Yes! Send me the FREE digital editions of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines and the FREE weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines and breaking news alerts!
IDEATTACK’s new project in Hainan, China,
introduces the storytelling elements of a
theme park to the oceanarium concept.
Founders Natasha Varnica and Dan Thomas explain
What is the project? The project is a themed marine animal park with aquarium, envisioned as highly immersive, entertaining and experiential destination. Seaworld Adventure Park is a high-end themed environment with rides, a “lifestyle complex” with an original dining and retail offer, a vacation leisure park and educational and interactive animal exhibit.
Where is it? Seaworld Adventure Park is a part of the Ocean Flower Island project, a 380-hectare (939-acre) mega-tourism zone on an artificial archipelago off Hainan, China.
What is your role on the project? IDEATTACK is creator of all aspects of this complex project, including the architecture and masterplan of the park; ride and show design; planning and design of animal exhibits; planning and design of dining and retail content and the creation of the unique aquatic exhibit programme.
The team included marine-life specialists who selected the animal species for the park. Our job included aquatic engineering, sizing the animal exhibits, planning back-of-house animal care facilities and water, maintenance and utility considerations unique to aquatic park design.
When does it open and how much is it costing? It opens at the end of 2017. The cost is $240m (£167m, €212m).
Who is the target audience? Domestic and international tourists to Hainan Island.
Can you describe your design? The park features four distinct zones: Boardwalk Zone, Polar World Zone, Deep Sea Fantasy Zone and Tropical World Zone. The inspiration for this project stems from this exotic location of Ocean Flower Island and its surroundings as well as deep sea exploration, South Pole and North Pole expeditions and wildlife conservation research.
What is the design’s aim? The goal was to make a new type of ocean park destination which combines a theme park and oceanarium with lifestyle and leisure qualities and experiences.
What themes are present? Climate change issues, marine life preservation and ecological awareness topics are interwoven with the main themes and presented in a fun and exciting way as a part of the overall storyline.
What makes it different? The park is conceived as a highly immersive, story-driven environment and not as a typical animal exhibit-based ocean park. As an immersive, entertaining and experiential destination it is closer to a theme park than a typical ocean park where emphasis is on aquatic exhibits and less on theme and storylines. Also, the lifestyle component, with customised retail and dining, is unique to this park.
What is the centrepiece? There are several key points: the lake with its iconic tower, which is accessible from every part of the park; the Snow Mountain and Tropical Mountain and the 10,000sqm (108,000sq ft) indoor Grand Aquarium.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK’s new project in Hainan, China,
introduces the storytelling elements of a
theme park to the oceanarium concept
Science Museums: Shaping Tomorrow
Brazil’s Museum of Tomorrow uses
constantly updating, real-time digital
collection to communicate with visitors.
We met members of the team
Promotional feature: EAS
This year, the Euro Attractions Show is
coming to the Spanish city of Barcelona
Disney Special: Shanghai Disney: The Best Yet?
As Disney opens its first resort in mainland
China, our special feature examines its
business model, its potential impact and
the modernisation of the Disney castle park
New Openings: Space Inversion
A new contemporary museum district
in the Netherlands – Museumplein
Limburg – features a science centre,
a design museum and an inverted
planetarium. We take a closer look
Promotional feature: Polin
Polin’s patented technologies, extensive R&D and creative flair have made it one of the world’s leading waterpark design and manufacturing companies
Waterparks: Taking the Plunge
Waterpark suppliers constantly develop
their product offers. We dive into the
world of waterpark R&D to find out more
Zoos & Aquariums: The Long Game
UK safari park Longleat is undertaking a
decade-long upgrade that starts by going
back to its roots. As the attraction turns
50, CEO Bob Montgomery explains how
he’s bridging the past and the future
Operator: Evergrande Group Size: 130,000sqm Visitor capacity: 15,000 a day Dwell time: 5 hours Budget: $240m Opening: 2017
THE FOUR ZONES The Boardwalk - Harbor Village Visitors arrive on a long wooden deck with pier-like buildings surrounded by water. On the left is a polar environment with snow-covered mountains, icebergs and frozen ocean. On the right, green mountains covered with tropical plants and exotic rockwork. The Boardwalk contains several F&B outlets in its Fisherman’s Village, a special effects show, a lighthouse, food carts and themed sitting areas. Performers add to the experience.
Polar World - Snow Empire Polar World is a themed zone of the Seaworld Adventure Park dedicated to animals living in polar regions. The iconic Snow Mountain houses white whale and penguin exhibits, with the polar bear exhibit on its foothills. Other attractions include sea lions, walrus and seals, a 5D submarine ride, children’s waterplay area and special events area.
Tropical World - South Sea Paradise Tropical World is themed on warmer climates with lush tropical landscape. The manatee exhibit and jungle river aquarium are located here. Other key live animal attractions include the parrot show, touch pool and flamingo, turtle and crocodile exhibits. There are also rides, restaurants and a special event area for weddings and corporate parties. Visitors can also see monkey trainers, snake charmers, tribal dancers, musicians, fire eaters and acrobats.
Deep Ocean Fantasy - Empire of the Deep Deep Ocean Fantasy World is the largest of four thematic zones. One of its key attractions is the indoor Grand Aquarium housing diverse ocean life exhibits. The other major attraction is high-capacity dolphin stadium. There is also a 4D theatre, carousel, and lighthouse.
IDEATTACK’s Seaworld Adventure Park
IDEATTACK’s renderings show different zones and concepts within the $240m Seaworld Adventure Park, including the Polar World zone
IDEATTACK’s renderings show different zones and concepts within the $240m Seaworld Adventure Park, including Tropical World zone
he Boardwalk connects the different areas of the park, which is centred around a magical lake
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Hydrafacial
Founded in 1997, Hydrafacial has grown to become one of the world’s leading skin health brands. [more...]
Bellezi
Founded in 2009 as a Dutch family business, Bellezi brings more than 20 years of experience in treat [more...]
IDEATTACK’s new project in Hainan, China,
introduces the storytelling elements of a
theme park to the oceanarium concept.
Founders Natasha Varnica and Dan Thomas explain
What is the project? The project is a themed marine animal park with aquarium, envisioned as highly immersive, entertaining and experiential destination. Seaworld Adventure Park is a high-end themed environment with rides, a “lifestyle complex” with an original dining and retail offer, a vacation leisure park and educational and interactive animal exhibit.
Where is it? Seaworld Adventure Park is a part of the Ocean Flower Island project, a 380-hectare (939-acre) mega-tourism zone on an artificial archipelago off Hainan, China.
What is your role on the project? IDEATTACK is creator of all aspects of this complex project, including the architecture and masterplan of the park; ride and show design; planning and design of animal exhibits; planning and design of dining and retail content and the creation of the unique aquatic exhibit programme.
The team included marine-life specialists who selected the animal species for the park. Our job included aquatic engineering, sizing the animal exhibits, planning back-of-house animal care facilities and water, maintenance and utility considerations unique to aquatic park design.
When does it open and how much is it costing? It opens at the end of 2017. The cost is $240m (£167m, €212m).
Who is the target audience? Domestic and international tourists to Hainan Island.
Can you describe your design? The park features four distinct zones: Boardwalk Zone, Polar World Zone, Deep Sea Fantasy Zone and Tropical World Zone. The inspiration for this project stems from this exotic location of Ocean Flower Island and its surroundings as well as deep sea exploration, South Pole and North Pole expeditions and wildlife conservation research.
What is the design’s aim? The goal was to make a new type of ocean park destination which combines a theme park and oceanarium with lifestyle and leisure qualities and experiences.
What themes are present? Climate change issues, marine life preservation and ecological awareness topics are interwoven with the main themes and presented in a fun and exciting way as a part of the overall storyline.
What makes it different? The park is conceived as a highly immersive, story-driven environment and not as a typical animal exhibit-based ocean park. As an immersive, entertaining and experiential destination it is closer to a theme park than a typical ocean park where emphasis is on aquatic exhibits and less on theme and storylines. Also, the lifestyle component, with customised retail and dining, is unique to this park.
What is the centrepiece? There are several key points: the lake with its iconic tower, which is accessible from every part of the park; the Snow Mountain and Tropical Mountain and the 10,000sqm (108,000sq ft) indoor Grand Aquarium.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK’s new project in Hainan, China,
introduces the storytelling elements of a
theme park to the oceanarium concept
Science Museums: Shaping Tomorrow
Brazil’s Museum of Tomorrow uses
constantly updating, real-time digital
collection to communicate with visitors.
We met members of the team
Promotional feature: EAS
This year, the Euro Attractions Show is
coming to the Spanish city of Barcelona
Disney Special: Shanghai Disney: The Best Yet?
As Disney opens its first resort in mainland
China, our special feature examines its
business model, its potential impact and
the modernisation of the Disney castle park
New Openings: Space Inversion
A new contemporary museum district
in the Netherlands – Museumplein
Limburg – features a science centre,
a design museum and an inverted
planetarium. We take a closer look
Promotional feature: Polin
Polin’s patented technologies, extensive R&D and creative flair have made it one of the world’s leading waterpark design and manufacturing companies
Waterparks: Taking the Plunge
Waterpark suppliers constantly develop
their product offers. We dive into the
world of waterpark R&D to find out more
Zoos & Aquariums: The Long Game
UK safari park Longleat is undertaking a
decade-long upgrade that starts by going
back to its roots. As the attraction turns
50, CEO Bob Montgomery explains how
he’s bridging the past and the future
Operator: Evergrande Group Size: 130,000sqm Visitor capacity: 15,000 a day Dwell time: 5 hours Budget: $240m Opening: 2017
THE FOUR ZONES The Boardwalk - Harbor Village Visitors arrive on a long wooden deck with pier-like buildings surrounded by water. On the left is a polar environment with snow-covered mountains, icebergs and frozen ocean. On the right, green mountains covered with tropical plants and exotic rockwork. The Boardwalk contains several F&B outlets in its Fisherman’s Village, a special effects show, a lighthouse, food carts and themed sitting areas. Performers add to the experience.
Polar World - Snow Empire Polar World is a themed zone of the Seaworld Adventure Park dedicated to animals living in polar regions. The iconic Snow Mountain houses white whale and penguin exhibits, with the polar bear exhibit on its foothills. Other attractions include sea lions, walrus and seals, a 5D submarine ride, children’s waterplay area and special events area.
Tropical World - South Sea Paradise Tropical World is themed on warmer climates with lush tropical landscape. The manatee exhibit and jungle river aquarium are located here. Other key live animal attractions include the parrot show, touch pool and flamingo, turtle and crocodile exhibits. There are also rides, restaurants and a special event area for weddings and corporate parties. Visitors can also see monkey trainers, snake charmers, tribal dancers, musicians, fire eaters and acrobats.
Deep Ocean Fantasy - Empire of the Deep Deep Ocean Fantasy World is the largest of four thematic zones. One of its key attractions is the indoor Grand Aquarium housing diverse ocean life exhibits. The other major attraction is high-capacity dolphin stadium. There is also a 4D theatre, carousel, and lighthouse.
IDEATTACK’s Seaworld Adventure Park
IDEATTACK’s renderings show different zones and concepts within the $240m Seaworld Adventure Park, including the Polar World zone
IDEATTACK’s renderings show different zones and concepts within the $240m Seaworld Adventure Park, including Tropical World zone
he Boardwalk connects the different areas of the park, which is centred around a magical lake
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Hydrafacial Founded in 1997, Hydrafacial has grown to become one of the world’s leading skin health brands. [more...]
