Grand Bohemian Casa Monica, St. Augustine, Autograph Collection

Originally built in 1888 by Boston architect Franklin W. Smith, Casa Monica has long been a defining landmark in St. Augustine. Railroad pioneer and Standard Oil co-founder Henry Flagler later acquired the property and renamed it the Cordova Hotel. After falling into disrepair during the Great Depression, the building served as a county courthouse for decades before Kessler Collection Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler restored the property in the 1990s and revived its original Casa Monica name. This marked a defining milestone for The Kessler Collection, bringing the landmark into its portfolio and cemented its place as one of Florida’s most iconic hotels.

The reimagining preserves the character and architectural heritage of Casa Monica while introducing a lighter, more refined interpretation of its Moorish influences. Led by Kessler Collection Design Studio Creative Director, Diana Kessler and the company’s in-house design team, the refreshed room interiors draw inspiration from the architecture and artistry of Morocco and Southern Spain, reinterpreting historic influences through a contemporary lens. 

Peacock blues and jewel-toned greens are layered with warm woods, antique brass, intricate marquetry and custom textiles throughout the guestrooms and public spaces. Sculptural headboards reinterpret traditional arches, embroidered sheers filter the Florida light through subtle Moorish-inspired patterns and custom corridor carpets reference traditional Spanish tilework. The renovation builds on the design team’s recent refresh of the public spaces, which introduced handcrafted Moroccan tile, lighting and woodwork sourced directly from Morocco, alongside custom gold-leaf artistry by Sarah Pelfrey and Tina Davis.

Art remains at the heart of the Grand Bohemian guest experience. Continuing the brand’s longstanding relationship with French-Canadian artist Jean-Claude Roy, 14 commissioned original works have been created specifically for the guestrooms at Grand Bohemian Casa Monica, St. Augustine. The artwork is inspired by the landscapes, architecture, colors and culture of Morocco, bringing a sense of place and discovery to the guestrooms. 

At the heart of the transformation is Soltana Pool Lounge, a reimagined retreat defined by vibrant green and sun-washed terracotta. An entirely new poolside bar, clad in handcrafted emerald Moroccan Zellige tile and illuminated by Moroccan brass light fixtures, anchors the space. The menu at Soltana Pool Lounge is inspired by the atmosphere of the refreshed space blending Mediterranean flavors with Florida ingredients. Guests can choose from shareable bites and meals, with highlights including Moroccan Hummus with roasted garlic and lemon, served with crudité vegetables and pita, and Florida Fish Tacos, available grilled or crispy and topped with chipotle crema, mango pico, cabbage, cilantro and lime. The cocktail program draws inspiration from Southern Spain and Moroccan beach clubs, bringing Moorish flavors such as mint and citrus poolside in signature drinks like the Marrakesh Limonana and Mandarin Mirage. Statement daybeds dressed in emerald and white, intimate lounge seating, poolside dining and a music program create a setting that transitions from relaxed poolside afternoons to evening cocktails. The adjoining Soltana Pavilion carries the experience into a distinctive setting for weddings, celebrations and special events, while the newly rebranded The Spa at Grand Bohemian offers a refreshed approach to wellness through personalized treatments and restorative rituals inspired by the brand’s signature expression of artistry.  

Located at 95 Cordova Street in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Grand Bohemian Casa Monica puts guests within walking distance of some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Lightner Museum, Flagler College and Castillo de San Marcos, as well as the waterfront, shops and galleries. Guests can explore the city’s history through local tours or spend the day enjoying the hotel’s amenities, from The Spa at Grand Bohemian to the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, beach concierge services and access to Palencia Golf Club. Recognized on Historic Hotels of America’s Top 25 lists for its art, architecture and storied past, Casa Monica also offers guests the chance to stay within a piece of St. Augustine’s history. For more information, visit www.casamonica.com.