It was rainy during my only full day in Nassau, meaning no lazing about the pool. Instead, I decided to trek over to the famous Atlantis resort to wander the premises.
I had often heard Atlantis compared to a Vegas hotel. Well, I’m no fan of Vegas, so I expected to feel the same way about the Atlantis. Wrong! It was impressive, folks. And I’ve seen a lot of hotels in my days, too.
For example, did you know that 8,000 employees work on site? That’s practically the size of my hometown!
It didn’t strike me as cheesy either, like most of the Vegas Strip stays feel. There were parts of it that were quite regal actually.
There’s also a sprawling aquarium that occupies much of the lower level in the main building.
And an Aztec (Mayan?) temple. I don’t really know the difference if we’re being brutally honest.
Not being a guest of the hotel meant I wasn’t free to use their water facilities. This was a bummer, as there’s nothing I love more than a good water slide.
Not to mention a river rapids ride that shoots you right through a shark-filled tank! As I was gazing into the very aquarium, who should pass through but Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend.
With all the crazy reflections caused by the glass, you’ll just have to trust me on this one. The funny thing is I had no clue it was him and just happened to snap his picture out of intrigue for the ride!
The grounds were so sprawling that I legitimately got lost and had to take the shuttle back to the main building. I started off in the Reef, the more family-friendly part of the resort, and found myself in the Cove, the uber-swank couple-y section. If I went back to stay, I’d definitely choose the latter! Also, there are a number of owners at the Harborside Resort at Atlantis who are looking to rent their timeshares online, which seems like an affordable way to stay here.
Strike that. I’d stay in the 4,740-square-foot Bridge Suite for a mere $25,000 a night.
Maybe it’s a good thing I wasn’t staying here after all—I have a hard enough time finding my way around an intimate boutique hotel with just one annex, let alone several!
Great post. Sometimes it takes a rainy day to go and visit fun indoors places. I like to scuba dive so especially like the photos in the aquarium.
I’ve had that same thought about Atlantis. Thanks for giving a different perspective.
Sorry I couldn’t make the sun come out for you =(
Random thought… Atlantis side-trip on top of our Orlando trip?
I see a lazy river and Mayan temple water slide in my future!
Cheers!
Great pics chocolate. You definitely made the best of a rainy day, the atlantis is definitely lovely. Next time you can opt for a day pass, that allows you full access to the water slides. That what i did, a few weeks ago, and i had an awesome time. drop me a line when ur heading to town again, I’ll put you on to some good spots!
And I thought my job was good. Laying by the pool or wandering around a swank hotel ain’t too bad, even if the skies were grey. I Really like the water slide. Next time go there OK.
You got my Like.
I want to go to there.
Although I could probably say that about all your travels.
Man that waterslide looks fun.
I’m actually surprised you enjoyed Atlantis so much. I had always assumed, like you, that it would be super cheesy. Maybe i’ll have to go sometime.
And I hope you make it to Toronto. As my former home, I can’t recommend TO enough!
I had the absolute best time at Atlantis!!! The best paradise place in the world, i so did not wanna leave!!! The lazy river and all the water slides were amazing, especially the one where you are under water with the fish and the Mayan Temple slide…one word…AWESOME!!!! Only thing i would change is to have more than 1 day there, honestly it takes like 3 days to do everything!!! But overall great experience!! Love the Bahamas!!!
i was on the fence, too, about this place. now, i just want to go!! thanks for the new perspective.
I went to Atlantis six or seven years ago and loved it! It seems like it’d be tacky, but like you said, is actually really well-executed. Great photos!
We went to Nassau for spring break my sophmore year. We were staying in a much less swanky hotel, but went over to the Atlantis to check it out and eat dinner. We were seated for the buffet and served water before we realized how much it cost (something like $40, which was a lot for us college kids). We ended up getting up and leaving because we couldn’t afford it, apologizing to everyone over and over. I can clearly remember one of my friends, “We didn’t know… we just didn’t know…” Ahhh, mortifying!
That waterslide looks like the best thing ever. I LOVE waterslides!
Fancy pantsy! I love that gold and black room with the dotty chairs; modern often comes off as cold, but that room looks both warm and elegant.
Oh, and the sharks are pretty badass, too.
Good luck with the T.O. trip entry (yup, I liked it)
Like this post, too. Great photos. I especially liked the “golden dome” shot.
I love water slides. But, not resorts that are that big.
Also, I’m totally intrigued by the contest you entered – I love that two DMOs have partnered for the trip. I’m taking this idea to our planning retreat next week.
I was at the Atlantis like a million years ago….This post brought back so many great memories!
The exterior and the aquarium look almost identical to the one in Dubai. (P.S. I ‘liked’ your entry, let me know if you win and if you end up coming to Canada!)
Oh my gosh…that is so cool! It’s definitely a place to put on my “to see” list!!!
Anthony Anderson is married – I hope you didn’t just get him in trouble. Haha!
kids love water slides, they go crazy about it ”
when i was a kid, i really enjoyed going up and down on water slides, it is a very enjoyable experience ‘.*
I am heading to Nassau for a week at the end of February. Any recommendations in addition to Atlantis?
Hi Derek, I was only there for a very brief 36 hours, but I would highly recommend a visit to Graycliff (http://www.graycliff.com/) to tour the place and watch the cigar-rolling process. Eat dinner while you’re there; the food is phenomenal.
It was pretty rainy while I was on Nassau, but I did take a boat ride out to Rose Island, which was cool as the beach was very secluded and there was a nice little bar, Sandy Toes (http://sandytoesroseisland.com/index.html), to keep you satisfied.
I also cruised around the other small islands surrounding Nassau on board a High Seas speedboat (http://highseasbahamas.com/). I think they only do private charters, but there are other tour companies down there at the waterfront near the Atlantis that run similar outings.
Great little blog and pictures were amazing again! Thanks so much for sharing it! When you were at Graycliff did you also check out the amazing chocolate shoppe there too? it is amazing ans has so many great sweets. Here is the link to their web site to see some of the mouth watering creations that they create. http://www.bahamasfinder.com/nassau/hotels/gray-cliff-hotel-and-restaurant.html .
Once you have visited here you will not want to visit any other chocolate places in Nassau, yes they are that good!
star tattoo designs on hip,
So beautiful there! I’d love to visit Nassau.
Loved to visit paradise island, i could just fly out to Bahamas right away.. Its in my to visit list.