It is estimated that Colombia has around 200,000 living species, 3,165 of which are plants with 288 considered exotic ones. Flowers are significant not only in terms of this astonishing number but of the absolute beauty that they portray. With around 4,300 species of orchids, Colombia has 20 percent of the global total, making it the country with the most species. The Botanical Garden of Bogotá hosts around 400 of these species (and over 2,000 actual orchids), around 50 of which are under special care because they are endangered.
Four Seasons Hotel Bogota and Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina have their share in showcasing the botanical local diversity and celebrating life through what Colombian flowers evoke. The Hotels decorate their spaces with plants knowing they connect people with nature, generating a welcoming environment and a grounding feeling. Floral design is a key part of the brand’s aesthetics. It is luxurious but sober and meant to create visual harmony. Paying homage to the Hotels’ names, seasonal local species of the highest quality are exhibited for guests to feel immediately captured and surrounded by the magical energy of the ecosystem they make part of. Either through a customized arrangement for a guest in their suite, or in the least expected spot in one of the common spaces, an executive room, the anteroom of a staircase, or the foyer, the prettiest flowers are waiting to accompany visitors with elegant gentleness. A set of orchids is also always ready for room service.
In this way, the more classical design of Four Seasons Casa Medina, one of the locations in Bogota, is enhanced by the contemporary designs of the palate of colours, the vessels, the type of arrangement, and the style used, as they set a tone for the day: if it’s rainy or gray, the Hotel makes sure that floral decorations provide colour and energy. They can be round, cylindrical, high, and of classic, romantic, minimalist, or garden style; the latter, trendy now, consists of evoking an unstructured, luscious representation of plants growing in a garden.
Four Seasons Bogota, the other location in the capital city of Colombia, is fully decorated with orchids. Their organic sophistication perfectly matches the contemporary style of this location. It is also consequential with the environmental policy of Four Seasons given that they can last for two or three months with excellent daily care and proper cleaning and pampering. Every creation is meant to set a subtle vibe, and this is something the Hotel takes seriously. Because even when flowers are beautiful and catch every eye with their exoticism and fragrant charm, the ability to move around freely and safely is a priority, as well as a sustainable use of resources. The main type used at both places is the white phalaenopsis orchidaceae and the default colour for every room is white, unless the Hotel is aware that one of its guests has a preferred colour or style, in which case it happily plans accordingly.
However, all this magic doesn’t happen casually. It is one of the many ways in which Four Seasons hospitality is expressed, and channelled, in this case, through the creativity and professional expertise of floral designer David Chaparro. In collaboration with the Hotel’s staff he makes sure that every arrangement looks as fresh as if every sample was freshly picked up. Every week arrangements and designs are changed, and when there are special events they are planned to match the spirit of the event. Recently, a thematic decoration for Easter week was displayed in collaboration with the beverages and food team, highlighting handmade Easter eggs.
For David, the ultimate goal of his work is to transmit Four Seasons driving force to visitors: everyone should feel at home while surrounded by sophistication, living an unforgettable experience of hospitality. In the case of these locations this experience is inspired by what makes Colombia unique as well. In his own words: “We create arrangements loaded with joy, tranquillity, beauty, and the amazing cultural and biological diversity the country has.” Plant growers are an essential component for making that possible. They not only consistently deliver an excellent product, but are exploring constantly new botanical varieties. All of it to delight and inspire everyone visiting or staying at the hotel with exquisite perfumes and heavenly visuals.
