Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
We have designed a park which looks like an old fort; an oasis that you would have found in a desert.
The theme, design, architecture and the landscape of the project reflects that,” says an excited Paul Blunt.
He is the general manager in Bahrain of Malaysian Sim Leisure Consultants, designers and operators of The Lost Paradise of Dilmun which forms part of the BD754 million Al Areen development.
He added: “People will not expect something this large. It is as unique as possible. Not just with the water rides but with everything that is around it.
“Unlike major projects in Bahrain – such as the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Bahrain World Trade Centre – the Lost Paradise will be accessible to everyone. It is an entertainment and leisure endeavour second to none.
“We want every Bahraini to visit the water park. To promote this further, we will be giving special discount for locals.
“Our biggest market will probably be Saudi Arabia. What we want to do is to tie up with those people, especially families that usually come here on weekends for any sort of entertainment.
“We want to encourage people who mainly come into Bahrain for business but live in the region to next time think of bringing along their family because there is so much to do.
“With the water park, we want to connect business with tourism and entertainment within Bahrain.”
From the drop off point in the plaza area, visitors will enter into an ‘ancient zone’ featuring huge wall depictions and stone carvings in the shape of animals.
In contradiction to the age old designs, extremely sophisticated and ultra modern ticket counters and tickets (in the form of a watch) that has to be flashed on sensors to permit access, allow you in through doors to the merchandising lounge and reception area.
Stepping outside once more, you are greeted by stone birdbaths, mini fountains, swimming pools, cascading water falls, various other water features and greenery.
Lockers and changing rooms are situated conveniently to secure possessions and then the fun can truly begin in the water.
The park boasts 14 rides catering for different groups from toddlers, youngsters to adults. A fortress, a large kid’s play area, is also situated at the centre of the park with ankle deep water on the ground, an interactive fountain and pools for tiny tots of age three and below.
The park will also have a spa with a bar selling refreshing juices right at the centre of its pool. Massage treatments will also be available.
Non-slippery walkways surround the park and 70 lifeguards will be stationed at frequent locations to maintain a complete safety zone for children and adults alike.
Fresh water showers will also be positioned near the swimming pools.
The food and beverages section will have a dining area that will serve food hot from the stove for those dining in as well as food carts, mini-golf carts and kiosks that will take food right up to people sitting near the pools.
The cake and coffee café that will take up part of this section will be a totally wi-fi zone.
Lights in the form of ancient wall lamps are adorned across the main building and will be lit up in the evenings.
The ice-cream parlour at the foot of the swimming pools is also likely to become a big draw to the many youngsters enjoying the fun.
Fifteen containers of tall dry grass and bamboo have been used to provide shade and shelter for seating areas.
The wave pool will have a small lagoon at its shores and a stage on its back drop which will be used to hold concerts as well as other corporate events.
A manmade river will run through the entire park and its riverbed will contain typical river features such as pebbles, stones, water plants etc. Thirty-five craftsmen and artists from Malaysia have hand-carved 500 sculptures made of stone that are displayed across the park.
Sales and marketing director, Mohamed Ali, added: “This is an excellent opportunity for Bahrain especially since the kingdom was lacking in major family entertainment facilities.
“Bahrain looks really good now; with locals, expatriates and tourists all equally involved and interested in the kingdom’s growth.”
The park has a covered parking area with 580 free space for cars as well as slots for buses and coaches.
Entry to the park is likely to cost between BD8-12 although exact details have yet to be finalised.
This week the main contractor for the project, Al Hamad Construction and Development Company, has been working on the final stages of water treatment for the park, making it another step closer to opening.
■ The Dilmun era involved an ancient sea-trading civilisation based in what is now known as Bahrain.
Exclusive
By Shilpa Chandran
shilpa.chandran@gulfweekly.com
