Atlantis Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas - Hotel Review

The Found Continent

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas

Since Atlantis was first mentioned in the works of Plato, the mythical lost continent has captured the imaginations of scholars, divers and curious travelers. Francis Bacon wrote a novel about it in the 1600's, and nineteenth-century intellectuals identified it as one of the world's earliest ideal societies. Today the legend lives on at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where a re-creation of the fable takes the form of a Caribbean traveler’s utopia.

Ancient myth provides the theme that runs throughout the massive, self-contained Atlantis resort. While we're positive the lost continent didn't have a Vegas-worthy casino, restaurants by superstars such as Nobu Matsuhisa or a Mayan Temple complete with water slide, we know it had one thing in common with the contemporary facsimile: water. According to legend, the ancient continent vanished into the Atlantic Ocean. The modern-day Atlantis incorporates water into nearly every guest experience, from bedrooms overlooking the sea, to the Water's Edge restaurant views of the sting ray pools,, to The Ruins lagoon containing "artifacts" from the lost civilization.

After Mother Nature, Atlantis is the largest open-air marine habitat in the world. We particularly like the dolphin encounter; Stingray Lagoon, where you can touch the rays; and Predator Lagoon, with its clear tunnel surrounded by sharks and barracudas. Despite its casino, flashy nightclub, comedy club and adult-oriented dining venues, the resort is family friendly. Atlantis is undoubtedly a kids’ paradise with a seven-acre lagoon for snorkeling and a lazy river for safe swimming. In March 2007, the hotel added Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park. New thrills include a mile-long river ride and the 120-foot-high Power Tower featuring water slides. Eighty-one lifeguard stations oversee the fun.

Assimilated into these wet and wild pursuits is a variety of accommodations, including the Royal Towers, home to the 4,740-square-foot, sixteen-story-high Bridge Suite, and the Harborside villas. There is also an Ocean Club Golf Course, tennis courts, sleek Mandara Spa and meeting facilities that can accommodate over 2,500 people. While you could easily spend a month here without wanting or needing to leave the grounds, we recommend venturing out. Ask the activities concierge to arrange a catamaran cruise, or pick up picnic fixings at Cleito's Cart and head to one of the nearby dreamy white sand beaches.

Atlantis Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas One Casino Dr. Paradise Island, Bahamas 1-888-877-7525 www.atlantis.com