College, and Castillo de San Marcos.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
