Beach life inspires Denys & von Arend for the refurbishment of Boutique Hotel Akquaaa on the Costa Daurada
The interior design studio Denys & von Arend has completed a comprehensive refurbishment of the Boutique Hotel Akquaaa (formerly Hotel Kursaal), located on the Costa Daurada, right on the beachfront in Calafell (Tarragona). The project involved the renovation of its forty rooms and common areas. “The property owners wanted to renew the hotel by updating its image, expanding its client base, and improving features based on feedback from visitors,” explains the designers. The inspiration for the design concept is the period of transformation and tourism boom on Mediterranean beaches. Calafell was a prime example, becoming a sun and beach destination.
The aesthetics of Hotel Boutique Akquaaa are an homage to the years when beaches began to fill with people seeking to spend the entire day under the sun. The sand had colorful towels, folding chairs, and umbrellas. Materials, such as wood, natural carpets, fabrics with a natural look, and ceramic coatings represent the sand. These colors and textures of the materials contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From this neutral base, furniture and decor add color and freshness, such as the artisanal bicolored flooring in some areas. Textiles, furniture, and artwork recall objects found on the beach during a day in the sun. The result “achieves a beachy and vacation feel, but also modern and timeless, avoiding the cliché of nautical style often used on the coast,” explains the studio.
Multifunctional spaces, open to natural light and the Mediterranean
In addition to the aesthetic renewal, the refurbishment improved the layout of the spaces, improving their functionality and flow. The ground floor houses the main reception and the restaurant, with a spacious outdoor terrace. The former reception area was small, completely independent from the restaurant, and lacked an accessible washroom. The new layout on this floor has a much more open space where natural light flows freely around the main bar and the customer seating area. The customer lounge has a new function as a second reception during peak occupancy that helps alleviate congestion on the ground floor, which has high foot traffic. It now has direct access to the main promenade of Calafell beach. The new layout has semi-open bathrooms, maximizing space in the smaller rooms. The design team emphasized sea views and optimized the entry of natural light.
The restaurant: the salt of life
The center area of the restaurant is more welcoming and has a central module that allows for more private dining spaces. There is a sideboard that also functions as a buffet in the mornings. The restaurant’s bar serves a dual function: a reception on one side and a restaurant bar on the other, creating a lively, more fluid, and active space. Without losing that beachy and Mediterranean touch, the salt from the seawater is the element that inspires the restaurant’s design concept. It is a fundamental ingredient in cuisine and a symbol of joy in Spanish culture, associated with enjoying life, eating, sharing, and laughing – actions often related to dining out. The result is a space with personality, freshness, and movement that invites shared moments in life.
The outdoor terrace serves as a restaurant and another dynamic area with armchairs, sofas, and a cocktail bar.
The restaurant features coverings inspired by salt mines, with geometric shapes and natural finishes. Colors recreate the mixture of salt with other foods. The layout, with enveloping benches and curved spaces, is designed to welcome visitors and facilitate the enjoyment of vacation moments.
The new layout has semi-open bathrooms, maximizing space in the smaller rooms. The design team emphasized sea views and optimized the entry of natural light.
Founded 30 years ago by Patricia Von Arend and Nathalie Denys, Barcelona based the interior design studio Denys & Von Arend’s has completed hotel, restaurants, retail, and university residences projects. These include Don Carlos Hotel in Marbella, Casa Anamaría Hotel in Vilademuls, Girona, Catalonia Berlin Mitte Hotel in Berlin, Parador of Zamora, Parador of Toledo, Montes de Galicia in Madrid, Colors in Barcelona, Gems in Barcelona, and university residences for Uax.
Images by Vicugo Studio.