The $1.5 billion Atlantis, The Palm, located at the head of The Palm Jumeirah, is right on schedule to open on September 24. This flagship resort will be the first to open its doors on the island.
Created by Kerzner International Holdings, international developer and operator of destination resorts, the new 1,539 room resort began accepting reservations February 1. It anticipates that Middle East residents will account for 30 per cent of all visitors, with UAE residents expected to make up a quarter of guests from the region.
In line with this, residents of the UAE are being offered a special “dive in” package valid until October 1. The offer includes accommodation with breakfast and two return complimentary Aquaventure passes valid for six months.
Jim Boocher, president of development at Kerzner International, managers of Atlantis, said the difference between Atlantis and other hotels was that it was a 'destination hotel', not simply a holiday hotel.
Atlantis has 1,539 rooms spread between the East and West towers. There are a total of 150 suites, including two presidential suites and 35 regal suites. Average prices start at around $454 per night. The connecting bridge between the two towers is the 924 sq m Bridge Suite, which costs $25,000 per night – and this is already booked for the September opening.
Sol Kerzner, chairman and chief executive of Kerzner International, said, 'This is an exciting time for the Middle East and for Kerzner International. With the introduction of a new world icon in The Palm Jumeirah and our position as the flagship resort of this icon, Atlantis, The Palm is situated as the new gateway to this incredible region.”
“Atlantis is all about the ocean. Out of a vision that married the wonders of marine life with stunning elegance and sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf alongside the most exciting water playground in this part of the world, we have developed an experience within Atlantis that is truly different than the existing pleasures of Dubai. We're very proud of the final product and cannot wait to share it in September when we open our doors.'
The resort will encompass a 460,000 sq m site with 170,000 sq m of water themed amusement at Aquaventure, extensive fresh and salt water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open aired marine habitat, beach front, luxury boutiques, 17 restaurants, bars and lounges numerous dining options including four celebrity chef restaurants, a nightclub, a spa and fitness club, and 5,600 sq m of meeting and function space.
The 17 hectare Aquaventure Waterpark will feature the tallest freefall slide in the Middle East. Within the development is Dolphin Bay, home to 28 dolphins brought to Dubai from the Solomon Islands. Encompassing 17 beachfront hectares along the apex of The Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, Aquaventure will be accessible to all visitors to Dubai for full day visits for $60 per adult and $52 for guests less than 1.2 metres high.  Guests of Atlantis have complimentary access to the water park, designed for families as it offers rides and slides to accommodate every age and adventure level.
A two storey 1,900 sq m spa in the Royal Towers offers guests treatments emanating from all over the world including a Middle Eastern aqua cure.