Hotels
Watergate Bay Hotel, perched above the Cornish coastline, is celebrated for its design, food, and outdoor-led experiences. However, despite the variety of spaces and the richness of the brand ethos, the same music was being played across the entire site. This resulted in a flat, repetitive atmosphere that failed to reflect the individuality of each area or the dynamic nature of the hotel’s setting. The lack of variation meant that music wasn’t supporting the guest experience, and the brand’s personality was not coming through in sound.
Altaura developed a layered music strategy that took inspiration from the natural rhythms of the site. The two most defining influences on Watergate Bay are the tide and the sun. These became the foundation of the sound design. As the light changed and the tide moved throughout the day, so did the music. Different spaces were given their own evolving sound identities, helping to distinguish each area while keeping the whole hotel connected under a single sonic philosophy.
Sound Inspired by the Elements
We designed the sound to respond to the movement of natural elements. Mornings feature warm, acoustic textures with soft piano, strings and Brazilian percussion. These sounds complement the gentle light and slower pace of the early day. As the sun rises and the energy builds, the music subtly shifts towards more electronic, beat-driven selections. The transition mirrors the shift from daytime relaxation to evening sociability, keeping guests in sync with the mood of the space.
Tailoring Sound to Each Space
The hotel’s three dining areas and two large communal spaces each serve a distinct purpose, so a one-size-fits-all approach to music wasn’t enough. We assigned a unique sonic character to each area. For example, the Living Space features relaxed, comforting sounds designed to make guests feel at home, while the more vibrant restaurant zones move into lively soundtracks that support conversation and flow. The sound now complements the experience, not competes with it.
Creating Atmosphere Through Timing
Dayparting was used to bring fluidity to the spaces. From post-surf breakfasts to early evening cocktails, the music now guides the emotional arc of the day. Sound builds naturally from calm to vibrant, adjusting in tone as guests return from the beach or gather in the bar. This layering effect gives each moment more purpose and supports the hotel’s core idea of rhythm and ritual.
Aligning Music with KPIs
Working with the hotel’s operations team, we identified key objectives for each area, such as increasing bar spend at sunset or helping guests dwell longer in lounge spaces. Music was then programmed to reinforce these goals. By supporting mood and behaviour, the sound strategy became a subtle but powerful tool to influence guest flow and revenue generation.
Sound as a Marketing Asset
The new sound identity has become an integral part of Watergate Bay’s brand expression. It is now regularly featured in seasonal campaigns and social media to communicate mood, energy, and atmosphere to potential guests. The evolving playlists reflect not just time of day but time of year, helping attract different audience profiles for key seasonal periods.
Impact and results
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Watergate Bay now offers a sound experience that matches the richness of its physical environment. Guests experience music that feels tailored, immersive, and in tune with the rhythm of their stay. The strategy has helped increase bar performance during target periods and strengthened the overall brand identity by aligning music with nature and guest behaviour.
“Altaura has captured the elements that influence our space and brought a refreshing approach to sound, that has read the room perfectly.”
our work
Altaura helped Watergate Bay translate its elemental philosophy into a living sound experience. Music now plays a key role in defining each space, enhancing mood, and delivering on business goals, all while staying true to the spirit of the coast.
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