Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas: A Guide

What first comes to mind when you think of paradise? Do you think of clear blue skies, the waves crashing in the background, swimming with beautiful fish, the smell of saltwater wafting thru the air? Do you think of the Caribbean, The Maldives, Bali or somewhere in the USA?

When I visited Atlantis Paradise Island, I immediately understood why it's called Paradise Island. The beauty of the nature, the ocean, the people and the way the hotels just fit in so perfectly with the environment, it truly is paradise. I was blown away as soon as we reached Paradise Island. You can see the hotel from miles away and its stunning...but once you arrive there, its BREATHTAKING!!

I was truly taken back by the grandeur, decor and how detailed everything was based on the real "underground city".

I stayed for three days, and it honestly was NOT enough time. There is SO much do to on the Atlantis Paradise Island property. Water park, swimming with dolphins, the Mandara Spa, snorkeling with the sharks and so much more. I felt like a week would've been enough time for me to do EVERYTHING I wanted to do, on and off the property.

The Atlantis, Paradise Island resort is a luxury resort in the Bahamas that offers guests a variety of activities. It has a casino, spa and waterpark. The resort is located on the island of New Providence and is one of the most expensive hotels in the world. It is also one of the largest resorts in The Bahamas with over 1,000 rooms. There are two main hotels at Atlantis: The Cove Atlantis and The Royal Towers. The Royal Towers has more than 400 suites with private balconies overlooking either Nassau Harbor or Paradise Island Beach. The Atlantis resort is widely regarded as one of the most expensive hotels in the world, with room rates averaging $3,000 a night. In 2009, Forbes magazine ranked The Atlantis Resort and Casino best in "Top U.S.–Canada Tourism Destinations".

TIP #1: BOOK YOUR EXCURSIONS & MEAL RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE!!

Before you even leave your house to head to Atlantis Paradise Island, BOOK ALL OF YOUR EXCURSIONS IN ADVANCE!! The dolphin experience, snorkeling, the Mandara Spa, the restaurants and almost everything else requires reservations and they will be BOOKED up if you wait to make you rsvp. I did not get the chance to swim with dolphins or scuba dive at the aquarium because everything was booked, and I was CRUSHED!

TIP #2: SPEND A FEW HOURS AT THE SPA

Yall know by now that I travel around to different spas just to get different

treatments that are native to that country or city. Of course, I had to visit the Mandara Spa at Atlantis Paradise Island and it did NOT disappoint. I was able to get the Bahamas Botanical Massage that lasted for 50mins, and that was NOT long enough!! Besides my massage being FANTASTIC (thanks Fredricka), the spa itself is STUNNING. Get there 30mins-1hr earlier than your appointment time to enjoy the warm or cold plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms or the aromatherapy room. It's the perfect way to relax your muscles before your massage, facial or body scrub. It's definitely something you don't want to miss and when you visit, make sure you tell them I sent you :-).

TIP # 3: GET LOST

Ok ok ok, hear me out. When I say get lost, I mean take time and just wander around the property without a plan and get "lost" on all the little pathways. I got "lost" and ended up in The Dig. The Dig is an 11,000yr old lost continent, under The Royal hotel on the property. It has eight special exhibits, and it is STUNNING. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon it, and it was everything and more. I spent quite some time just walking thru each corridor and seeing all the various sea creatures. The Dig really transports you to a different, ancient world with all the decor and the fish. It really is a must see when visiting Atlantis. There is also a heart swing, secret beaches and lagoons with different sea animals that you can get lost and stumble upon. **P.S. If I tell you where is it, you won't get lost lol ;-)

TIP #4: EAT!!

There are more 24, yes twenty-four different restaurants on the property. You have your choice of almost any cuisine that your heart desires and you literally can't make a bad choice. From international cuisines at world renowned restaurant Nobu, local Bahamian cuisine at Fish by Jose Andres or Cafe Martinique and more! I had dinner at Fish for a very specific reason.... Secreto Iberico Bellota!! You're probably asking yourself why I went all the way to The Bahamas to have some pork that's native to Spain...Jose Andres is the reason! The secreto iberico did NOT disappoint, but Fish did not either. It was beautifully decorated; staff and service were amazing. Don't forget to try some conch as well, it's the Bahamians most prized delicacy!

TIP # 5: GO TO THE WATERPARK

I am a fan or waterparks and I always try to visit one during the summers here in NY. When I found out that I was visiting Atlantis, I made SURE I spent a few hours at the waterpark. It complimentary with a reservation at the resort but get there early if you want your own beach chairs or you don't to wait for the rides. I didn't have a long wait for the major slides, but it definitely was not a breeze. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I was even a little scared to go thru the "shark slide"...it was pitch black lol. Family friendly, solo friendly or spend time with your bae, its perfect for any and everyone!!

*P.S the view from the top of the waterslide is AMAZING !*

TIP # 6: GO SHOPPING

I love shopping no matter what country, city or town I am in. Luckily for me and all you other shopaholics out there, The Atlantis has amazing shopping. They have everything from luxury designers (Gucci, Versace) to homemade Bahamian products. Whatever you're looking for, you will find it at The Atlantis.

TIP # 7: VISIT THE CASINO

I'm typically not a casino person (I don't like to lose money lol), but when I'm on vacay and there a casino close by, I make sure to visit. I took time to visit the Atlantis Casino and I had so much fun. There are over 700 slot machines and 85 gaming tables. I mainly spend my time AND money at the slot machines, and I did end up winning something, so it was not a complete waste. I recommend visiting because it does make for a great time and on the way to the casino, you won't be disappointed.

After my three days stay, I give the Atlantis Paradise Island 10/10. Everything was absolutely amazing, and I was not disappointed. From the 5 miles of the gorgeous white sand, 21 restaurants, 19 bars, an 18-hole golf course...there is something for EVERYONE.

Check out some pics of my amazing time at Atlantis Paradise Island ! If yall have any questions, feel free to reach out!