Astral Spa , Oaklawn Casino Resort
Everybody into the Pool !
More and more , operators are looking to pools and spas to impress their guests . Let ’ s dive into the trend .
By Dave Bontempo
The resort pool has reached its utopia , perhaps best demonstrated by the Circa Stadium Swim , at the Circa resort in Downtown Las Vegas .
There , guests don ’ t simply loll by the pool . They slide into poolside boxes , water couches , daybeds and lower cabanas . They sip drinks , watch the big game and participate in fantasy-football parties . Massive 40-foot high-definition screens reach skyward , while six pools on three levels augment the luxury experience .
Welcome to the crossroads of luxury , decadence and affluence . Does anyone even want to go swimming anymore ?
Stadium Swim is just one example of the surge in pool and spa construction at casino hotels . Besides exuding luxury , they make room for shared experiences . Beverages , saunas , salons and hot tubs are valued amenities , keeping guests happily on property .
Just Say ‘ Ahh ’
“ Spas are an increasingly popular antidote for our stressful world ,” says Emily Marshall , IIDA , interior design director and principal at HBG Design . “ The more harried life becomes , the more guests are seeking a serene and rejuvenating spa experience .”
The modern spa retreat “ is less about opulence , and more about wellness and the way a space makes the guest feel — with more authentic , contextual , holistic design features and smart technology integration that produces distinctiveness and differentiation for the resort .”
HBG Design has created pool and vitality pool environments that connect to the spa , to food-and-beverage venues and to other special events , Marshall says . “ These pools are activated for entertainment , integrating dining and beverage service opportunities as separate revenue generators .”
Event-connected pools include the rooftop pool environment at Four Winds South Bend Casino and the Indoor Pool and Events Complex at Gun Lake , now under construction .
“ Spas are typically set apart from the gaming amenities as a space for guests to quiet the outside noise and re-
28 CASINO STYLE 2023