Kerzner International Introduces the Reef Atlantis and Blue Tourism

PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas | In December, 2007, Kerzner International will conclude its $1 billion Phase III development with the opening of its newest tower, The Reef Atlantis. The new 497-key tower will offer guests home-like accommodations and amenities – with the beach as a backyard – while instigating conservation and protection of the world’s oceans. Through a partnership with Kerzner Marine Foundation (“KMF”), Kerzner’s non-profit foundation that fosters the preservation and enhancement of global marine ecosystems through scientific research, education and community outreach, The Reef will be the main driver and debut of an important new concept in consumer travel called Blue TourismSM, offering guests of The Reef an opportunity to both interact with and support the ocean through a combination of ocean-based experiences and conservation programs.

Through the combined efforts of The Kerzner Marine Foundation, The Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy and BREEF, the first initiative of Blue TourismSM, The Blue ProjectSM at The Reef, will offer the funding to create coral reef conservation efforts around New Providence and Paradise Island as well as support the monitoring of these sites which are in reach of visitation for guests at The Reef and all visitors to The Bahamas.

“We conceived the idea of Blue TourismSM as a way of giving back to the ocean and the community in which we operate. This development at Atlantis is a great representation of the ideals and goals at Kerzner. Scientists funded by the Kerzner Marine Foundation have uncovered two new species of coral living off the coast of Oman, and garnered valuable research about the reefs in the Daymaniyat Islands, which should help our understanding about the survival of reefs throughout the world. We are really proud to bring elements of this project to The Bahamas and feel that it is a natural extension of the conservation and education programs for which Atlantis is known. After all, it is quite logical for a destination resort that is built around the ocean to care about the ocean,” said Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International.

Kerzner will kick off The Blue ProjectSM with an initial donation of $1 million. Other partners on The Blue ProjectSM initiative include American Express®, JetBlue Airways, Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, Melissa & Doug® toys, Red Flower and Shoshanna.

“The idea of corporate social responsibility is one that is both attractive to our partner companies and to our guests. Consumers are always seeking ways to give back and The Blue ProjectSM offers a new way to view tourism as a mechanism for doing so. We are really proud to be affiliated with names such as American Express® and JetBlue and all of the other brands that speak to our guests, to create a groundswell for Blue TourismSM. With all of us working together with guests of The Reef, we will make an indelible impact on the ocean environment,” said Bob Cotter, President of Kerzner International.

Atlantis is known for, most notably, the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, home to giant manta rays, sawfish, piranha, barracuda, rainbows of tiny tropical fish and, of course sharks, including some of the first species ever born in a man-made environment.

Guests at Atlantis have access to viewing and understanding over 250 species that inhabit the resort’s open-system exhibits. The resort has also made great efforts to use a variety of educational programs and interactions with guests to promote ocean conservation.

The Reef Atlantis

The Reef, a contemporary-styled resort, is situated on Paradise Beach, creating water views from all rooms, which are complete with private balconies overlooking the ocean and white sands. All custom-designed accommodations feature a kitchen or kitchen area with an energy-saving dishwasher, living area with sofa bed and are fully-stocked with linens and tableware – a perfect choice for families looking for a beachside experience within Atlantis, with all the amenities of a home. All one-bedroom suites feature an en-suite energy efficient washer and dryer and the resort provides complimentary laundry facilities for all studio accommodations.

The 22-story tower consists of 307 studio units, 188 one-bedroom units, two penthouses and the option of creating a two-bedroom accommodation by combining a one-bedroom suite with a studio. With living space ranging from 519 square feet to 3,102 square feet, The Reef offers a residential experience complete with 24-hour room service, daily maid service, wireless internet and a variety of exclusive family-centered services and experiences. Rates range from $340 per night for a studio terrace accommodation to $1,750 for a deluxe ocean two-bedroom suite. Kerzner will donate $10 per booking at The Reef directly to The Blue ProjectSM as part of their $1 million commitment to the program.

Reef Adventures

Working with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, a unique snorkeling and in-water interaction program will be available directly from the resort. A beach-loading vessel with an on-board Atlantis Aquarist will be available as a priority booking to guests of The Reef, and open to all guests at the resort, to engage them in The Blue ProjectSM elements.

During the excursion, guests will be able to explore underwater both healthy and endangered reefs, and learn about the indigenous marine animals. A maximum number of 24 guests can participate in each 90-minute Reef Adventure, departing daily at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at a cost of $55 for snorkeling, with $5 from each booking going directly to The Blue ProjectSM. As part of The Blue ProjectSM, KMF will establish the first coral reef nursery in The Bahamas off the coast of Paradise Island, enabling guests to visit this underwater coral laboratory.

Blue Adventure Planners

The guest experience at The Reef begins and ends with learning adventures and experiences. To accommodate the needs of guests, as well as directly connecting guests to the Blue TourismSM elements offered throughout the resort, Blue Adventure Planners are available to plan schedules while “in residence.” Activities can be booked in advance of a visit, or guests can visit a Blue Adventure Planner at a Blue Adventure Center on property. Locations include The Reef lobby, the poolside towel hut at The Reef and the towel huts at Lagoon and Cove beaches. Guests can choose from a number of activities, including: an interaction with the Katrina Dolphins at Dolphin Cay, Atlantis’ 11-acre dolphin habitat; a guided tour of The Dig – the resort’s archeological representation of the Lost City of Atlantis, featuring more than 50,000 marine animals; a KidisthenicsSM children’s fitness class, a fitness program developed for 6-10 year-olds based on relay and circuit training; as well as Blue Adventures, such as the Reef Adventure excursion, an underwater walk through a shark tank, or snorkeling, snuba or SCUBA diving off of Cove Beach. A portion of all Blue Adventures, operated by Stuart’s Cove Dive Bahamas, will be donated directly to The Blue ProjectSM via KMF. Blue Adventure Planners can create daily schedules that mix “Blue” activities with simply doing nothing or exploring the 171 acres of beachfront property, 63-acre waterscape or the 14 pools and lagoons scattered throughout the destination – something the resort heartily encourages.

Cascades Ocean-Based Activity Program

In addition to the resort’s vast waterscape, activities and entertainment, guests of The Reef have access to the private Cascades Pool which is available exclusively to guests of The Cove Atlantis and The Reef. The Cascades Ocean-Based Activity Program features a variety of customized interactive activities to educate and excite young guests about the surrounding marine environment and Blue TourismSM. Scheduled to operate seven days a week at the Cascades Pool, the innovative program will be spearheaded by a team of trained Atlantis employees.

Available ocean-based activities include:

• Go Fish – This classic card game goes liquid and is brought to life using customized cards of fish that can be found in the Bahamian waters surrounding Atlantis.
• Black Jack gone fishy…Place your Bet! – A customized swim-up game with a coral reef scene, designed for older youth around the pool, allows children to “gamble” with sand dollar chips and play with customized waterproof fish cards.
• Sidewalk Chalk Murals – Participants are asked to create a giant reef scene on the pool deck using sidewalk chalk. The group facilitator supplies participants with reference material and framework for the project, instructing children on the various elements and animals that when combined, create a healthy reef system.
• Seashell Excavation - A section of beach is roped off as an excavation site. Group leaders strategically bury a collection of shells. Once all the shells are found, group leaders teach the participants about the origins and various types of shells found.
• Ocean Reef Golf Chipping - A golf-chipping mat crowned with a three dimensional reef surrounds a golf hole. Participants are given golf clubs and asked to chip a golf ball into the hole without touching (destroying) the reef.
• Nature Walk – Groups are led on a nature walk around Cove Beach and the surrounding areas filled with exciting flora and fauna facts.
• Populate the Reef - Participants are given a picture of a reef. Each reef has ten spaces with the picture of a sea creature and its scientific name. The corresponding fish are placed in the pool and participants have to locate all the fish needed to populate their reef. The first person with a full reef wins.

Melissa & Doug® on Holiday – Toy Room Service and Products for The Reef’s Youngest Guests

Melissa & Doug®, one of the leading designers and manufacturers of educational toys and children's products, has partnered with Atlantis to develop a multi-tiered program geared to guests ages 0-5. A series of marine focused products – ranging from wooden and floor puzzles to plush toys and puppets to several First Play® toys – known as The Blue CollectionSM will donate 5 percent of the retail price directly into The Blue ProjectSM, via KMF. These products will be sold beginning in December, 2007 at all on-property Atlantis stores. Melissa & Doug® are currently developing the next Blue CollectionSM, which will directly address marine life and ocean conservation issues, with a portion of the proceeds continuing to go directly into The Blue ProjectSM, via KMF.

Atlantis has also created the industry’s first Toy Room Service program, initially exclusive to guests of The Reef. The program was developed based on demand from families with young children to bring additional in-room activity options to this new and unique resort, which offers accommodations with more living space for guests.

A room service menu featuring a carefully curated selection of eight Melissa & Doug® puzzles, arts and crafts projects, and First Play® toys will all be available for delivery 24 hours a day, beginning December, 2007.

“We were seeking the perfect partner to help us deliver an in-room, in-resort experience that would address demand from parents for activities for children up to age 5. While our Atlantis Kids Club offers half-day and evening programs, we knew we could do more to cater to this audience – one of the largest at the resort – in a meaningful way. Melissa & Doug’s toys and puzzles are not only educational, but a lot of fun, and we could not think of a stronger partner in this category. The products we are creating together will really help teach the children about the ocean and marine conservation while they are engaged in creative play. To us, that’s not a double, but a true home run,” said George Markantonis, President/Managing Director of Kerzner International, Bahamas.

Other Partner Contributions and Promotions:

Kerzner International

Kerzner International’s initial donation of $1 million will go toward the research, refurbishment and ongoing security of reefs. The first effort in The Bahamas, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, will also contain education and public awareness components along with conservation strategies to preserve reefs.

American Express

American Express has partnered with Kerzner International to offer Blue from American Express®, Blue Cash from American Express®, Blue Sky from American Express and Clear from American Express® Cardmembers an exclusive travel experience at The Reef. This offering provides Cardmembers with a number of exclusive and additional educational experiences.

Exclusively available to these Cardmembers are:

• A 15% discount1 on a minimum of 3-night/4-day accommodations at The Reef starting at $749 with the American Express discount (regularly priced packages begin at $899)
• Behind-the-scenes access to the marine lab with a reef specialist and a tour of the fish nursery
• A chance to plant coral sprouts with your own two hands
• A Blue Welcome Gift upon arrival and a Blue Orientation tour with an Adventure Planner

The experience also includes two Blue Reef AdventuresSM and airport transportation to and from the Reef. In addition, for each room booked, a donation will be made to Kerzner Marine Foundation on behalf of The Blue ProjectSM. In order for Cardmembers to take advantage of the exclusive offer, the booking must be made directly at www.atlantis.com/blue or by calling 1-800-ATLANTIS.

“We are delighted to partner with Kerzner International on The Blue ProjectSM to offer our Cardmembers a truly unique vacation adventure that is environmentally-friendly, educational and exciting,” says Beverly Anderson, Vice President of Blue from American Express. “Our participation in The Blue ProjectSM and our special offering for Cardmembers bring together elements fundamental to the American Express brand — travel, entertainment, exclusive access — and giving back in a fun way.”

In addition to the exclusive Cardmember benefits offered at The Reef, American Express will help heighten the visibility of The Blue ProjectSM by providing marketing support through a multi-channel communications approach.

JetBlue Getaways Package to The Reef Atlantis

JetBlue will offer travelers special vacation packages to The Reef Atlantis while at the same time supporting The Blue ProjectSM.

JetBlue Airways to provide:

• JetBlue is selling special JetBlue Airways Getaway Packages to The Reef Atlantis
• JetBlue will donate $50 to the Kerzner Marine Foundation to support The Blue ProjectSM for every 3 night or more JetBlue Getaway booked to The Reef
• JetBlue is raising awareness of The Blue ProjectSM by educating their customers through various messages on-board the aircraft, including airing The Blue Project PSA on-board aircrafts in January and February
• JetBlue will highlight The Reef as one of their featured JetBlue Getaway Destinations periodically over the course of the year on the Getaways homepage
• JetBlue will include information about the JetBlue Getaway’s Reef Package in email communications to its TrueBlue Loyalty Program Members
• JetBlue will host a sweepstakes for a chance to win a JetBlue Airways Getaway package to include round-trip flights on JetBlue to Nassau, Bahamas and three nights/four days accommodations at The Reef Atlantis, roundtrip limousine ground transfers to/from Nassau airport, a Reef Adventure for two and two dolphin interactions at Dolphin Cay

“Our commitment to The Bahamas extends beyond offering affordable air service to Nassau,” said Andrea Spiegel, Vice President Sales and Marketing, JetBlue Airways. “We’ve taken our love of blue skies to the beauty of The Bahamas’ clear blue waters in an effort to support the rehabilitation of the coral reefs around the island. Every time a customer purchases a JetBlue Airways Getaway vacation package to The Reef Atlantis we’ll proudly make a donation to The Blue ProjectSM to support the conservation and protection of these important underwater ecosystems.”

Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas

Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas will operate the Blue Adventures, offered as part of the guest experience for Blue Tourism(SM), including:

  -- The Reef Adventure boat tour to The Blue Project's(SM) Coral 
 
  Conservation Program site to explore the underwater reef  
  propagation and nursery sites  
     
  -- Cove Beach Adventures, which include snorkel, snuba and SCUBA  
  excursions off of Cove Beach at Atlantis  
     
  -- Walking with the Sharks Adventure in the shark tank at the  
  base of the Mayan Temple at Atlantis  
     
  -- SCUBA lessons offered at Atlantis  
     
--   $5 from every Reef Adventure, as well as a portion of the  
  proceeds from all Blue Adventures, will be donated to the  
  Kerzner Marine Foundation, earmarked for The Blue Project(SM) 
 

“Working in partnership with Atlantis, we are proud to have created a unique snorkeling and in-water experience for the resort’s guests. It’s exciting to offer a program that will educate and entertain, all centered on the incredible resources located just a short boat-ride from Atlantis,” said Stuart Cove, President Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas.

Melissa & Doug®

Melissa & Doug® will contribute 5% of the retail value of all products sold that are part of The Blue CollectionSM.

--     These products will initially be comprised of the: Magnetic  
  Fishing Puzzle Game, Majestic Depths 330-piece Puzzle and  
  Fishbowl Fill and Spill  
     
--   Melissa & Doug(R) will work with Kerzner International to create 
 
  a line of Blue Collection(SM) products that will: 
 
     
  -- Be exclusive to Atlantis, Paradise Island and one national  
  retailer of Melissa & Doug(R)'s choice 
 
     
  -- Incorporate the goals and objectives of The Blue Project(SM) 
 
  and the Kerzner Marine Foundation, focusing on the world's  
  oceans, the sea life they house and conservation and  
  restoration  

"The partnership is really ideal for us because we believe in what they are doing at Atlantis - from their education programs to their incredible marine exhibits and experiences - and know they are making unforgettable impressions on many young families," said Melissa Bernstein. "We aim to accomplish the same with our toy collection, and the combination of toy room service with the special products we're creating exclusively for the resort is really exciting for us," added Doug Bernstein.

Red Flower

With the creation of Red Flower Ocean – a 100% pure and natural signature scent and product line inspired by the warm breeze rising off the ocean waters surrounding Paradise Island, each guest can experience a product created specifically to cool and rehydrate sun-warmed skin. The formulation is free of parabens and petrochemicals and with ingredients like laurel, eucalyptus and aloe butter it is wonderfully refreshing for children as well as adults.

For The Blue ProjectSM, Red Flower has added two important ingredients - wild blue algae and spirulina. Both are a soothing blue color and bring intensely active healing ingredients to the skin and circulatory system. These ingredients are wild-crafted in Oregon. In 2008, Red Flower will begin to work to locally cultivate and wild craft these marine plants to further its sustainable sourcing and approach to product development.

Donating $1 of each full-size Red Flower Ocean product range, redflower.com and Red Flower will bring us closer to reducing the footprint on the island and preserving a place that we love.

• Products include: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Body Lotion, Miniature Candle, Full-Sized Candle

“One of my young daughter’s favorite places on earth is The Cove. Now, with The Blue ProjectSM, I can share my passion for environmental conservation with her in an immediate and meaningful way, that will surely capture her imagination.”

Shoshanna

• Shoshanna has designed the male and female uniforms for the Blue Adventure PlannersSM
• In 2008, Shoshanna to design bathing suit selection for The Blue CollectionSM with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kerzner Marine Foundation, earmarked for The Blue ProjectSM

"As someone whose company was borne out of my love for the beach and the ocean, I was thrilled when Kerzner asked me to participate in The Blue Project," said Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, Founder and President of Shoshanna. "To be part of such an amazing group of partners on a project that will actually have a positive impact on our oceans, means that one day my daughter will be able to see the results of our combined efforts while snorkeling healthy and thriving reefs in crystal clean waters, that makes this endeavor all the more personal to me."

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels. This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 97-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world – second only to Mother Nature – there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. The 63-acre AQUAVENTURE thrills guests as a non-stop water experience consisting of exhilarating new water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort’s dolphin interaction and education center, was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants. The recently-opened Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architect Jeffrey Beers, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult pool by Cain NYC, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean. Atlantis is known as the culinary and nightlife destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Bobby Flay and PURE Management Group’s nightclub, Aura. The resort boasts the largest conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.

For further information about Atlantis, Paradise Island; telephone 954-809-2000, or visit Atlantis.com. For reservations, call your travel agent or 800-ATLANTIS.

Both low and high resolution color photography of Atlantis, Paradise Island is available at news.atlantis.com. If you are a new user to this site, please complete the online registration to be granted access to the online newsroom.

About Kerzner Marine Foundation

The Kerzner Marine Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation that fosters the preservation and enhancement of global marine ecosystems through scientific research, education, and community outreach. The Foundation is funded by Kerzner International Limited, a leading international developer and operator of resorts, casinos, and luxury resort properties. The strategic focus of Kerzner Marine Foundation is protecting the integrity of tropical marine ecosystems which are becoming increasingly threatened due to overexploitation and overpopulation. Priority is placed on projects that include the development and management of marine protected areas, coral reef conservation, as well as dolphin and whale conservation and research in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. For more information, visit kerznermarinefoundation.org.

About American Express’ Blue Portfolio of Cards and Clear from American Express Card

American Express introduced the Blue from American Express Card in 1999 and continued to build its portfolio by adding Blue Cash from American Express in 2003, Blue Sky from American Express in 2005 and Clear from American Express in 2006. The introduction of these products continues American Express’ tradition of innovation. Today these Cards focus on providing Cardmembers with access to the types of activities they value most and initiatives such as The Blue Project helps them explore, travel, learn and have an impact on the community and environment around them.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

About JetBlue Airways

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers the most legroom throughout coach (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines). JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 53 cities with up to 550 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com.

About Melissa & Doug®

Melissa & Doug®, the leading brand name in classic children’s toys, began their commitment to making high-quality children’s educational products 18 years ago with the production of their first puzzle. The product line now includes over 700 items of classically-styled wooden toys, open-ended arts & crafts sets, giant floor puzzles, innovative wooden play food sets, brightly painted room décor, manipulatives, unique magnetic wooden activity boards and games, giant plush and puppets in addition to the wooden puzzles and educational video products the company was founded upon. For more information about Melissa & Doug®, please call 1-800-284-3948, or visit MelissaAndDoug.com.

About Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas

Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas is Nassau's premier dive resort. Located on the southwest side of New Providence Island, Stuart Cove's is in the ideal geographic location to offer divers the greatest diversity of diving opportunities. Our closest dive sites are only a 5 minute boat ride, and just a mile off shore we encounter the Tongue-of-the-Ocean. This is a 6,000 foot deep oceanic trench that begins in 35 to 50 feet and provides outstanding wall dives. We have 16 different wrecks, numerous shallow reefs abundant in marine life, as well as the ever popular Shark Adventure Dive. (http://www.stuartcove.com)

About Red Flower

Red Flower is one of the most coveted truly eco-luxury brands in the world. Each product is created to transform everyday experiences – bathing, scenting a room, washing hands into a transformed moment. Founded on the principles of sustainability, tradition, health and aesthetics, it brings a defining force and energy to this exceptional partnership. With the creation of Red Flower Ocean – a 100% pure and natural signature scent and product line inspired by the warm breeze rising off the ocean waters surrounding Paradise Island, each guest can experience a product created specifically to cool and rehydrate sun-warmed skin.

The formulation is free of parabens and petrochemicals and with ingredients like laurel, eucalyptus and aloe butter it is wonderfully refreshing for children as well as adults.

About Shoshanna

Initially launched in 1998, the Shoshanna clothing line debuted with just three pieces – a sundress, thong and bag. Shoshanna has since expanded far beyond the original three-piece set that catapulted the line to fashion fame and has become a favorite among celebrities and fashionistas alike. Shoshanna Swimwear, added to the line in 2001, was an immediate success as each two-piece suit is sold as separates, accommodating all body types and proportions, while retaining the fun, feminine feeling evoked in customers by the preceding clothing lines. Children’s swimwear was added in 2005 under the Shoshanna BabyGirl label. Shoshanna fashions can be found in Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman stores nationwide. For more information about Shoshanna, please visit www.shoshanna.com.