Water Everywhere
Designed by famed Los Angeles architect and interior designer Laurence Lee (responsible for such projects as Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and the Borgata and MGM Grand in Atlantic City), the appropriately titled Water Club brings something more to the city.
"[Lee] really did some spectacular design using water as an element throughout the property," says Noel Stevenson, public relations manager for the Borgata and The Water Club.
As the city's first non-gaming hotel, The Water Club offers a break from the neon lights and ringing slot machines. Upon entering The Water Club, guests are transported into a serene atmosphere, complete with lush vegetation and cascading water treatments, as well as architecture featuring the use of more than 80 different types of stone and marble.
Thinking about some rest and relaxation? Then be sure to visit Immersion, the hotel's luxury spa, with a 360-degree view of the Intercoastal waterway. Immersion is also home to an 80-foot infinity-edge lap pool. Situated in an area with floor-to-ceiling windows, the pool at Immersion is sure to provide a great view of the skyline from 300 feet above sea level.
But if an afternoon at the spa isn't your thing, then take a dip in one of the hotel's five pools. While the outdoor pools are closed this time of year, during the summertime they are the hottest place to be. Private cabanas and trendy lounge chairs line the heated pools inspired by Miami's South Beach.
The hotel is also home to two infinity-edge indoor pools. Make it a point to look around at all the landscaping because between bamboo and pineapple trees, it'll be hard to determine whether you are indoors or out.
"The indoor pool is beautiful," says Stevenson, "and this time of year it's the perfect setting to relax in because it's getting cold outside."
Whether you haven't been to Atlantic City in years or you just visited during last year's show, be sure to check out The Water Club.
"[It's] just some place that's very cosmopolitan, something that would fit nicely in a city like Miami, New York or Los Angeles, and attract a customer that might not think of Atlantic City as a true travel destination," says Stevenson. "[The hotel] is really taking the city to the next step in its evolution where there's more here than just slot machines and table games. It's really a full-service destination."
Even though it's probably well deserved, your trip to Atlantic City can't be all leisure. You did come to Atlantic City with a purpose, after all.
On With The Show
The Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show is embracing the changing times in the United States and focusing on the new trends that have taken shape.
Educational courses include information regarding driving sales in the uncertain economy. A number of prominent courses will also focus on code compliance, a hot topic in the industry these days with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act having recently taken effect.
Learn more about the "stay-cation" trend sweeping the nation, and be on the lookout for new products that fit the style. With more than 450,000 square feet of exhibitor space, you are sure to find many products and services that will appeal to clients who are contining to turn their homes into private luxury resorts.
Between business and pleasure, there is a lot to see this year in Atlantic City. With a fresh outlook and some seaside air, 2009 is bound to be a success. Enjoy the show!
For more information, visit www.nespapool.org
