Ste Marie discusses Reflections Terrace at Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Reflections Terrace at Rosewood Hotel Georgia brings the lush essence of the Pacific Northwest into one of Vancouver’s most historic hotels.
Opened in 1927, the property has earned a reputation for its fusion of character and modern luxury, a tradition that the redesigned terrace both honours and advances. The renewed space offers an urban sanctuary, a secret garden concept designed to offer guests an immersive indoor-outdoor experience that is rare in the city.
We sat down Craig Stanghetta, founder and Creative Director of Vancouver-based design studio Ste Marie, to discuss how he approached the interiors.
What did you set out to achieve with the interiors of this space?
We set out to reposition Reflections as a core part of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia experience rather than a seasonal extension. The introduction of the fully retractable roof was central to that – it allows the space to operate year-round and meaningfully increases both its capacity and relevance within the property.
At the same time, the interiors needed to maintain continuity with the building’s historic character while establishing a distinct identity. The goal was to create a defined transition, from the pace of downtown Vancouver into a more immersive, garden-like retreat, that could support a range of uses, from daytime dining through to evening and event-driven occasions.
What was the inspiration behind the design concept?
The concept is grounded in the idea of a “secret garden,” interpreted through the lens of the Pacific Northwest and Rosewood’s emphasis on locality. Our intent was to translate qualities that are inherent to Vancouver, its climate, density of greenery, filtered light and material palette, into an urban hospitality setting within a historic building.
There’s a duality to the space. On one hand, it’s embedded in a dense downtown condition; on the other, it draws from environments that feel more secluded and natural. That’s expressed through the layering of planting, the use of tactile, natural materials and textures and a softer, more diffused lighting approach that shifts throughout the day.
It also builds on the legacy of Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The property has always balanced heritage with contemporary updates, so the concept needed to feel consistent with that lineage – something that could sit comfortably within the building’s history while introducing a new iteration and guest experience that is distinctly of its place.
What materials did you use to bring the vision to life?
The material palette is anchored in natural stone and tactile finishes: moon ray quartzite at the bar, textured plaster, honey-stained wood, bronze glass, elysian travertino tile and typhoon Bordeaux granite in the washrooms.
These are layered with planting and an eclectic mix of textiles, custom furnishings, and sun umbrellas designed to perform in both indoor and outdoor conditions, complemented by a curated selection of artworks that form part of the hotel’s broader collection and reflect its commitment to local culture and a sense of place. There’s also a biophilic strategy embedded in the approach, using variation, texture and greenery to create a garden-like experience tied to the region, one that feels open and fresh by day and more warmly lit, intimate and enveloping by night.
What aspects of the design are you most proud of?
Reflections has long been a beloved seasonal venue, a hidden gem within the city. Repositioning it required a measured and considered approach. The transformation from a seasonal terrace into a year-round environment meaningfully expands its use, capacity and relevance within the hotel, allowing it to operate consistently and shifting it from an ancillary offering to a core part of the property’s F&B experience, supporting a broader range of guest experiences across different times of day and seasons.
Balancing this renewed atmosphere with the existing character of Rosewood Hotel Georgia, and Rosewood’s emphasis on locality and a strong sense of place, while upholding the legacy of the hotel, was central to our approach. It was important that the intervention feel continuous with the building, extending its character while remaining grounded in its legacy.
How does the design reflect the F&B concept?
The design supports a menu and service model that is seasonal, shareable and beverage forward, with an emphasis on cocktails and flexible dining occasions. A range of seating types and spatial conditions accommodates different guest behaviours, from casual drinks to longer, social gatherings, across both day and evening service.
While Reflections has historically been a destination during the warmer months, the introduction of the retractable roof now allows it to operate year-round, offering a more intimate and atmospheric setting beyond the summer season, aligned with the evolution of both the menu and reaffirming the venue as the crown jewel of the property.
