“The hues of blue envelop the marine life thriving beneath the crashing waves,”
Nuñez said.
Alex Nunez‘s bold striking colors and designs are espoused with hidden sea creatures and labyrinths of underwater fantasy. It’s like they relate to a tropical paradise, one that feels known yet unknown, swimming in the far reaches of the subconscious. She recently created a mural aboard a ship, further aligning her with her origins. After all, she is a tropical bird. Originally from South Miami, the Cuban-American painter has a father from Cuba.
Yachts lined along the Biscayne Bay in the port of Miami are not uncommon to see. Yet an original mural painted by a well-known local artist is not often seen inside of one-usually sights to see on the walls of Wynwood. One of the mega-yachts that is often viewed awaiting departure on the waters of the seaway downtown is the Star Legend, a Windstar ship. Windstar Cruises is unique because they host art exhibitions and collaborate with local organizations. They recently collaborated with Fountainhead Arts to bring new works to sea on three Star Plus Class yachts.
from their release: Star Legend recently visited its new headquarters/hometown of Miami, showing off a brand-new mural from Miami-based artist Alex Nuñez, which is the third and final to be added on board. Nuñez traveled on the ship from Lisbon to Miami in order to create the piece. Titled “First Light,” it was inspired by the artist awakening to the sun rising on the horizon while at sea. “The hues of blue envelop the marine life thriving beneath the crashing waves,” Nuñez says.
Nuñez is a Cuban-American mixed media painter from Miami whose work alternates between the floor and the wall, using spontaneous mark-making and bold splashes of color, she layers acrylic paint, glitter, crystals, ink, and collaged imagery. Earlier Windstar mural installations include works from artist Magnus Sodamin on Star Pride, and we are nice’n easy on Star Breeze. All muralists were selected by Fountainhead Arts, a Miami-based arts organization dedicated to elevating and supporting artists.
Windstar yachts are not only special because of their art exhibitions, they hold a place in people’s hearts. Guests express the friendliness of staff. Families often take getaways on their welcoming, homey and relaxing environment. They even have a wedding special with a rose-filled ceremony on the ship’s deck, so some return to the spot for sentimental reasons.With so many destinations around the world, from Europe to the Caribbean, they have something for everyone.
And now they have improved to the joy of their many fans. They are also revealing a grand renovation of their yachts. The redid some of the restaurants, rooms, and facilities. For instance, the World Spa by Windstar was significantly upgraded and enlarged on the three Star Plus Class ships during the stretch/transformation project. Every day there will be a special offer going in the spa, a featured treatment at a special price. In addition, new Wanderlust menu options are being added, taking inspiration from our sailing regions.
“We offer vegetarian and vegan meals regularly. We are now working on an all new plant-based menu that we’ll introduce in April. More details coming out on that soon. One of Windstar’s strengths is our ability to customize things for guests, especially meals. Guests can talk to the Chef on board about meals and get dietary requirements met with delicious creations by the team,” expressed Sarah Scoltock, Director of Public Relations, Windstar Cruises.
Some of the rooms were also remodeled.
from their release: Windstar’s Star Plus Class yachts have two Classic Suites located on Deck 5 forward. These Classic Suites on Star Legend have been transformed, now called The Broadmoor Suite and The Sea Island Suite. While the suites are inspired by these unique, luxury properties, they are not an exact replication. The Broadmoor, located in Colorado Springs, is known for its endless adventures and European elegance paired with Western charm and mountain vistas. Sea Island is equally iconic: situated on the coast of Georgia and exuding Southern charm while providing the perfect backdrop for an exceptional array of outdoor activities.
“Unlike hotel brands that have begun offering yacht-style cruises, this is a unique example of a cruise line bringing a separate land-based experience to sea,” explains Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “It connects and cross-sells a diverse and seemingly unrelated set of travel experiences that have shared ownership.”
In the Sea Island Suite, guests find elegant touches that evoke the property’s Addison Mizner design including curved arches, light walls, and sophisticated wood furnishings. “The overall look is quite coastal and airy – colors like sea-glass green are used throughout,” says Prelog. “In The Broadmoor Suite, you’ll find a traditional space with classic furniture, floral motifs, white trim with gold finishes, and wide crown molding.”
The two specialty suites are inspired by Windstar’s Forbes Five-Star sister companies The Broadmoor and Sea Island and will be rolled out to Windstar’s two other Star Plus Class yachts next: Star Breeze in the spring of 2023 and Star Pride in 2024.
Several clever design workarounds had to be made to honor the resorts’ designs while also meeting International Maritime Organization rules and accounting for general safety at sea (like replacing resort throw rugs with inset carpet). For the wallcoverings, Windstar designed custom wallpapers for both suites on International Maritime Organization-certified paper. For The Broadmoor Suite a striking wallpaper adorns the suite’s bedroom and walk-in closet. It is an exact replica of the wallpaper used at The Broadmoor Main Building designed by Julie Penrose (wife of resort founder Spencer).
“Her initials are actually part of the wallpaper design, and it’s a strong statement piece from the resort that anyone who has visited will instantly recognize,” Prelog says. “It’s sweet to think that Julie’s love for travel inspired and influenced the décor of the Broadmoor, and now her custom wallpaper will sail around the world on Windstar Cruises.”
Both specialty suites include small details that help bring the overall Sea Island and Broadmoor experiences to life. Guests can flip through the pages of each property’s resort magazine or view historic black-and-white photography that punctuates the suites’ designs.
About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts carrying 148-342 guests. Small ship cruises sail throughout Europe; the Caribbean; Costa Rica and the Panama Canal; Asia; Alaska and British Columbia; New England and Eastern Canada; the U.S. West Coast and Mexico; Arabia, and the South Pacific, including a ship year-round in Tahiti. Windstar launched the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to transform the three all-suite Star Plus Class yachts with new suites, restaurants, and a world-class spa and fitness center. The award-winning line is known for immersive experiences, destination authenticity, port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program. Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a group of global hospitality and travel companies, one of which traces its history back over a hundred years of operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. Xanterra Travel Collection is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Thank you to Sarah Scoltock, Director of Public Relations, Windstar Cruises for the Press Release and Photos
Miami Chronicles 