Raya by Mario Pagan Photos is a collection of stunning photographs taken by renowned Puerto Rican photographer Mario Pagan. Pagan is known for his ability to capture the beauty of nature, landscapes, and cultural traditions through his lens. The Raya collection showcases his unique perspective and artistic talent. The photographs in Raya showcase the vibrant colors, textures, and natural beauty found in Puerto Rico and other parts of the world. Each image tells a story and invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the scene. Whether it's a sweeping landscape, a close-up of a flower, or a candid portrait, Pagan's photographs evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
In Praise of San Juan's Sophisticated Design Scene
Husband and wife team, Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila. All hotel photos courtesy of OLV: Fifty Five.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — When you think of places in the United States with great design and a flourishing art scene, you might imagine Los Angeles, Miami, or New York, though not necessarily San Juan, Puerto Rico. Which is too bad, because in recent years, the U.S. Territory has emerged as an epicenter and creative home base for many artists, designers, and hoteliers. Beyond the postcard beaches, resorts, and palm-lined streets, a close-knit creative community is creating, collaborating, and demonstrating a spirited resilience. And doing so despite the island's frequent tensions with the American government, internal financial issues, and its vulnerable location in the Atlantic where the eyes of twin hurricanes Irma and Maria brought destructive havoc in 2017. As they've proven again and again, Puerto Ricans know how to rebuild anew and emerge with strength.
Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila, the founders behind O:LV Fifty Five and O:Live hotels in Condado, the buzziest neighborhood in San Juan, are leaders in Puerto Rico's creative renaissance. As first-time hoteliers, the husband and wife team continuously find the silver lining in the wake of any storm, taking advantage of the opportunity to start anew. When 160-mile per hour winds from Hurricane Maria barreled over the island, the couple spent the storm caring for their guests at O:Live and providing food and water for neighbors in need. At the time, they were months away from opening their second property, O:LV Fifty Five, which emerged unscathed from the storm. They were committed to supporting the local community and helping restore the island and its resources, and made great strides through their food and beverage program. Because destructive winds had flattened the landscape and destroyed nearly all crops on the island, most hotels were outsourcing from the United States, taking business away from local farmers. But Herger and Davila, along with the hotel group's chef, Mario Pagan, instead worked with local farmers and utilized the resources that were available, serving Puerto Rican comfort food and the best of the island's surf and turf. And while the island has continued its recovery in the past four years, Pagan has maintained those relationships with farmers, infusing his global dishes with Puerto Rican flavors.
Discerning travelers themselves, Herger and Davila go against the grain of a relaxed island resort vibe, adding a dose of glamour to their hotels, which are both located on the serene Condado Lagoon. Fifteen-room O:Live takes inspiration from the Mediterranean (a rustic farmhouse style, lots of reclaimed wood) and Old San Juan (pastel-colored terraces and wrought-iron balconies). At O:LV Fifty Five, they immerse guests in a minimalist city vibe, using lots of marble, sleek crisp lines, moody interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and large balconies in each of the 26 rooms with views of the lagoon. The impressive rooftop overlooks downtown San Juan on one side and the Caribbean waters on the other.
Many Americans underestimate Puerto Rico as an easy, no-passport-required Caribbean destination. That's a mistake Herger and Davila are helping to correct by showcasing the creative design and spirit of the island — one that is constantly able to reinvent itself through the strength of the local community. Which makes O:LV Fifty Five an ideal home base for exploring San Juan's emerging design scene.
Whether it's a sweeping landscape, a close-up of a flower, or a candid portrait, Pagan's photographs evoke a sense of wonder and awe. Pagan's use of light and shadow enhances the mood and atmosphere of his photographs. Whether he captures a dramatic sunset, a misty morning, or a tranquil beach, his play with light brings each image to life.
Book It
Rates at O:LV Fifty Five change seasonally and start at $309. Click here for reservations. Or contact the Fathom Concierge and we can book your trip for you.
Waterview suite. ARYA Rooftop. ARYA rooftop with Rolls Royce DJ booth. Infinity Suite bathroom. Hotel lobby.
The colors are rich and vibrant, popping off the page and drawing the viewer in. In addition to his talent for capturing natural beauty, Pagan also explores cultural traditions and human expression in his work. His portraits are intimate and reveal a deep understanding of his subjects. Whether it's a traditional dancer, a street performer, or a wise elder, Pagan's photographs capture the essence of his subjects and tell their stories. Overall, Raya by Mario Pagan Photos is a breathtaking collection of photographs that showcases the beauty of nature, landscapes, and cultural traditions. Pagan's keen eye and artistic vision capture the essence of each scene, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of Puerto Rico and beyond. Through his lens, Pagan creates a visual journey that is both inspiring and captivating..
Reviews for "Mario Pagan's Raya: A Glimpse Into Traditional Living"
- Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the photoshoot done by Mario Pagan. The photos turned out to be very blurry and out of focus, making it hard to even recognize the subjects. The lighting was also very poor, with lots of harsh shadows and blown-out highlights. Additionally, the poses suggested by the photographer were awkward and unnatural, resulting in very uncomfortable-looking photos. I would not recommend Mario Pagan for any photography services.
- John - 2 stars
I had high expectations for the photoshoot with Mario Pagan, but unfortunately, they fell short. The editing on the photos was overdone, with excessive filters and effects that made the images look unnatural and amateurish. The composition and framing were also lacking, with many photos having distracting elements in the background that took away from the main subject. While Mario Pagan was friendly and enthusiastic during the shoot, the end result did not live up to the quality I was expecting.
- Emily - 2 stars
I was truly disappointed with the experience I had with Mario Pagan during the Raya photoshoot. The communication leading up to the shoot was poor, with long response times and lack of attention to details. On the day of the shoot, Mario Pagan arrived late and unprepared, which wasted a significant amount of our time. The poses and styling suggested by the photographer were not flattering or suitable for our group, resulting in photos that we were not happy with. Overall, the lack of professionalism and subpar quality of the photos left a lot to be desired. I would not recommend Mario Pagan for capturing special moments.