Review: Atlantis, Paradise Island

Why book?

Set against rows of palm trees and a cerulean sea, this pink-colored Bahamas mega-resort is a world unto itself, with a variety of activities and culinary options to keep travelers busy. First opened in 1994, Atlantis set the tone for mega-resorts for travelers seeking the comforts of full service experience, alongside a myriad of ways to keep kids entertained.

Set the scene

Five miles of  white sand and turquoise waters surround Atlantis, which is located about just over the bridge from the country’s capital, Nassau. If convenience is your priority, then this is your ideal place to check into. It’s a one stop shop for food, activities and shopping—including a 141-acre waterpark, massive casino, 14 swimming pools, and 21 restaurants. Young children can enjoy a game room with 12 different stations, and a kids club offers movie nights, karaoke and more. Solo and group travelers order a rum-filled coconut and head to the beach or a swim up bar. If you’re feeling lucky, grab a seat at a craps table or slot machine at the 24-hour casino. You can take your winnings just a few steps away to spend your earnings at luxury boutique shops like Gucci and YSL. The 75,000-square foot Marina Village offers a number of restaurants and casual eateries just steps away from a yacht-filled harbor—perfect for people watching.

The backstory

In 2023, Atlantis will celebrate its 25th year. In 1994, hotelier Sol Kerzner invested more than 800-million dollars in the idyllic paradise, making it one of the Caribbean’s most ambitious development projects that would include an open-air marine environment home to 50,000 sea creatures, lagoons, waterfalls, and a  Mayan Temple water slide. It has since become synonymous with travel to the Bahamas, particularly for families seeking relaxation and entertainment.

The rooms

Atlantis Paradise Island features the two iconic pink tower wings of The Royal, family-friendly accommodations at The Coral, water-side villas at Harborside Resort, the adults-only The Cove, and residential-style accommodations with full kitchens at The Reef. Last year, the east tower of The Royal  was completely renovated to complement the ocean right outside—with accents of turquoise and sand colors throughout the space, more contemporary furnishings, and technology like USB jacks installed at nightstands and app-based resort services. These airy, bright rooms are the way to go– particularly the suite category, which offers a private balcony with ocean views, massive bathrooms, a living area, and walk-in closet. The Royal Towers’ premium room includes the 4,740 square foot, VIP Bridge suite with its own entertainment center, butler service, and a dining room. At $25,000 a night, it’s one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world.

Food and drink

It’s easy to satiate hunger at Atlantis– there are 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges spread across the resort. For more casual options, hotel guests can grab a slice at Marina Pizza or a packaged Greek or caesar salad from Plato’s cafe and head to the beach for an al fresco lunch. For fine dining options, Nobu offers harborside or indoor dining with the fresh sashimi slices and rolls that have given the restaurant acclaim around the world. At Fish by José Andrés, seafood takes center stage with a nautical theme. Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area. For a lively atmosphere and tender cuts of steak, Seafire Steakhouse is a popular option– so plan ahead with a reservation. A raw seafood bar and grill station serve up Bahamian conch, a citrusy hamachi dish served with passion fruit, pearl onion and cilantro, and for larger dishes not to be missed try the whole branzino grilled over wood fire with roasted leeks, a mussel-saffron cream, and tarragon oil.

Just across the way in Marina’s Village, the newly opened Dilly Club in Marina Village is a café by day and craft cocktail lounge by night, where over 50 craft cocktails including an extensive rum list is available. It’s a nice alternative to the more animated poolside bars and ideal for a date night.

Spa

Escape the crowds and sneak away to the 30,000 square foot Mandara Spa, which  features an outdoor lap pool, 10,00 square-foot fitness center and wellness programs. Two couple's spa suites offer private bathing amenities, and locker rooms include plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms. For treatment options, the Mandara customized massage is tailored to specific needs and includes a warming paraffin treatment to hydrate the feet and hands. A 15,000-square-foot fitness center on the premises offers personal training and group exercise classes.

The neighborhood/area

Located on Paradise Island—just beyond Nassau, Atlantis has claimed its stake as the main attraction in the area. Nearby attractions include downtown Nassau, where a number of cruise ship passengers stroll the shops before returning to sea. The resort has teamed up with  local partners like Pieces of 8 boat tours to offer guests day trips to the Bahamas' out islands of Exuma and Eleuthera– where visitors can swim with pigs or feed iguanas in their natural habitat.

The service

With a resort of this size and level of demand, service at Atlantis is impressive. Pool and beach attendants are readily available for any questions, and lifeguards keep watch on the resort’s coastline. For families, there is special attention given at every turn–from night programs for children to cooking classes to hosted tea parties. A new bespoke concierge service, called Sapphire Services, curates highly personalized experiences and travel services  for guests, including  charter flights from Miami, day trips to nearby islands with a sea-to-table lunch, and private helicopter and yacht excursions.

For families

Families will find no shortage of ways to stay engaged at Atlantis. Kids can head to the aquaventure waterpark for a tube ride down the mile-long Rapids River, or, propel down the 60-foot waterslide atop the Mayan Temple. For an immersive experience, Dolphin Cay is the resort's 14-acre marine mammal habitat. The marine education center’s residents include 17 rescue bottlenose dolphins from Hurricane Katrina. The Playtime with Dolphins program allows guests to wade waist-high in the water to witness the dolphin’s vocalizations and physical abilities.

Eco effort

The resort is home to more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species. Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF), the resort's nonprofit and conservation organization, has taken on a number of initiatives since its inception 15 years ago. These include donating mangroves to help restore the wetlands around the Bahamas, creating coral nurseries, and rescuing and reintroducing animals like sea turtles back into their natural habitats.

Accessibility

There are 30 accessible rooms—12 of which are located in the Royal Towers. These accommodations include safety bars, lowered sinks, and roll-in showers. There are wheelchair accessible vans between Nassau and Paradise Island.  On property, wheelchairs are allowed on the pool decks, and beach wheelchairs are also available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Anything left to mention?

Before arrival, check out the lineup of performers or events at Atlantis including the likes of Lizzo and the annual Wine & Food Festival featuring top chefs and sommeliers from around the world.