Lost city found in Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm is ready to transport guests into a fantasy world inspired by the lost civilisation of the same name. Situated at the crest of The Palm Jumeirah, the smallest of the three palm-shaped islands off the coast of Dubai, this US$1.5 billion project is a joint venture between Kerzner International and Government-owned Istithmar. Park World previews the largest water-themed resort in the Middle East.
46-hectare development follows a similar blueprint to Kerzner’s original Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas and includes luxury accommodation, a world-class waterpark, themed marine habitats, extensive pools and lagoons, a nightclub, spa/fitness club, upscale shopping and dining, plus a seemingly endless stretch of private beach.
“This is an exciting time for Dubai and for Kerzner International,” says Sol Kerzner, the casino operator and hospitality company’s executive chairman. “We have developed an experience within Atlantis that is truly different to the existing pleasures of Dubai.”
Each of the 1,539 rooms and suites inside the resort’s Royal Towers feature private balconies and views over either the Arabian Gulf or The Palm Jumeirah. Rack rates are around $454 per night.
Fresh and saltwater attractions include the showpiece Ambassador Lagoon, home to several hundred species of marine life and a viewing panel looking right into the mystical “ruins” of Atlantis, The Lost Chambers, a maze of underground tunnels, and Dolphin Bay, a 4.5-hectare state-of-the-art dolphin education centre where guests can interact with one of the world’s most charismatic animals.
Featuring over 18 million litres of water, Aquaventure is Atlantis’ very own waterpark. Guests are propelled through this lushly landscaped environment on water escalators, ensuring they never need leave the inner tubes they float in. The centrepiece of Aquaventure is the Mesopotamian-themed Ziggurat temple reaching over 30 metres into the sky and featuring seven heart-pumping water slides – two of which catapult riders through shark-filled lagoons.
Included as part of the package for guests staying at the Atlantis resort, Aquaventure can also be sampled by non-residents if they purchase a day pass. More on this exciting attraction, which Kerzner describes as “redefining the concept of a waterpark,” next issue.
Kerzner International also hopes Atlantis will become the premier culinary destination in Dubai. With 17 restaurants, bars and lounges, there’s something to suit every taste, including offerings by Michelin-starred chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Giorgio Locatelli, Michel Rostang and Santi Santamaria. Each celebrity restaurant is designed with its own unique style by some of the world’s most talented designers.
Access to Atlantis, The Palm is via a six-lane underwater tunnel from the mainland. Alternatively guests may choose to leave their cars in a dedicated parking area and board a monorail through the centre of The Palm Jumeirah directly to Atlantis – arguably a more exciting way to arrive.
www.atlantisthepalm.com
