The Mexico Grand Hotels collection not only boasts a long family history and deep-rooted Mexican tradition, they also have a stellar lineup of Los Cabos properties including Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, The Residences at Hacienda Encantada, Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa and opening this June, Vista Encantada Spa Resort and Residences. Each of the hotel’s details and decorations have been thoughtfully hand-selected by Lourdes Macias, Mexico Grand Hotel’s interior designer. Keep reading to learn more about her creative process and how Mexico’s history and culture have inspired her during the designing process and beyond.
How would you describe your process when designing a hotel?
It depends on the project I’m assigned and the architecture and time period I’m using as inspiration, either if it’s minimalist, contemporary, modern, etc. For Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, since the design is inspired by Mexican Haciendas of the early 19th century Porfiriato era, I started by looking at books, magazines, and any other pertinent documents that could give me more information on the furniture, paintings, rugs and design elements being used in this time period. I then have to search for all the materials and furnishings to make sure they still exist and I can incorporate them into our properties. The furnishings, décor, and design of each room is carefully selected from local artisans from different states and regions across the country to reflect the essence of Mexican culture.
How do you reinvent yourself in each project?
With every project comes a great responsibility to innovate and surpass the previous project. To stay on top of the latest design trends, I always attend openings, galleries, and exhibitions, so I can keep up to date with what other hospitality groups are doing and the latest trends and innovations at an international level. I always attend trade shows and exhibitions showcasing Mexican artisans to know what they are working on, their newest works of art and trends to find a ways I can incorporate them into my designs and our properties.
How do you select the materials such as textiles, furniture, and other decorations?
When I design a hotel, I always incorporate works for art, furniture and materials that will transport our guests to a specific time period and that will work with the theme we’re trying to evoke. Design details at Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences include talavera pottery from Puebla; handmade ceramic wall decorations from Jalisco; hand embroidered traditional garments, tablecloths and wool rugs made by indigenous women from Oaxaca; gold and silver leaf covered frames and mirrors from Jalisco; iron chandeliers, lamps and bed frames; hand-painted ceramic plates from Guanajuato; among many more details.
What is your favorite part when designing a hotel?
I really enjoy every stage of a project, but I love the first stage when you are first assigned the project and envision the design and outcome. Your mind begins to wander, even when you are walking around the space and envisioning your designs and the impact they will have in creating a memorable experience to guests.
Can you share more details on Mexico Grand Hotel’s newest property Vista Encantada?
Vista Encantada is Mexico Grand Hotel’s newest luxury boutique property opening in June 2019. Vista Encantada’s 36 modern suites incorporate contemporary Mexican décor and design. For this project I drew my inspiration from paintings from renowned Mexican artists including Jesús Helguera, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and José María Velazco. Other design elements guests will see in Vista Encantada include hand-painted and hand-woven Oaxacan rugs and cushions, Mexican talavera, pottery and more!
For more information on Mexico Grand Hotels, visit: mexicograndhotels.com