In a city known for its over-the-top projects, the latest development from South African 'sun king' Sol Kerzner is setting a new standard for Dubai's love affair with 'bigger is better'. Officially known as 'Atlantis, The Palm', the $1.5-billion resort rises on the crest of Dubai's mammoth man-made island, The Palm Jumeirah.
Officially opened in September, the resort is themed around the mythical lost continent of Atlantis and offers a range of watery activities for upward of 3000 guests!
The resort offers a staggering 1539 rooms and suites within The Royal Towers, all offering views out over the Arabian Gulf or the Palm Jumeirah. Room rates start from $700 and soar to a staggering $25 000 for some suites!
For that price wealthy clients can enjoy The Bridge Suite joining the East and West Towers (which comes complete with a private elevator and 24-hour butler service) or the two Lost Chambers suites with views into the Ambassador Lagoon.
Accommodation aside, the highlight of the resort is without doubt Aquaventure; one of the world's largest water theme parks, where guests can enjoy over two kilometres of river rides through cascades, tidal waves and rapids. The near-vertical Ziggurat ride is the centrepiece of the park, offering a thrilling 27.5m near-vertical drop through a submerged tunnel into a shark-filled lagoon!
The 'Lost Chambers' aquarium is equally impressive, with 20 fresh and seawater exhibits surrounding the submerged 'City of Atlantis'. Moving through the sunken rooms guests can marvel at over 65 000 sea creatures, including sharks and Manta Rays. The Dolphin Bay education centre is also sure to prove popular, offering the opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins under the close eye of marine specialists.
For some simple R&R. the private beach also offers great views of The Palm Jumeirah along with a fully-equipped water-sports centre. Splashers, the children's play area with pools, games and kiddie-slides, will keep young ones happy while parents relax.
As night falls, guests can head for any one of the 17 restaurants, bars and lounges; including eateries from Japanese sushi mogul Nobu Matsuhisa and Michel Rostang of France.
"This product has proven to be very popular and demand is currently high, especially over peak periods, with the hotel already fully booked," says Alexis Bekker, National Sales Manager for World Leisure Holidays which has strong ties to the Kerzner Group.
"Peak period is normally from October through to March/April every year," says Bekker, and "should there be any big trade exhibitions in Dubai a surcharge is levied on accommodation."
The resort looks set to prove popular with the MICE market, with the Atlantis Conference Centre offering over 5600m² of floor space along with ample accommodation and dining options.
With opening hype ensuring demand is outstripping supply, it will be awhile before any discount packages come on the market, says Ms Bekker: "Special offers are released on short notice and normally consist of one or two free nights in low season."
Packages to Atlantis, The Palm will be available to all tour operators in South Africa, but World Leisure Holidays is already working on educating the local trade about this new product.
"We are in negotiation with airlines for seats in order to arrange educationals to resort," says Ms Bekker, due to the high occupancy of the hotel at this time of the year this is likely to take place in 2009."
» This article originally appeared in Travel Industry Review
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