When it comes to the extraordinary, the remarkable man-made Palm Island in Dubai, is one of the stand-out locations for any hotel setting in the world. It also happens to be the setting for one of the more lavish: Atlantis, The Palm.
The almost dream-like setting exudes luxury and Atlantis beach resort offers 5 star relaxation and thrills for the fun seeking tourist, including an array of marine habitats such as The Lost Chambers Aquarium, the Aquaventure Waterpark, a selection of pristine white beaches, over 20 world class restaurants, ShuiQi spas and cosmopolitan boutiques located in The Avenues, including esteemed names like Bateel, Cartier, Hamac, Prestige and Tiffany and Company.
It was the first resort to be built on the island and is themed on the myth of Atlantis, but also includes distinct Arabian elements. The resort was officially opened on September 24, 2008 as a joint venture between Kerzner International Holdings Limited and Istithmar. In April 2012, however, Istithmar acquired Kerzner’s 50 per cent stake in the property for $250 million with the site continuing to be managed by Kerzner International Resorts.
The 1,500 room nautically themed resort has 2 accommodation wings, also referred to as the Royal Towers, consisting of the East and the West Tower, both linked together by the Royal Bridge Suite. It is complemented by the Aquaventure water park and the locally popular Nasimi Beach which frequently plays host to concerts and other events.
Whilst luxury and outstanding world class service remain the priority for Atlantis The Palm, behind the scenes there have been changes.
In December 2013 news broke that Government-backed Dubai World had sold Atlantis, The Palm, to Investment Corp of Dubai.
In a statement, Investment Corp of Dubai, which is also state-owned, said the move would allow for the development of the property and Dubai as a world-class tourism destination.
“Our acquisition of an asset that is a major contributor to the domestic tourist industry is in line with our overall strategy to support long-term sustainable growth for Dubai,” Khalifa Al Daboos, deputy chief executive officer, ICD, said.
The details of the sale were not disclosed.
Atlantis, The Palm had been owned by Dubai World subsidiary Istithmar World, with the parent company reorganising to alleviate up to $25 billion on debts. Investment Corp also holds stakes in Emirates Airline, construction giant Emaar, Emirates National Oil Company, Emirates NBD, Noor Islamic Bank, and Borse Dubai, the holding company for Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai.
The sale came at the end of another successful year for Atlantis The Palm, which was recognised as the World’s Leading Landmark Resort by the World Travel Awards.
Indeed, since opening in September 2008, the hotel has won a raft of awards, including the 2013 Best Hotel Suite for its Underwater Suit, at the 2013 Middle East Hotel Awards.
Such acclaim has been further emphasized at the World Travel Awards – daubed “The Oscars of the Travel Industry”, World Travel Awards is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, and celebrates those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence. It has taken a global lead on one of the most important aspects of travel and tourism – the quality customer experience.
At the 2013 Awards, Atlantis, The Palm was voted the Middle East’s Leading Resort; Dubai’s Leading Resort; Dubai’s Leading Hotel Suite (for The Royal Bridge Suite) and in 2012, was voted the World’s Leading Landmark Resort.
Such accolades of course bring recognition in all walks of life and the international professional golfing fraternity has long been an admirer of the resort.
This October it was announced that the top 60 players on The European Tour will receive a luxurious end of season welcome as Atlantis, The Palm will once again be the Official Hotel of the US$8 million DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
The season-ending tournament is set to be held on the Earth course at the Jumeirah Golf Estates from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 November and is now in its sixth consecutive year of partnership with Atlantis, The Palm.
“At Atlantis, The Palm, we have enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with the DP World Tour Championship since The Race to Dubai was launched in 2009 and we are extremely proud to be the event’s Official Hotel for the sixth year in succession. We are even more delighted that we shall be hosting all 12 members of the victorious European Ryder Cup team and we look forward to welcoming them to Dubai,” stated Serge Zaalof, President and Managing Director Atlantis, The Palm.
“As the finale of The Race to Dubai, the DP World Tour Championship is one of the largest golfing occasions on the calendar and continues to feature many of the biggest names in the sport. It is our pleasure to welcome the players and their families for what will be a true celebration of the golfing season and the opportunity to enjoy our world-class resort and its attractions.”
Atlantis will be hosting the competing players and their families and also have several initiatives planned to raise awareness of the tournament and implement activities in the build-up to the grand finale.
Nick Tarratt, Director of European Tour International, Dubai Office said: “Having Atlantis, The Palm, as our Official Hotel is a popular choice with the players who get the opportunity to combine the challenge of competing in the DP World Tour Championship with a happy family break away from the golf course.
“We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Atlantis, The Palm ever since the tournament was first staged in 2009 and today they are one of the tournament’s key partners. While the players compete for the title and a share of The Race to Dubai Bonus Pool, their families can enjoy attractions such as Dolphin Bay, Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. It’s a perfect end to the season for everyone.”
Evidence if ever it were needed that Atlantis The Palm very much continues to set the tempo when it comes to luxury, high-end hospitality.