INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Several beachfront resorts around the world are updating, from a new pool area for the military to new culinary offerings.
Hale Koa Hotel
The Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu is undergoing a renovation of its pool complex. The resort is one of five Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC) operated by the U.S. military. Construction on the newly redesigned 2.5-acre Ilima Swimming Pool Complex is being handled by Stellar, and is expected to be complete by July 2019.
The design-build renovation will include:
- A 400-person main pool with two slides
- A 20-person hot tub
- A children’s splash pad and wading pool
- A raised deck for bands and live music
- New sunshades around the main pool
- New restrooms
- Locally designed landscaping
All design elements of the pool complex will incorporate Hawaiian culture and aesthetics. The entrance will be flanked by waterfalls cascading down lava rock walls topped by fire bowls, and gas tiki torches will line the perimeter.
Kempinski Hotel Bahía, Estepona
Following an extensive redesign, Kempinski Hotel Bahía, Estepona in Marbella, Spain, has reopened with a new lobby and refreshed culinary hotspots. These dining venues form part of the hotel’s new restaurant concept, El Paseo Del Mar, which combines the three venues within the hotel.
Baltazár Bar & Grill represents an urbanized traditional bodega with views of the gardens and pools of the hotel. At Spíler Beach Club chefs make use of ingredients from the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the fields of Andalucia. Black Rose The Baroffers wines, local craft beers and cocktails.
El Paseo Del Mar was created by the Zsidai Gastronomy Group in cooperation with Kempinski Hotel Bahía.
Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is renovating the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Blue in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The 528-suite oceanfront hotel has closed and will reopen as Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar upon completion November.
The new resort will be adults-only and add swim-up suites. The extensive renovation will also enhance the hotel’s interiors to feature a more sophisticated and sleek, yet subdued color scheme with white and light brown tones, and a new coffee shop will serve freshly baked goods and refreshing drinks, according to the brand.
Bahia Principe’s Bavaro complex will also be receiving some upgrades of its own, for use by guests of all Luxury properties, including a sports bar and fitness center for guests 18 years and older.