The $50 million, nearly 253,000-square-foot facility features some of the industry’s newest technology. It boasts the region’s largest wave pool, complete with a sandy beach; Kid’s Mesopotamia, a water-play area for children that includes a tot pool; Qasar Enki, a lazy river with a swim-up snack kiosk; and a full range of adrenaline-rush- inducing water slides.

Lost Paradise is just one part of Al Areen, a massive $1.3 billion luxury mixed-use development roughly the size of Rhode Island, which will be completed by 2011.

Besides the waterpark, the development will feature residential housing, retail and commercial space, a medical center, wildlife reserve and two large luxury hotels — the Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, a $170 million facility featuring 78 private pool villas, and the Domina Hotel, a $150 million, 278-room hotel.

Constructed during Phase One of the Al Areen project, Lost Paradise is designed to handle as many as 5,000 visitors per day. The park is themed around the ancient culture of Bahrain. Architecturally, it draws attention to the beauty of the Dilmun ruins and features the Dilmun Artesian Spring, a recreation of Bahrain’s ancient springs. Symbolism and replicas of treasures from the Dilmun era also are used to enhance the theme.

To enable guests to remain in tune with their culture, male and female prayer rooms are available, and dining facilities serve Arabian- and Western-style cuisines.

So far, the concept seems to be working. Lost Paradise reported more than 10,000 visitors in its first week of operation. If that figure is any indication of future success, this is one waterpark that is not likely to remain “lost” for much longer.