Vivienne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler, Juergen Teller

While most of the weekend was left free to enjoy on our own, the highlight of the opening was the immersive theater experience, performed by IAMA Theater Company. Earlier, John had alluded to the premise: a funeral for Cappy, a fictional character meant to represent the old Laguna (pre-reality tv show fame). Not being a big theater person myself, I wasn’t sold. The dress code was that of the hotel color palette: shades that were reminiscent of the surrounding landscape. After the opening act on the pool deck against the sunset over the beach, we were free to explore around the hotel, visiting each scene however we felt. After my first room / scene, I left in tears. I was completely sold.

We watched scenes of a young love blossoming, adult lovers breaking up, past loves healing old wounds. All while learning about the history of the town and interacting with the hotel spaces in an intimate way. Sitting in various rooms and suites, appreciating the hand woven tapestries and soft lighting from the organically shaped lamps. Being warmed by the fireplace on the terrace once the sun had gone down. Continuously moving between the indoors and outdoors, making nature as much of a feature as the interior. 

The following morning, breakfast was served on the terrace with stunningly vast views of the ocean. We spotted dolphins following a pair of paddle boarders out on the water. While there is not much that is better than a cloudless sky full of sun and the sound of waves crashing on the shore, Casa Loma works to enhance these simple joys through all its fine details.