ROSEWOOD LE GUANAHANI HOTEL PROJECT Saint Barthelemy, Bahamas

This secluded tropical boutique resort was heavily damaged in 2017 by Hurricane Irma.

Nestled on a lush, 18-acre promontory overlooking the Grand Cul-de-Sac and Marigot Bay on the island of St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies, Rosewood Le Guanahani is one of the premier resorts in the Caribbean. The property has 66 Guest Rooms and Villas, an Event Space, Spa, Fitness Center, Boutique, and Kid’s Club all supported by a completely reimagined beach and dining experience. Recently reopened after significant updates to the landscape and architecture, the property was honoured in Travel + Leisure’s list of the Best New Hotels in the World for 2022.

The significant renovation includes an entire new beach experience with a new restaurant, lounge, boutique, and “feet in the sand” outdoor dining all clustered around an enlarged pool and deck.

David M. Schwarz Architects was tasked with creating a multi-phased master plan to bring the property and guest rooms up to current French luxury standards, improve the restaurant and beach experience, and enhance the landscape all while adhering to the island’s sustainability initiatives. The effort intensified after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Many of the rooms were enlarged, interiors completely reimagined, and private pools added, all while retaining the familiar, colourful French Creole style. The beach experience is highlighted by a Lounge, Beach Bar, and two unique Dining Rooms overlooking a spacious deck and infinity-edged pool. Guests can also enjoy lunch and special events at the “Feet-in-the-Sand” outdoor restaurant overlooking Merechal Beach.

This fantastic hotel has a range of areas which really needed to think about how the rooms would work acoustically due to the use and levels of people using them while not compromising the architects’ initial plans and ideas.

Washington based architects David M Schwarz worked with celebrated designer Sybille de Margerie, on the interiors to ensure the hotel embraces its chic Parisian pedigree while revelling in its relaxed Caribbean setting.

French based ID Acoustique consultants were brought in to ensure that this truly stunning project also balanced the acoustic treatments with the decor and with little wall space in parts, acoustic treatments on the ceiling was paramount in many areas. Soundtect was approached to supply the acoustic solutions in many of the rooms, which focused on our Freestyle product. These highly effective acoustic panels were printed in several bespoke designed prints and colours to tie in with the different zones and areas, which worked perfectly with the overall design theme and slotted in nicely with the planned layout and overall feel of the building.

Good design is not just about aesthetics, it’s how the building works and handles the spread of noise which often dictates how successful the project is, but acoustic treatments are crucial in any build. However, this project truly delivered a sumptuous finish that not only ensures a calm atmosphere even at the busiest times, but also leaves a lasting memorable impression at the same time.

Freestyle® sheets are available in 10mm and 20mm depths as standard, and 24 colours, but Soundtect pioneering printing system also creates superior, natural looking wood effects such as the Timba range and can be printed in any design or finish as seen in this wonderful project.

For sustainable effective acoustic noise control, which can be truly bespoke, visit www.soundtect.com where the Freestyle, along with the other two ranges Class and 3D can be found. All Soundtect products are low VOC, Class 0 fire, third-generation 70% recycled PET and are fully recyclable.