Thank you Atlantis Bahamas Resort for hosting us. All opinions are my own.
Have you heard of Atlantis Bahamas? I can’t remember the first time I heard about Atlantis, but I do remember how much it stood out as an iconic location the times I’ve been to Nassau. This is my third time in Nassau, although I actually forgot I had visited in 2013. My memory was jogged as we drove from the airport through the downtown area. I remembered the trip and our Vespa ride around the island as we drove past the distinctive downtown area and the fish market.
We were also just in Nassau last March on our Disney Cruise. It was one of our ports and we were able to take a boating day trip to one of the small islands off of the main Island. Our day trip to Pearl Island was pretty great too.
We were all very excited to arrive back in Nassau and make our way to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. To say that this trip was amazing doesn’t even touch on the grandness of this experience. Read on to learn all about the extraordinary resort and everything you need to know for your trip to Atlantis.
What is Atlantis?
Atlantis Paradise Island is a resort and water park located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. One of the things I found so fascinating about Atlantis is how much this place has to offer! There are several different buildings with hotel accommodations, dozens of dining options, and a wide variety of entertainment options. Atlantis is well known for its large water park. It also features marine habitats and a casino.
The history of Atlantis, Paradise Island began in the 1960s when hotelier Sol Kerzner purchased the property on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. He initially developed the property as a small, upscale resort, but later began to expand the resort and add more amenities, including the casino, water park, and marine animals. The resort officially opened in 1998 with its 25th anniversary this year. Atlantis also serves as a major economic driver for the Bahamas, providing jobs and income for many locals.
How to get to Atlantis Resort
There are two main ways you can get there – by plane or by boat. We’ve actually been to the Bahamas via a cruise ship too, so that’s definitely a fun way to visit. There are also a lot of yachts that dock right near Atlantis, so a boat is definitely another way to get there.
We flew from LAX in Los Angeles to Miami. There, we had a short layover before flying from Miami to Nassau. Once you land in Nassau, you will need to go through customs. We arrived around 8:30 pm, so customs was very quick. Customs told me that people who arrive between 11 and 2 pm will have the longest wait. Upon arrival, we were required to fill out a one-page document, which is standard with international travel. It asked questions like the length of our stay and where we would be staying.
Once we got through customs, we exited through the baggage claim and we were met by the car transport people that Atlantis had arranged for us. We had a private SUV that drove us from the airport directly to the front of our hotel. Our driver was so great! He talked to the kids like he was their old friend and offered tips about collecting sand and shells at the beach. He made us instantly feel right at home.
The Royal Towers Check-In
When we arrived at the Royal Atlantis, we were greeted by our host, Dwight. He walked us to check-in and introduced us to another colleague who walked us to our room, along with a bellman who carried our bags. It was, by far, the most seamless check-in experience of my life. They made us feel so welcome and got us to our room very quickly. Since it was already past 9 pm, I really appreciated the quickness so we could get settled the first night as soon as possible.
Where to Stay at Atlantis
Atlantis, Paradise Island features several different hotels and accommodations. The main hotels include the Royal Towers (where we stayed), the Coral Towers (where my friend Ramona stayed), the Beach Tower (under renovation), the Cove Atlantis, the Reef Atlantis, the Harbourside Resort, and the South Beach. In addition to these main hotels, the resort also has villas, suites, and residential-style accommodations. We stayed at the Royal, so I can say the most about that hotel. However, I still want to provide you with a bit of an overview of some of the other main hotels if you consider visiting.
The Royal Atlantis Bahamas
The Royal Towers at Atlantis, Paradise Island is one of the most luxurious hotels I’ve stayed in. It is one of the main hotels at the resort and features guest rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center, and a large pool complex. The Royal Towers is also home to the iconic and largest open-air marine habitat in the world, Just outside of our tower were giant turtles, sting rays, and sharks. Our tower was also really close to “The Dig” which is a giant aquarium that is free for everyone to explore. The Royal is connected to the “Avenue of the Gods” which is a collection of shops, restaurants, and bars. There are high-end shops and restaurants such as Nobu, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and more. The Royal is also home to the casino.
The Royal Atlantis One Bedroom Suite
We stayed at the Royal tower west. Our room was a very large one-bedroom king suite. We had two balconies, a large separate living room/dining room, and a very large bedroom. The suite also had two large TVs, a refrigerator, a main master bathroom, and also a half-bathroom in the living room/dining room. This suite was seriously the nicest suite I’ve ever stayed in. I’ve stayed in many nice hotels around the world, but I was so impressed with the size of this suite and also the views it offered. We had sweeping views of the ocean, the entire Atlantis waterpark, and some of the other hotels on the property. My only regret on the trip was not spending more time in the room because it was that nice!
Atlantis Service
I was also really impressed with the service at the Royal. Soon upon check-in, someone knocked at the door and gave us a charcuterie plate and a half-dozen chocolate-covered strawberries. We were all hungry, so it was nice to have a little snack before bed. Since the kids and I were sharing the suite, we also needed to figure out our sleeping arrangements. I chose to take the king bed, and the kids got the pull-out couch in the living room area. Next, I went to the closet to look for sheets and blankets to make their bed, but there weren’t any. I called guest services, and they immediately offered to come upstairs and make up the bed for the kids. Within minutes, they arrived and made up the bed.
This was our overall experience with the Altantis staff members. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and attentive. I had a few small issues in my room (the toilet kept running, for example), and they attended to every issue as though it was the top priority. I can’t say enough about the service at Atlantis Bahamas Resort.
Another thing I loved about the Royal is how convenient it was. I’ll talk about dining further down in the article, but it was so convenient that the Royal featured a lot of the restaurants and also very close proximity to the kids’ club, the water park, and the marine animals. I personally think the Royal tower is the best location of all the hotels on the property since it is the most central to the resort.
The Atlantis Bahamas Casino in the Royal Tower
The Atlantis Casino was the biggest surprise for me. I had no clue there was a casino there. To be honest, I try not to do too much research on a resort before I visit because I don’t like to have too many expectations. I’d rather be surprised than go in with so many expectations that I might be disappointed. But there is no way Altantis could ever disappoint. It is impossible to clearly articulate just how great this resort is.
The casino was really neat. I haven’t gambled in a really long time, like 20 years. Its’ not really my thing, but I thought I’d give it a try while I was there. I did sports betting and also played the dollar slots. To my utter shock, I actually won $200 on the slots! It was such a surprising experience. I didn’t even realize I had one until my friend Ramona came over and said, I think you won’t $20. Then we both realized it was actually $200 based on the number of credits I had won.
The Cove Atlantis
The Cove Atlantis is an adult-only hotel. It is designed for guests looking for a more sophisticated and exclusive experience. The hotel features a private beach club and an exclusive pool area. They also have more upscale dining options. They offer many adult-friendly activities including water sports, tennis, and a casino. I didn’t actually get a chance to visit the Cove, but its location would definitely offer really lovely views and it looks amazing from the photos I’ve seen. If I ever get the chance to go back to Atlantis without my kids, I’d definitely love to stay there.
The Coral at Atlantis
The Coral Atlantis is one of the more family-friendly hotel options. My friend Ramona and her family stayed here. I loved its beachy and airy feel. The decor felt like I was at the beach with mostly white colors with coral and teal accents in the decor. Right outside the hotel, they have a large pool and marine habitats. They also are close to the rope bridge and one of the beach areas. They have several dining options here, as well. One night, we got gelato at their ice cream shop called Sun and Ice. Gigi got their mint chocolate chip gelato and loved it. Although I didn’t try the gelato myself, Sun and Ice definitely had my favorite decor with their cute teal booths.
Atlantis Bahamas Water Park
Atlantis is probably best known for its pools, water park, and beaches. It’s also where we spent the majority of our time. Paradise Island in the Bahamas features a large water park called Aquaventure. The water park has several different water slides, rides, and play areas. Some of the main attractions include the lazy river and the rapids – which is a water slide that takes guests on a thrilling ride through a dark tunnel before dropping them into a large pool. There is also the current, which is a mile-long river ride that winds riders through shark-filled lagoons, caves, and rapids.
We spent much of our last day at the Power Tower, which is a tall tower with multiple slides, including the Leap of Faith, a nearly vertical drop slide that goes through a shark-filled lagoon. For most of the second day, we spent time at the Mayan Temple, which is another large water slide complex with multiple slides and waterfalls. Finally, there is an area called Splashers, which is a children’s water play area with slides and interactive water features. Plus, Atlantis has over 21 swimming pools. We spent time at both the Coral Pool and the Royal Pool. My kids also spent a lot of time at the grotto pool because it was more secluded and private. The water was also warmer since it was a smaller pool.
I can’t really say enough about the grandness of the Atlantis Waterpark. It is massive and the amount of pools and slides and beaches is quite impressive. I only wish we had a few more days to explore the immaculate grounds.
Atlantis Beaches
Although maybe not quite as known for their beaches, they should be. I was blown away by the beauty of the Atlantis beaches. The Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas has over 11 miles of white sand beaches. The resort features several different beaches, each with its own unique features and amenities. Some of the beaches include Cove Beach, Paradise Beach, and Cabbage Beach. These beaches offer a range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and water sports.
Sustainability at Atlantis Bahamas Resort
One of the first things I noticed about Atlantis was that they take sustainability seriously. When we checked in, they gave each of us a reusable container for water. The kids got insulated water bottles and I got an insulated cup that would work for hot or cold beverages. I also noticed that they do not use plastic straws or cups. They also have drink refilling stations around the resort and on each floor. They also had a sign in our room that talked about sustainability initiatives.
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas clearly committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Here are some of the ways. For energy efficiency, they use energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and water-saving technologies. In terms of water conservation measures, they use low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse. For waste reduction, they have recycling programs, composting, and use biodegradable and compostable products. For marine conservation, Atlantis is home to a number of marine habitats, including the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, “The Dig”. The resort is committed to marine conservation and works with a number of organizations to protect and preserve marine life.
Animals at Atlantis Resort Bahamas
Although I’ve already mentioned the marine habitats, I wanted to talk a bit more about the animals at Atlantis. I was so blown away by all of the wildlife in and around the resort. There were many times during the trip when I would look down into an open water area and see a new kind of animal. Even from our balcony, Gigi spotted some rays from way up on the 17th floor.
Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas is home to a variety of marine animals, including fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles, as well as terrestrial animals such as parrots, flamingos, and iguanas. A wide variety of tropical fish can be found in the resort’s marine habitats, including angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish, and many others. The resort’s marine habitats are home to several species of sharks, including the sand tiger shark, the nurse shark, and the reef shark. Guests can also see several species of rays, including southern stingrays, cownose rays, and spotted eagle rays. The resort’s marine habitats also include sea turtles, including the loggerhead sea turtle and the green sea turtle. There are also a number of aviary habitats that are home to a variety of bird species, including parrots, flamingos, and macaws. The resort also has iguana habitats, where guests can see the green iguana and the blue iguana. It’s impossible to walk around Atlantis and not see wildlife around you. It was all very impressive and definitely another feature of the resort I wasn’t expecting that absolutely made this resort stand out as special.
Atlantis Bahamas Restaurants & Dining
We had an opportunity to try several different restaurants and dining options while we were there. My favorite meal was actually room service for dinner. I got grilled shrimp and conch fritters that were seriously so delicious. I would highly recommend enjoying seafood as much as you can since I personally think it’s one of the things the Caribbean does best. Although I didn’t try it, I also heard the jerk chicken was very good at a few of the restaurants.
My other favorite meal was at PITA, which was a little outdoor restaurant near Cove beach. They had delicious Greek food. I loved the hummus and falafel there. The only restaurant I had heard of prior to arriving was Nobu. Located in the casino, I was surprised to see the famous Japanese restaurant right on-site at Atlantis. Although we didn’t go there, it’s definitely the place I wish I had known to make a reservation, as my kids really enjoy sushi. There are dozens of other restaurants to meet pretty much anyone’s dietary tastes and preferences. Most mornings, we enjoyed the buffet breakfast at Poseidon’s, which was located in the Royal tower. The kids really loved the buffet because they could make their own plates and try lots of different things.
Things to Do at Atlantis with Kids
Although I think I’ve already touched on a lot of the things to do with Kids at Atlantis, including the Atlantis in Bahamas Waterpark called Aquaventure, the Marine habitats, and the Dig. There is also Dolphin Cay, which is a marine mammal habitat where guests can swim with dolphins, watch dolphin shows, and learn more about dolphins. We didn’t even get a chance to visit Dolphin Cay, which is one of the many reasons I hope we can go back soon.
Also, Atlantis has arcades and game rooms, mini-golf, and various kids’ programming throughout the resort. We didn’t participate in any kid-specific programming, as we spent most of our four days enjoying the outdoor activities including the pools, waterpark, and beaches, and checking out the marine animals. There is no doubt that Atlantis is made for kids and families. All of the amenities and services are geared to ensure you and your family will have an amazing time.
Shopping at Atlantis Resort
Beyond all of the amazing outdoor activities, Atlantis also offers a lot of shopping options. One of the main shopping areas at Atlantis Nassau is “Avenue of the Gods” which is located in the Royal Towers. It includes high-end retailers, luxury brands, and gourmet restaurants. The Avenue of the Gods is designed to evoke the grandeur and mythology of ancient Greece. The Marina Village is another nearby shopping area, about a five-minute walk from the Royal Towers where we stayed. This outdoor shopping and dining area has a variety of shops, including local Bahamian crafts, clothing, and souvenir shops, as well as a number of restaurants and bars. The Royal Promenade, which is located within the Royal Towers, also features high-end retailers, including luxury brands, jewelry stores, and art galleries. The Cove and Coral also offer some shopping with boutiques and shops. There are also a number of convenience stores and gift shops throughout the Bahamas Atlantis Resort.
I hope you can tell from this post just how much we loved our first trip to Atlantis. It is definitely an amazing resort with tons of amenities and opportunities to make lasting memories with your family. If you have any questions, please drop them below. I am sure I missed something and would like any excuse to reminisce about this phenomenal resort. Thank you, Atlantis Bahamas, for hosting us!