Your Atlantis Adventure Awaits

If the kids got to pick their top three places they have visited, I know The Bahamas would definitely be on the list! I have to say, I was hesitant to do a trip to what I thought was a tourist trap: Atlantis Resort. And yes, although it really is intended to be your one stop shopping for family beach vacation fun, it doesn’t have to be to enjoy the resort and the country!

One of the advantages of the Bahamas is that it is a direct and short flight from a lot of the major U.S. airports into Nassau. Our direct flight from Dallas was only 3 hours! Transportation services coordinated through the hotel concierge (each of the Atlantis properties has its own concierge), was wonderful and we were whisked away in an SUV to check in at The Cove.

The Atlantis Resort consists of 6 hotel options

The Cove, Atlantis

One of the newer hotels, with all suites. Our room was beautiful and very comfortable for our family of 5. Also, ALL rooms have ocean views and balconies which was a nice way to start my days. Staying at The Cove comes with some additional perks, but they are mostly aimed at adults 21+. We used points and I definitely thought it was worth the small upgrade. (approx. $450/night)

The Royal, Atlantis

Our friends stayed here and thought it was a nice, standard room. It is a good choice since it is the most centrally located on the property and a little cheaper than The Cove, especially if you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in your room (which, of course, you won’t!) (approx. $300/night)

The Coral, The Reef, The Beach, Harborside Resort (Atlantis)

A bit far from the things you want as a family. Better for adults or budget travelers who don’t mind the hike to the main areas.

Aquadventure

The main attraction of the Atlantis hotel!! The pools, the beach, and everything else seems to get swallowed up by this huge waterpark. You can barely step out of your hotel and not be in a pool! Although there are only 8 waterslides, they were pretty amazing! The family favorite was actually the Abyss (a pitch-black drop that sends you into a really cool cave (see picture below). Also, the River Ride was WAY better than I would have imagined and well incorporated into the hotel theme. We often used it as a floating walkway to get from one side of the property to the other! The kids loved all of it! We spent one FULL day and 2 half days there and the kids could have stayed longer.

Dining

The food onsite had a LOT of options and if you ignore the fact that I don’t like buffets (even before COVID), the whole family was happy with our meals! We had so many choice and I was able to make reservations in advance (and change them with no cost) which made me VERY happy. I’m sure you can get more authentic Bahamian food in town and I would love to try it on another trip, but the convenience and flexibility won me over!

Other Activities

Kids Club

Our princess was 5 and in love with mermaids, so we couldn’t pass it up. Not inexpensive, but she was SO HAPPY! Highly recommend if you have littles who still dream….

Dolphin Cay

My kids (especially the little one) LOVE DOLPHINS, so we didn’t stand a chance of avoiding this adventure. If you have done a dolphin experience somewhere else, you may want to try to walk the kids by it as fast as possible….but my kids absolutely LOVED it, so take it or leave it.

Marine Adventures

Although it looked cool to snorkel with the exotic fish in the huge aquarium, the walkthrough in the main lobby of The Royal hotel was amazing and FREE!

Marina Village

A great after dinner walk along the marina hosting amazing mega yachts (yes, the kids tried to get invited on board several times!!!). There is music, shopping, and desserts. The vibe is great and its an easy walk back and forth so you aren’t committed if the long day of swimming makes for an early night!

Outside of Atlantis

There are plenty of other resorts on the Island that sound amazing, but all have different vibes.

The Ocean Club, Bahamas, A Four Seasons Resort

If you are looking to splurge ($2,000+) and want a little less “action” (and people), the Ocean Club is absolutely beautiful (we did visit). They have an arrangement with Atlantis so you can use the water park, and they will even drive you over and pick you up in a luxury SUV. I have to say the beach here is beautiful and extremely well kept…but you will have to decide if you are really there for the water slides and pools or laying on a sandy beach?

Baha Mar

Actually 3 resorts (Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood), all attached. Typically, it has been a more “adult friendly” resort per my research, but as of July 2, 2021 they are opening a brand-new waterpark that is aimed to compete with Atlantis. Obviously, I haven’t yet seen the waterpark, but am very intrigued! This resort also gives you easy transportation and suggestions to some of the private islands such as Blue Lagoon, and Rose Island which look beautiful and are a lot closer than trying to add in the Exuma trip.

Overall, If you and your family are NOT looking for the Aquaventure at the Atlantis, there are some other nice hotels…but if it was me and I didn’t want the water park (which I do), you would find me in Exuma! If you need more tips or travel bookings, contact me!

Bon Voyage,