Guests of the Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee, had another reason to celebrate the holiday season with the December 1 opening of Phase 1 of SoundWaves, America’s first upscale, indoor/outdoor resort water attraction. The indoor portion of the waterpark expansion opened to the public after Aquatic Development Group (ADG) completed its work. The $90 million, 111,000 square foot three-level, music industry-themed waterpark features five waterslides, a FlowRider Double, rapid and lazy rivers, an activity pool with rock climbing and more. The project received $14 million in tax breaks, with the intention to encourage tourism in the region.
Currently, The SoundWaves park is only open to guests staying at the Opryland Resort who have purchased admission and is slated to operate year-round at a temperature of 84º. The outdoor portion of the project, also being designed and built by ADG, is expected to be completed this summer. It will include a 315,000-gallon wave pool.
“We view this project as a tremendous opportunity to further cement Nashville’s must-visit status with a one-of-a-kind amenity that will appeal to group customers while also serving as a major demand inducer for families and adult leisure guests looking for upscale recreation options,” said Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We believe this project will drive increased outside-the-room spending and additional points of premium-rated transient occupancy by enticing visitors to extend their stay in Nashville.”
Fusing water and music with amenities and activities, SoundWaves offers an experience unique to Music City. A modern design, sleek finishes and thrilling rides intertwined with living walls and plant beds create an alluring ambiance. A uniquely-designed roof permits natural light, giving guests the opportunity to sunbathe indoors year-round. The indoor facility is located next to the hotel’s 9-acre Garden Conservatory.
“With the addition of SoundWaves, there’s one more reason to visit Nashville and Gaylord Opryland. We are proud to offer this premier water and music attraction you can’t find anywhere else,” noted John Adams, VP and market general manager for Gaylord Opryland Resort & Attractions. “Our team has worked diligently on every detail of the design and guest experience from crafting unexpected dining options to ensuring exclusivity as well as creating an ambience that families, couples and groups find both inviting and upscale.”
With outdoor seasonal features set to open summer 2019, SoundWaves offers both indoor and outdoor recreation zones for adults, young children and families. Adult guests will have exclusive access to adult-only indoor and outdoor pools, bars and lounging areas throughout the water resort. Elevated dining experiences with local offerings and signature cocktails, along with kid friendly fare, ensure each palate is satisfied. Private cabana rentals are available with a carefully selected capacity level to provide an exclusive and relaxing experience for all guests.