WAVE Resort

WAVE resort is a family-friendly hotel built on almost 50K m2 on the Black Sea coast. It is primarily an all inclusive summer hotel, but also promotes wellness, health, and congress tourism. Set within generously spacious grounds, WAVE resort stands out among other Bulgarian Black Sea hotel complexes. The investors have dedicated two thirds of the plot to attractions and open areas in order to ensure a more sustainable business model.

The main building is strategically positioned to block traffic noise from the road nearby and to preserve as much of the outdoor grounds as possible. Guests are able to enjoy the wonderful sea views from all of the rooms, restaurants, lobby, and the spa centre. The lobby has a panoramic terrace overlooking the iconic fountains and gardens, which smoothly blend into the sea view. The swimming pools are located away from the sleeping premises and in favour of reducing noise and ultimate comfort, the water areas are divided in separate zones: children, teenagers, families and adults-only relaxation zone. The complex has its own aqua park, a children’s club, and an amphitheatre, all housed in different buildings. A beautifully landscaped garden with local flora is locked between the outdoor activities zone and the beach.

The aim of the design was to avoid the usual trappings that can be seen in all-inclusive hotels of crowding large numbers of people in common areas, restaurants, and pools by providing an possibilities of being able to maintain the guests’ private space. Over 800 sunbeds are positioned around the curved outline of the pool and in order to achieve privacy they are being divided in smaller groups by green separation walls. The restaurant and the terrace are separated by stone walls, purposefully directing the eye towards the picturesque display.

All 426 rooms, flats, and penthouses overlook the sea. The rooms on the ground floor have access to their own small private pools. The complex also has five restaurants, four of which are themed. The spa centre and indoor pool cover an area of 2,500 m² and  there is also a 400-seat conference hall which can be divided into two smaller halls depending on the event. Common areas feature large windows and glass partitions, making them bright and airy; green park areas discreetly separate the wellness areas from the people flow.

Regarding the design brief, the investors’ aim was to achieve an intriguing modern look which at the same time should not be too extreme and extravagant in order for the guests to be able to relate to it, rather than be intimidated. To achieve that we have designed a hybrid: both contemporary and up to date with the trends, as well as replying on classical approaches which have been established as timeless and people can recognise. The symmetry and the palace outlines were purposefully designed with this concept in mind. Another classical feature is the ratio between the high solid common area floors, and the lighter lower levels. The hotels’ two-storey base is clad with large sand-coloured limestone, often found in the Black Sea coastal area. The higher floors are designed to echo water surfaces. Their shape is also a nod to the style of the first hotels that were built on the Black sea- modernism.

The facade of the entrance and the lobby were of high importance due to being the initial and primary source of impression upon arrival. The massive glazed entrance doors welcome the guests to a large atrium, extending up above the entire six levels. On the front facade on either side, there are large plant pots which are laid out like a chessboard.

Three design studios worked on the interior design of the hotel – Studio MODE on the lobby, Esta Design Studio on the rooms and corridors, and Home Basic on the restaurants, spa centre, and conference halls. The landscaping was by PalmArt.