POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Kalahari Resorts and Conventions owners the Nelson family have officially opened the doors on the company's grandest property to date in the Pocono Mountains, Penn. Six hundred people were on hand for the historic event, including Pennsylvania state dignitaries, Tobyhanna Township representatives, construction development managers and various media outlets.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions are authentically African-themed all-under-one-roof experiences. In October 2014, owners the Nelson family completed a 23-day tour of Africa, where they participated in a variety of experiences and sourced art and other items that will be prominently featured in their resorts.
The Wild Wildebeest is a thrilling raft ride at the World's Coolest Indoor Waterparks, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains, where riders experience long hang times and defy gravity. For more information, visit www.KalahariResorts.com.
Hardrive Productions out of Orlando, Florida puts on a heart-pounding African performance for the grand opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains, Penn. Designed by the distinguished and storied choreographer, Pam Bolling, the group ushered in the authentically-African resort's first foray into the East Coast. For more information, visit www.KalahariResorts.com.
Owners of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, the Nelson family, stop for a quick photo during the opening of their newest resort in the Pocono Mountains, Penn. This is the family's third resort but first foray into the East Coast. For more information, visit www.KalahariResorts.com. From left: Alissa Gander, Ashley Turzinski, Natasha Lucke, Shari Nelson, Todd Nelson, Todd Nelson Jr., Travis Nelson
Splashdown Safari, an attraction at Pennsylvania's Largest Indoor Waterpark, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains, features net crawls, water guns, a variety of slides and multiple levels of interactive fun. For more information, visit www.KalahariResorts.com.
"Today is a big one for not only our company, but my family, as well," said Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. "We have always dreamed of expanding to the East Coast, and there's no better way to do it than with our grandest resort to date in this historically prevalent tourist area."
The resort is home to Pennsylvania's largest indoor waterpark and also includes:
457 guest rooms containing one-, two- and three-bedroom suites
An outdoor waterpark with a huge outdoor pool, a large sundeck for relaxing, indoor/outdoor whirlpools and a swim-up bar
30,000 sq. ft. family entertainment center with dry activities such as mini-bowling, cutting-edge arcade games, a 5-D theater and black light mini golf
Three full-service signature dining experiences
Spa Kalahari & Salon
100,000 sq. ft. convention center
6,000 sq. ft. of retail
The resort is authentically African themed, and visitors will see and feel this experience at every turn, including the handcrafted artwork adorning the walls, the Rwandan coffee beans served throughout the resort and the souvenirs sourced from local artisan communities throughout Africa. All of this was obtained during the Nelson family's recent 23-day trip to Africa, where they went for inspiration that is reflected throughout the resort.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to bring the spirit of Africa to the Poconos," Nelson said. "We look forward to a successful property that will assist in boosting tourism in the area long term."
The project broke ground in October 2013 and has brought more than 1,000 jobs to the area. Phase II of the resort is currently underway. When completed in Spring 2017, the addition will bring the resort to nearly 1,000 guest rooms, the distinction of America's Largest Indoor Waterpark (200,000 sq. ft.) and an expanded outdoor waterpark.
Recently named The World's Coolest Indoor Waterparks by Conde Nast Traveler, reservations are now being accepted at www.KalahariResorts.com. For additional details on the history of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, the authentic African inspiration and the Nelson family, please visit KalahariMedia.com.
About Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, and the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, deliver a "world-away" waterpark resort and conference experience beyond expectations. The authentically African-themed Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, privately owned by the Nelson family, are home to America's largest indoor waterparks. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guest rooms, full-service Spa Kalahari, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants, unique retail shops and a state-of-the-art conference center. Kalahari Resorts and Convention Centers frequently receive awards and accolades for our guest and convention services. Recent recognition includes: Conde Nast Traveler's #1 World's Coolest Indoor Waterparks, TripAdvisors' 2014 Travelers' Choice Awards, Silver Star recognition for Best Family-Friendly Meeting Hotel and Resort in Smart Meeting's 2014 Smart Stars Awards, Clean the World's Top 50 Hot Properties in 2013, January 2015 OpenTable's Diners' Choice Award for Double Cut Grill's signature dining experience for the second consecutive year, the Daily Herald's 2014 Reader's Choice Awards for Best Indoor Waterpark, selection as one of the nation's Top Family Resorts by Family Fun magazine for 2013, being named the Best Conference Center in the state by the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association, and selection as the Corporate Meeting Destination of the Year by Cleveland Business Connects magazine. For reservation and guest information, call 1-877-KALAHARI (525-2427) or visit: KalahariResorts.com. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, members of the media are encouraged to visit KalahariMedia.com.
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