LeeAnn Sauter may not look like a revolutionary, but the striking gorgeous sophisticated blonde is a groundbreaker in the hotel and resort retail industry. Ten years ago, Sauter refashioned the entire in-hotel shopping experience after an idea came to her while vacationing at the Four Seasons Hualalai in Hawaii. The retail veteran (she spent over fifteen years in the retail industry working for companies like Tommy Hilfiger and The Gap) was struck with a startling disconnect: Although five-star hotels had evolved, the stores within them seemed dated and uninspired.
The finest, and most exclusive hotels complemented the natural surroundings of any given location in architecture and elements, without sacrificing the premium amenities and white glove service, yet the retail experience seemed to lack the same vision. The hotel “gift shop” felt at odds with its smart surroundings.
Sauter surmised, correctly, that the well-heeled guest would spark to a more sophisticated approach to in-hotel shopping. So, mirroring the way a hotel property catered to its clientele, she launched Seaside Luxe (now Maris Collective) and began launching concept boutiques that took style cues from their respective locations. She stocked each store with upmarket designer goods (think: Pucci, Lanvin, Missoni) expertly blended with one-of-a-kind wares from local artisans. Today, Maris Collective now boasts nearly 30 shops in over a dozen luxury hotel properties worldwide, including two recent openings at the Four Seasons Bahrain. The boutiques, “Rhodium” and “Pavia” are the first for Maris in the Middle East. The company has plans for a global expansion, adding an additional 40 stores in the next few years.
Surf Chic was thrilled to find the Maris Collective brand at the Four Seasons Boutiques in Punta Mita, Mexico. Truly one of our all-time favorite shopping experiences which includes Punta Mita Bulvera, Paloma and the Hecho Boutique all staffed by the super “hot shot” Fashion forward team from Maris Collective- The Four Seasons ultra chic Punta Mita destination is led by the ever so talented retail director Deb Ferrari who always greets us with a warm smile after a long day of surfing when we are in need of an Haute Couture fix- or what we deem Apres surf shopping.
The Four Seasons boutiques offers all of our favorite luxury brands and super sophisticated merchandise from around the world. We simply adore the Punta Mita style especially in the Surfing and Resort Wear section influenced by the gorgeous stylish local Punta Mita surfers, celebs, bold faced names and the Jetset crowd who visit the resort often. We are in such gratitude for Deb Ferrari the shop leader, who always greets us with a smile and makes our shopping days just that much happier and smooth.
My favorite are the colorful windows that always reveals the story of what is to be discovered inside these fabulous boutiques. We just love all of the Luxe living items and treasures that we seek and find. Surf Chic adores the haute couture beach looks featured here by our favorite Punta Mita Surf Model Skyler who embodies the super chic Punta Mita style and lifestyle on every level.
The clothes are simply perfect for any occasion especially for the Beach and Resort Wear- All at it’s finest- However- there is a wide selection of looks for any occasion of course specializing in Beach Vacations- which we adore!
We at Surfchic believe that in combination with the Punta Mita lifestyle and the Maris Collective brand – Haute Couture Surfing was born and inspired. We just Love it! We are seeing the trend unfold and come alive.
LeeAnn Sauter’s original philosophy continues to drive the company’s enormous success – to approach each boutique as a blank slate and organically combine luxury designer merchandise with the best of local tradition and craftsmanship. She is truly a genius and a modern day rennaisance visionary in the world of retail. Maris has distilled this creative concept into the trademarked mantra “No Ordinary Moment.” For Sauter and her talented team, it’s more than a catchy mantra, it’s a promise, one they intend to keep.
