Awe-inspiring art

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico has revealed the arrival of four large-scale bronze sculptures by renowned Latin American artist Fernando Botero. Since opening its doors, the resort has played host to an impressive collection of Latin American and Spanish art, and the addition of these larger-than-life Botero pieces continues the resort’s commitment to the arts.

“The St. Regis Bahia Beach is a natural sanctuary, creating a masterful framework to display contemporary art with pieces that stand out and are as distinctive as the experiences our guests will encounter when staying with us. Our discerning taste meets a legacy of originality,” said Jose Torres, general manager, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort.

Fernando Botero’s is recognized worldwide for his paintings and sculptures incorporating rotund, voluptuous figures. His collection of bronze sculptures address subjects ranging from old world masters to interpretations of everyday life. Donna su Cavallo, one of the artist’s most famous sculptures, will welcome guests at the entrance to the Bahia Beach grounds. At the rotunda just down the road, guests will discover the Rape of Europa, which is inspired by the classic Greek myth in which Zeus transforms himself into a bull in order to seduce Phoenician Princess Europa. Reclining Woman with Fruit, which will greet guests upon arrival at Casa Grande, features a female in a posture that is reminiscent of classical art. Additionally, at the Porta Cochiere, guests will find Leda and the Swan, one of the oldest and most recurrent iconographies in art. The bronze sculpture depicts the famous Greek myth in which Zeus seduces the Spartan Queen by turning into a swan.

Discovered throughout the resort, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s permanent art collection is composed of a mix of new and established artists and features a variety of pieces in the mediums of sculpture, paint and photography, all chosen for their ability to engage the observer and spark intrigue and conversation. The current collection features artists that are both local and internationally known including Héctor Méndez Caratini, Rafael Ferrer, Jorge Zeno, Luis Torruella and more.

“We hope that these awe-inspiring and intriguing pieces cause our guests and hosts to stop, even for a moment, and appreciate their surroundings, creating powerful and lasting emotions,” Torres said.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located on a former coconut plantation and situated between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve. The property is set on 483 acres and is the only Gold-certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary in Puerto Rico. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s features also include private bird sanctuaries; an on-site “green team” led by a marine biologist; multiple dining outlets to suit any occasion or taste; St. Regis’ Butler Service; an oceanfront golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.; and an Iridium Spa. Guests of the resort can simply relax by the pool or sunbathe on the beach, while more active travelers can choose from activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, fishing, nature walks, hiking, biking, tennis and much more.