The city of Round Rock, Texas, celebrated a monumental grand opening on Thursday, November 12th, marking the debut of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Round Rock. This spectacular destination proudly claims the title of America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Resort, boasting an expansive 223,000 square feet of exhilarating water attractions and a comprehensive all-in-one resort experience. Kalahari Round Rock is not just a waterpark; it’s a world-class destination offering luxurious accommodations, diverse dining options, a rejuvenating spa, live entertainment, unique shopping, a thrilling indoor theme park, and a state-of-the-art convention center, all under one roof. This marks Kalahari Resorts’ fourth property and their exciting entry into the Texas and Southwest market, promising a unique getaway for families and travelers alike.
The grand opening of Kalahari Resort Round Rock Tx injected significant economic vitality into the region, creating approximately 1,000 jobs in 2020 alone, with expectations for further job growth in 2021 as demand increases. Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, highlighted the strategic choice of Texas for their largest and most luxurious resort. “Everything is bigger in Texas, so it was the perfect place for our largest and most luxurious resort yet,” Nelson stated. He further emphasized the resort’s timely opening amidst a challenging year, noting the $550 million investment as a welcome boost to the local economy, providing both tourism dollars and hospitality jobs.
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to help open this amazing resort and waterpark. We couldn’t ask for a better boost for our economy right now or for an experience that’s more fun for visitors and residents alike.” The journey to bring Kalahari Resorts to Round Rock began with an announcement in June 2016, followed by a collaborative public engagement process between the City Council and Kalahari, culminating in this landmark opening.
To commemorate the grand opening of Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX, Grammy-nominated singer and actress Jordin Sparks joined as one of the resort’s first guests. Sparks, a self-proclaimed thrill-seeker, shared her excitement about having a Kalahari Resort closer to home, noting her family’s previous enjoyable experience at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos. “Now more than ever, it’s essential to find safe ways to have fun, destress and create memories,” Sparks commented, underscoring the resort’s appeal as a safe and enjoyable destination.
Explore Unparalleled Attractions at Kalahari Round Rock
Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX is designed to impress with its sheer scale and variety of attractions. Guests can choose from 975 well-appointed guest rooms, ensuring ample space and comfort for families of all sizes. The heart of the resort is undoubtedly the sprawling indoor waterpark, featuring an astounding 30 exhilarating waterslides and 20 pools and whirlpools. For those who prefer the outdoors, Kalahari offers three acres of outdoor pools, providing options for every preference.
Beyond the waterpark, Kalahari Round Rock elevates the resort experience with a world-class spa and salon, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Dining is a delight with 20 on-site options, including four signature full-service restaurants catering to diverse palates. For adventure seekers, Tom Foolerys Adventure Park offers thrill rides, zip lines, climbing walls, mini golf, bowling, laser tag, and much more, ensuring non-stop entertainment for all ages.
Commitment to Health and Safety at Kalahari Resorts
In today’s travel landscape, health and safety are paramount. Kalahari Resorts prioritizes the well-being of its guests and associates, adhering to all local and state public health guidelines, including mask and social distancing protocols. The expansive 1.5 million square feet of Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX naturally allows for guests to spread out comfortably. The resort is implementing capacity limitations for amenities and attractions, including restaurants, in accordance with local regulations.
Kalahari Round Rock has implemented comprehensive health and safety measures. These include associate wellness initiatives with self-assessments and temperature checks, enhanced sanitation protocols using hospital-grade disinfectants, and new operational procedures designed to facilitate social distancing and minimize contact. A dedicated Wellness Concierge is also on-site to monitor and communicate safety initiatives to guests, providing reassurance and support. Guests can feel confident knowing that according to the CDC, proper disinfection with chlorine and bromine, as used in waterparks, effectively inactivates viruses like COVID-19.
Authentic African Theme Meets Texas Charm
Kalahari Resorts are renowned for their authentic African theme, and Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX is no exception. It showcases a unique modern African design infused with local Texas spirit. Inspired by the Nelson family’s trip to Africa over 20 years ago, the resort features an impressive collection of hand-selected African art, sculpture, furniture, and retail items. The Nelson family personally traveled to South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania to curate over 1,000 pieces for the Round Rock resort, representing a $600,000 investment in African art. This commitment underscores Kalahari Resorts’ ongoing support for African artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs, with over $5.5 million invested to date across all their properties.
Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX also embraces local partnerships, collaborating with food and beverage providers, retail brands, musicians, artists, and makers from Texas. This fusion of African authenticity and Texas hospitality creates a uniquely enriching and localized resort experience.
Economic Partnership and Future Growth
The development of Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Round Rock represents a significant economic partnership between the city and the private company. The resort is strategically located near Old Settlers Park and Dell Diamond, established venues that attract over a million visitors annually, promising a thriving tourism-driven development.
The economic incentive agreements between Kalahari and the City of Round Rock stipulated key commitments, including Kalahari employing a minimum of 700 individuals and investing at least $350 million in the expansive resort. The City of Round Rock owns the 351-acre land and leases it to Kalahari. The city’s investment includes issuing bonds to construct the City-owned Convention Center and infrastructure improvements. This partnership is projected to generate substantial new tax revenue for Round Rock, estimated at $4 million annually after debt and incentive payments in the initial ten years of the agreement, further solidifying Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX as a vital economic engine for the region.
Plan Your Visit to Kalahari Resort Round Rock Today
Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX offers an unparalleled vacation destination, blending thrilling entertainment with luxurious relaxation, all while prioritizing guest safety. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous waterpark getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a unique convention venue, Kalahari Resort Round Rock TX is ready to welcome you. Reservations are open, inviting you to experience America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Resort in Round Rock. Visit kalahariresorts.com/roundrock to book your unforgettable experience today.
