By Alexander Britell

The Bahamas’ Atlantis resort has delayed the planned debut for its relaunched Coral Towers resort.

The Coral, which had been slated to debut July 16, will now be opening its doors later this summer, a spokesperson confirmed to Caribbean Journal.

“Our first guests to The Coral will be welcomed later this summer and the new Coral Pool will be opening this fall.  Guests already booked into The Coral this summer will be offered a complimentary upgrade [to The Cove or to The Reef], our luxury Oceanside property,” the company said in a statement. “Later this summer and until the fall opening of The Coral Pool, we will be offering reduced rates at The Coral while we complete the final renovations and construction needed to finalize the relaunch of this incredible new hotel.”

The much anticipated relaunch of one of the hotel’s older wings (it first opened in 1994) is part of a wider rebranding for Atlantis, which is seeking to reorient itself around more authentic Bahamian experiences.

That’s joined by a new campaign to highlight the resort’s Bahamian identity called “Come to Life.”

The Coral redesign will be accompanied by a similar transformation of Atlantis’ Marina Village, one that “will allow our guests to connect with Bahamian culture,” according to a release by Howard C. Karawan, President and Managing Director of Atlantis, Paradise Island.

The Coral’s relaunch also includes a major pool component designed by noted architect Jeffrey Beers and a new lobby lounge with features like an ice cream parlor and a bakery, along with “redesigned” rooms and suites.

It is an estimated $20 million renovation, the company said last year.