The first few steps one takes into ahotel represent the openingsequence of a vacation, or maybe alove affair or even a crucial

meeting. First impressions always speakvolumes but the minute you step throughthe entrance doors of Coco Reef Bermuda,you know instinctively that you are enteringa very different Bermudan resort For the lobby of this beachfront resort in

one of Bermuda’s prettiest locations vieswith the likes of Paris George Cinq or theRitz Madrid for the sheer impact created byits breath-taking lobbyDominated by a 68 foot high atrium and a

central Marble fountain, four huge archedmirrors reflect a wealth of artefacts from allover the world including classical sculptures,handmade stone murals, large plinths,French Louis Xiv sideboards, antique clocksand Grecian style urns. Over 80 magicalchandeliers and sconces, made of the finestcrystal and gold, twinkle like jewels in thetropical sunlight, changing from sapphire toruby and emerald coloursdepending on the time of day.Bold contemporary Cuban

paintings of huge eyedwomen's faces look downon Spanish marble floorswhile historical seascapesand still life oil paintingsin ornate frames adornthe surrounding wallscreating an eclecticand powerful mix of oldand new, traditionaland modern. Gold-plated statuettes

of mermaids and nymphspeek out into a jaw-droppingtableau that is an Aladdin’scave of treasures. Hotel lobbies,

especially in this part of the world are oftenanonymous affairs, there to deal with thepracticalities of registrations andtransactions: corridors for guests to passthrough as they head to the beach, the bar,the bedroom or the boardroom and the realpurpose of their stay. Yet Coco ReefBermuda has made the lobby itself astatement that creates an opening sequencesignalling just the beginning of delights yetto come The drama created continues when eyes

travel to the back of the lobby where thevisitor experiences their second heartstopping moment as they see three hugearched windows looking out to sea andrevealing the hotel’s greatest natural asset,it's picture perfect coral beach touched bylapping blue waves, the colours of whichare reflected in Coco Reef’s signature colours of sand and coral pink which createthe palette on its walls, exteriors andfurnishings. Art, architecture, furnishingsand lighting all take their place in the lobbyas the prequel to the real splendour that isthis magnificent view.

A THEATRICAL ENTRANCE AT COCO REEF BERMUDAThe most dramatic hotellobby in the region

Theatrical lobbyThe theatrical lobby was the brainchild ofCoco Reefs owner John Jefferis whosedream it was to "create the most dramatichotel lobby in the region" and in his searchto give it the ultimate Wow factor hasspent over half a million US dollars andscoured the globe to find all the rightmaterials, furnishings and art works. Noexpense has been spared as he has strivento achieve his vision for the ultimate lobbywith the maximum impact, sourcing worksfrom Egypt, the USA, Europe and China.Local firms have also played their part withconstruction carried out by localcontractors and the four magnificent

mirrors made in Bermuda. He says henever had a planned design for the lobby,but it evolved over time and was adaptedas it grew into its present form which he isstill refining. He did not use the services ofinterior designers, saying that he calls themain theme Spanish colonial but addingthat he likes to mix styles himself fromdozens of different influences, a look heclaims most designers disapprove of. Gold and opulent materials abound, and

Jefferis has extended his Midas Touchoutside to the hotel entrance, where allthe pots have been painted gold."I believe you should impress with

theatre" says Jefferis, adding that his

incentive in designing the lobby was tomake people feel immediately that theyhave chosen the right place“The whole hotel business is about

theatre, he says “I have set the stage hereand put in all the scenery andbackground. The key players are the staff,some will have major roles others willhave walk on parts. But altogether theymake the production and its success willbe proven by the number of people whoreturn to visit it again.” The lobby has already made an impact,

with visitors to the hotel stopping andstaring at the splendour that greets them,and pausing to take photographs.

Elements of surpriseThe element of surprise continues inprivate rooms located just off the mainstage that it is the lobby. The library onthe right raises eyebrows immediately thedoor is opened - unlike the pastels andsun inspired colours of the resort, thisroom is decorated in blood reds andclarets, with ornate mirrors candelabra,picture frames and a beautiful Frenchinlaid dining table and chairs. There iseven an open fire which cracklesincongruously in the hearth morereminiscent of an 18th century Englishstately home than a hotel room steps fromthe beach. Jefferis spent $38,000 on the table alone

at auction in Miami to produce an exclusivearea within the hotel where guests canenjoy luxurious private dining and service.For a premium price, they will even betreated to gifts such as Coco Chanelperfumes as part of the experience.On the other side of the lobby is the

Bermudaz room, a small intimate spaceadorned with more strong art works.The transformation began over ten

years ago when Jefferis took over thehotel, and embarked on a $14.7 millionrenovation which included building newrestaurants, swimming pools and terraceand planting 37 mature coconut palmsand landscaping the grounds as well ascreating a 220 metre elevated privatebeach. The grounds are also dotted withclassical statues which appear at intervalsas guest meander from the ocean frontbeach to various sandy promontories andviewing points around the property. Jefferis continues to refine and perfect

his lobby, still anxiously watching forchanges still to be made - some air ventsto go here, some new pictures to be hungthere, more mirrors to be delivered fromEgypt. He works tirelessly to achieve hisgoal and make a distinctive entrancewhich sets coco reef apart from otherhotels not just in Bermuda but across theregion. The lobby at Coco Reef Bermudalooks set to become a classic.

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