Paradise Island: Atlantis does really exist...
Written: Feb 27 '01 (Updated Feb 27 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: beautiful weather and scenery, kind and helpful service, para-sailing
Cons: food costs too much
The Bottom Line: Atlantis - long considered lost - has been found and it's beautiful, fun, everything you've ever dreamed. Just be sure to show them the money...cha ching!
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| wahoodude23's Full Review: Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort |
Overview
Imagine the pleasant surprise on my face when I found out that our annual company retreat for this year was at Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The only other tropical island I had been to was Puerto Rico and I was 3 years old so I obviously didn’t remember a thing. After having experienced the Bahamas, I can say with certainty than when you do go, the weather will be gorgeous, the people we will be kind, and your credit card will take a beating. Not for the frugal, this true paradise island resort will wipe you out if you aren’t careful with your spending… but you maybe so caught up in the fun and beauty of it all – that you may not even realize it.
The Island
Located about 20 miles from Nassau International Airport, Paradise Island is about a 30-45 minute tour bus or taxi ride away. Separated from the main island by a long arching bridge, the upcoming view is breath taking as you will truly see the fruits of a man-made wonder. The Royal Tower of the resort stretches high above the palm trees and the presidential suite looks like a mini-bridge stretching across the towers. I am told that the suite goes for as much as $25,000/night. The island itself is magnificent – filled with palm trees, green grass, pools, sandy beaches, clear blue water. The circumference of Paradise Island can’t be more than 2-2.5 miles around. There is a little harbor located near the Royal Tower where all of the rich and famous dock their yachts and boats… a boat enthusiasts heaven.
The Hotel
The Atlantis resort itself does not take up the whole island as there are other commercial hotels and businesses there, but it certainly is the main attraction. There are 3 main accommodations to the Atlantis – the Beach Tower, the Corral Tower, and the Royal Tower. The Beach Tower (where we stayed) had the best bargain for room rates and was also logically the least centrally located and least luxurious… but when I say LEAST luxurious… keep in mind that it’s still a level of luxury that you won’t find anywhere else. Everything is relative you see. Upon entering the Beach Tower, the concierge and lobby is graced by the native hosts who are smiling and ready to assist. The level of service was excellent across the whole resort. The marble floors are tiled with a sandy color. Mini palm trees decorate the bar that is located to the immediate left. The concierge makes dinner reservations and keeps luggage for the guests. All about, the low hum of the blasting air-conditioners keep the tourists cool. All the couches, seats, and tables are bright tropical colors topped with gold knobs. The carpet is red with designs of shellfish, seashells, and the ocean strewn across. Double doors lead outside to the concrete walkways lined with foglights and palm trees which lead down to pools and poolside restaurants as well as all of the other attractions I will mention later. A hallway leads past marble fountains to the esteemed restaurants and other Towers, eventually leading to the Royal Tower where the casino, designer stores, and spa are centrally located.
The Beach Tower itself has 9 floors. We stayed on the 8th and had a wonderful view of the bridge and waterway, which connected Paradise Island to the main island of the Bahamas. The rooms come with double beds, a 19” TV (little small), a mini-bar, ample windows, and all the standard amenities. A dining table graces the left back corner of the room. The bathroom is immaculate and even the hand towels are wrapped in little figurines of dragons. All room keys are cards, which are unlocked by electronic door slots.
The Atlantis Resort and its Attractions
Armed with beautiful beaches, elegant restaurants, shark tanks, cabana boys, pools, palm trees and the sun, Paradise Island can’t lose with its clientele in terms of having things to do. There are 8-10 pools located behind the 3 towers with cabana boys toiling to arrange the lounge chairs to your liking. All of the towels are complimentary, just show them the room key. We spent hours lounging in the chairs and reading out magazines… heaven. Cafes and small restaurants line the outskirts of the pools below the palm trees. In the pools themselves, lifeguards look on as people play water volleyball, do aerobics or just relax and take in sun.
By the Royal Towers, an enormous shark tank allows for the pleasure of viewing large schools of tropical fish swim by as the sharks swim around poking at the thick glass every now and then. The water attractions include a lazy tube ride through a winding temple likened to the Mayan time period. Water slides grace all sides of the Mayan temple with the main attraction being a tall 90ft water slide that rushes straight through the shark tank. The only material separating the brave from the sharks is a tubular piece of glass… what an adrenaline rush.
Restaurants are everywhere – outside the Lagoon Bar and Grill is right at the poolside and dress is beachwear. Inside the resort, food like Chinese, Italian (Try Villa D’Este!), and American command a little more formal wear – they call it “smart casual” but basically wear a button down shirt and khakis. There are also delis and more casual restaurants serving all kinds of food. Your palette certainly won’t grow tired as there will be new foods to try all of the time.
There are clubs and discos at night for the night owls and the monotonous techno mixes engrain deep into your brain as your body moves to the beat of the music.
Shopping is also in the Royal Tower. Right before entering the casino, designer shops like Armani and Gucci line the hallways, practically begging for the rich or not-so-rich to throw some money their way.
The casino itself is one huge spacious room with a small red-carpeted area for the high rollers. There, enthusiasts can try their hand at slots, blackjack, Caribbean poker, or craps (my personal favorite). The minimum there is usually $10, but I find the dealers here to be much more helpful and patient then the ones in Vegas or AC… maybe it the Bahamian nature, but they just seemed more laid back.
The spa is not nearly as impressive as I thought it would be. I would liken it to the level of Gold’s Gym or lower. However, the spa was where I had my only celebrity sighting of the trip and for that reason I had to bring it up. Upon walking in, I saw Charles Barkley riding the bike. He seemed pretty determined so I didn’t bother him for an autograph.
The beaches were small, but nonetheless beautiful and sandy. The cabana boys are there as well, serving the needs of the resort guests. Bahamians with coolers come by with pina colatas served straight from the coconut. Natives solicit jet skiing and para-sailing as you enter the beach and for $45, I couldn’t resist. I just had to go para-sailing. It was a wonderful experience. They take you out into the middle of the ocean and just let you float with the parachute in the air. At one point, I was taken higher than the towers themselves and could see all of Paradise Island below me. It was a breath taking and a priceless experience.
Going to town…
One of the afternoons, a tour bus took us to downtown Nassau and we got to go shopping through the native-owned businesses. There was a flea market going on where arts and handcrafts were being sold. Part of the fun was definitely bargaining with the Bahamians to get the best price possible on a beaded necklace (2 for $10!!). My guest got her hair braided by a native as well. In the way back we decided to forego the tour bus and take the ferry back. The small boat carried us back to Paradise Island for $3 and it was magnificent as we got to see a hydroplane and ride on the clear blue waters of the Pacific on our short ride back to the Atlantis.
Price
Ok – so I just went on and on and raved about how beautiful and fun Paradise Island was and what a great time I had. And that was because I didn’t pay airfare OR hotel (on the company)… but I did have to pay for the food and souvenirs and let me tell you… fun doesn’t come without a price – especially on Paradise Island. The rooms were $350/night… and those were the cheap ones. The prices for food? Absolutely outrageous – an average dinner for 2? At least $70-80 after tip… and these were average restaurants. Clothes, film, snacks, even the mini-bar seemed to be double the price you would find in the states. Paradise Island is tons of fun and filled with beauty but believe you me… you will be paying for it. In the end, was it worth it? Well… maybe not for every summer… but for once in a lifetime? No question. Yes.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wahoodude23
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Location: Ashburn, VA
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 24 members
About Me:
Mommy, where do babies come from?
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