Designed by ESa, the boutique hotel pairs mid-century modern style with vibrant visitor experience
The Villages, Fla. – March , 2026 – ESa, a national architecture and design firm, is proud to announce the opening of Hotel Eastport, a boutique destination and fresh hospitality experience, in The Villages’ new Eastport Town Center. Welcoming guests with a spirit that feels both familiar and refreshing, the hotel captures the optimism of the past while embracing the energy and warmth of the community today.
The 91,752-square-foot hotel includes 120 guest rooms, a 3,000-square-foot ballroom and a mid-century modern design aesthetic inspired by the golden age of 1950s road travel and Florida’s relaxed lakeside living. Breezeblock patterns, clean lines and bold geometries reference the past while grounding the hotel in Eastport’s unfolding story. Inside, expansive windows and open sightlines frame views of Central Lake, immediately linking the interior experience to its natural setting. Together, these elements create an atmosphere where nostalgia meets modern vibrancy.
Throughout the interiors, subtle references to the dragon boat races beloved by The Villages’ residents bring rhythm and movement to the space through stripes, bold color and dynamic patterning in the lobby and corridors. Stripes, circles and curves echo the rhythm of water and mid-century form, animating public spaces with bright blues, warm oranges and creamy whites. Amenities include an ice cream shop, restaurant, two indoor-outdoor bars, a pool and a fitness center, creating a destination that feels lively and unmistakably rooted in its community.
Private balconies fitted with perforated metal panels open onto Central Lake, offering expansive views and a sense of retreat within the heart of the Town Center. Large windows, open sightlines and breezy indoor-outdoor transitions strengthen the connection to Florida’s natural environment, while botanical accents and water-inspired details reinforce the hotel’s lakeside setting.
“From the beginning, we wanted the interiors to feel optimistic and rooted in place,” said Leslie Ann Wilson, senior interior design manager at ESa. “By drawing on mid-century influences and layering in references that resonate with The Villages’ residents, the design creates an experience that feels both nostalgic and new.”
Sustainability and wellness were central considerations throughout Hotel Eastport’s design and construction. Energy performance measures achieved a 30% reduction from baseline standards, reinforcing the project’s commitment to responsible, forward-looking design. Low-VOC paints and recycled flooring materials were selected to support indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact.
“Hotel Eastport was designed as more than a place to stay, but also a place for connection,” said Ron Lustig, principal at Esa.
Additional partners on the project included: Ignyte, Michael Pape, Stafford Smith, SDG, Brasfield and Gorrie and The Villages Design Center.
About ESa
ESa is a nationally recognized architecture and design firm based in Nashville, Tenn., specializing in architecture, interior design, master planning and space planning. Since 1961, the firm has brought visionary thinking and human-centered design to more than 13,500 projects across healthcare, hospitality, education, residential, community + arts and commercial sectors. Guided by legacy and driven by collaboration, ESa is committed to shaping meaningful spaces and sustainable communities today and for the future. Learn more at esarch.com.