By Claire Esberger, The Syntax Group
Each time I visit Las Vegas there is a new hotel, more outrageous and sophisticated than the last. I often wonder where it will all end, with the architects having to constantly "out do" each other. Apart from gambling, that's what one has come to expect from Las Vegas. However, even in America, one doesn't see this display of total "over the top" extravagance and exuberance very often.
One such example, following in the footsteps of Sun City in South Africa, is the City of Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It is one of Sun International's Sol Kerzner's more outlandish hotels. With 26 water features, 2,500 bedrooms, 27 restaurants and bars, a casino and shopping arcade, Atlantis is a city in itself. If you want to get away from numerous activities, and the hustle and bustle, then The Spa is the place for a bit of pampering.
Located at the hinge point of the dramatic two towers it is run by Mandara and built at a cost of $5 million. It has already proved so popular after just six months, being fully booked, that it is to be greatly extended with a range of VIP suites and relaxation court, and a new relocated fitness centre.
This was the first land-based Spa run by Steiner, who are already hugely successful at sea. With their extensive knowledge of running upmarket Spas, Steiner immediately knew who they wanted to design the Spa; leisure design specialists The Syntax Group. Steiner and The Syntax Group have worked very successfully together on many luxury cruise liners including the QE11. Atlantis is another example of this successful formula.
On leaving the hurly-burly of the resort behind, one enters the cool oasis of the stone clad domed circular spa foyer, with checker board skirtings and stone piers. From the reception area there are views down a concourse, past statues, of the hair salon and then a vista of the spa and hydropool. The walls are Mediterranean blue specialist paint, and the reception desk walnut burr veneer.
