Travel Tips
Big. Really big.
It's impossible to get past that first impression of Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas and you'll be reminded of it everywhere you go in the resort. This is not a destination for a quiet and restful romantic recharge; this is a destination for a full-bore, pedal to the metal, fun fest with several thousand other vacationers. So, with that in mind, what are the highlights if you want to make the most of a family vacation at Atlantis Paradise Island?
General Information
Atlantis Paradise Island is by far the biggest resort in the Bahamas. Located on New Providence Island, the word "resort" barely does it justice; Atlantis is a combination of amusement park, water park, casino, spa, beach all rolled into one sparkling and gigantic package. There are so many lagoons, water features, walk-through aquariums and waterfalls that it's considered the largest marine habitat in the world. With over 2,700 hotel rooms and villas, there are a variety of accommodation choices in three large hotels and a villa complex. Facilities at Atlantis include water slides; a kid's club; special teen activities; a dozen or so bars; numerous restaurants; a theater; a sports club; a spa; and a casino. (Yes, the biggest casino in the Bahamas. This is Atlantis, remember? It's big.)
Accommodation
If you're traveling with a family, plan to stay at either the Coral Towers or at Harborside, the villa complex. The Coral Towers is the most centrally located of the Atlantis hotels, and it houses the Discovery Kid's Club. Harborside offers one, two, and three-bedroom vacation villas with a fully-equipped kitchen, and has a zero-entry children's pool. Harborside is a little further from the noisy heart of the resort, which may be a blessing if you prefer to have your children asleep before midnight.
Dining
Dining choices at Atlantis have expanded in recent years, but it can still be a challenge to make a reservation where and when you want. As crazy as it sounds, it's advisable to book tables a couple of weeks before your vacation if you want to avoid an 11:00pm seafood buffet with your tired kids. Best bets for restaurants include NoBu, Dunes, and Cafe Martinique. Throughout Atlantis Paradise Island you'll find that food prices are very high, so you may want to consider the prepaid food plans that are available. Your choices will be a little more limited, but your wallet will thank you.
Activities for Children
The great draw for kids (at least, my kids) is the waterslides, particularly the huge Mayan Temple Slides. These can keep them occupied for hours. One important tip: Make sure everyone has swimsuits without metal rivets, zippers, studs, etc. These are not allowed on the slides, and you'll be charged a fortune to buy an acceptable swimsuit at the resort.
The Atlantis Kids Club has a variety of options for children aged 3 through 12, so your kids can be safe and supervised while they have fun, and while you hit the more grownup entertainment.
Casino
Lavishly decorated with sculptures by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, the casino at Atlantis Paradise Island is, as you've come to expect, big. The casino includes over 800 slot machines, and 75 table games including baccarat, roulette, craps, blackjack and poker. You can also wager on major sports events and US racetracks from a comfortable player's lounge.
Spa
The Mandara Spa features a full range of treatments, including massages, aromatherapy, facials, and salon services. With twenty-four treatment rooms; steam rooms; a sauna; and a thallasotherapy pool, you'll enjoy some quiet pampering to prepare you for your return to the crowds at the buffet line.
The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is in the Bahamas, but it isn't really of the Bahamas. If your dream is of a classic Bahamas vacation, and an opportunity to experience some of the indigenous culture, you'll enjoy other resorts much more. But if you'd like to combine the glitz and crowds of Las Vegas with lovely beaches and a family atmosphere, you can find it all in the lost paradise of Atlantis.
