February - March 2008
artist themed landscape
Wyland Hotel Is A First
First, it was whales. You can’t say Robert Wyland doesn’t think big.
Then,
it was murals the world over. The first was at Laguna Beach in 1981. His
first in Hawaii was 1985. That building was demolished and he recreated
the mural at the Airport Center on Ualena Street.
By then he was famous.
Now he calls himself Wyland. You can forget the Bob.
After the murals, he did sculpture. Then opened art galleries. A foundation.
Then another first: it’s not enough to do the world’s largest mural, Wyland has just turned a hotel into his palette.
The new Wyland Waikiki is the first artist themed hotel in Hawaii.
From the moment guests pull up in the driveway, they are greeted by the
elegant outdoor sculpture landscaped garden displaying Wyland’s
bronze figures, from dolphins captured jumping out of the water, to a
pair of sea otters casually floating along.
Guests continue on to the hotel by crossing the signature life-size “Whale
Tail” stone entry walkway, designed in quartzite tile, and on through
a subtly landscaped “W” of coconut palms.
The property itself features over 20 bronze Wyland sculptures throughout
the hotel.
The outdoor lawn sculpture garden includes marlins, two small Humpback whales, Ocean Born (two small dolphins), Synchronicity (three dolphins in the fountain), Turtles, Sea Otters, and two Welcome Dolphins that greet you right before you step into the lobby.
There are also six water features around the property designed specifically so that guests are able to hear water at every point, from the lobby, entrance, and on to poolside. Just off the lobby, the hotel features a serene garden, which surrounds the swimming pool and cascading waterfall, whirlpool spa, and of course houses more of Wyland’s beautiful sculptures.
Guests are able to relax in the fresh water swimming pool with Wyland tile art inlay, a poolside rock waterfall, “Embraced by the Sea” tile mural, and sundeck with lounge chairs. The whirlpool spa and secluded saltwater pool are great options for relaxation and provide an excellent spot for enjoying the garden.
The Wyland Waikiki is the newest place for travelers looking for a hip, stylish hotel option in Waikiki.
Aside from being Hawaii’s first art-design hotel, it is also the first Wyland branded hotel in the world offering the largest collection of Wyland paintings, photographs, and sculptures outside of his galleries.
The chic interiors are inspired by his conservation and marine-life themes, which blend tropical luxury and modern amenities and are carried throughout the entire hotel with 403 guest rooms and suites.
The hotel also features KiMOBEAN Hawaiian Coffee Company, the Wy-bar and lounge, massage services by Spa Pure, a library, an entertainment room equipped with iJoy massage chairs, a 65-inch flat panel TV, and Xbox play stations, a business center with 24-inch iMac computers, complimentary high-speed internet, and large flat screen televisions throughout the lobby.
Soon to come, are a signature restaurant and Spa Pure day spa. The Wyland Waikiki is only minutes from Waikiki Beach and the new Waikiki Beach Walk™.
