Turtle Bay Resort, the only destination resort on Oahu’s North Shore, has announced that it will embark early next year on the largest component of $60 million in upgrades.
The renovation, which will begin in early January and is expected to be completed by the end of 2013, will encompass all of the 840-acre resort’s 397 standard and premium guest rooms and hallways; the Spa Luana and fitness center; two restaurants; as well as improvements to the main building roof and lobby area. These renovations are to allow the resort to “capitalize on underutilized space”, which includes the large-scale expansion of the property’s spa and fitness center.
These planned renovations follow the recent addition of Surfer, The Bar in November 2011; and enhancements to the resort’s lobby and lobby bar, all of which are in line with the resort’s rebranding campaign, launched in 2011. In 2003, the resort completed $60 million in upgrades to its 42 luxury beach cottages; the addition of the Kuilima Ballroom and meeting facilities; and room upgrades.
The redesign will be led by Honolulu-based firm WCIT Architecture and will include all-new fixtures, furnishings, bedding and décor in the guest rooms, as well as completely remodeled bathrooms with new tile, vanities, and walk-in showers. WCIT previously worked with the resort on its design of Surfer, The Bar, as well as the master plan for the property.
Additional improvements in the resort’s 112 premium guest rooms, which are located on the sixth floor as well as each floor’s end suites, will include ocean-themed elements, such as shell décor; expanded walk-in natural stone showers; and a deep-soaker bathtub that is open to the room.
According to interior designer Lisa-Maria Priester of WCIT Architecture, the guest rooms will be redesigned to have a “contemporary, beach-house feel, authentic to the North Shore.” All over, there will be subtle accents of Hawaiian motifs custom designed exclusively for Turtle Bay Resort.
The resort’s full-service Spa Luana will nearly double in size to 11,000 square feet, which will include the creation of a movement studio for wellness programs such as Zumba and yoga; the relocation of the fitness center from the ground floor to the lobby-level Sunset Room, which will allow for ocean views; as well as an expanded salon; reception and retail area; and women’s locker room. Three open-air treatment rooms will be added, and two single treatment rooms will be converted into one larger indoor couples’ treatment area.
Two of the resort’s restaurants – Palm Terrace/Leonardo’s and 21 Degrees North – will be completely renovated in the spirit of their new menus, with natural décor and lighting, and wood accents. At Palm Terrace/Leonardo’s, the enhanced menu will feature locally sourced cuisines. 21 Degrees North will highlight Hawaii’s seafood with a customizable menu. New décor will feature an ocean theme.
Turtle Bay Resort is also continuing its focus on conserving Oahu’s natural resources, implementing a 59,000-square-foot landscaped native plant garden on all lower main building rooftops. LED lighting will also be installed throughout the resort to provide additional energy savings.
The renovation will be completed in phases. Guest rooms will be renovated one wing at a time, and the affected restaurants will be upgraded at separate times.
