Atlantis’s first resort in China officially opened yesterday. Owned by Fosun International and managed by Kerzner International, the opening of Atlantis Sanya was marked with a VIP packed grand opening with government officials, business leaders and Chinese celebrities all in attendance.

The centre piece of the event was a five-act theatrical tour-de force which used 43 performers, dramatic musical performances and fireworks to bring the legend of Atlantis life. Directed by INVNT’s Paul Blurton, the production starred Prinnie Stevens in the lead role of Queen Atlantia.

“It was a momentous opening celebration befitting a leisure development of this size and scale,” said Heiko Schreiner, Atlantis Sanya’s managing director. “It was also a taste of the kind of resort we want Atlantis Sanya to be known for – one that both amazes and inspires. We look forward to delivering an extraordinary holiday experience to travellers visiting our resort in Sanya.”

Discussing the importance of family in the development of Atlantis Sanya, Guo Guangchang, chairman of Fosun International said: “We call it ‘FOLIDAY,’ Fosun’s distinctive holiday brand that seeks to take the tourism industry to greater heights.

“At Atlantis Sanya, families will have everything they want and need for a breathtaking holiday experience. 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.”

Found on Haitang Bay, Sanya, in Hainan province the RMB11 billion project, based on the ancient myth of Atlantis, features  Ambassador Lagoon, overflowing with more than 86,000 ocean dwelling species; the 200,000-square metre Aquaventure Waterpark; the 1,800-seater theatre, Dolphin Cay and 21 restaurants, lounges, bars, and cafes. Not to mention 1,314 guestrooms & 154 suites – seven of which are actually under water and are the first of their kind in China.

Atlantis Sanya also offers a 5,000sqm MICE facility, comprising two ballrooms, two board rooms, full equipped business centres, complemented with the latest audio-visual equipment and well-drilled events team to make sure all events go off without a hitch.

CEO of Kerzner International said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Atlantis Sanya into our family as not only the first Atlantis resort in China, but also a proud first step into the Asia Pacific region,” and Atlantis Sanya is the next generation of Atlantis resorts, offering a wide variety of guest entertainment experiences.”