ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived in St. Augustine as the final stop of my Northeastern Florida sweep after seeing clients in both Amelia Island and Jacksonville. I drove nearly 1,000 miles during this trip across the state and back, but I knew finishing my work in St. Augustine would bring a smile to my face. Although I missed the valet entrance to Casa Monica Resort & Spa on the first go-around (it’s small and a little inconspicuous), once I handed the attendant my keys and walked into the hotel, I knew I was in for something special.

The rich history within the walls of Casa Monica is undeniable. Built by Franklin Smith in 1887, the hotel is named for Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, for whom the town is named. Back in its heyday, the hotel was lavishly decorated, featuring kneeling balconies, ornate railings and other exterior touches that harkened back to Smith’s favorite Moorish architecture. Today the same Moroccan design with Spanish Revival elements feature throughout the hotel, bringing an old-world charm into a modern and elegant space.

GUEST QUARTERS: I was upgraded to a king suite on the second floor, allowing me to take the stairs or the elevator to my room.

The room opened to a dining table with four high-back leather chairs along with a bar area holding a microwave, mini-fridge, sink and Nespresso machine. Aside from the dining area, I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous shades of deep red, gold and dark brown inside the spacious suite. As with other hotels from The Kessler Collection, bold colors and textures are front and center. From the thick floor-to-ceiling drapes to the plush carpet’s boldly repeated pattern and the cozy leather chairs and sofa in the sitting area, the space felt like a Spanish conquistador could walk in, live in luxury and be satisfied.

The bedroom featured a king-sized bed with an arched headboard made of tufted red velvet and matte brown studs. Dark wood tones grounded the space against clean white pillows and sheets. Crown molding and more floor-to- ceiling drapes highlighted the large window with a beautiful view of the former Ponce de León Hotel and former Alcazar Hotel, both built by co-founder of Standard Oil Henry Flagler. The large bathroom offered a sink and shower/ bath combination, along with products from The Kessler Collection.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: The hotel recently underwent a full renovation within its pool deck, lobby, and restaurant and bar area. As I spoke with employees who knew the previous décor versus the current upgrade, they all agreed the change immediately made the space more modern while still capturing the original history of the hotel.

A bit hungry when I first arrived, I sat at the bar of Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar enjoying the tuna tartare with plantain chips and a beverage named Greyhound to Vilano made with vodka, St-Germain, grapefruit and basil.

Later in my visit, I worked with Charlene, the concierge who saved me a space on a brief walking tour of the Historic District. Our excellent tour guide shared what she called “a mini-series in the making” regarding the drama around the key players who established the most lavish hotels in St. Augustine during the late 1800s.

Finally, Casa Monica also boasts Poseidon Spa, available for wellness, pampering or relaxation.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Owning perhaps the best location in the Historic District, Casa Monica makes an easy home base to explore the heart of the city on foot.
• Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar provides an excellent option for breakfast, lunch or dinner, blending bold Mediterranean flavors with traditional chophouse fare.
• The compelling history of Casa Monica and its relationship to the Nation’s Oldest City (St. Augustine) elevates any visit to the area.

CASA MONICA RESORT & SPA
95 Cordova St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
tel 904 827 1888
kesslercollection.com