Renovation Island: Paradise Regained

The entire crew rushes to meet their deadlines as Sarah and Bryan finish up some of their last projects and add some final touches. It's all part of the final preparations for Caerula Mar's grand opening and the welcoming of guests. "We're entering the revenue phase," adds Bryan, "so it really seems like this 'baby' that we've nurtured and cared for, and put a lot of work into, is now grown up."

The front entrance has been repaired and restored, and now features the resort's newly designed logo.

The main hotel block, at the heart of the beachfront property, has presented some of the biggest challenges in the overall restoration, but the project is now close to complete.

According to Michelangelo, every block of stone has a statue inside it; It is the task of the sculptor to discover it. In this case, though, Bryan and Adam just break out the heavy demo tools and will be content to get this concrete column removed from the premises before guests arrive.

Bryan and a Adam work together to level a post as work winds down on the main clubhouse.

Some of the final supplies for the grand opening arrive at the island. "The boat that we were waiting for has finally arrived," says Sarah, "so we have a ton of unpacking and organizing to do in a short amount of time. We just have to push through."

With just four days until the opening, the crew unpacks and distributes some of the newly arrived furnishings. "Even though we are down to the wire," says Sarah, "it feels really good to start getting furniture into the lobby."

"Tomorrow is opening day," says Sarah just prior to the big day, "and it's the start of a whole new phase for us — the operations and the hospitality."

Prior to the opening, Bryan and Sarah enter through the newly upgraded main hotel entrance as they take stock of the progress that's been made on key elements of the resort's facilities and grounds.

Before. The central corridor and courtyard between the rows of units in the main hotel block were indicative of the resort's years of neglect.

After. The courtyard has been visually streamlined and a gravel pad with step stones added. "Ah, this corridor has caused me the greatest and most expensive stress of my life," says Bryan, reflecting on some of the challenges presented over the months in the repair and restoration of this central portion of the resort. "A lot of work has gone into this, and a lot of money," adds Sarah. "Basically, everything except the exterior has been redone."

Before. Prior to the renovation, the concrete walkways and patios were discolored and exterior walls were deteriorated, weather-damaged and stained with rust.

After. Concrete planters holding lush vegetation, a new white building exterior, restored metal roof and new a/c units are among the physical improvements in the hotel portion of the resort.

After. Rebuilt patios and elegant outdoor furniture transform the look and feel of the hotel exteriors.

After. Other exterior enhancements include new exterior doors and hardware, new outdoor lighting, louvered privacy wall and new tile flooring.

After. A seating area with plush sofa, low-profile coffee table and louvered panel create a sense of privacy and a relaxed feel for the patio area.

"The honeymoon suite has always been my favorite villa," says Sarah. "I love its location on the property. I love its privacy. It feels the most like myself and Bryan."

The honeymoon suite is a one-bedroom villa, similar in layout to the one that the Baeumler family has been living in during the renovation. But this one has undergone a dramatic upgrade and transformation.

One significant structural improvement to this villa was the addition of a new window in the seating nook, allowing more natural light into the main space.

The "eyebrow" accent beam above the king-sized bed incorporates recessed halogen lighting as well as two feature pendant fixtures — one on either side of the bed providing reading light as well as illumination for the bedside tables. As a structural accent, in the context of the high vaulted ceilings, it also helps frame and define the space.

The honeymoon suite was one of the first projects that Bryan and the crew undertook. A sunken soaker-style bathtub was removed to make room for a modern and elegant spa bath.

"The washroom feels enormous," says Sarah. "By having this beautiful tile, the lightness of the walls, all the layered lighting — it just feels expansive."