Travel Adventures
The Bahamian mega-retreat Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is “high-end” in every sense of the phrase. But for those with travel budgets that permit a visit, it’s hard to imagine there is a more spectacular leisure destination in the Western Hemisphere, or anywhere else for that matter.
The sense of excitement and pleasures to come rises as you approach the 400-acre pleasure dome during a 35-ish minute ride from the airport (a roughly three-hour, 40-minute flight from Philly International) through the historic town of Nassau. As your transport cruises down Bay Street, the signature fairy-tale-style Royal towers peek out from between buildings.
Once you pass through the property’s gates, it takes a few minutes to process its scope and scale: From Atlantis’ five hotel towers (encompassing some 4,000 rooms and suites) to its lush, tropical landscaping to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea which lines Paradise Island’s eastern edge, the visuals are stunning.
While the Royal Tower East contains a 65,000-square-foot casino, Atlantis is decidedly not Las Vegas South. It is, instead, a family-oriented resort with an emphasis on aquatic activities. In addition to frolicking in the Caribbean, the water-borne offerings include 14 swimming pools; a 200-foot water slide (built into a replica of a Mayan temple); a “lazy river;” a spectacular 3-million-gallon aquarium and opportunities to cavort with dolphins in a salt-water pool (a truly memorable—and fun-filled—experience).
Of course, all of that fun-in-the-sun can make one hungry; there are outlets of every stripe to satisfy one’s appetite. It was impossible to sample the more than three- dozen eateries during our three-night stay, but those we did hit certainly filled the bill.
On the lower-end of things are Marina Pizza and Murray’s, a Jewish-style delicatessen that—at least according to these deli-loving taste buds—rivals similar establishments in the South Jersey/Philly region.
The Poseidon Buffet is larger and more culinarily diverse than any to be found in Atlantic City. Among the dishes offered are multiple types of sushi; Chinese and Mexican dishes; grilled steaks; roast beef; pork loin; anti pasti items; numerous desserts (including gluten-free options) and kids’ favorites like pizza and chicken nuggets.
However, the Poseidon Buffet is a perfect example of the high cost of dining at Atlantis: The cost for two was $155. Part of the reason is that all the restaurants add a 15-percent tip to the bill, plus The Bahamas levies a mandatory 10-percent value-added tax on every purchase, food or otherwise.
A couple steps higher on the food chain is Bimini Road, a lively spot done up in festive day-glo colors with Island-style music adding to the upbeat atmosphere. The kitchen specializes in indigenous food (e.g. grouper and conch). As are Murray’s and Marina Pizza, Bimini Road is located in Marina Village, a dining-and-retail area where numerous super-yachts providing an eye-catching backdrop are berthed.
Dinner at Fish—a concept from global celebri-chef Jose Andreas--was every bit the experience one would expect. Fish offers a luxe atmosphere, exquisite sunset views and top-shelf service combined with an anything-but-routine, seafood-focused menu that emphasizes Spanish/South American cuisine with Bahamian accents courtesy.
There are other aspects to Atlantis that make it a one-of-a-kind destination, such as the enthusiastic and friendly staff whose levels of attention and helpfulness are off the charts. Even the gift shop is a marvel as it is arguably the best-stocked hotel emporium anywhere: Everything from Huggies to salsa and chips to Super Glue to enough health and beauty aids to stock a CVS are available.
