The first Atlantis resort in China opened at the weekend in Sanya on the island of Hainan featuring the first Gordon Ramsay restaurant in the country.
The $2 billion complex, which took four years to complete, was developed by owning company Thomas Cook shareholder and Club Med owner Fosun International and managed by Kerzner International.
Occupying 540,000 square metres of land, the resort is designed as a modern interpretation of the mythical city of Atlantis.
The resort’s 1,314 rooms and 154 suites include five underwater suites, a recognised feature of the Atlantis brand.
A 200,000 square metre Aquaventure waterpark is the first in China to open every day of the year.
Overlooking the South China Sea, Atlantis Sanya boasts one of the largest open-air aquariums in the world.
The Ambassador Lagoon is home to more than 86,000 species of marine life.
The resort also marks celebrity chef Ramsay’s entry into China with his Bread Street Kitchen & Bar.
“Following the success of Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in Dubai, I’m proud to be bringing a taste of the UK to guests at Atlantis Sanya, as part of the resort’s focus on quality, international dining,” he said.
“I can think of no better home for Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in China, than Atlantis Sanya, and my team look forward to welcoming diners to our new location.”
Guo Guangchang, chairman of Fosun International, sees Atlantis Sanya as a response to the growing trend of family–focused hospitality.
“At Atlantis Sanya, families will have everything they want and need for a breathtaking holiday experience,” he said.
“With something for every family member to enjoy, we’ve designed the ultimate, multi-generational resort experience, focused on delivering quality family time and treasured memories that last a lifetime.”