NEWPORT BEACH, Calif, September 2001- A spectacular
fireworks show and Olympic themed cocktail party launched the opening of
a new, world-class resort and spa situated on the west coast of Mauritius.
| Designed by Wimberly Allison Tong
& Goo (WATG) to integrate with its beachfront and wilderness environment,
the 193-room resort lies on the edge of a tranquil lagoon on the western
shores of the Indian Ocean. Jeremy Heyes, WATG project architect,
describes the challenges inherent in working in this part of the world,
once described by Mark Twain as the "Original Paradise." Says Heyes,
"We were determined to preserve the trees in their original location, and
we worked hard to blend local detailing and |
Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa
Photographer: Eric Frijiere
Photo courtesy Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa
|
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character with the requirements of an international, world-class facility."
In concert with its location, water is a major theme within the two-story
resort. A watercourse flows from the porte-cochere through the open-air
foyer and entrance lobby and cascades over an immense waterfall into fresh
water lagoons filled with water lilies and ornamental carp. The natural
forms of the lagoons are echoed in the swimming lagoons, which have cascades,
rocks, whirlpools and beach edges.
The Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa features the largest spa in the
Indian Ocean, three tennis courts, mini golf, and a kids' club. The
property caters not only to leisure travelers, but business travelers can
connect through high-speed Internet access in their rooms and utilize the
hotel's 350-person conference facilities.
Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) is associated with many projects
that have become international landmarks. Since its founding in 1945,
the firm has become the world's leading design consultant for the hospitality,
leisure, and entertainment industries with offices in Newport Beach; Honolulu;
London; Los Angeles; Seattle; Orlando; and Singapore. WATG-designed
projects can be found in 120 countries across six continents.
Examples include: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa,
California; Grand Hyatt Bali, Indonesia; Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Carlsbad,
California; The Palace of The Lost City, South Africa; Disney's Grand Floridian
Resort & Spa, Orlando, Florida; House of Blues, Hollywood, California;
LEGOLAND Theme Park, Windsor, England; and Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort &
Spa in Hawaii. |
