By Barb Nefer
The Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
The Atlantis
resort and Casino on Paradise Island, next to Nassau, in the Bahamas is an upscale resort that offers everything from plush accommodations to a casino to aquariums and a water park. Whether you're staying as a guest at the resort or visiting while in Nassau, you can enjoy the activities that Atlantis has to offer. It's connected to Nassau by a bridge; it's easy to access by taxi. You can also get there by boat or hydroplane. If you stay for a while, you may even catch a celebrity like Miley Cyrus in concert.
Insider Tips
Underwater aquarium viewing area at Atlantis.
If you're going to stay at Atlantis, plan to take advantage of all the amenities. The Aquaventure water park is especially popular with families. It features water slides that take you through shark tanks, an adventure river and other water thrill rides. You should also set aside time to tour the grounds, including the underground aquariums and open air lagoons where you can see daily feedings at set times.
Although Atlantis tends to be on the expensive side, you can catch special deals if you are willing to watch online. Typical deals include a free night for a certain length of stay or kids stay free specials.
Food at Atlantis runs the gamut from gourmet restaurants to buffets and quick service like Johnny Rocket's and a pizzeria. You'll be able to fit in meals without leaving the resort even if you have a relatively limited budget.
Spend some time just wandering around the resort and noting the incredible detail that went into building it, from carvings to murals to statues.
Pros and Cons
Detailed mural at Atlantis.
Atlantis is the kind of resort that has something for everyone. If you're visiting with your whole family, the adults can gamble in the casino or lie around in the beach while the kids splash in the pools or whiz down the water slides. You can even indulge in decadent spa treatments or see a concert if a celebrity happens to be playing at Atlantis during your visit. This resort is truly a destination in its own right. You can have a great vacation without ever leaving the grounds.
Atlantis can get rather crowded because it has on site guests and also hosts day visitors to the casino and other areas as well as cruise ship passengers on shore excursions to use the water park, tour the aquarium or swim with the dolphins.
Atlantis is on Paradise Island, and it's easy to get to Nassau by boat or taxi. However, you will soon discover that Nassau is very touristy, with aggressive hair braiders and merchandise vendors. You may even encounter them on the beach at Atlantis, although the environment is more low key there than on the main island.
Bottom Line
Although the casino makes Atlantis seem like an adult destination, it's really geared for families. If your family loves beaches, marine life and water sports, the Atlantis resort is the perfect spot to spend a long weekend or even a week. Although Nassau is touristy, you can visit it briefly and take refuge back at Atlantis when you get tired of the pushy street vendors. If you're just visiting for the day on a cruise ship, check out their shore excursions to Atlantis. You can often purchase a day package that includes use of the water park and even a meal. Paradise Island is a lovely little spot in the Bahamas, and Atlantis is its jewel.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Kissimmee, Fla., Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with more than 20 years' experience. She is also a mental health counselor and travel agency owner. Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer," "Animal Wellness," "SuperVision," "Bird Talk," "SpeciaLiving" and "Twins."
Photo Credits:
Photo: Atlantis Resort
Photo: Atlantis Resort
Photo: Atlantis Resort.
