Updated July 2026
A trip to Nassau, the Bahamas. What’s not to like? A trip for 2 to Paradise Island. And more specifically- Atlantis and its associated properties. Atlantis Resort with 5 distinct hotel experiences, world class dining, the famous Aquaventure Waterpark and 5 miles of relaxing beach. Newsflash – it is better in the Bahamas! If you are planning a trip to Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, here it is.
The Island of Nassau
Nassau has this real jet-setter feel to it. It’s a stones throw from Florida. Miami to Nassau is 179 miles. Jet boats, yachts, the Bahamas Express and more head over to the Bahamas with relative ease. Flights from Florida are about 55 minutes and flights into Nassau from around the world are plentiful. The Bahamas is an independent nation but as a former British colony, its roots and traditions are very British. As you drive into Nassau, you feel like you are in a tropical, seaside England. Blackbeard once called the Bahamas home and now many a celebrity do as well including Mariah Carey, Sean Connery, Johnny Depp and others.
Atlantis Resort: Choosing the Right Accommodation
As we cross the bridge to Paradise Island, the Atlantis Resort and its Royal Towers stare you down. Officially opened in 1998, the resort was created by South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and his company (think “Sun City” in south Africa). Its a large property and now contains 5 accomodation choices. The Royal (main towers), the Reef, the Cove, the Coral and the Harborside Resort.
They’re all very distinct:
- Best for Families: Reef/Harborside/Coral
- Best for Couples: The Cove
- Works for Families & Couples: The Royal
You can easily stay in your own little area or wonder the full property and take in all it offers- numerous dining choices, 11 pools, 3 beach areas, dolphin cay, water park, marine habitat and more.
The Resort – Atlantis
Atlantis is very much about the experience. It’s a great destination resort for romantics and families. It’s a great place for a great vacation. Although its a large property, it has a comfortable feel to it. The Atlantis experience also includes a spa, 5-star restaurants, activities and entertainment. On the weekend we were there, Justin Bieber was too. Performing at the theatre and wandering the resort with his entourage. I didn’t have a chance to play golf but the Ocean Club Golf Course gets rave reviews (ranked in the top 100 golf courses Top 100 Golf Courses). Food is everything and the dining reflects that. Buffet breakfasts, snacks and casual dining are all exceptional. So is the fine dining. We had great dinners at several Celebrity Chef restaurants and Cafe Martinique.
Top 3 Things to Do at Atlantis Bahamas
- As a water thrill, the “Leap of Faith” a.k.a. Shark Slide, has no equal. As you jump into the tube at the top, you must cross your feet and fold your arms (lest they be ripped from your torso). You drop 60 feet at breakneck speed through a glass tube with sharks racing around you (or so it seems). At the bottom, you are dumped into a pool and immediately think “ok, that wasn’t as bad as I thought.
- The Dig (one the world’s largest walk through aquariums) is one of the most amazing fish viewing experiences anywhere in the world. Fish, eels and sea life of almost every kind abound. Atlantis is home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world representing over 250 marine species.
- Eat and drink in one of the many great restaurants.There are currently 4 celebrity chef restaurants boasting incredible menus and dining experiences. There are 46 food and beverage outklets at Atlantis including restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, and more.
Summary: It Is Better In The Bahamas
While its easy to get drawn into the glitz of the bigger than life resort, it still comes back to the water for me. That’s all I meed. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the beach. The beaches are gorgeous and the water is perfect. Of course, there is more to the Bahamas than Nassau, but it’s a great place to start.
Have you stayed at Atlantis? Which tower is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Author Bio
Mark Crone is the traveller and storyteller behind Mark’s Travel Journal, where he shares practical tips, destination guides, and real experiences from his adventures around the world. Based in Canada, he aims to help others travel smarter and discover meaningful moments on the road. Explore more of Mark’s work:
Discovering the Beauty and Adventure of St. Lucia: A Guide to the Ultimate Caribbean Escape
Brings back memories!