Big. Really big.

You can’t beat that first impression of Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas and it will remind you of it wherever you go in the resort. This is not a destination for a quiet and relaxing romantic recharge; This is a destination for a full-blown fun festival, pedaling to metal, 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 to Atlantis Paradise Island?

General information

Atlantis Paradise Island is by far the largest resort in the Bahamas. Located on the island of New Providence, the word “resort” hardly does it justice; Atlantis is a combination of amusement park, water park, casino, spa, and beach, all in one gigantic, shiny package. There are so many lagoons, water sources, aquariums and waterfalls that it is considered the largest marine habitat in the world. With more than 2,700 hotel rooms and villas, there are a variety of accommodation options in three large hotels and one villa complex. Atlantis facilities include water slides; a kids club; special activities for teens; a dozen bars; numerous restaurants; a theater; a sports club; a spa; and a casino. (Yes, the largest casino in the Bahamas. This is Atlantis, remember? It’s big).

accommodation

If you are traveling with a family, plan to stay at Coral Towers or Harborside, the villa complex. Coral Towers is the most central of the Atlantis hotels and is home to the Discovery Kid’s Club. Harborside offers one, two, and three bedroom vacation villas with a fully equipped kitchen and zero-entry wading pool. Harborside is a bit further from the bustling heart of the resort, which can be a blessing if you prefer to have your children sleep before midnight.

Food

Dining options 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 may sound, it is advisable to reserve tables a couple of weeks before your vacation if you want to avoid a 11:00 pm seafood buffet with your tired kids. The best options for restaurants include NoBu, Dunes, and Cafe Martinique. Throughout Atlantis Paradise Island, you will find that food prices are very high, so you may want to consider the prepaid meal plans that are available. Your options will be a little more limited, but your wallet will thank you.

Children activities

The big draw for kids (my kids at least) are the water slides, in particular the huge Maya Temple Slides. These can keep them busy for hours. An important tip: make sure everyone has swimsuits without metal rivets, zippers, studs, etc. These are not allowed on the slides, and you will be charged a fortune to purchase an acceptable swimsuit at the resort.

The Atlantis Kids Club has a variety of options for children ages 3-12, so your children can be safe and supervised while having fun and while you enjoy adult entertainment.

casino

The Atlantis Paradise Island Casino, lavishly decorated with sculptures by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, is unsurprisingly large. The casino includes more than 800 slot machines and 75 table games including baccarat, roulette, craps, blackjack, and poker. You can also bet on major US sporting events and racetracks from a comfortable player lounge.

Spa

The Mandara Spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, aromatherapy, facials, and salon services. With twenty-four treatment rooms; steam shower; a sauna; and a thalassotherapy pool, you’ll enjoy some quiet pampering to prepare for your return to the crowds in the buffet line.

The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is located in the Bahamas, but it is not actually from the Bahamas. If your dream is a classic vacation in the Bahamas and the opportunity to experience some indigenous culture, you will enjoy other resorts much more. But if you want to combine the glitz and crowd of Las Vegas with gorgeous beaches and a family-friendly atmosphere, you can find it all in the lost paradise of Atlantis.