Inside new ‘Oasis’ at Gun Lake Casino: Swim-up bar, stage, pools

WAYLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Three years ago, the Gun Lake Casino broke ground on a massive $300 million project aimed at turning it into a destination resort. Now, the project is at the finish line.

The team is preparing to open the Wawyé Oasis in June. The glass atrium Oasis includes two pool areas, one that’s family friendly and one that’s 21+ and features a swim-up bar.

There are cabanas, lounging chairs in the water and live palm trees. There’s also a stage for performances: Larry the Cable Guy is scheduled to perform on June 20 and Chris Young is scheduled to perform on June 21.

Two-story suite, spa, entertainment: Gun Lake Casino hotel opens Friday

“This is the last piece. … We’re now a destination resort,” Bob Peters, tribal chairman for the Gun Lake Tribe, told News 8 Friday. “It’s amazing. It’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication from everyone involved, but it’s surreal and it’s great to finally be at the grand opening.”

The name Wawyé Oasis signifies moving water, Peters explained.

It is a game changer for the casino, he said, as it now offers something for everyone. Families can stop in and have a drink or bite to eat, maybe rent out a cabana and enjoy the 80-degree temperature all year. Others can enjoy the 21+ pool — Peters said he’s excited for the swim-up bar, which guests to sit and enjoy a drink while staying in the water.

“I can’t wait to get my bathing suit on, get in there, sit at the bar, watch some TV, have a pool beer,” he said. “It’s another show stopper, this is another amenity that we’re very proud to offer.”

The stage also allows the casino do draw bigger shows, as it can offer stand-up shows with a 1,000-person capacity, or fit around 400 to 500 people for seated shows.

The opening comes shortly after the Gun Lake Casino Resort’s 16-story, 252-room hotel opened in March. Starting the first week of June, the hotel will start welcoming guests into its two-story Ogema suite, which features two bedrooms, an elevator, two living room areas and a wet bar.

“Now with the Oasis opening, it’s definitely going to have a good impact. … A lot of the guests are waiting for the pool to open to book with us,” Hotel Manager Laura Malta said, though she said the hotel has been sold out across the board Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The Gun Lake Casino also recently opened the MnoYé Spa, featuring a full selection of services and a saltwater tranquility pool.

“It allows us to offer more options for our guests. The casino is great — not everyone gambles and they like to have options,” Spa Manager Veronica Birtles said.

With the new additions, Gun Lake Casino Resort now employs around 1,500 people. Malta said they’ve been fortunate to have a team that’s proud of the new additions.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” she said. “You can open up a hotel and it’s just a building, right? What makes a difference is the people and who we have, and we’re very fortunate and proud of the team that we have.”

“I think everyone benefits from this (project),” Peters said. “Everyone’s benefited from the success of Gun Lake Casino since we first started. That comes from economics coming into the area, better economy, more jobs. And on top of that it’s just a fun place, it’s another entertainment venue for everyone to come and enjoy. So come on down, we’re here, we’re a great partner to the community, we welcome everyone.”

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