Bohemian Refresh: Montesol Hotel in Ibiza Reopens After Dorothée Meilichzon’s Overhaul
French interior designer transforms Montesol Experimental with playful touches and nods to its bohemian past
Ibiza’s Montesol Experimental Hotel: A Bohemian Oasis
French interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon has breathed new life into the Montesol Experimental Hotel in Ibiza, formerly known as the 1930s Montesol Hotel. The newly renamed hotel features a total of 30 bedrooms and three suites, all of which underwent a full renovation overseen by Meilichzon. Her vision was to bring a bohemian feel to the interiors, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s rich history.
History Meets Modernity: Montesol Experimental Hotel
Originally built nearly a century ago in 1933, the Montesol Experimental Hotel is considered to be Ibiza’s first hotel. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the hotel welcomed hippies, celebrities, and even members of Pink Floyd and Orson Welles. Meilichzon’s redesign honours the hotel’s past while introducing a contemporary touch. Warm yellow hues pay homage to the building’s iconic yellow-and-white exterior, while various green and blue tones evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.
A Playful and Colourful Design
Meilichzon used a mix of fabrics, patterns, fringes, and pompoms, combined with light woods and textured plaster walls, to create a playful and colourful atmosphere throughout the hotel. She incorporated tiling into both the guest rooms and public spaces, with traditional zelliges in orange, brown, and off-white wrapping the niches of the mini-bars. Individual seashells were pressed into fresh lime plaster to create shell-patterned walls. Arched forms can be seen throughout the hotel, from room openings to bathroom mirrors and statement headboards, referencing the grandeur of the hotel’s exterior.
The Whimsical Touches
The Montesol Experimental Hotel’s guest rooms feature unique and whimsical touches, such as chunky Playdough Stools by Diego Faivre, hand-made masks by Mallorcan artist Anna-Alexandra, and wardrobe doors inspired by jigsaw puzzles. Meilichzon’s use of celestial motifs, with brass suns and iron moons scattered across the hotel, adds a touch of whimsy and pays tribute to the island’s sunny days and nightlife, as well as its spiritual side.
A Successful Overhaul
Dorothée Meilichzon’s renovation of the Montesol Experimental Hotel has successfully breathed new life into Ibiza’s first hotel. Her playful and bohemian design, combined with nods to the hotel’s past, creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Meilichzon’s successful projects for the Experimental Group include hotels in London, Menorca, and Venice.
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