Art & Adventure at St. Augustine's Casa Monica Hotel

The Casa Monica Hotel

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On a recent trip to St. Augustine, the oldest existing city in Florida and the United States, I was pleased to find that even a native to the Sunshine State, like myself, can find new and fascinating experiences in familiar places.

I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay than the Casa Monica Hotel, (originally built in 1888 and restored in 1999). A recent million-dollar renovation to its rooms include plush, velvet headboards on comfy beds and walk-in showers in many of the spacious bathrooms. Before I even entered my room, however, I felt as if I were in a vibrant art gallery rather than a boutique hotel. Accents of Moorish architecture, from ogee-arched passageways to a tiled fountain in the lobby, reflect the city's roots as a Spanish colony. Off the elevator I was greeted by large-canvas portraits of women from St. Augustine's rich history, painted by Venezuela-native-turned-local fine artist Marianne Lerbs, and several other works in the hallways made me stop for a closer look — all while still carrying my bags.

After dropping off the bags, I couldn't help but take an unplanned excursion to other floors, where I found fantastical sculptures, and sweeping colonial-style tapestries that set a mood of elegance and appreciation, and was even more impressed to discover that owner Richard Kessler hand picked or even commissioned the artwork found throughout the hotel. I also found myself ensconced among decorative fountains and colorful mosaic scenes while savoring the lobster and crab risotto at the hotel's 95 Cordova and again gazed at photo-realistic painting of African wildlife in the adjacent Grand Bohemian Gallery.

Though I could have easily occupied myself for a couple days in the Casa Monica, I did venture out for some excitement, including climbing all 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine lighthouse for a spectacular, 360-degree view of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and gorgeous homes along the intracoastal waterways. Add to that an afternoon sail under the Bridge of Lions and along the intracoastal on the schooner Freedom — where a few playful dolphins regaled us by leaping alongside the ship — and it all made for an enriching and exhilarating weekend.

Tags: arts and culture | boutique hotels | dining | St. Augustine