Architect and Interior Designer Dianna Wong Spearheads the Re-Imagining of Hawaii's Iconic Turtle Bay Resort

April 28, 2021 – (Kahuku, HI) – Turtle Bay Resort, an  O’ahu  landmark  since  1972,  is  set  to reopen this summer after a major renovation that will embody  the  very  best  of  the  North Shore’s captivating natural beauty, adventurous spirit, and rich surf culture. Spearheading this transformation is Dianna Wong, founder of Los Angeles-based architecture firm, Dianna Wong Architecture + Interior Design. Born in Hong Kong and raised in rural Montana and Los Angeles, Wong brings a distinct global outlook to the luxury hospitality industry and is thrilled to bring her vision to this captivating part of the island.

“I felt an instant connection to this extraordinary location and to the natural elements of wind, water, waves, light and the rugged shoreline that completely surrounds you at Turtle Bay,” said Wong. “The design celebrates the resort’s relationship with nature, incorporating these environmental elements in every detail throughout.” Wong said she was also inspired by the North Shore’s legendary surfers, for whom surfing is life, the wave  is  the  star  and  the connection to nature is all-encompassing. “Coming out of a difficult year, I believe adventure and exploration is the cure, and there’s no better place for this than Turtle Bay.”

The property’s transformation celebrates Hawaii’s natural beauty by incorporating materials such as local monkeypod, organic fabrics, indigenous plants, and hand-woven artisan carpets. The color palette Wong used in the transformation is indicative of the resort’s surroundings—deep orange and red shades reflective of the iron-rich soil and the bountiful papayas growing on the property; the calming spectrum of blues, greens and creams seen in the waves juxtaposed against the sinuous grains of the natural hardwoods.

Although Wong’s trademark is  a  blend  of classicism and modernity, sparing use of color and simple geometry, her real focus is not on style, but on solving problems using space  and proportion. The style of each of her projects is different, reflecting a unique "storyline".

With this in mind, every aspect of the arrival experience has been redesigned, beginning with a relocated porte cochere that welcomes guests into a dramatically transformed lobby. Taking its cues from nature, the new light-filled lobby has had walls replaced with windows to create awe-inspiring views of the endless stretches of beaches, surf and sky in either direction. To

celebrate the local artistic community, the lobby will feature large-scale works of art by Hawaii-based artists including Nick Kuchar, known for his vintage travelogue-inspired designs, and Abigail Romanchak, who specializes in modern Hawaiian printmaking.

Beyond the  lobby,  infinity-style  water  features  will lead guests to a terraced pool deck with a new adults-only pool, redesigned family-friendly pool,  and  front-row  views  of  the  crashing waves and surfers just beyond. The adults-only pool will serve as a tranquil respite perfect for sipping mai-tais or getting lost in a novel, while the main pool will offer expansive space for family-friendly frolicking. The pool deck will  also  feature  luxurious new cabanas and a pool bar that will serve tropical drinks to guests as they swim, lounge or enjoy the front-row view of the popular surf break just beyond the pool area.

As the  only  full-service  resort on the North Shore – the home of big wave surfing – Turtle Bay is set on nearly 1,300 oceanfront acres, featuring scenic rainforests, sprawling farmland, and five miles of pristine beaches,  ranging  from  secluded coves to legendary surf spots. Nearly every aspect of the hotel experience will be  transformed  to  immerse  guests  in  this  dramatic landscape, from the stunning redesigned lobby and pool deck to the locally inspired  dining concepts and spacious new Ocean Bungalows just  steps  from  the  water.  With  a  host  of Only at Turtle Bay experiences that will be offered exclusively at the resort, guests of Turtle Bay Resort will discover a deeper connection to  the  North  Shore’s  outdoor  adventures  and  rich  surf culture.

Turtle Bay’s entire food and beverage program is being reimagined to embrace nature. The lobby bar, Off The Lip, will feature a sunken footprint that provides unimpeded views of the breaking surf and brilliant Hawaiian sunsets. Just off the lobby, the resort’s main dining destination, Alaia, will evoke relaxed luxury and incorporate the bounty of the North Shore’s sustainable agriculture throughout the menu, including produce from the resort’s own farm. A new lobby cafe, Ho’olana, will greet guests with panoramic views of the sunrise while offering gourmet locally-sourced coffees and light bites.

Celebrating its legendary surf DNA and deep connection with the North Shore community, a new gathering place, named the Surf House, will become a destination for surfers and fans alike to come together and celebrate the sport. The Surf House will feature tributes to surfing icons and a curated retail experience including vintage surf gear. A new lounge, The Club, will offer views of the pool deck and ocean. It will be the centerpiece of the resort’s exclusive Vista Level offering, which will provide guests who book it with a host of upgraded amenities and services.

Set on a peninsula and designed with three wings of guestrooms, every room and suite has stunning ocean views. In addition to 410 guestrooms and suites in the main building, the resort has introduced a new category called the Ocean Bungalows, which consist of 42 expansive, completely renovated accommodations that are just steps from the ocean. A new pool exclusively for guests of the Bungalows will be unveiled this summer.

“We cannot wait to welcome guests and the North Shore community back this summer and for them to discover a new Turtle Bay Resort that is as dynamic and ever-evolving as the North Shore itself,” said Tom Donovan, Vice President and Managing Director of the resort. “With this redesign, we are continuing to demonstrate the resort’s deep commitment to providing outstanding experiences for our guests and the community while serving as responsible stewards of this magnificent land.”

Turtle Bay Resort’s 1,300 acres of land includes 650 acres of permanently allocated conservation space, reaffirming the resort’s commitment to positive stewardship of the land. Turtle Bay has become synonymous with the unique experiences and stunning vistas that can only be found on the North Shore. Guests have significant room to roam the beaches, forests, and farm land on the property. The resort features two golf courses (including one designed by Arnold Palmer), as well as horseback riding, helicopter tours, hiking and mountain biking trails and, of course, miles of pristine beaches. Whether on land, in the air or at sea, Turtle Bay’s extensive roster of activities and experiences provide nearly endless opportunities for exploration.

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About Turtle Bay Resort

Located on O‘ahu’s North Shore known  for  legendary  surf,  Turtle  Bay  Resort  encompasses nearly 1,300 acres with five miles of unspoiled coastline  and  seven  beaches.  The  resort showcases 410 ocean-view guest rooms  and  suites  plus  42  oceanfront  Ocean  Bungalows,  as well as an innovative concierge experience center and cultural gallery, a variety of restaurants and bars, an 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, elevated beach experience and four swimming pools. This expansive beach resort features dynamic ocean, land and aerial adventures through its on-property helicopter pad, horse  stables,  tennis  and  pickleball courts, two 18-hole championship golf courses, 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, wellness classes and surf school. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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RHC: Rachel Harrison Communications [email protected]