A recent trip to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas was an unforgettable experience. This resort, with its sprawling property and multiple attractions, is a popular choice for families, offering an extensive range of activities and accommodations.

The visit aimed to celebrate a special occasion, and here’s a breakdown of the highs and lows of the Atlantis experience.

Location & Resort Overview

Where is Atlantis? The Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island, a small island connected to the main island of New Providence by a bridge. While many people assume it’s part of Nassau, it’s actually just a short distance away. The resort sits between the island’s main attractions and is close to the cruise port, where many of the major cruise ships dock daily.

The resort itself covers a vast area, including five hotel towers, more than 140 acres of waterpark, and other leisure facilities. For easy navigation, downloading the Atlantis app with its built-in resort map is highly recommended.

Getting to Atlantis

Visitors arriving at Paradise Island via cruise ships can easily take a water taxi or a regular cab to the resort. From the Lynden Pindling International Airport, taxis are readily available outside the baggage claim area, making transfers convenient. There is no need to book transportation in advance unless specific needs like wheelchair access are required.

Hotel Options at Atlantis

Coral Tower – This is the most affordable option at Atlantis, located near shops and restaurants. While the pool area and beach access are great, the hotel is older and may feel dated. It’s also farther from the water park and other attractions.

Royal Towers – The Royal Towers are the iconic pink structures with a bridge connecting the two towers. They house most of the dining options, and offer the most convenient access to the water park. Recent renovations have updated many of the rooms.

The Cove – Located on the far side of the property, The Cove is an upscale hotel offering luxurious suites and an adults-only pool area. It’s ideal for those looking for a more tranquil experience within the resort.

The Reef – This hotel is perfect for longer stays or families, offering studio-style rooms with kitchenettes and larger suites with full kitchens. It shares a private pool area and is located near the beach.

Harborside Resort – Located outside the main resort area, Harborside Resort offers apartment-style accommodations and is a great option for larger families. While still expensive, it can be a better value than booking two rooms in one of the on-site hotels.

Fun Fact: The Michael Jackson Suite

The Michael Jackson Suite, a 5,000-square-foot luxury suite situated in the bridge connecting the Royal Towers, is known for its high-end amenities and celebrity guests. With a rental rate of $25,000 per night, this exclusive suite is often visited by famous personalities.

Dining at Atlantis

With over 20 restaurants on-site, Atlantis offers a wide variety of dining options. However, they are generally on the expensive side, and many of the restaurants serve relatively simple dishes. The convenience of having meals within the resort is certainly a plus, especially for those who want to minimize the hassle of leaving the property. For special occasions, there are also upscale dining venues to celebrate events.

Activities at Atlantis

Aquaventure Water Park

The real highlight of Atlantis is the Aquaventure Water Park. It features water slides for all levels, from kid-friendly options to thrill-seeking slides with tower drops. There are plenty of pools, but the Rapid River is the real star. Unlike the traditional lazy river, the Rapid River offers a faster-paced, thrilling ride. For younger children, Poseidon’s Playground offers a safe and fun water play area.

However, the water slides and most pools close by 5 pm, which is disappointing for guests who would like to enjoy these facilities later in the evening. In peak summer, the pools may remain open a bit later, but it’s still much earlier than expected for a beach resort.

The Beaches

The beaches surrounding Atlantis, including Paradise Beach and Cove Beach, are some of the most stunning in the Bahamas. The water is crystal clear and a brilliant aqua blue. These beaches are perfect for relaxation, and visitors should definitely plan to spend time lounging or snorkeling. It’s common to see schools of fish and even stingrays in the water.

A downside, however, is the chair situation. By 7 am, guests start to claim beach chairs, and by 8:30 am, most of them are already occupied. While this practice can be frustrating, it’s hard to avoid if you want to guarantee a spot. Towels are available only after 9 am, and there tends to be long lines when the towel stands open.

Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island offers a fun and luxurious vacation experience for families. The water park, beaches, and dining options are highlights, while the chair reservations and early pool closures can be a drawback. Whether it's worth it depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. For those who enjoy water activities and the excitement of a massive resort, Atlantis is an unforgettable choice. However, for those seeking peace and tranquility, the large crowds and fast-paced environment might be overwhelming.

ATLANTIS | PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS

Video by Kevin Williamson