A|S Boutique Residence

Voluminous, palatial 19th-century colonial heritage pairs with a seductive design narrative at the hotel A|S Boutique Residence, curating a decidedly chilled artistic style in the boho district of San Isidro in Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), Cuba. 

A chameleon of restoration and artistic aesthetics, the hotel courts the historic chalk-white architecture, vast doors and shuttered windows of faded romance against a sophisticated palette of design and art across the nine suites. The whispers of the once-grand mansion have been enhanced, taking a cue from Havana's eclecticism and cultural scene, peppered with European accents of hushed design.

The house-hotel makes no secret of its creative Geist, a passion project created by owners native Habanero Sandy Solano Diaz - a professional dancer and musician - and Dutch artist and fashion designer Andre Visser. The duo were enchanted with the crumbling 19th-century building, spotting the potential and character in its grand high ceilings, ornate marble columns that line the interiors like a military march, exposed red-brick walls, original ceramic tiling and wooden louvre doors that usher in the Caribbean ambience.

A three-year restoration project ensued, displaying gorgeously tarnished and raw finishes to the spaces that marry smooth concrete, industrial accents, cowhide rugs, textiles in shades of mocha and minimalist vintage designer furniture, like the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair. Visser's large-format paintings are a dramatic addition, each bespokely created for the individual space, colour matched to the vintage floor tiles and Visser's 20-year collection of Venetian glass ornaments that form part of the interior design. The mix works with minimalist panache, a staged world of Havana history, European flair and contemporary art - a style retreat perfected for design-savvy sybarites on the move.

The eclectic owners wanted to create a playful, personable mood in the hotel - a wonderfully orchestrated place to stay, like that of a good friend, furnished with worldly collectibles that nod to palatial nostalgia. A|S Residency is bespoke in every sense and beautifully unscripted - from the rooftop to Grand Café - setting it well apart from an ordinary hotel sojourn.

Boho, ornate and stylish, this mansion speaks of colonial architecture narrated by art, design, and antiquities - a chilled luxury bolthole of hushed opulence. 

A|S Boutique Residence is an all-suite affair, with five suites and four junior suites to choose from. The grand and spacious suites and rooms are where A|S Boutique Residence really showcases impressive flair in design curation, architectural detailing, and placement of vintage treasures within the five-metre-high bedrooms.

Both the Art Suite and Royal Suite have masterful command of space, combining the raw tactility of brushed concrete, brick walls and authentic tiled floors with exceptional luxury, including deep-soak Roman baths, bespoke artwork by Visser, separate salons with designer ‘Barcelona’ chairs and sumptuous custom-made beds topped with Wellpur pillows. The four Junior Loft Suites set over two floors have a slightly more modern approach with a sleek style that wraps around an internal courtyard garden.

For your convenience, A|S Boutique Residence has a Grand Café on the ground floor, an airy cultural hub that sits alongside the exhibition space. Take breakfast or brunch surrounded by contemporary art, either by talented owner-artist Andre Visser or new emerging international artists. Enjoy good quality Cuban coffee distilled through the Italian espresso machine and savour an organic breakfast, including vegan options in this interactive space that doubles as an art gallery.

For local tips, music and piano bars, foodie haunts and restaurant recommendations – ask your convivial hosts who will let you into their little black book of contacts for Havana.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the historical centre of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) in Cuba is where the A|S Boutique Residence is found. Located in the trendy San Isidro neighbourhood, the hotel is positioned in a hub of small-scale galleries and restaurants, surrounded by authentic Havanan life from horse-drawn carts to dance establishments. 

A|S Boutique Residence is perfectly placed to explore Old Havana by foot, often accompanied by the sound of Afro-Cuban music blowing on the breeze. Pass by the faded glory of Old Havana’s colonial architecture, admiring cultural pitstops such as Convento de Belen and Plaza Belen as well as the Capitol, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) and the Great Theatre of Havana.

For further afield, hop in one of Cuba’s many vintage cars for a drive to the coast; in 20-minutes you can be on a deserted beach.