Excitement is building in Virginia as Kalahari Resorts & Conventions moves closer to opening one of the most anticipated tourism developments in the region. The new Kalahari Resorts property, located in Spotsylvania, is set to welcome its first guests in 2026 and promises to significantly enhance the state’s family and group travel offerings. With a projected investment of $900 million and a footprint of more than 1.38 million square feet, the resort will introduce a level of entertainment, leisure, and hospitality that positions Virginia as a competitive destination for both domestic and international tourism.
The announcement of booking availability this year has generated a substantial amount of buzz. Families, corporate event planners, and travel organizers have taken note, as the resort is expected to serve as a year-round hub for recreation and convention business. For Kalahari Resorts prepares to open a landmark $900M destination in Virginia with a huge indoor waterpark, family suites, dining, and convention facilities., the arrival of Kalahari marks a milestone in statewide tourism development, adding a new flagship attraction that complements existing historic, cultural, and outdoor tourism assets.
A Landmark Indoor Waterpark Experience
At the core of the Kalahari Resorts concept is its indoor waterpark offering, and the Virginia property will deliver a centerpiece attraction that stands out even among national hospitality experiences. The waterpark will span more than 175,000 square feet, making it the largest in Virginia upon completion. This massive aquatic complex will feature more than 50 waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers, splash zones, raft rides, and play areas dedicated to young children.
One of the waterpark’s key advantages is its indoor climate-controlled design, which ensures families can enjoy the experience in every season — even during the coldest months of the year. Winter tourism in Virginia continues to grow as travelers seek weatherproof recreation options, and Kalahari’s all-season waterpark directly meets that demand.
The property will also include adrenaline attractions tailored for thrill seekers, allowing visitors of all ages to choose between high-energy slides and more relaxed aquatic environments. This flexibility positions the resort as an ideal destination for extended family travel and multi-generational vacation planning.
Spacious Suites Designed for Modern Travelers
Hospitality accommodations at Kalahari Resorts Virginia will support a wide range of travel purposes, with approximately 900 guest suites planned for opening. These suites are designed to provide generous living spaces, multiple sleeping arrangements, and family-friendly layouts that accommodate both short getaways and week-long stays.
Many suites will include features that cater to families, such as kitchenettes, living rooms, dining spaces, and bunk configurations for children. Larger suites will support multi-room layouts for extended groups, while other configurations will appeal to couples or corporate guests seeking private accommodations.
In addition to leisure travel, the resort is also expected to attract sports tournaments, youth travel programs, and student activities due to the combination of large suite capacity and on-site entertainment.
A Major Boost for Meetings, Incentives, and Conventions
One of the major differentiators of the Virginia property is its expansive convention and meeting facility. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has built a strong reputation in the meetings and events industry, and the Spotsylvania development will include state-of-the-art spaces for conferences, exhibitions, award ceremonies, product showcases, and corporate retreats.
The convention center will incorporate flexible meeting rooms, grand ballrooms, breakout spaces, and modern audiovisual infrastructure suitable for high-level business programs. This addition is expected to expand Virginia’s capacity for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism — a segment that delivers strong economic impact through hotel stays, dining, transportation, and local spending.
With corporate travel steadily recovering over the past several years, destinations that offer both business amenities and leisure activities are becoming increasingly appealing to planners. The integration of entertainment, waterpark attractions, dining, and hotel services under one roof provides a seamless environment for conferences, making Kalahari a competitive alternative to traditional convention cities.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment Under One Roof
Beyond the waterpark and convention facilities, the resort will feature a wide variety of dining and entertainment venues. Guests can expect a mix of casual and upscale restaurants, bars, snack outlets, and specialty dining options. Entertainment offerings will include arcade gaming, family play zones, shopping areas, and seasonal programming designed to engage children and adults alike.
For guests seeking relaxation, spa and wellness facilities will provide massages, beauty treatments, and fitness amenities, adding balance to the high-energy atmosphere of the waterpark and entertainment zones.
Strategic Tourism Value for the Region
Located within driving distance of Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Baltimore, the new Kalahari Resorts Virginia property will be easily accessible for millions of residents and tourists. Its location in Spotsylvania positions it near historic sites, vineyards, outdoor recreation areas, and cultural attractions, creating strong potential for extended stays and tourism spillover benefits for neighboring communities.
Virginia continues to invest in its tourism strategy, with family travel, regional leisure tourism, and group travel identified as high-potential market segments. The arrival of Kalahari aligns with these priorities and contributes to the state’s long-term tourism diversification strategy.
Looking Ahead
When it opens in 2026, Kalahari Resorts Virginia is expected to set a new benchmark for large-scale resort destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. With year-round entertainment, generous accommodations, and comprehensive meeting facilities, it will serve as a major draw for families, business groups, and leisure travelers seeking convenience and variety in one location.
The resort’s combination of attractions signals a promising new chapter for Virginia tourism, reinforcing the state’s role as a destination for modern travel experiences and family entertainment.
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