The Nashville hospitality industry is ready to bounce back from COVID-19 closures and Gaylord Opryland Resort officially re-opened its doors for summer fun on June 25, 2020. With Vanderbilt University Medical Center as its official wellness advisor, Gaylord Opryland has developed strict health and sanitation plans, procedures, and staff training. They are bringing back the summer celebration with family-friendly activities and all-ages entertainment. Whether you wish to enjoy SoundWaves Opryland, Relache Spa, or the acres of tropical gardens, you will find the familiar fun you expect.
I was provided with a short stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort in order to facilitate review. I received no monetary compensation and I share my honest opinions and experience with you here.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Health and Safety Cleanliness Standards
First, I want to touch upon the COVID-19 health and safety protocols that have been put into place. In accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” practices, “the resort provides enhanced cleaning technology, hospital-grade disinfectants, attendants dedicated to sanitizing frequently
throughout the day, new social distancing protocols, and hundreds of new cleaning processes to take care of guests while they enjoy the resort’s amenities.” You can take an in depth look at health and safety procedures here.
They also follow local government instructions and currently there is an ordinance that face coverings (masks) are required for all persons in public areas in Davidson County, effective at 5pm on Sunday, June 28.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Summer Attractions
The hotel rooms are lovely and that can go almost without saying but the resort itself is the main attraction. Gaylord Opryland Resort is really like no other place I have been. It does make me feel a bit like I am in New Orleans with all the wrought iron balconies opening onto huge glass covered covered courtyards. You feel like you are checking into a tropical paradise with nine acres of lush indoor gardens to explore. Take winding pathways through the gardens or take suspended bridges over the gardens to catch all the great views. You can explore as much as you like and all at a comfortable 72 degrees under the atrium!
You will wander past lots of waterfalls and spot so many cool varieties of plants from papaya trees to citrus trees to palm trees, to gigantic peace lilies and birds of paradise. Plus, tucked into this idilic setting you will find lots of really good restaurants and shops to explore. And did I mention that there is often live music? So fun! Something for all the senses!
You can catch an indoor flatboat ride, fountain & light shows, scavenger hunts, and hotel, garden and art tours. There is also a full itinerary of family-friendly activities planned for the summer including such spotlight events as Family Fun Zone (with crafts, trivia, and bingo) and a newWildlife Rescue Experience.
Guests booking an atrium-view room have an amazing opportunity to attend to one-of-a-kind socially-distanced entertainment events, including live music concerts and light and fountain shows right from their own balcony! If you prefer to go eat dinner in the restaurants, they have removed tables and chairs to meet social distancing standards. I really liked that aspect because it helps things feel more normal and relaxing while you keep your distance.
View the Gaylord Opryland Resort amenity schedules and event/entertainment calendars at www.welcometogaylordopryland.com
Relache Spa Nashville
The Relache Spa has also reopened. However, they do have limited hours and limited spa services available so you will definitely want to set up an appointment. They also have strict COVID-19 protocols in place and they do take your temperature before services. Rest assured, the spa services are just as luxurious and rejuvenating as ever.
SoundWaves Opryland
SoundWaves Water Attraction is still a pretty new and exciting addition to Nashville as it just opened in 2019! It is an upscale waterpark that has a relaxed spa vibe but with plenty of fun and adventure too. In fact, it was named by Time among the World’s 100 Greatest Places 2019.
SoundWaves Opryland is for hotel guests only (with the exception of Party Room rentals). Day passes may be offered based on a limited, first-come, first served basis; however, the only guaranteed access to the SoundWaves Water Experience is by reserving the SoundWaves Water Experience Package.
This 4-acre water attraction has an indoor section with water slides, pools, lazy rivers, and a double FlowRider as well as an outdoor section with a wave pool, kids area, and more slides. I loved chilling by the wave pool and watching music videos on a 37 ft video screen! You will also enjoy the toddler activity area and adults-only exclusive pool and bar.
You can even upgrade the experience by renting a Private Cabana including soft lounge chairs, a flat-screen television, refrigerator, and dedicated pool server.
Discounts for the SoundWaves Experience Package:
Locals: Davidson County Residents receive up to 40% off on select dates with code L9Z. Tennessee Residents receive up to 25% off select dates with code M16. Proof of residency required at check-in.
Out of state guests may receive up to 20% off select dates with code BQ7. Restrictions apply. Book online at SoundWavesGO.com
Gaylord Opyrland Resort is the perfect staycation for the Nashville area. It was a very memorable family vacation for us!
For information on Gaylord Opryland Resort summer rates and room packages, visit GaylordOpryland.com.
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