InterContinental Fiji is one of the most beautiful 5-star resorts in the Pacific. The stunning resort combines modern elegance with a sophisticated incorporation of traditional Fijian architecture. Nestled into the natural beauty of lush tropical vegetation with views of the glittering pacific ocean, this resort is truly a place to be pampered and unwind.
Ensuring guests can safely relax in comfort when outside in the blazing sunshine means providing a shade solution with maximum UV protection. And on the Pacific coastline, such a solution must be durable and built to last. But even something as practical as strong, effective shelter must offer guests a luxurious experience. With Shade7 umbrellas being engineered for strength in coastal conditions and designed for beauty, the resort was free to choose the size, shape and design that would best serve their guests. Shade7 had the perfect solution for this venue, supplying a mix of cantilever and centre pole umbrellas in the same colour pallette for one area, and cantilever umbrellas in dynamic blue for a second area.
The sophisticated colour palette of black anodised aluminium with Charcoal canopies can be seen in the courtyard installations of 3.5m octagonal Riviera cantilever umbrellas, and 3.1 Venice centre pole umbrellas. Charcoal is the most in demand canopy colour in the Shade7 range. With its textured light and dark weave, Charcoal hides dust and dirt, making it very low maintenance – a must when trees and sand will impact any canopy’s appearance on a daily basis. The light and dark threads woven together in Charcoal canopies also catch the changing light over the day, changing its appearance from pale grey to light silver to warm taupe to dark charcoal , making it blend with almost any setting.
Whilst the most common installation method for the Riviera cantilever umbrella is to bolt the umbrella spigot or base plate directly to a concrete patio or reinforced timber deck, the Resort opted for Shade7’s unique wheeled cantilever bases in both areas. Shade7’s beautiful Riviera cantilever umbrella 3.5 octagonal has the highest wind-rating of Shade7’s Riviera cantilever umbrellas. When bolted down, the Riviera 3.5 octagonal is wind-rated to 60kph when open and level. The Intercontinental chose Shade7’s elegant wheeled bases to keep use of the spaces open, allowing for furniture to be rearranged or for occasional repurposing of the courtyard and patio. The Riviera 3.5 on a wheeled base still carries a wind-rating of up to 40kph. Closing an outdoor umbrella when wind gets high or umbrellas won’t be attended is always important, but is more so when the umbrella is not bolted to the ground.
The Venice 3.1 octagonal centre pole umbrella is the largest in the Venice range. The Venice is popular with venues looking for a light but very strong, easily moveable umbrella. The 3.1 octagonal canopy casts a generous shadow and provides those under it with enough space to relax. The total umbrella weighs just 11kg, but thanks to its strong aluminium pole, flexible fibreglass arms and premium European canopy, the Venice 3.1 is wind-rated to 50kph when bolted down. A centre pole umbrella that is not bolted down needs to be in a heavy base to keep winds from blowing it over. This Resort opted for Shade7’s popular 45kg double-stacked premium galvanised wheeled base with stainless steel trim. This is an excellent option to allow maximum versatility for location, and strength in the wind. Shade7’s smaller Venice 2.6 octagonal umbrella carries an even greater wind-rating of 80kph when bolted down.
The Riviera and Venice umbrellas are just two of the outstanding strong and beautiful umbrella ranges Shade7 make and back with pride. For advice or more information on commercial umbrellas that might serve your venue with strong and beautiful shade, contact the Shade7 team, download the commercial catalogue, or visit the showroom at 1096 Great South Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1096.
