An Ocean Themed Mega Resort Hotel in Zhuhai . China
Hengqin Bay Resort by Chimelong Group
The Challenge:
The mega resort hotel resort by Chimelong Group was to consist of 1,888+ rooms and suites, 10 restaurant and F&B venues, a 16,000 square meter convention facility with 2 large ballrooms, retail promenades and a spa, all in close proximity to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom entertainment parks and must appeal to children and all generations. Each wall, floor, and ceiling were to be ocean themed and be part of an overall narrative.
From the first concept sketch to reality
The Solution:
Created to be a place of storytelling and intrigue, the large thematic resort hotel is inspired by the wonders and mystery of the ocean. My first task was to create a narrative, upon which all the resort elements would unfold and each space would continue the story chapters.
The arrival lobby is where the story unfolds, with a rotunda supported by eight 52 -feet tall body-surfing dolphin columns, referring to the narrative of the white dolphins who saved the local fishermen from attacks by sea pirates. The resort is created for families with their children as a fantasy experience, open for discovery in each detail and a different chapter of the choreographed story is delivered in each space and venue.
A story of seashells and seahorses was chosen for the conference center, as 40 meeting rooms and 2 large banquet halls required a large vocabulary.
Restaurants were themed as coral reefs, captains ships, and a fishing village. A retail promenade with extremely low ceilings was inspired by u-boats.
*creative director at watg/wimberly
