The mere fact that hotels are classified as luxury, indicates that they offer many things in common, basically. It?s the way in which they are done ? aside from unique attributes to pamper the guests ? that makes the difference. So is the case of Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, which, since it opened in September 2008, has been a leading entertainment resort destination in the Middle East. During this month of Ramadan, Atlantis brings back, once again, Arabian traditions with its renowned Asateer - a spectacular beachfront tent where guests enjoy evenings with family and friends in an ambience of time-honored traditions. Asateer offers eight dedicated Majlis areas, prayer rooms and complimentary valet parking. This month, The Avenues, a sophisticated retail promenade that features over two dozen shops featuring top names in fashion, design and local artistry, will remain open until midnight during weekdays and until 1 A.M. on weekends. Brett Armitage, senior vice-president for sales at Atlantis, The Palm, told the Saudi Gazette on a phone interview that the luxury hotel earned the sterling reputation as the leading hotel brand in the region for its many first-of-its kind facilities capped with superior professional services. He said the hotel stands out in its class as it ?offers the best quality? food and services at a ?very competitive? price with an ?excellent value.? The hotel has an average room occupancy rate of 80-90 percent throughout the year, he noted, adding that last month (July), the hotel recorded the highest occupancy rate, with 20 percent of guests coming from Saudi Arabia. Yet, during summer, the number of guests from the Kingdom rises to 45 percent on the average, and annually, the rate goes up to 30 percent, he added. Armitage stressed that the unparalleled amenities of the hotel makes it a popular destination for visitors as well as for families. It has 1,500 rooms, 10 percent of which are suites, and 168 units are located in the premium Imperial Club, which has its own lounge. Atlantis has also two beaches and a spa with 27 treatment rooms. Its 45-acre Aquaventure water park with 15 million gallons of salt and fresh water attractions, including the Ambassador Lagoon with a 10 sq meter viewing panel ? the largest of its type in the world ? is a preferred spot for the families. The waterpark has separate clubs for kids and teens ? the perfect place for them to enjoy the games and at the same time learn. Armitage said it is the hotel?s way of implementing edutainment. Alantis introduced material for young children, which is mostly developed with an entertaining flair, as well as documentaries aimed at adults that are either humorous or fascinating in their execution, he noted. ?We organize activity or program ? under the careful supervision of in-house professional trainers ? that combines both educational and entertaining elements,? he added. The hotel has special services for couple, too. Atlantis has also a four-and-a-half hectare lush tropical setting modeled carefully as the natural habitat for dolphins. Its three vast lagoons would allow guests to have an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime ?personal meeting? with the dolphins ? a real holistic experience. This alone would explain why Atlantis becomes a byword for wholesome luxury destination. ? SG __
