Whether it's Angelina Jolie and Colin Farrell feeling the pace on a promotional sweep through Europe, or Nicole Kidman yearning for a weekend of tropical escape while filming in Paris, there's now a paradise retreat close at hand to refresh weary spirits.
Sun and fun lovers received a welcome blast of warmth as Tropical Islands, Europe's largest indoor leisure resort, opened its doors in Germany this week. Guests were welcomed by a parade of scantily clad dancers in carnival approved costumes, bringing a festive Brazilian vibe to the grand opening celebrations.
Located near Brandenburg, just an hour to the south of Berlin, the former Zeppelin hangar has been converted to an oasis of palm trees, beaches and year-round temperatures guaranteed to be in the high twenties.
Ecstatic visitors escaped the sub-zero temperatures and howling winds of the harsh Germanic weather to bask in the Tropical Islands lifestyle experience. The impressive indoor paradise is made up of an extensive system of lakes, beaches and a jungle consisting of some 10,000 tropical plants. Behind its two beaches, speakers camouflaged as rocks broadcast bird songs and animal calls that correspond to the time of year in the rainforest.
At five million cubic metres, the impressive structure is the world's largest free-standing building and aims to provide barefoot luxury in an idyllic setting, right in the heartland of Germany.
For €20, guests are entitled to a four-hour pass that lets them wander the sandy white beaches or relax in the pristine jungle paradise. Operators say the park will be open 24 hours a day and is expected to bring some welcome relief to an area of Germany already hit hard by unemployment.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
