The Bahamas is a favorite vacation spot and there are many top flight amenities for tourists. For Americans, and especially those on the East Coast, the Bahamas are just a short flight away. Each year I take my family to the Bahamas flying out of Boston at 6:00am and by noon time, we’ve already had two drinks by the pool.

Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Bimini are among the top destinations. 

Yet, one resort has become a major destination in its own right. This is Atlantis, a large resort containing a casino, located at Paradise Island, Nassau. The Atlantis Paradise Island is a major employer in the area and has a staff of approximately 6,000 people. The local economy benefits from this resort a great deal. It has often been used as a location for movies and TV, including James Bond films, you do remember “Dr. No” don’t you?. The Marina Village is a shopping center and has restaurants too.  Food, goods and services are generally quite affordable.

Accommodation comes in different types but all is of the highest standard. The first amenities for guests were opened at The Beach Tower. This is recommended for families with teenagers, staying at the Atlantis Paradise Island. It contains Club Rush, where teenagers can dance, watch TV or a movie and use the Internet. There is also The Lazy River tube ride and a buffet, appealing to the young, called Seagrapes. The rooms here are all standard and are at the cheaper end of the tariff. Clearly, there are lots of things to do!

The Coral Towers are an ideal choice for families with young children and they can entertain themselves in the Discovery Kids Adventure Camp. The décor in The Coral Lounge and Atrium Lobby is very elegant with skylights, fountains and sculptures with a marine theme. For a really opulent lifestyle however, guests can be pampered at The Royal Towers. This accommodation at the Atlantis Paradise Island contains The Bridge Suite, a set of ten rooms that come with a cook and a butler to satisfy every whim. Naturally, there is a long waiting list for this suite. Guests, who manage to get in, including several celebrities, are rewarded by gold chandeliers, balcony views and a baby grand piano.

There is plenty for guests to do and see, whether they want to relax or be more active. The Aquaventure waterscape opened in 2007 and contains slides, lazy rivers, rapids, underground caverns and a rock climbing wall. There are other water parks at the Atlantis Paradise Island, such as The Current and The Power Tower. The Mayan Temple Slides at the Royal Towers are water slides, one of which is a clear tunnel that goes through a lagoon filled with sharks.  The Dig is a delightful attraction for people interested in marine life. It contains various aquariums located underneath the lobby at the Royal Towers and is the largest open-air marine environment in the world. Species on view include sharks, manta rays, jellyfish, stingrays and barracudas.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy your trip to the Bahamas very much. Be sure to send me a postcard!