A luxury resort, high-end water park, tropical oasis and world-class aquarium – can you believe that all this could be rolled into one incredible vacation experience? Atlantis Paradise Island is the ultimate paradise destination. What makes Atlantis Paradise Island unique is their incredible array of amenities, all located right on their property. From incredible fine dining, thrilling water adventures, marine habitat discoveries and some of the prettiest white sand beaches in the Caribbean – it’s easy to see why Atlantis is such a celebrated family travel destination.
Read on as we discover Atlantis.
Travel During Covid
The decision to travel during covid is a complex and individual one. The decision depends greatly on many personal factors, including your family’s comfort level. We waited to travel until we were fully vaccinated. We also spent time researching properties, carefully choosing a destination with lots of open outdoor space for distancing. We searched for a destination with ample amenities that could cater to all of our family needs. This allowed us to ‘vacation in place’ at the resort, safely reducing our contact and movement throughout our trip.
For us the perfect destination was Atlantis. With miles of white sand beaches, multiple pool complexes, incredible restaurants, and unparalleled service – the resort checked all the boxes for a relaxing getaway. Most importantly, the resort had many careful covid protocols in place to keep us safe.
However, if you’ve visited the Atlantis in the past, it’s important to note that this trip will be a bit different. There are travel requirements in place and not all hotels are yet open. There are also great bonuses – there will also be much smaller crowds due to the lack of cruise traffic.
If you’re considering a future family trip to Atalntis, here’s what you can expect— including rules that can protect you and your family during the trip.
Safety First!
First and foremost, is safety. Rightfully, there are numerous COVID protocols in place during your visit: covid testing, mask requirements, social distancing, and extra-mile cleaning measures to ensure safety for the resort guests. We were glad to see so many precautions – having these measures in place made us feel safe and well cared for during our visit.
Before you Travel: Testing and Travel Visas
Know before you go! Here are the government protocols that are required for all visitors to keep everyone safe. This is needed before you travel:
- Negative PCR Test (not rapid test) within five days of your departing flight
- Completed Travel Health Visa
The Bahamas requires visitors to have a Travel Health Visa to enter the islands. The Visa process is completed online, and easy to fill out. The travel visa application requires you to upload a negative PCR test result (Children 10 and under are not required to take the PCR test). The visa costs $40 per person for a four-night, five-day stay, or $60 for stays that are longer. Children under 10 are free. The Visa, in turn, gives the visitor a COVID-19 health insurance policy that will cover you if you should (in the unlikely chance) get covid while visiting the Bahamas.
Returning Home:
- Negative rapid Covid test that will be used for entry back to the USA (required by USA government)
U.S citizens and international travelers ages 2 years and older returning to the United States are required to present a negative Rapid Antigen or COVID-19 RT-PCR test. The negative COVID-19 test must be taken within three days (72 hours) of departure and presented pre-departure at the airport. Note: If you stay longer than four nights you must take the Bahamas government-mandated Rapid test on Day 5 (which can then also be used as your entry test to the USA).
Atlantis makes the above steps super easy by offering two free rapid tests per room for registered guests (additional tests are $20). There are multiple testing locations across the Atlantis property. Most are located conveniently within the hotel itself – including the Royal and in the Cove, where we stayed. The results are sent to you by email, within hours.
On-Site Protocols:
Aside from testing there are many other protocols in place to keep all guests and staff safe.
- Masks and Social Distancing – Atlantis requires guests to wear masks in all public areas, except while at the pools and beaches (as long as you’re socially distanced). Social distancing protocols were seen throughout the property, including capacity restrictions and distancing signage.
- Cleaning Protocols- Hospital-grade disinfectants, UV-light technology and electrostatic sprayers were being used in all rooms. Enhanced cleaning procedures were seen throughout the resort, and hand sanitizer stations are located across the property
- Staff Compliance – All the staff wear masks, and they’re tested for Covid weekly.
- Activities and Programming – indoor activities have been moved outside where possible, and reimagined as private experiences for safety. The movie theater and pottery studio are currently closed.
- And so many more. Read more about the resort’s commitment to safety HERE.
Staying in Paradise
At time of writing – only the Cove, Reef, and Royal are open to guests. We stayed at The Cove (pictured above) and absolutely loved it. Stylish and contemporary, The Cove Atlantis is a private and exclusive haven amidst the activity of Atlantis. It was elegant, serene and relaxing. The Cove is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway all the way to families in need of a relaxing oasis. The view from our room was GORGEOUS. We loved the luxorious bathroom with large soaking tub, double vanity and rain shower. The seating area was the perfect place to have breakfast, and take in views of the ocean. Most of all, it was bit removed from the bustle of the resort – It felt like our own little oasis within paradise. A look at the other hotels:
The Royal
The one you always see in pictures! The crown jewel of Atlantis and the iconic hotel of the Bahamas stands as the bustling center of the property. The Royal is closest to the waterpark rides, is the location of Kids Adventures, and has an on-site casino and aquarium, The Dig. Many of the rooms at The Royal have been recently remodeled (seen above). More on the Royal Rooms HERE.
The Reef
The Reef combines the amenities of a luxury Caribbean hotel while keeping a home-away-from-home feel with the choice of residential-style suites and studios. Located directly on Paradise Beach, you’ll enjoy miles of white sand and ocean in your backyard. For those who want to enjoy the comforts of home, many of these luxury residences have kitchenettes or full kitchens (and great for families!). The Reef is located at the farthest end of the property, next to the Cove. More on The Reef HERE.
Make a Splash
Ready for a water adventure? Aquaventure, a one-of-a-kind, tropical water park is located right on property and included free with your stay. One of the largest waterparks in the Eastern Hemisphere, Aquaventure encompasses over 141 acres (and has plenty of space for distancing!). The park includes magnificent Atlantean-themed water slide towers, a river ride with rolling rapids, 20 swimming areas, waterfalls, and a spectacular kids water-playground. Beautifully interconnected and fully immersive, this lush, tropical environment is perfect for all ages.
Most of the water slides and rides are located in two areas: the Mayan Temple and the Power Tower. As Atlantis is still in the reopening phase – these two waterpark areas operate on alternate days: The Mayan Temple area is open Mon-Wed-Fri-Sun. The Power Tower area is open Tue-Thu-Sat. As the waterscape is designed to be a multi-day adventure, we didn’t mind this alternating schedule at all. A few incredible pools to make a splash at:
WATER SLIDES
From the iconic Mayan Temple to the pulse-pounding Power Tower, Aquaventure boasts the best slides in the Caribbean. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride water slides. As Atlantis is still in the reopening phase, there are virtually no lines for any of the slides right now which is a huge bonus!
One slide that deserves honorable mention, is the Serpent Slide, seen above. This slide brings guests through a five-story corkscrew tube at high speeds through the darkness. The twisting and turning ride culminates with a pass through a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in a lagoon filled with marine life.
RIVER RIDES
River Rapids offers riders a mile-long river journey through waves, tunnels, rapids and other tubing surprises. This ride was AWESOME – but warning: it is not a lazy river! Expect large waves and rambling rapids – hold on tight!
SPLASHERS
A great children’s pool play area for little ones 48” and under. We played often at Splashers during our stay.
POOLS
The Atlantis Waterscape consists of eleven pools scattered across the lush property. From zero entry to waterfall grottos, the pools offer something for everyone. Favorites were the Royal Baths Pool, Cascades Pool, and theMayan Temple Pool (seen above).
Toes in the Sand
The beaches that hug the shoreline of Atlantis are some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas. There are over five miles of beautiful white-sand beaches on the property. We frequented Cove Beach during our stay, which was just steps outside our hotel (and usually empty – we had the beach to ourselves!). The sparkling aqua blue water was breathtaking, and the feeling of having powdery white sand under our toes was amazing. It felt like we had stepped into a postcard. We couldn’t get over the gorgeous beach.
Aside from the waterscape and beaches, there’s a plethora of other things to do at Atlantis. We highlight some of our favorites below!
Dining at Atlantis
From casual poolside fare to celebrated restaurants with celebrity chefs – Atlantis is the perfect foodie destination. Personally – I loved having so many of our hometown favorites here to choose from – including NYC’s own Carmines and Murrays!
Covid precautions were in place to make indoor dining safe. All guests use hand sanitizer upon entering, and all menus are digital so you don’t need to handle a physical menu. The tables are distanced and have plexiglass barriers. Most restaurants offer outdoor options – we dined outside the entire trip! Not only was this our comfort level, we were able to take in the warm sunny weather, which was perfect.
Note: As these are such celebrated restaurants – its best to plan ahead and make dining reservations in advance. Dining Reservations can be made 90 days or less prior to arrival HERE. A few highlights:
- SEAFIRE STEAKHOUSE – A modern steakhouse ambiance with rich, smoked, seared and grilled flavors. Located in Marina Village.
- NOBU – World renowned Japanese cuisine at the acclaimed Nobu restaurant by celebrated Japanese Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Located in The Royal.
- OLIVES – Renowned Chef Todd English’s famed Olives restaurant features his signature open kitchen and Mediterranean cuisine. Delicious! Located in the Royal.
- CARMINE’S – Lively atmosphere and family-style Italian dining experience of this famous New York landmark. Located in Marina Village.
- MURRAY’S DELI – This famous NYC deli outpost is a great stop for families. Located in Atlantis Marina.
- PIRATE REPUBLIC – Rated one of the best micro-breweries in the Caribbean and currently the only craft brewery in the country, Pirate Republic offers a variety of local beers and a fun menu (try the jerk chicken!). Located in Marina Village.
Marina Village
Don’t miss Marina Village during your visit! Set along the marina, overlooking the gorgeous yachts, is a colorful little village that houses many shops and restaurants. Marina Village became our go-to for a nightly walk. Here you can find a variety of retail stores, including swimsuit shops, clothing stores, and souvenir shops. There’s also an assortment of dining options, everything from grab-and-go options like Ben and Jerrys to Starbucks, as well as more formal restaurants. The above mentioned Seafire Steakhouse, Pirate Republic and Carmines are located within Marina Village.
Atlantis Kid Adventures
Atlantis loves their little guests, and offers many unique experiences and amenities available for children throughout the resort. Resort guests ages 3 to 12 are invited to use AKA (Atlantis Kid Adventures) for a night of fun. These drop-off, fun-packed programs offer morning, afternoon and evening sessions, allowing kids to discover even more about Atlantis and be entertained through experiences. Atlantis also offers a Kids Concierge desk, to help you plan! These resident experts can help you make bookings for all child related experiences, offer information on kid activities, create child-friendly activities, and more.
The Dig
Journey through a recreation of the lost city of Atlantis by way of stunning aquarium exhibits of The Dig. This gigantic 2,7 million-gallon walk-through exhibit brings you through tunnels and thoroughfares of the lost continent of Atlantis. The experience is elevated with spooky “sunken” music, lighting effects, and underwater “ancient Atlantis” artifacts. The Dig also features Nine different underwater environments within the larger aquarium spotlight specific species of sea life. Free and open to hotel guests, The Dig feels more like a Disney-esque main attraction than a free aquarium. The Dig was incredible, and a highlight of our trip. Don’t miss the eels!
Dolphin Cay
Dolphin Cay is a world-class marine habitat, located right on the Atlantis property. It is one of the largest and most sophisticated marine-mammal habitats in the world, and also the Carribean’s premier marine animal rehabilitation facility. Here you can book incredible immersive experiences with dolphins and sea lions, and learn all about their conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Not only are these programs personal and educational, every visit supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. The foundation creates and promotes solutions for a wide range of important environmental challenges, from coral reef and habitat conservation to improving the health of marine life.
During our stay, we opted for the once-in-a-lifetime experience called Dip ‘N Discover, which allowed us to engage with and learn about the dolphins while sitting in waist-high water. We got to meet Meliko, a 16 year old dolphin with an incredible personality. An educational experience like no other – we learned that Maliko’s tale is his fingerprint, about his ears, his teeth, his diet- and so much more. We danced and sang with Maliko, and even gave him a wet hug. Maliko was incredible, and this intimate experience is one we will never forget.
Note – there are new covid safeguards in place at Dolphin Cay, as well. The above program can be booked by couples, families or parties traveling together as an exclusive experience; meaning that you will not be blended with other guests. We had a private experience, with only the (masked) trainer. We felt beyond safe the entire time.
Resort Bucket List
Aside from the incredible pools and pristine beaches, there are a number of must-see experiences at Atlantis, that you need to cross off your bucket list. The rope bridge and the Atlantis throne were at the top of our list, and a trip to Atlantis wouldn’t be complete without taking a swing on the (giant!) heart swing!
This is Paradise Perfected. Our second trip to Atlantis, and it won’t be our last. More on Atlantis HERE.
Thank you to Atlantis for sponsoring our trip. As always, all opinions and reviews are our own.
