Atlantis_Paradise_Island

Atlantis, Paradise Island
Resort Destination For the Golfer…and MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Offering World-Renowned Gaming, Entertainment and Recreation
In The Fantastic Underwater World of Ancient Atlantis

Story and photos by: Ed Stone
(Story material and select photos provided by Atlantis)

Golfing on the Ocean Club Golf Course, one of the many amenities of Atlantis.

PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – Golfing on the Ocean Club Golf Course, one of the many amenities of Atlantis, Paradise Island, is a great escape with the many aquatic and family activities offered to guests of this beautiful island resort. Of all the golf offered in the Bahamas, the Ocean Club is by far THE best links one can play in this part of the Atlantic…yes, Atlantic Ocean. The 18-hole layout, built in 1960, was completely redesigned in 1998-99 by golfing great Tom Weiskopf. He did a magnificent job of utilizing the location and allowing players to have a breathtaking view of the ocean from 16 or the 18 holes from tee, fairway or green. The Ocean Club Course was the site of the Michael Jordan Celebretary Invitational Tournament from 1999 to 2010.

The term “Atlantis” (in Greek means "island of Atlas") is a legendary island first mentioned in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias. The mythologist told of Atlantis as being a naval power lying "in front of the Pillars of Hercules" who conquered many parts of Western Europe and Africa 9,000 years before the time of Solon, or approximately 9600 BC. After a failed attempt to invade Athens, Atlantis sank into the ocean "in a single day and night of misfortune".

Meet Solomon Kerzner

Solomon Kerzner was born in Troyeville, Johannesburg, to Jewish Russian immigrants.

After graduating from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg as a chartered accountant, Kerzner joined one of Durban’s largest accounting firms. His career in hospitality began two years later with the purchase of the Palace Hotel in Durban. Kerzner went on to build the most successful hotel empire in South Africa, Sun International, best known for its Sun City and Lost City resorts.

Kerzner formed Kerzner International, which became a leading developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos, and luxury hotels around the globe. Building a reputation as a trailblazing innovator who thrives on the new and different, Kerzner developed distinctive properties such as Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas; the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut; Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai; and the Mazagan Beach Resort in Morocco.

Among his many honors, Kerzner was recognized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by confirming that he was invested with the insignia of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG) for his outstanding and exemplary contribution in the area of business and community in the Bahamas. This highest honor was awarded in the annual Queen’s Birthday Honours list for 2010.

In addition, he received the ILTM/UltraTravel Lifetime Achievement award for his life-long service and dedication to international travel, the Lifetime Achievement Award – Variety Club Property Awards (2010), the 2010 Hospitality Innovator Award, given annually by the Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, the 2010 HSMAI Albert E. Koehl Lifetime Achievement Award for significant contributions to advertising and marketing in the hospitality industry. He was named Hotelier of the World by Hotels magazine in 2005 and was the first non-American to be inducted into the U.S. Gaming Hall of Fame. Kerzner also received a lifetime achievement award from FEDHASA, South Africa’s major tourism agency.

Kerzner International’s spectacular Atlantis, Paradise Island rises magically from the turquoise lagoons and blue Atlantic of The Bahamas, and is known worldwide as a resort destination that has truly redefined entertainment and gaming in the tropics. A vibrant tribute to fun and playfulness, Atlantis is also the perfect location for the many films, television shows, concerts and sporting events that have emanated from the tropical destination.

This unique, ocean-themed destination offers a variety of guest accommodations; 40 restaurants, bars and lounges to satisfy any palette; the largest and most exciting casino in The Bahamas; extensive meeting facilities; and a marina capable of handling yachts of any size.

In building Atlantis, Paradise Island, Kerzner International’s Chairman and CEO, Sol Kerzner, took the approach: “Let’s turn all the theories – plausible and implausible, inspirational, beautiful and outrageous – into a vacation experience that the world will never forget.”

As a tribute to and using Atlantis as a theme for the expansive destination, Sol Kerzner (see sidebar story on Solomon Kerzner) and his creative team carry out the underwater city topic extremely well. The moment one approaches the entrance to Atlantis, a huge water fountain greets you with Pegasus blazing through the water. Upon entering the registration area, one sees the Atlantic Ocean and The Dig, a marine habitat that is the centerpiece of the expansive lobby area.

The resort offers everything a visitor desires in the way of relaxation, entertainment, sport, water activities, cuisine and shopping. Here is a brief overview of this outstanding and unique world-class destination.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Top and center is the Bridge Suite between the Royal Towers.

There are six separate beautiful structures offering as many types of accommodations. You may select from the following with both queen or king bedrooms:

Royal Towers is a 1,200 room architectural achievement featuring aquatic-themed arches, domes and spires
Coral and Beach Towers caters to the visitor looking for a more casual island beach experience
The Reef Atlantis features 497 rooms and is the newest addition to the resort, featuring upscale residential-style accommodations.
The Cove Atlantis is an ultra-luxury resort offering 600-rooms with an exclusive and private adult pool, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean at every turn.
Bridge Suite is a sight to behold and certainly for those people with a healthy budget. Would you believe $25,000, per night? Situated 17 stories above Atlantis and joins the East and West wings of Royal Towers. Only a few will ever see the inside of this palatial suite, with some 2,500 square feet of “entertainment space” and 800 square feet of balcony.

All accommodation provides guests with a pleasing view of this ocean destination.

All accommodations provide guests with a pleasing view of this ocean destination, as well as the latest in technology and in-room amenities. Atlantis has implemented the NXTV entertainment and information system, featuring digital movies, Internet services and folio review/express check out on the guestroom televisions (flat screen LCDs in all accommodations). All guestrooms, pool areas and lobby lounges offer wireless access for daily fee.

WATER RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Above: The Aquaventure and Power Tower.
Below: The Current provides a refreshing experience for guests.

Within the 141-acres, there are some 20 million gallons of fresh and salt-water pools, 14 lagoons and waterfalls provide the setting and theme for some 250 species and over 50,000 marine animals in this unique resort. Atlantis has done a magnificent job of showcasing aquatic life and educational displays, exhibits and visitor involvement. Whether you want to just watch, touch or jump in the water with certain marine life…the opportunity exists. Of course, when it comes to getting wet and making contact with the creatures, there is a charge…but, worth the experience. Atlantis has created Dolphin Cay (pronounced “key”), which is a most impressive dolphin educational center and interaction habitat for the visitor. You’ll see giant rays, sawfish, piranha, barracuda, rainbows of tiny tropical fish and, of course sharks, as well as some of the first species ever born in a man-made environment.

There are 13 swimming pools available to guests along with the Atlantic Ocean. There’s plenty of space for snorkeling in the lagoon…like seven-acres. The lazy river provides guests with a relaxing ride…a bit gentler than The Current River ride at Aquaventure.

The iconic replica of an ancient Mayan Temple offers the Leap of Faith...a 60-foot plunge.

The iconic replica of an ancient Mayan Temple highlights the area where most of the water features area…with a few exceptions. Here water rides and slides are featured. They include:

The challenging Leap of Faith, a 60-foot near perpendicular plunge ending in a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon.
The Serpent slide is 48 feet up the Temple, spins its riders into the blackness of the Temple’s mysterious core before emerging through the shark-filled lagoon at a leisurely “shark-viewing” pace.

The Challengers are two high-speed dueling slides.

The Challengers are two high-speed dueling slides.
The Jungle Slide meanders through exotic jungles and caves to provide more thrills and excitement.

No matter what the age…Atlantis offers just about every water activity at Aquaventure. Whether it is a slow ride down the lazy river on an inner tube-type device or an almost free-fall down the Power Tower…there’s a thrill for every member of the family.

Here is a brief list and description:
Power Tower is the grand icon of Aquaventure. At 120 feet tall, the tower offers guests the choice of four adrenaline-inducing water slides. They are:

The Abyss – an exhilarating body slide that starts at the top of the Power Tower and drops a staggering near-vertical 50 feet into total darkness, through a tumbling waterfall and finishing in a deep cenote filled with Alligator Gars.
The Drop, The Falls and The Surge are three inner tube "water costers" using “master-blaster” technology, which effectively creates roller coasters from jets of water that propel riders up and downhill at a fast pace.

Splashers is a children’s water play area and pool providing a world of thrills for children less than 54 inches and their parents.

For the faint-at-heart, you might want to try The Current. This is a one-mile long river ride system using some three million gallons of water to create waves pushing inner tube riders through lush landscape. Yes, it even puts you into a Rapids situation but most ages can handle The Current.
For the small youngsters, there’s Splashers. The children’s water play area and pool provide a world of thrills for children less than 54 inches and their parents. Splashers features cargo nets, rope bridges for climbing and water cannons, fountains, water wheels for endless soaking. The kids get a big kick out of the 320-gallon bucket that regularly showers water-lovers below with 8,000 gallons of water per hour.

All visitors enjoy seeing the sharks and fish that make for scary movies. This is where the Predator Lagoon comes into play. This is an underwater acrylic-viewing tunnel where guests come tooth-to-tooth and eye-to-eye with barracuda and several shark species. The winding Ruins Lagoon, the largest at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility, wanders through the luxurious Royal Towers, providing astonishing views of giant creatures of the sea. The Predator Lagoon introduces guests to its nine-foot sawfish. The resort also offers 1,150 feet of waterfalls, underground grottos for wildlife viewing, a 100-foot suspension bridge for “aerial” viewing and much more. Guests can get up close and personal with Atlantis’s marine inhabitants during regular daily fish feedings in the lagoons – observing, interacting and learning about the varied sea life as the Atlantis Sea Keepers tend to them. The Trainer-for-a-Day program is available for those interested in a hands-on experience, as they work side-by-side for a day with the Aquarists, Sea Keepers and Dolphin Trainers throughout the resort.

EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS:

The Dig is a maze of underground passageways and tunnels offers underwater vistas into the boulevards and streets of the ruins of the mythical lost city.

The Dig is one place you must see and is where Plato’s myth of Atlantis comes alive. Here a maze of underground passageways and tunnels offers underwater vistas into the boulevards and streets of the ruins of the mythical lost city.

When it comes to providing a meaningful educational experience with the sea-life, Atlantis has done a remarkable job. The resort has set aside an area on Paradise Island called Dolphin Cay. This is where guests can have hands-on interaction with dolphins and sea lions. It is the only facility outside the U.S that is accredited by both, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks.

For children ages 3 to 12, Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) provides the youngsters with experiences in culinary, interactive electronic art, theater and outdoor play. The 8,000 square-foot state-of-the-art kid’s club uses cutting-edge technology – throughout the play space. It uses interactive, touch-screen walls, tables and floors, providing creative game play and artistic expression.

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT:

Nighttime entertainment holds sway at Atlantis. Every age and every interest is covered. From the 100,000 square feet of gaming, dining, dancing and entertainment, you can find something to keep you busy and involved.

Atlantis recently unveiled an $11 million cutting-edge teen club CRUSH – for teens ages 13-17.

Atlantis has created some exceptional areas for the children of all ages, allowing parents to enjoy all the adult activities, too. Kids can enjoy such games as DJ Hero and Rock Band, a stage performance area, a computer area outfitted with iMacs and themed-nights. The Atlantis Kids Adventures evening programs are held in Club Rush. This is the place “to be seen.” Club Rush is a fully supervised “No Adults” private club where ages 9-13can socialize and enjoy their own entertainment. Atlantis recently unveiled an $11 million cutting-edge teen club CRUSH – for teens ages 13-17. Designed by renowned architect and interior designer, Jeffrey Beers, the 14,000 square-foot space boasts an interactive internet lounge complete with: multi-touch computers and surface tables with photo editing and publishing interfaced to Facebook, a game room stocked with the most state-of-the-art technology including the new Microsoft flagship motion sensor product Kinect for Xbox 360, a floor-to-ceiling gaming tower with 24 gaming consoles, 10 private gaming cabanas, iPads for internet browsing and multi-purpose video walls decorating the dance club - think VIP sections, doormen and paparazzi!

The Marina at Atlantis is worth some time to check out the big yachts from around the world.

Gamer’s Reef Arcade offers the latest electronic and video games. Teens can beat their best scores on games such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Top Skater; race each other in Fast and Furious; challenge a friend to a kung-fu dual in Tekken; or enjoy classic video games like Pacman and Galaga.

The Marina at Atlantis is worth some time to check out the big yachts from around the world. Yes, you’ll see some as big as 220 in length as this has become the “Monte’ Carlo of the Americas.” At the Marina Village, there’s some 65,000 square-feet of retail shops, upscale dining and just a great place to enjoy the ambiance of Atlantis…this is part of your Bahamian experience.

OUTSTANDING CUSINE:

Above: Marketplace Cafe' is a popular place for breakfast at Atlantis.
Below: Nobu features traditional Japanese fare.

With all the outstanding activities for adults and children, you must expect the same experiences for dining. Atlantis has gone far and beyond most destinations to provide a plethora of places and themes to dine. And…they do it in a big way. Should your visit coincide when lots of families are vacationing, be prepared for restaurants to be a bit noisy. The choices range from sophisticated seafood, innovative sushi, quick bites, and foods from around the world: the dining and entertainment experiences at Atlantis are as fabulously varied, exciting and multi-faceted as the resort itself. A list of some of the restaurants include:

Nobu…featuring the famous Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Just off the casino area, featuring traditional Japanese fare.
Mesa Grill at The Cove Atlantis… designed by famed interior architect, David Rockwell. The award-winning chef, television personality, cookbook author and restaurateur Bobby Flay brought the vibrant Southwestern cuisine to Atlantis.
Casa D’Angelo…helmed by Italian-born Chef Angelo Elia, adds to the impressive roster of gourmet cuisine and fine wine available at Atlantis.
Café Martinique…in Marina Village was originally made famous by its appearance in the 1965 James Bond classic, Thunderball. The restaurant features a delectable menu of Classic French gourmet fare for which Chef Vongerichten is known.
Bimini Road…welcomes diners looking for a thoroughly casual Bahamian experience — from the colorful Junkanoo décor to the savory local cuisine to the high-energy live music on the outdoor deck.
Seafire…is the place for steak lovers and boasts a traditional butchery and wine market for Marina guests. Offering an extensive menu of delicious grilled meat, poultry and fish entrees in addition to its signature dish—Spit Roasted Prime Rib.
Carmine’s…is for the guests visiting Marina Village and looking for classic Italian cuisine, served family style on sumptuous platters meant to be shared.
Seagrapes...an island style restaurant where entrees come to life at its live-action cooking stations with an overflow of culinary delights from around the world, including our BBQ smoke station, American comfort foods and some Caribbean touches. For those visitors looking for a quick bite,
Johnny Rockets…offering a menu of All-American favorites including juicy hamburgers, hand-dipped shakes and malts, and freshly baked apple pie.
Starbucks/Jamba Juice…offers signature choices, as well as incorporate local Bahamian ingredients for new favorites.
Marina Pizzeria…presents traditional pizza pies with favorite toppings, and a few new Bahamian-inspired ones, at this modern, dockside pizzeria.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES:

Climber’s Rush is a state-of-the-art rock climbing facility with 11 different rock-climbing surfaces and numerous routes on each surface.

Aside from golf, other sports and recreational activities at Atlantis include tennis, a four-lane lap pool, six basketball hoops and six clay and hard tennis courts located in the Sports and Tennis Centers. For those looking to stay in shape while on vacation, there is an enhanced fitness facility offering a variety of fitness classes, i.e. comprehensive yoga and Pilates.

Climber’s Rush is a state-of-the-art rock climbing facility with 11 different rock-climbing surfaces and numerous routes on each surface was developed in conjunction with some of the world’s most renowned rock climbers. Beginners, and children as young as five, can also take advantage of Climber’s Rush with youth camps and beginner’s classes designed to create a level of comfort for new climbers of any age.

MEETING FACILITIES:

When it comes to holding a meeting event or conference, Atlantis is world class. The Conference Center accommodates up to 4,000 attendees.

When it comes to holding a meeting event or conference, Atlantis is world class. The Conference Center accommodates up to 4,000 attendees. Recent major improvements included all areas of convention facilities and added the latest in meeting technology. Facilities include the beautiful 50,000 sq ft Imperial Ballroom along with over 40,000 sq ft of pre-function space, 30 breakout rooms, 3 boardrooms, a large staging area and a new banquet kitchen with additional pantries. Here you can plan any size gathering to accommodate your next conference, meeting or group incentive trip.

Take an on-line look at what’s available for your next conference at Atlantis:

http://www.atlantis.com/groups/facilities/conferencecenter.aspx

MANDARA SPA:

Spa treatments of every variety and service are available at Atlantis’ Mandara Spa.

Spa treatments of every variety and service are available at Atlantis’ Mandara Spa. The 30,000-square-foot Balinese designed facility provides a complete range of sensory-satisfying treatments and services to rejuvenate the body and the spirit. All spa guests can partake in the signature Taking The Waters bathing experience, which includes sauna, steam, cold plunge, hot whirlpool and Asian showers or relax with herbal and Ayurvedic teas, before and after their treatments. Mandara Spa at Atlantis is home to the “Generation Y Spa” for teens and Time for Men grooming program.

SHOPPING:

Marina Village presents a quaint Bahamian marketplace, featuring local handmade items crafts from local Bahamian artisans.

What’s a great destination without shopping? Whatever your taste or need, you will find it here. With more than a dozen luxury stores featuring everything from the world’s greatest designers to casual collectibles and the culture and craftsmanship of local Bahamian artisans, Marina Village at Atlantis is a shopper’s dream comes true!

Marina Village presents a quaint Bahamian marketplace, featuring emeralds, silks and jewelry; a wide range of unique, high-quality logo goods; surf and casual wear; candles, pottery and local handmade items crafts from local Bahamian artisans.

The Crystal Court at Atlantis features a spectacular collection of designer stores that rivals the finest of Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive, including Gucci, Bvlgari, Cartier, Lalique, Versace and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Earth & Fire Pottery Studio is where the entire family can have fun creating their own personalized artifacts from Atlantis. Guests select a piece of unpainted pottery -- from picture frames and plates to vases and candle holders -- and use an array of paints, sponges and stamps to personalize each piece. Each masterpiece is then baked in a kiln creating a unique gift or memento from their Atlantis vacation.

In addition to the many fantastic shops within the resort, Atlantis’ owner and operator, Kerzner International, in conjunction with the Bahamian government, developed the $2.4 million Bahamas Craft Centre, nearby on Paradise Island, which offers the finest wares from artists and craftsman in The Bahamas.

For Further Information about Atlantis:
Phone 954-809-2000
Website: www.Atlantis.com
For reservations, call your travel agent or 1-800-ATLANTIS