To get in a relaxed, tropical mood for 2021, let's go ahead and turn January into "Tanuary." Next, think sunny vacay. For the trifecta, make a reservation at the nearby, rejuvenating SoundWaves water resort for an upscale, delightful staycation.
"SoundWaves is not just a unique waterpark. It can be your happy place," quips Rob Regg, senior marketing manager at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
With more than 4 acres of entertainment, including 11 slides, a wave pool, FlowRider wave simulator, rapid and lazy rivers, activity pool, restaurant, adults-only pools and bar, private cabanas and kids' areas, SoundWaves crushes visitors' expectations year-round. However, in the middle of January in Nashville, the 2-acre indoor portion at SoundWaves -- especially the two indoor pools, five slides and heated water features -- can sound irresistibly refreshing.
Better yet, locals can get 25%-40% off the cost of overnight SoundWaves packages. Currently, package rates for Davidson County residents for a family of four can be secured by using code L9Z. Package rates for Tennessee residents for a family of four can be gotten via code M16.
Children 3 years and younger receive free admission to SoundWaves. They also have special prices for "spectator passes" for anyone who needs or wants to accompany youths but doesn't intend to get into the water features themselves.
Rob says guests get immediate access and baggage storage to the indoor water attractions when SoundWaves opens, regardless of whether their rooms are immediately available for checking in. The indoor water features are kept at 84 degrees. The resort's translucent, state-of-the-art roofing material also allows in ultraviolet rays from the sun, so guests do have the opportunity to tan while there, he adds.
"We have body slides for single adventurers, inner tubes that accommodate two to four people at a time, and mega rafts for up to five guests," he adds. "And there's a rapid river or lazy river water experience, depending on what you're seeking. We call it our chill or thrill experiences."
Two kids' cove areas provide a splash pad and multilevel water bucket play area.
"Lots of people like to gather around our FlowRider crowd surfer to watch people trying surfing for the first time. Some are excellent at it," promises Rob, who adds that several community fundraisers have been hosted on the apparatus to assist with raising financial support for local organizations, such as The Store and Children’s Miracle Network. FlowRider is Nashville's only wave surfing machine.
For more quiet times, the adults-only portion for guests who are 18 years and older at SoundWaves offers an infinity pool, with lounging deck and bar service. Private cabanas can be rented.
Even SoundWaves' restaurants are known for popular dining influenced by beach-oriented, tropical menu items, such as lobster rolls, Rob says.
Coast Guard-approved life jackets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Lockers are available within the indoor areas, and may be rented for a nominal fee. Changing facilities and showers are available in SoundWaves as well.
Paying Homage To Music City
When SoundWaves was developed, Rob says they kept in mind all the interesting elements of Nashville's musical history and appeal, so donned the water rides with musically themed names. "Even the music selection and tempo of music played to accompany rides matches with certain Music City favorites," he adds.
SoundWaves theme examples are:
- Rapid Remix
- Stage Dive
- Record Launch
- Up Tempo Rapids River
- Down Tempo Lazy River
- Groovin' Lagoon Activity Pool
- Quarter Note Cove
- Half Note Cove
- Status Cymbal
- Diamond Pool
Planning A Celebration?
SoundWaves' three party rooms give guests full access to perks: all-day access to SoundWaves, pizzas, non-alcoholic drinks and parking passes. Rob says prices for the rooms start at $42 per person, $52 each for weekends and $57 each for holidays. The rooms typically are reserved to provide unique experiences for birthdays, reunions, graduations, bachelor/bachelorettes or 'just because' gatherings.
Party rooms come with a minimum requirement of six attendees, and the maximum of 30 party-goers. These rooms can be rented for 2 hours. All inflatables and towels are provided. Guests may bring their own decorations but helium balloons are not permitted inside.
"Even in this time of COVID, we're all trying to make up new ways to celebrate safely. At SoundWaves, we've followed the city's safety guidelines regarding coronavirus. And we established firm safety sanitizing and social distancing protocols, such as spaced out chairs, limited capacity and extra cleaning. Our employees all wear masks," says Rob.
"We have awesome lifeguards who check underwater cameras for increased safety," he adds.
He says they've added a new family entertainment zone in the lower level with arcades, a rock climbing wall and virtual reality games.
"Nashvillians can get a hotel guest experience, in a modern design environment -- all without crowding," says Rob. "SoundWaves is great for people of all ages, especially those who are kids at heart."
Tammy Henry, director of marketing at Gaylord Opryland, agrees. "SoundWaves is an unexpected aquatic attraction for hotel guests that unites extraordinary environments, exclusive upscale amenities and relaxing water features with energetic rides, immersive music and an extraordinary oasis for people to enjoy."
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