A Grand Transformation: Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa
As the seaside town of Delray Beach has evolved, so has its most sought-after address: The new Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa, which after a major renovation, now beckons travelers to experience the restorative powers of its tropically upscale luxury.
All Photos © Jamie Mercurio Photography for The Prism House
The recently completed top-to-bottom renovation of this landmark Delray Beach property creates a sanctuary for the discerning traveling in the heart of bustling Atlantic Avenue. Using its oceanfront location as the inspiration for its facelift, the revitalization efforts were undertaken with the singular goal of imbuing this coastal Florida retreat with chic, casual elegance. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but you’ll surely want to experience one of the most anticipated new oceanfront resorts in Florida for yourself.
A Higher Caliber of Curb Appeal
The first thing that returning guests will notice is the brilliant white façade, quite a refreshing change from the former hotel’s Spanish-Mediterranean design with thick, stucco-clad walls, rounded archways, and red tile roofs. Architect Gary Eliopoulos refers to the new design as “Floribbean” – a look that blends seamlessly with its environment and celebrates its connection to the sea. The new exterior takes full advantage of the tropical locale and features plantation shutters, white stucco with palm frond relief, and monochromatic metal roofing.
Making a Splash
Thanks to the breathtaking backdrop of the sparkling Atlantic, the grounds required very little by way of improvement. Most notably, guests will notice the unobstructed view of the sandy beach and the ocean beyond from the main pool and surrounding deck. The imposing three-column water feature that once anchored the pool area has been removed to make way for shore breezes and million-dollar views. Dotted with towering palm trees, the deck has been enlarged and resurfaced in harmony with the open and airy American-Caribbean vibe.
Lobbying for Change
There’s far more to the transformation than the hotel’s undeniable curb appeal. The refreshed color palette inspired by the ocean makes for a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. Just inside the entry, eyes are drawn skyward to a large circular skylight that is anchored by large living trees and tropical potted plants. Open and airy, the expansive lobby features teak, terrazzo, and shell-stone, with air plants and other tropical foliage that welcome the outside in. To refer to the lobby as “inviting” would be an understatement.
The reception area has been completely reinvented, with check-in “pods” taking the place of the traditional long desk. What once felt more like a waiting room anchored by chunky dark wood and leather furniture has been replaced by intimate conversation nooks and swinging chairs against a backdrop of verdant living walls. Massive, ornate chandeliers have given way to more subtle ambient lighting, and spaces flow seamlessly from one to the next.
Expansive sight lines and undulating curves have supplanted angular walls, and a curved, blond wood wall with a pattern reminiscent of construction framing studs houses dozens of lanterns that cast playful shadows on the floor. The beach-inspired inlaid flooring leads guests to the gift shop and the airy Monkey Bar, where the hotel currently serves breakfast and dinner.
Where to Stay Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa
