Senin, 24 November 2008

Dubai Part 4: Journey to Atlantis The Palm

The idea of a lost city named Atlantis is perhaps the most compelling tale that has captured the interest of many people over centuries. The story of the lost continent of Atlantis, the lost civillisation starts in 355 B.C. in the writings of Greek philosopher Plato.

Did Atlantis ever really exist? Was it just a folk tale that caught on? Or perhaps just a metaphorical setting invented by Plato? No-one knows.

But we did know that the lost continent is being resurrected in the form of Dubai’s Dhs5.50 billion ($1.5 billion) tribute to the ancient Greek civilization.

Atlantis, The Palm is situated at the outer reaches of Palm Jumeirah, remember the infamous man-made island that is in a shape of a date palm tree? Yup, that's the one. Atlantis was opened on 25th September 2008 and Palm Jumeirah was officially opened a few days ago with a star studded party. It was so happened that I was there on holiday and Dad asked why not pay a visit to Atlantis? Thus on a Friday morning, dad's colleague was kind enough to give us a tour at Atlantis.

The video below features the journey to Atlantis along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah.




Atlantis, The Palm is an entertainment destination that is truly different than anything that currently exists in the resort category in the region. With a combination of 1,539 rooms of grand proportion, an incredible water adventure at Aquaventure, a marine habitat of 65,000 marine animals, a beautiful stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, and numerous dining experiences with celebrity chef restaurants, it is giving people unparalleled experiences new to the Middle East.

The rooms:

Rates start at RM1600 per night (it would definitely help the resort to pay salaries). The Lost Chambers Suites - each three stories high with mesmerising views from the aquarium from floor to ceiling will keep anybody glued to the tank. It's just like sleeping in a submarine experience. And when you do stay there, just keep your fingers crossed that the tank wouldn't crack or else you could be the feed to the sharks.

Water Discovery:

AQUAVENTURE - a water playground of over 18 million litres of water, consisting of extraordinary rides with cascades, tidal waves and rapids, and the 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.



THE AMBASSADOR LAGOONS & THE LOST CHAMBERS - The lagoons will feature more than 250 species of sea creatures, some of which will include native Gulf fish which have not been publicly displayed anywhere outside of the Middle East.


THE DOLPHIN BAY - a 4.5 hectare state-of-the-art dolphin education and conservation centre allowing guests the opportunity to meet and interact with them.

Dining & Nightlife:

There are 17 restaurants, bars and lounges suit every taste - with choices from sophisticated seafood, innovative sushi, quick bites and foods from around the world.

The list of star-studded chefs:

* World-class master chef and sushi mogul Nobuyuki Matsuhisa opens Nobu with partner Robert DeNiro.

* Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, one of London's most talked about Italian chefs, welcomes all to Ronda Locatelli.

* Parisian sensation and two star Michelin chef Michel Rostang debuts Rostang- The French Brasserie.

* Three star Michelin chef Santi Santamaria, known as 'The Architect of Food,' opens his first venture outside of Europe with Ossiano, a gourmet seafood restaurant. (with a minimum charge of RM650 per person)


Retail Therapy:

The Avenues, a sophisticated retail promenade of over two dozen shops features top names in fashion, design and local artistry. There is Cartier, Paspaley, Levant, Harry Winston, Graff, Ahmed Sedeqqi and Sons, Tiffany and Company, Chopard, Roberto Cavalli, Hamac, Lacoste, Rodeo Drive, Leonard Paris, Villa Moda, OndadeMar, Porsche Design, Rivoli, The Counter and Faces. Finally, Bateel Dates offers an authentic taste of Arabia.

Now bow to the Queen of Atlantis...

If it's the thing for you, go ahead and stay there provided money is not an issue. But if you're not that loaded and wish to experience the Aquaventure, the Aquaventure Day Pass ($105 Adult and $75 Children from 4-12) is now available to visitors of the Atlantis Resort. The pass gives you access to all Atlantis pools, beaches, waterslides, rivers and more. Passes can be purchased on the day of arrival at the Front Desk of the Royal Towers. The passes are sold beginning at 9am and are good from 9am to 5pm. For more information, you can call 800-285-2684 or 242-363-3000.

If you would like to know more about Atlantis and the issues that were involved in constructing it, you can always hop to Johnny Ong's blog here.

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