POCONO MOUNTAINS, Penn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.
“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 Condé 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: Condé 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.
