People are drawn to places with a rich history . There ’ s something captivating about walking in the footsteps of those who came before us . The grandeur of historic buildings , the romance of past traditions and stories to uncover come together to create unique experiences , inspiring travelers in the present day . The Kessler Collection has extraordinary properties in 10 inspiring destinations , each with their own stories to tell . Two of these in particular , Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St . Augustine and Plant Riverside District in Savannah , distinctly celebrate their impressive history through the art , architecture and design found across these inspiring properties . Casa Monica Resort & Spa Gazing at the hotel ’ s exterior against downtown St . Augustine ’ s backdrop , one would never guess the Casa Monica Resort & Spa was once an abandoned building . It formerly existed as the Cordova Hotel , built by Henry Flagler — the famous railroad pioneer — who visited St . Augustine in 1884 on his honeymoon and fell in love with the area . The iconic structure is as impressive as it is historic , built in the Spanish architectural style with both Moorish and Spanish Baroque Revival influences . History greets you at the door , quite literally . The current valet portico once welcomed horse and carriage arrivals in the hotel ’ s former life , and is guarded by a statue of Thor , the Greek God of Thunder .
Photo left : Cordova Hotel , St . Augustine , FL . Created / Published : c1902 . Photographer : Jackson , William Henry , 1843-1942 Medium : 1 negative : glass ; 8 x 10 in .
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 27