La Samanna by Orient-Express, a glamorous beach-front resort in St. Martin, French West Indies, announces the completion of its first phase of two seasonal updates.   This celebrated Caribbean enclave introduces stylish new room designs which bring the hotel back to its elegance and original splendor.  The two phase project will total approximately $8 million and will be completed by the end of 2012.

In the first phase of the project, 50 of the property’s 83 air-conditioned guestrooms, suites and cottages were renovated with a new design concept which included new furniture, bathrooms, kitchenettes, floors, waterproofing, electrical and plumbing.  Headed up by Canadian firm Project 360, the design direction incorporated visions of the property’s original roots from its inception in 1972 with traditional whites with soft Mediterranean hued accents. 

Each room now features original artwork by local artists which depict scenes or locations in St. Martin and the Caribbean.  Etchings from renowned Caribbean artist Sir Roland Richardson, who has been the property’s resident artist for many years, hang in each room and Richardson’s noted oil paintings adorn the walls of the property’s celebrated suites.  In addition, artist Antoine Chapon, a 25-year resident of the island, is represented by his beautiful watercolor prints which reflect the local Caribbean culture.

Accommodations at the luxury resort include traditional guestrooms, one- two- and three-bedroom suites, and three-bedroom cottages all complete with living rooms, dining areas and private terraces or balconies that open onto the beach.  All suites feature television, DVD player, bathrobes, hairdryers, L'Occitane bath amenities, and fresh flowers.  Two and three-bedroom cottages feature petite kitchens allowing guests to stock the fridge with everything from Cristal to Caviar.