Dominican Republic — CHAPI Design, directed by Founder Tatiana Sheveleva, has revealed the striking interiors of The St. Regis Cap Cana Hotel and Branded Residences. This ambitious project defines new standards for luxury hospitality in the Caribbean, marrying cultural richness with contemporary sophistication.
Hibiscus Terrace at St. Regis Cap Cana
The 200-room hotel marks St. Regis’ grand entry into the Dominican Republic, showcasing impressive architecture by Acebal Canney Arquitectos & Asociados and soulful, immersive interiors envisioned by CHAPI Design. Each element, under Sheveleva’s guidance, is thoughtfully selected to reflect the region’s profound heritage and lively multicultural spirit. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, Sheveleva crafts a space where materials, lighting, and artistic decor harmonize into an experiential narrative. Guests are welcomed by tactile stone finishes, an abundance of natural light, and thoughtfully chosen accents that call forth the local landscape and traditions.
This resort stands as a vibrant testament to storytelling through design—a sanctuary where luxury becomes a living expression of Dominican history and culture.
“Translating layered cultural identities into immersive, living spaces is at the heart of what we do at CHAPI Design – it’s our calling card,” said Tatiana. “With St. Regis Cap Cana, we sculpted a soulful portrait of the Dominican Republic, drawing from its land, its people and its pulse. It’s a place that breathes with meaning, and I’m deeply proud of what we’ve brought to life here.”
A design language rooted in local identity
Rooted in the ‘faceless doll’—a notable emblem of the Dominican Republic’s cultural richness—the hotel’s design narrative highlights inclusivity and collective identity. Handmade by local artisans, these dolls lack facial features, symbolizing unity beyond individual traits. Tatiana seamlessly incorporates this motif across the resort, using it as a visual language: her colors mirror the land, her embellishments capture the people’s spirit, and her form celebrates the nation’s beauty.
“This is a place where nature and culture are formed together, a celebration of transformation – land moulded into art, water shaping the earth, and cultures harmonising,” she explains. “From the cliffside vistas to the palm-lined beaches, every detail is deliberate, imbuing the property with a palpable sense of belonging.”
A symphony of materials and textures
The resort’s lobby serves as a compelling anchor, setting the stage with a vibrant display of the island’s biodiversity and cultural texture. As guests cross the threshold, they are greeted by the gentle sound of a cascading waterfall, which winds beneath a dramatic sculptural staircase constructed from reclaimed hardwood and local coral stone. Nicknamed “The Meeting of All Palms,” the lobby becomes an immersive tableau, where bold forms, earthy textures like handwoven cane, and artisanal finishes – including intricate ceramic murals and wood carvings inspired by Taino symbols – interplay. The intentionally contrasting elements, much like the island’s coexisting palm species, harmonize to welcome guests into a space reflecting the Dominican Republic’s layered, united identity.
The St. Regis Bar deepens the narrative by honoring the iconic faceless doll, a symbol of collective Dominican heritage. A fusion of contemporary and vernacular design greets visitors: sculpted metallic barstools, rich mahogany counters inlaid with larimar, and vibrant fabrics woven by artisans. The atmosphere is softly illuminated by overhead fixtures, casting playful shadows onto mosaic-tiled floors decorated with native flora. This spectrum of materials, forms, and artwork creates not only a sophisticated bar but a living exhibition of Dominican ingenuity and tradition, with every touchpoint – from cocktail glasses to wall art – resonating with cultural depth.
Guestrooms are envisioned as elevated hideaways overlooking tropical landscapes and the Caribbean coast. Spacious bedrooms seamlessly blend into open-concept baths, where a sculpted coral stone bathtub dominates the space, its form mimicking a tidepool. Local tiles etched with indigenous symbols and clever lighting design establish a sense of history and serenity. The headboard traces a horizontal line across the wall, echoing the natural horizon and inviting guests to connect with the endless sky. Functional elements like a custom minibar and vintage-inspired cocktail trolley receive detailed attention, pairing convenience with refined materials and visual appeal.
Throughout, the interiors embrace layered comfort: ergonomic seating, botanical-patterned fabrics, and panoramic outdoor vistas. Natural surfaces in linen, driftwood, and stone appeal to the senses, while terraces invite guests to relax amid the island’s breezes and floral scents.
Public spaces like the Ballroom and Meeting Rooms are enlivened by the pulse of merengue. Flowing wall treatments, rich wood textures, mosaic insets, and flexible lighting foster both movement and conviviality. These spaces, detailed in the spirit of festivity, are made for celebration and community.
Finally, the Spa channels the island’s raw energy. Sunlight filters through louvered panels, dancing over pools and stone features reminiscent of the shore. Organic lines throughout the spa recall the sweep of palm fronds under ocean winds, with immersive materials enveloping guests in a cocoon of tranquility. This sanctuary offers transformative experiences that echo the island’s balance of endurance and renewal.
Dining in design
Every public space within the resort tells a unique story, forming chapters of CHAPI Design’s overall narrative:
- The Steakhouse Restaurant immerses guests in a sensory journey, merging Taino, Spanish, and African influences through luxurious materials that blend tradition and contemporary elegance.
- Inspired by “desde adentro hacia afuera” (from the inside out), the Three-Meal Restaurant centers around an indoor waterfall, its essence extending into the surrounding lush landscape.
- The Cigar Club invites guests into a sensorial retreat, where sweeping curves and smoky lines capture the refined aesthetics of a Dominican cigar rising into the Caribbean sky.
- The Pool Grill Restaurant radiates with the lively spirit of merengue, expressed through organic textures and flowing curves that echo the heartbeat of the island’s music.
Crafting memory through materiality
CHAPI Design places meaningful luxury at the core of its philosophy, prioritizing locally inspired and sustainable materials. For every project, the team carefully selects finishes—from handmade textures to natural stones—that echo the region’s landscape. “In an era of design that often favours the anonymous and the global,” says Creative Director Tatiana, “we focus on celebrating the distinct character of each location, crafting spaces that evoke rich stories and tactile experiences.”
For St. Regis Cap Cana, Tatiana and her team reimagined Caribbean luxury with an emphasis on depth, context, and cultural resonance. By skillfully weaving together local history, artistic heritage, and contemporary design, they deliver a guest experience that’s lasting and authentic—inviting visitors to become part of a living narrative.
CHAPI Design has established a reputation for combining storytelling with material innovation in the hospitality sector. To learn more or explore their work, visit https://www.chapidesign.com/.
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