Boutique resort, East Winds has completed the first phase of a 3-year refurbishment project that combines Caribbean nostalgia with local craftsmanship and sustainability. Local craftspeople were invited to create bespoke items ranging from lamps and floor mats to art and decorative items to infuse rooms and public spaces with authentic island character.  Additionally some 70 per cent of the existing furniture has been thoughtfully restored and refreshed. 

The first phase of the US$1.5million refurbishment programme has seen the 26 Superior and Deluxe rooms, that are set in traditional style cottages throughout the gardens, being completely refurbished and redecorated with a vibrant new colour palette.  New bathrooms have also been fitted in the Superior rooms.

The resort is committed to being authentically Caribbean and supporting the local community.   So hospitality expert and designer Andria Mitsakos, of Anthologist, sought to create as much of the new decorative art pieces and fixtures on island. 

Mitsakos worked with Wilkie Henry from Sea Island Cotton Shop and over 10 local suppliers including the Choiseul craft association to design, procure and develop locally manufactured products resulting in bespoke lamps, decorative objects, floor mats, art and accessories, which infuse the spaces with authentic island character. 

Local artist Jemeul Joseph painted imposing lanterns and handwoven hats made on island that feature in some bedrooms while a local Guyanese artist created basket art for other bedrooms.  Local female potters made coal pot lamps with lampshades being woven by women in Choiseul.  And emerging local artist, Arthur Lee Williams, was commissioned to paint murals on the double bathroom doors.

Sustainability was central to the project, with nearly 70 per cent of the existing furniture being thoughtfully restored and refreshed.  Where new pieces were needed they were crafted by skilled artisans in Mitsakos' factory in Santo Domingo, preserving the traditional craft of bamboo and rattan furniture making.

The redesign of the resort's common areas such as the Bamboo and Sunset Lounges pays homage to East Winds' roots, featuring furnishings that evoke mid-century modern and 1970s design influences, along with a collection of hand-picked antique accessories.  An art installation of more than 50 antique pieces of barware and vintage rum bottles makes an eye catching feature in the Sunset Bar.

The resort's restaurant, now named Bird of Paradise, also underwent a transformation with customised plates and vibrant fabrics.

New loungers and wicker chairs in hot pink and orange, reflecting the colours of the stunning sunsets visible from the East Winds beach, have been installed by the pool.

East Winds' guests can take home souvenirs chosen from an exclusive selection of custom pieces including hand block printed dresses, shirts, pyjamas and bathrobes and accessories in a new shop in the reception area.

Judith Milne, managing director of East Winds, comments: “Our aim with this refurbishment is to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Caribbean while also respecting the needs of today's traveller. By blending old-world charm with modern amenities, East Winds now stands as a beacon of timeless elegance, inviting guests to relive the heyday of Caribbean hospitality in an environment that honours the past while embracing the future.”

The next phase of the project will see the remaining rooms - the Ocean Front Rooms and Oceanfront Suite - being refurbished.

East Winds' extensive, tropical gardens will also receive attention to make them even more idyllic.  The gardens are already filled with many local trees, plants and shrubs further enhancing the authentic Caribbean ambiance.  An added bonus is that the gardens attract many local birds including the famed Saint Lucia parrot and hummingbirds as well as butterflies as they come to feed.

For more information visit www.eastwinds.com

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