Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Round Rock, Texas, is the new home of America’slargest indoor waterpark resort.
The all-under-one-roof experience, covering 223,000 square feet (20,717 sq m), offers dining, a spa, live entertainment, shopping experiences, an indoor theme park and a convention centre. The Round Rock resort is Kalahari’s fourth property and the brand’s first foray into Texas and the Southwest market. The new resort created approximately 1,000 jobs in 2020 and expects to hire additional associates as demand grows in 2021.
“Everything is bigger in Texas, so it was the perfect place for our largest and most luxurious resort yet,” said Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. “We’re proud to be able to open the Round Rock location as scheduled despite what a challenging year it’s been for everyone. The $550 million resort brings much needed tourism dollars and hospitality jobs to the area and offers a welcome getaway for locals and travellers.”
The new resort boasts 975 guest rooms, 30 waterslides, 20 pools and whirlpools, three acres of outdoor pools, a world-class spa and salon and 20 on-site dining options, including four signature full-service restaurants, in addition to Tom Foolerys Adventure Park with thrill rides, zip lines, climbing walls, mini-golf, bowling, laser tag and more.
Health and safety is a resort priority, and as a family-owned and -operated business, Kalahari Resorts will adhere to all local and state public health and safety regulations, including guidelines for masks and social distancing. With 1.5 million square feet, Kalahari offers plenty of room for guests to spread out. Occupancy at the resort will be limited for amenities and attractions, including restaurants, in accordance with local rules and regulations.
Kalahari Resorts is African-themed, and the Round Rock resort features a modern African design with a local Texas spirit. The resorts were inspired by a Nelson family trip to Africa more than 20 years ago, and the family travelled to South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania to hand-select 1,000 pieces of African art, sculpture, furniture and retail items for the Round Rock resort. This $600,000 art investment is part of an ongoing brand commitment to the people, places, and cultures that inspire the resorts. To date, Kalahari Resorts has invested more than $5.5 million in the purchase of African art, textiles and more to support African artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs.
Kalahari Round Rock will also highlight local partnerships with food and beverage, retail brands, musicians, artists and makers.