Las Verandas Hotel and Villas-set on the Honduran island of Roatán-boasts more than an exotic shoreline and a home-like familiarity. Built by architect Gui Trotti of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based firm Trotti & Associates and designer Maria Bordelon of Houston-based Bordelon Design Associates, the resort brings the tropical setting into the bold interiors.

The resort-recently unveiled on March 1st-offers 24 rooms and suites and six villas overlooking 1,000 feet of private beach. Owner J. William Sharman, Jr., chairman and CEO of Lancaster Group, Inc. required the property to have a relaxed style complementing the existing Pristine Bay Resort and the beach site. “The client was to be a sophisticated, relaxed vacationer who, for instance, appreciated fine dining, but was not necessarily in the ‘dress up’ mode,” says Bordelon. “Casual was a key word in our discussions.”

Spread throughout the village-style layout, this comfortable design reflects the island. “I was inspired by the natural environment of Roatán and the Mayan culture,” says Trotti. Roofs are made of custom-designed clay tiles-the color of the local soil-along with a landscape lush with local flora. Complementing the bamboo pergolas and the teak wood walls are monolithic rocks, which resemble the Mayan ‘stellas’ found at nearby ruins. “We incorporated as many local materials in our architecture as we could,” adds Trotti.

The interior furnishings also take in the Honduran beach with a palette of bright white hues accented with brilliant colors. “White was a key factor, because this is a color for summer/hot climates,” says Bordelon. “The purples and reds were inspired by the beautiful bougainvillea plants and other tropical flowers.” The furniture pieces are stained dark mahogany-a common Hondoran wood-and casually mixed with woven rattans. “The high ceilings and palapa grasses are a direct response to the island’s architecture,” adds Bordelon.

Contrasting the wood truss ceilings are whitewashed walls and bold accents in the pillows and artwork. “We wanted the hotel to be clean and contemporary with warm classic touches,” says Trotti. “We achieved the esthetic goal of ‘casual elegance’ [with] the careful selection of natural materials and austere detailing.”



The highlight: “The ability to view and enjoy the sea from almost every point on the resort, since every room is designed to offer incredible sea views,” says Trotti. “We wanted to exalt the natural beauty of Roatán with the design of Las Verandas Hotel and Villas.” Meandering paths and various water features set a tone of ocean life throughout the luxury resort. “And of course, the views are everything,” adds Bordelon.