The Tribune

Atlantis yesterday confirmed it will begin its phased re-opening on December 10 via the return of the Royal Towers, The Reef and Harborside timeshare complexes.

The 200-acre Paradise Island mega resort, in a statement, said amenities and attractions that will open include the casino, Dolphin Cay marine habitat and its 50,000 aquatic animals, marina, Mandara spa, Ocean Club Golf Course, restaurants such as Nobu and Todd English's Olives, the Marina Village and Crystal Court shops.

Atlantis did not confirm how many employees will return for the first phase re-opening, but it will likely be around 2,000 - a number similar to the 1,500 that will come back to Baha Mar just a week later on December 17.

The return to work of between 3,500 to 4,000 hotel workers at The Bahamas' two largest resorts just before Christmas will likely boost consumer and business confidence, together with spending and economic activity. While thousands more will still have to be recalled, the pressure placed on the Government and National Insurance Board (NIB) by unemployment lines will also be reduced.

"We are so excited to welcome back our loyal guests, families and new visitors to experience Atlantis Paradise Island and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones. Atlantis will reopen in planned phases, and our highest priority is and will always be to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our guests, team members and community," said Audrey Oswell, its president and managing director.

"To help reassure travellers, we have implemented our Atlantis Clean & Safe Promise, which meets international and local standards for health and safety protocols. Our guests will receive heartfelt service, and create lifelong memories by being immersed in our authentic Bahamian culture, experiences, and attractions available throughout our lush resort grounds."

For travellers flying from the New York tri-state region, Atlantis has partnered with JetBlue to create an air and resort package offering non-stop charter flights to Nassau from Newark, New Jersey.

The resort also confirmed it will be creating a COVID-19 free "bubble" for guests via the 'Vacation in Place' model. Mrs Oswell, according to previously leaked briefing notes from an Atlantis management meeting, in a reference to the COVID-19 pandemic said: "Re-opening does not get us to the end of this, but it's a start to getting back up and running/

"We will open in phases with limited portions of the entire resort to re-open in phase one. As business demands grow, we will open more and more of the resort offerings and bring employees back to work.

"We are working closely with the Government, and we have the same goal: To open Atlantis as quickly as possible. We understand how important we are to the country, and want to open fiscally responsibly and safely.

"Working with the airport, the Government and the medical professionals, we have the Prime Minister's blessing and the minister of tourism's. The Vacation in Place concept will be the approach for re-opening Atlantis."