Atlantis Casino and Hotel, the largest hotel property in the Bahamas, is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. With unique attractions that evoke the lost world of Atlantis, the resort welcomes visitors into an entertaining land of fun and fantasy. The Legend of Atlantis: Mentioned in the works of Plato, Atlantis was a vast island empire that stretched, some say, all the way from the Mediterranean Sea to the Americas. 
In Atlantis, Poseidon, god of the oceans, allegedly ruled over a utopian society of harmony and abundance as far back as 10 centuries BC. According to legend, around 1,500 BC, the mighty Atlantis civilization was destroyed by a massive earthquake and it disappeared forever beneath the ocean named for it, the Atlantic. Ever since, romantics and scientists have searched for its traces but turned up empty-handed. Based on the legend of Atlantis, this resort creatively and playfully interprets this lost world, adding loads of luxe and gallons of glitz to the mythical history.The Lost City of Atlantis is closer than you think. And Atlantis is as close to paradise as you’ll ever get. There is no easy place to begin to explain this indescribable resort...it’s an adventure you will encounter that will never be forgotten. Hey, you might just make it a yearly trip. First of all, before you begin your journey, you need to check out their website. Your entire family will enjoy it and you can explore all of their wonderful sites and attractions before you even arrive...just in case you need a little more info to get you excited about going there.
When you arrive at the airport, it is a simple task to get a cab. Then, as you cross over the bridge that leads from Nassau onto Paradise Island and you see Atlantis for the first time, you will be in awe of its size because it is absolutely enormous! The Atlantis resort is so large that it warrants it’s very own map. When you arrive, you will want to pick up a map and a copy of the day’s itinerary (for feeding times of marine animals, movie times (yes, they have their own theater), kids activities and so much more. You will be amazed by the marine habitats found throughout the resort (Atlantis boasts as the largest marine habitat in the world, second only to Mother Nature). Not only will you find some of the largest fish tanks all around you, you will be able to view these sea animals from several under water viewing tanks, via your walks around the resort, and even from a rope suspension bridge. Or, you can eat your breakfast sitting in a room with walls of glass showing off some of the most magnificent marine habitat ever seen. Whether it is the sea turtles outside of the Beach Towers lobby, or the hammerhead shark right outside of the Royal Towers, you will find these marine habitats throughout the park.Hospitality Cavern in the Beach Towers is a facility used for guests who check in early or have already checked out but who want to take (or still take) advantage of the attractions. There is a Men's and Women’s locker room complete with showers, lockers, towels, hairdryers and more. To receive a key for your locker you need to check with guest’s services.
The view from many rooms is awesome! Not only do some overlook the ocean, but some have an incredible view of the grounds of the Atlantis Resort (with views of the marine habitat full of fish and stingrays -- on some mornings you can watch as divers enter the water to clean the tanks and feed the fish/rays). We were lucky enough to have one of those rooms and at night we enjoyed just watching the huge Manta Ray swim around in the water with lights illuminating it as it gracefully flapped its wings). The rooms are incredibly clean (very important to most people) and the service is great.The Atlantis Resort offers more that just the standard guestrooms In fact, if you don’t mind spending $25,000 per night, you could have the most expensive room in the hotel including your own chef and personal staff (celebrities such as Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson have both stayed in this suite). Room options are: Executive Suites, Grand Suites, Imperial Club Executive & Grand Suites, and the Harborside Resort Villas (featuring one & two bedrooms). If you like having cocktails and horsdeuvres during the day and evening, you might enjoy staying in the Royal Towers on their concierge levels. There is also free internet access their and the lounge has a great view of the ocean and grounds.
So, start with a living, million-gallon saltwater habitat (the world's largest outdoor, open water aquarium, complete with an underwater walk through a shark lagoon, giant sea turtles and thousands of tropical fish), and combine it with swimming pools, a magical tropical river ride, the Goombay Baths & Slides and miles of glorious sandy beach, add restaurants and Camp Atlantis (offering supervised children's activities throughout the day and evening), throw in a convenient assortment of restaurants, meal plans, nightlife and a casino, and what you have is Atlantis, Paradise Island, a resort experience that may redefine family vacations.
If you love water (and you must or you probably wouldn’t have come to Atlantis), this is the place for you. There are a total of thirteen (13) pools and water recreation facilitates available for you at the Atlantis. Be prepared to wear your children, and yourself, out! Some of the fun spots to check out are: Lazy River Ride (located between the Beach Tower and The Coral Towers, the Lazy River Ride is just that, a lazy ride on an inner tube on a makeshift river and your family will probably never want to leave once they hop on. That is, of course, until you read further on); River Pool (located at the Beach Tower, this zero entry pool is quite large, and is connected to the Lazy River Ride - if you have smaller children who are not swimmers, this type of pool is the best!); Poseidon’s Kid’s Pool & Play Area (located at the Beach Tower, this pool/play area offers a water fountain, animals for your children to climb and play on, and a slide that enters into a shallow pool - it’s perfect for your toddler); Lagoon Pool (located at the Coral Towers, this large pool offers a great view of the Predator Lagoon and a very tropical backdrop); Ripples Kid’s Pool & Slides (located at the Royal Towers, this pool features mini-water slides and water fountains).
Here's one of the best places to go. Mayan Temple Pool & Water Slides: Located at the Royal Towers, this is where you will probably spend the majority of your time (along with everyone else). This pool is also a zero entry pool at the front. On the edges you have a stair entry, or … you could climb up the stairs near this pool and go down the mini water slides. And, if you want to relax in the hot tub, you can get there by either a small bridge, or by small water slides. This area is perfect with those who have older children who will be busy with the Mayan Temple waterslides and there are also Ping-Pong tables with paddles and balls provided.
The Atlantis Resort is the largest marine habit in the world, only second to Mother Nature. Having all these marine habits throughout the grounds truly enhances the beauty of this resort. You can spend hours, or even days, just walking around and around the resort in awe of these marine habitats. Outside of the Reef Wing of the Coral Towers you will find nurse sharks in lagoons located directly outside the guest rooms, and right off of the sidewalks. Yes, just walk right up to the edge of this lagoon and be so close to these amazing animals with no fences holding you back. Only a sign that mention these animals have very sharp teeth. (Your kids will enjoy the sign.) Several of the Marine Life Exhibits and viewing locations found throughout the resort include (but are not limited to): Royal Stingray Lagoons (directly outside of the Royal Towers, this lagoon is packed with stingrays - not only can you view from a bridge above, but you can also get a close up view from the ground); Predator Falls & Rope Suspension Bridge (one of our favorite areas - you can see the two fascinating and mesmerizing hammerheads swimming about (it is truly amazing to watch them “in person,” five sawfish sharks, stingrays and other breeds of sharks as well); The Dig (a favorite of the entire family, this site is located in the Royal Towers -- it is absolutely fabulous and, if you are not a guest of this hotel, you will pay to view it - go on the tour or walk it at your own pace - The Dig is a a playful imagining of the ruins and remnants of the lost world of Atlantis and it consists of a series of mysterious interconnected passageways and chambers in a dedicated area of the resort - full-size picture windows open up to views of deep-water environments inhabited by a variety of underwater life ranging from piranhas, a tank full of moray eels, “Nemo” fish, as children call them, seahorses (amazing to see close up), lionfish, rockfish, several types of jellyfish and huge lobster tanks - there’s also an area where kids can touch conchs and other small creatures); Predator Lagoon, Reef & Underwater Viewing Tunnel (now you can go underneath the reef, which provides a whole new look at the awesome animals inside); Mayan Temple Predator Lagoon (located at the Royal Towers, this lagoon is packed full of some serious sharks that you can view above the water, from the ground, or directly inside if you are brave enough to ride the Serpent Slide).
Make sure to bring plenty of film with you, as you will want to capture everything! And if you forgot your film, don’t worry. Not only can you purchase film in one of the gift shops, but there is also photo processing done on grounds, complete with the option to purchase photos their staff members have taken.
Some of our favorites are:
SIP SIP. Chef Julie Lightbourn will bring her menu to The Cove’s brand new, redesigned poolscape with two restaurants – one poolside and one in the sand, on Paradise Beach.
CHOP STIX. Stimulate your senses and awaken your taste buds at Chop Stix, where contemporary Chinese cuisine meets the Pacific rim.
NOBU. Experience a new trend in Japanese cuisine at the newest outpost of the acclaimed Nobu restaurant by celebrated Japanese Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
CASA D'ANGELO. Tuscany meets the Caribbean as Chef Angelo Elia brings his award-winning South Florida Italian eatery to The Bahamas.
OLIVES. Renowned Chef Todd English introduces his famed Olives restaurant. Featuring his signature open kitchen and Mediterranean cuisine.
BIMINI ROAD. Savor the islands as you discover Caribbean fare in this fun, casual and colorful restaurant with ocean-inspired interiors and an outdoor bar.
CARMINE'S. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and family-style dining experience of this famous New York landmark.
VIRGIL'S BBQ. Family-style dining is taken to new heights in this rustic and casual restaurant by using a range of rubs and marinades all enhanced by hours of gentle smoking over hickory, oak and fruit woods.
Shark Bites Express: This is next to the Mayan Temple and Predator Lagoon. It is the perfect spot to have a quick something to eat before heading back to the pool. Featuring a very close menu as the Cave Grill, the children’s menu is perfect with very large portions.
Shopping is available for every family member and every price range. There is something to be bought by all. Located throughout the Royal, Coral and Beach Towers (which is all connected via hallways) are the Atlantis Logo Stores (postcards, picture frames, t-shirts, handbags, playing cards (real cards once used in the casino for one one dollar), marine life stuffed animals, towels and much more. There are also shops like Gucci, Cartier, Bvlgari, Colombian Emeralds and Amici (just in case you hit it big in the casino). Don’t forget, all purchases are duty free.
Mandara Spa At Atlantis. Originating in Bali, this spa brings to Atlantis unique treatments that reflect the beautiful traditions of exotic cultures found worldwide. Ancient techniques from Asia, traditional European spa therapies, and natural spices, fruits and minerals indigenous to the Bahamas meld together to provide the ultimate rejuvenating experience. Now it’s time to pamper yourself. Their spa contains 24 treatment rooms that include: a sauna, steam rooms, two tropical rain showers, pedicure/manicure and hair stations, lounges, facial rooms, massage rooms and a boutique filled with spa and beauty products. We must thank Charmaine Burrows for her help and the wonderful Natasha for the awesome Deluxe Tropical Pedicure that included the delicious Ginger and Salt Scrub. You can begin your relaxation in the Utopian Water Rituals and let the heated saltwater pool, tropical rainshower, gentle sauna and aromatic steam room melt away tension. Enjoy a full complement of massage therapies, refreshing facials, exotic body scrubs, salon and beauty services, or a combination of treatments for the perfect spa day. Some things to try are: Swedish or Sports Massage, Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial, La Therapie Oxygen Lifting Facial, Caribbean Coffee Body Scrub (YUMMY - awaken your spirit with the intoxicating aroma and revitalizing effects of finely ground Caribbean coffee, vanilla and spice oil - this refreshing scrub will smooth and revitalize your skin and it comes complete with a 50-minute massage). Atlas’ Retreat (the Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap polishes your skin while the aroma and soothing milk bath indulges your senses - you’ll feel like you’re floating in the clouds while cocooned in the state-of-the-art hydra-envelopment bed - complete the indulgence with an aromatherapy massage). Some of the The Sports Center is a great place to work out and it is located behind the Royal Towers. Check out their fitness equipment, classes and personal training, 18-hole putting course, four-lane lap pool, volleyball court, tennis courts and full size basketball court. As you jog on the treadmill, your view is the grounds of the Atlantis and the Atlantic Ocean. Working out doesn’t get any better.Atlantis Kids Adventures. Thanks to a great staff and the man of all men, Angelo Hart, the best director around, my children had the trip of their dreams. They were treated with such kindness, love and respect, as if they were royalty. They literally cried each night when we went to pick them up and that was all we needed to feel that they were having the best time ever. They would have stayed in camp 24/7 if that option was available. This supervised children’s program provides an upbeat atmosphere with a comprehensive schedule of activities for ages 4 through 12. Atlantis and The Discovery Channel have teamed up to develop this exciting new program to provide a new level of educational entertainment. The world of family vacations is about to be changed. Swimming and searching for buried treasure, authentic Bahamian crafts, nature walks, first-run movies and cartoons, pirate stories and games are among the possibilities. Others include air hockey and Nintendo, Sega and other computer games, face painting, talent shows, sand castle building, and ice cream contests. The 3,000 square-foot Camp even has its own mascot, Chickcharnie, a traditional Bahamian bird. Camp Features: Exploration and History (adventure begins around an authentic replica of the Atocha, a famous Spanish galleon that sank in 1622 - both a play and orientation area, this base camp provides youngsters with an overview of the adventures awaiting them throughout the day -- storytelling will happen here); Technology Lab (state-of-the-art computers linked to the internet, image scanners and real video camcorders let kids make personalized movies, postcards and posters); Science Outpost (kids will be hands-on with working microscopes, magnifiers, dissecting bugs (my son loved this), live animal touch tanks, aquariums, and specimen collections of fossils, bones, animals and plants); Nature Crafts (children will have a chance to express their creativity with awesome activities including sand sculpting, wild artwork, puzzle making, and Bahamian crafts -- the gifts they will make you are better than any souvenir -- we loved the balloon people, styrofoam sailboats and beaded lizards); and Atlantis Exploration (outside, the world's largest marine habitat, second only to Mother Nature, beckons exploration.
We dare you to try Atlantis...just be prepared to have the time of your life and memories that you will never forget. And, most importantly, be prepared to come again and again because once you visit Atlantis, there’s not much better you can do for an awesome family trip.
www.atlantis.com