Guests are guided through the river rock and stacked stone-lined main treatment corridor to reach their desired spa service .
“ While some resorts incorporate the pool environment into the spa experience , Four Winds South Bend has made its new rooftop pool deck a central part of their F & B , events and entertainment offerings ,” Bell says . The entire third-floor level is dedicated to high-end VIP and hospitality suites that accommodate smaller intimate events , catered parties and VIP receptions .
“ Perched on the third-floor VIP and hospitality suite level adjacent to the hotel ’ s new Edgewater Café bar and restaurant , the pool environment , with its large pool deck , lounge seating and hot tub , becomes an extension of this entertaining space ,” says Bell . “ The café and the rooftop pool are interconnected through clerestory windows and retractable glass partition walls .”
HBG Design is currently leading the architectural and interior design for the $ 300 million Phase 5 expansion of Gun Lake Casino in Wayland , Michigan , just south of Grand Rapids .
The Spa Retreat , featuring a spa pool and fitness center , will be located on the lower level of the new hotel expansion , with a palette inspired by nature in the region . The spa pool will offer a relaxing retreat away from the excitement of the casino .
Spa at Prairie Band Casino Resort
Pooling Resources
Casino operators “ want guests to feel there ’ s something for everyone ,” says David Nejelski , creative director and principal at TBE Architects . “ Catering to parents , kids , singles and professionals can mean flexible spaces for multiple uses . A spacious pool deck can function as a nice spot to hang out as a family by day and shift to a private party deck for corporate or private events by night .”
Owners are taking advantage of the holistic whole-body trend by partnering with spa companies . The partner leases the space and both reap the benefits . “ While one spouse is on the gaming floor , the other can take advantage of a facial treatment or soak in a hot tub ,” Nejelski says . “ Both parties are happy .”
Nejelski espouses two rules of thumb regarding pools and spas : one for places like Las Vegas , and the second for locals markets .
“ For Las Vegas , the adage ‘ If you build it , they will come ’ isn ’ t new , but it ’ s always relevant . Your ideal client should be well thought out before designs are made . What ’ s their age ? What are their aesthetic preferences ? What ’ s trending for this clientele ?
“ Properties wanting to cater to a younger demographic can create layers of emotion with high energy as well as rejuvenating and invigorating experiences in the pool and spa areas .
“ By having a firm grasp on your vision and a strong sense of direction , such details as visual art , mood and artistic lighting , color palette and scents and sounds can assist the owners to orchestrate a better guest experience so they will want to visit again and again .”
At locals resorts , the goal is to keep a property ’ s established community satisfied while expanding its market reach , says Nejelski . Attractions and amenities that involve the whole family will draw in guests from the surrounding areas and farther afield . Casino resorts that help create memories for adults and singles , families and kids will stand out .
While the main objective is to keep patrons on the gaming floor and increase the incremental drop , each time they leave to eat , sleep or spend time with family , there ’ s a risk they may not return . As a result , “ owners are seeing the advantages of creating spaces for private events , personal rental spaces and exclusive high-limit features ,” Nejelski says . “ Providing unique individualized conveniences is at the forefront of design planning and property operations . The question becomes , ‘ How can you give each guest the VIP treatment ?’
“ Specific design features include private poolside cabanas , reservable party pool decks and exclusive whirlpools . And don ’ t forget the views — whether it ’ s the city skyline or a mountain view , take advantage of it . It ’ s all part of creating memorable spaces and moments for guests .”
TBE projects include a 70,000-square-foot expansion of the Prairie Band Casino & Resort in Mayetta , Kansas . It includes 74 beautiful new guest rooms and a therapeutic spa where patrons can soothe the spirit and indulge in a personal sensory experience .
“ The spa features a palette of calming colors , accentuated by the soothing glow of 48 Himalayan salt tiles embedded in a wall of soft white and gray to infuse the space in calming energy ,” says Nejelski . “ As guests step into one of two plunge pools , they will undoubtedly reflect on the intricately carved wood relief on the opposing wall . Moving deeper into the spa area , guests looking to reduce stress will find an abundance of space to relax in the new 179-square-foot steam room .”
TBE is also putting its 50-plus years of experience to work on multiple nondisclosed projects throughout the country . These renovations and additions include health-and-wellness pool and spa areas to rejuvenate , restore and create memories for the entire family .
“ From unique whirlpools with spacious views , to upscale party decks that will make the guest the talk of the town , poolside private cabanas that make them feel like royalty , an expansive holistic whole-body experience , and pool adventures the kids will beg to return to , the TBE design team is flourishing with ideas ,” says Nejelski . “ We take properties to the next level .”
30 CASINO STYLE 2023