Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has started building its fifth resort in Spotsylvania County, home to Virginia’s largest indoor water park.
The new 1.38 million-square-foot resort is due to open in 2026. It includes a 175,000-square-foot indoor water park with waterslides, children’s areas, a huge wave pool and surfing simulator, and 10 acres of seasonal outdoor pools.
The $900 million African-themed destination will also feature 907 guest rooms and suites, 12 F&B outlets, and a 90,000-square-foot family entertainment centre (FEC) with rides, a ropes course, climbing walls and arcade games.
“Our family could not be prouder to call Spotsylvania County, Virginia home to our fifth Kalahari resort,” said Todd Nelson, owner and founder of Kalahari Resorts.
He said: “County and Commonwealth officials and the Virginia people have been incredibly welcoming and supportive in helping us to make Kalahari Resort’s fifth location a reality in this beautiful state.”
Kalahari already has resorts in Wisconsin Dells (Wisconsin), Sandusky (Ohio), the Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania), and Round Rock (Texas).
“Tourism development is essential to building our economy and positioning the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination,” said Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Caren Merrick. “The opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will attract more visitors and businesses to Virginia, which will generate hospitality jobs and create a significant economic impact for the region.”
Fifth Kalahari resort under construction
Kevin Marshall from the Spotsylvania board of supervisors said the development will create more than 1,400 full-time and part-time permanent positions.
“The Nelson family has a proven track record of being an excellent community partner, and we look forward to working with them through the construction and execution phases of the project, and for many years to come,” Marshall said.
“We have always loved Virginia,” Nelson added. “We can’t wait to share the Kalahari experience with the people here.”
Images courtesy of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
