"Verano Hotels: Puerto Rico's Leap into Legendary Hospitality"

As the sun dips into the Caribbean Sea a new era dawns for Puerto Rican hospitality — the advent of Verano Hotels. In an exclusive conversation, John Sears, CEO of Verano Hotels, shared the ambitious vision behind this new chain marking its grand debut in Puerto Rico, an island synonymous with enchanting beaches, rich history, and a vibrant cultural tapestry.

Three distinctive Verano establishments are set to dot the Puerto Rican map, each narrating a unique story in the island's essence. These are not mere hotels; they are sanctuaries where luxury coalesces with local culture, creating experiences that transcend accommodation.

The Verano Jungle House in Caimito focuses in connecting with nature and is only 30 minutes from downtown San Juan. Within this haven, the jungle's sounds flow through big windows, calling visitors to join guided tours to learn about local plants and animals. This hotel blends with nature, offering a quiet escape from city noise. The building prominently features natural materials like wood, stone, and local plants for both structure and decoration. The hotel also offers open areas for guests to breathe fresh air and enjoy the view, while big windows ensure plenty of sunlight inside.

?The Verano in Caimito features are meticulously crafted to deepen the bond with the natural world. Al fresco lounges and communal spots are thoughtfully positioned for relaxation enveloped in the jungle's peaceful embrace. Infinity pools and natural swimming areas blend with the environment, giving guests a refreshing experience. Spa treatments drawing inspiration from nature, along with wellness pursuits like yoga and meditation, are integrated, fostering a sense of calm and renewal.

In Cabo Rojo to the southwest, Verano Beach House is set near the region's largest nature reserve, where clear blue waters meet pristine sands. This retreat redefines remote splendor, offering floating cabanas that serve as aquatic workstations, marrying productivity with serenity.

?The Verano Hotel San Juan is located on the historic Avenida Ponce de Leon, reflecting the avenue's history and the city's modern energy. A carefully renovated building from the 1950s, this city sanctuary boasts more than 40 boutique rooms, a top-floor dining experience, and ensures a touch of luxury in the city.

"Ponce de Leon was once the 'Madison Avenue of the Caribbean,' is poised for a renaissance. We're witnessing a surge of vibrancy and activity there, reminiscent of its glory days. We believe it's on the brink of a major comeback." - John Sears, on the revitalization of a historic locale.?

Verano Hotels transcend traditional hospitality, cultivating communities within their walls. These hotels are gathering places for industry leaders, fostering dialogues and collaborations. Pre-planned events and activities that are not just social fixtures but catalysts for innovation, inspiration, and interconnection.

?This concept springs from a conspicuous gap in Puerto Rico's hospitality sector. John Sears envisions a realm where families aren't just guests but royalty, where service isn't just impeccable but legendary.

?"We are trying to serve the market of the luxury lifestyle traveler," he asserts, poised to redefine Puerto Rican hospitality.?

The name 'Verano' is a tribute to valor, derived from a young, brave Spanish skipper, Carlos Verano, and his small yet undefeated ship. It's also a nod to the healing 'Verano' herb, symbolizing the restorative experiences the hotels offer. And of course, 'Verano' translates to summer” in Spanish, capturing the happiness the hotels want to bring.

"Brave one, healing, and best time of the year," Sears elucidates, the motto 'Life well served' or 'Vida bien servida' resonating with each word.

Verano Hotels isn't just for the world; it's for Puerto Rico.

"We want the locals to love it too," states Sears, emphasizing the integration of local culture, cuisine, and the indomitable spirit of the locals. "Although say 80% of our current market is from North America, our vision for Verano Hotels extends beyond; we want for local hearts to find a home in us. Our desire is for residents of Santurce and San Juan to not just acknowledge us, but to revel in our hotels — from breakfast to dinner. We are dedicated to crafting a haven that Puerto Ricans will cherish and take pride in," - John Sears.

?The inaugural Verano Hotel in Santurce is set for completion by next October, with the Caimito and Cabo Rojo properties welcoming guests in the spring and winter of 2024, respectively.

In our conversation with Rita Gonzalez from Bloc Design, the Puerto Rican architectural firm behind Verano Hotels, she shared their excitement about being selected for this project. They deeply appreciated the rich historical context of the Santurce site.

?“The transformative vision to repurpose a 1952 building into a sleek boutique hotel was deeply rooted in a commitment to preserving the location's historical spirit and its intrinsic urban personality yet reimagining it with a contemporary flair”, Rita shared.

?This influenced key design decisions for the hotel, including rendering the fa?ade more inviting for pedestrians and integrating balconies to enable guests to immerse themselves in the lively local atmosphere.

“Verano San Juan aims to serve as a catalyst in the revitalization of the Ponce de Leon Avenue area, which undoubtedly has experienced decline over the years, by promoting activity and hopefully inspiring others to expand on this effort. Our goal is to positively influence the narrative of this place by contributing to the regeneration of the urban fabric. We value the scale and the local identity, breathing new life into this structure that is part of the collective memory of the community,” said Rita from Bloc Designs.

During the renovation process, they prioritized the retention of crucial architectural aspects, mindful of safeguarding the property's original essence. Bloc Design is dedicated to honoring its past while enhancing it with modern components to augment the overall practicality of the structure's shell. This thoughtful approach ensures a respectful nod to its historical significance.

With a focus on sustainability and ecological considerations, the rejuvenation of the pre-existing structure, coupled with the integration of a modern program, adheres to contemporary sustainable architectural standards.

“Our ambition has been to forge a space that prioritizes environmental harmony, taking into account the facets of construction, design, and urbanism. This approach is fundamental in crafting architecture that pays homage to the environment. Additionally, delving into more technical specifics, we are committed to selecting building materials and systems that emphasize life-cycle cost analysis, fostering greater energy efficiency in the prolonged scheme of things," shared Rita from Bloc Designs.

Bloc Design views this project as more than just a structural undertaking. "This venture stands as a pivotal milestone for us. Participating in the city's rejuvenation has been a privilege, especially as we contribute to both its architectural rebirth and economic upliftment. Our team, enriched with experiences spanning from New York to Latin America, has seamlessly married the region's architectural legacy with contemporary innovation. For us, this goes beyond construction—it encapsulates a profound human experience," the firm shared, reflecting on their journey with the project. "In one word, I would describe this project as 'transformative,'" - Rita Gonzalez, Bloc Design.

These hotels are love letters to the island, penned in stone, wood, and the very spirit of 'Verano' — courage, healing, and endless summer.

Written by :

Isabella Vitola

RED Atlas