Bahamas News

The success of Atlantis’ newest 600-room resort could lead to the development of a fourth phase of the mega development, Kerzner International CEO and chairman Sol Kerzner said yesterday, a day before the grand opening of the company’s latest phase three addition, The Cove.

The all-suite luxury hotel opened its doors in late March and is aimed at the top end of the tourist market.

“We are hopeful that phase three will be highly successful,” Kerzner said in an interview near The Cove’s privileged access adult-only pool area.

Phase three also includes, among other facilities, more marine and water attractions, the Marina Village, and a significant expansion to the existing conference center and golf course facilities.

“The success of this development will lead to a fourth phase, just as the success of phase one led to Royal Towers, and the success of Royal Towers enabled us to develop The Cove and the coast. That’s really the determining factor for further phases,” said Kerzner.

While a phase four would continue with the resort theme, for the last couple of years, says Kerzner, the focus has been on planning, developing and ensuring the success of phase three.

And by all accounts, The Cove appears to be a significant part of that success.

The Cove aims to offer something that is different from anything that exists right now in the resort category, according to George Markantonis, Kerzner International president. It features oversized rooms with a step down living space, designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill and a range of amenities, private all-adult and family pools, plush cabanas and ocean views at every turn.

“We are expanding and diversifying what we have to offer the tourists at Atlantis,” explained Kerzner who appeared pleased with the latest addition to the company’s flagship resort.

The Cove is very different from the first and second phases of the development, which first started 12 years ago.

“We are offering a whole new set of experiences for our guests,” said Kerzner.

“It incorporates the environment, (plant life)…people say wow, this feels much more sophisticated. We are trying to broaden the offering that we have.”

Along with expanding opportunities for tourists, the local economy is also getting a boost from The Cove - which employs 2,000 - by expanding the number of tourists that the resort attracts.

“That in itself will contribute to the economy, employment, foreign exchange earnings, and to the growth of the tourist industry,” said Kerzner.

The entire Atlantis resort employs 8,000-plus Bahamians and is the country’s largest private employer.

But the hotelier continues to be concerned about the condition of the Lynden Pindling International Airport, which he said has so far not seen any “significant” improvement.

“I am hopeful that with the new managers of that facility will be improved and with the operations there will be a significant improvement,” said Kerzner who has raised the issue repeatedly.

“This is the first impression, and most importantly it is the last impression that tourists have (of the country). If it’s a poor impression, or not efficient, that will all impact on the future growth of the industry.”

Asked if a failure to address conditions at the airport would impact any future plans that the company has, Kerzner replied: “I think it will obviously influence one’s thinking.”

By Erica Wells
The