AtlantisParadise Island is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It features a variety of accommodations built around Aquaventure, a waterscape, which includes fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools, marine habitats, water slides, and river rides.
Property history
The property was originally part of the Paradise Island Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1968. It was owned by Resorts International, a Merv Griffin company. Donald Trump at one point owned a majority stake in Resorts International. He spun off ownership of the Trump Taj Mahal property from the company and sold Resorts in full, including outstanding debts from the Taj Mahal construction, to Griffin. Paradise Island was purchased by South African hotel magnateSol Kerzner and Kerzner International Limited in 1994, and Kerzner's new resort, comprising the Coral Towers and previously built The Beach Tower, opened officially in 1998. The property's name was changed to Atlantis when The Royal Towers was built. The Coral Towers and The Beach Tower were later refurbished to match the theme of the Royal Towers. On March 28, 2007, a 600-suite luxury hotel named The Cove Atlantis opened on Paradise Island. Another tower, the 497-room The Reef, opened 19 December 2007. Currently, the property is owned and operated by Brookfield Hospitality. In October 2014, Atlantis, Paradise Island became a member of Marriott International's Autograph Collection Hotels, which includes a marketing partnership with the brand in order for guests to earn or redeem Marriott Rewards at Atlantis.
Accommodations
Accommodations at the resort include:
The Beach Tower is recommended for travelers looking for a more casual stay. The location is close to the beach and the resort pools.
The Coral Tower is 600 plus rooms and appeals to "mid-range travelers". It is closer to more action including the swim-up bar and resort pools.
The Royal Tower contains the "Bridge Suite", ranked in 2002 by Forbes as the most expensive hotel rooms in the world. The Bridge Suite, billed at US$25,000 per night, is listed at number 10 on the World's 15 most expensive hotel suites compiled by CNN Go in 2012.
Harborside Resort consists of 392 villas and features a harbor-front restaurant, pool area including a children's pool with water fountains, a fitness facility, a sundry store, and all-day shuttle service to Atlantis;
The Reef, the newest building at Atlantis, consists of condominium hotel residences.
The Cove is a 600-suite tower that opened in 2007. Dolphin Cay is at the rear of the building. This hotel also contains Fish by José Andrés and Sip Sip restaurant.
The Mayan Temple is the grand icon of Aquaventure, with a height of over six stories. The structure features a series of water rides, including the Leap of Faith, a near-perpendicular plunge that sends riders through a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon.
The Rapid River
The Rapid River is a water ride complete with waves, artificial tidal surges, rapids, and environmental effects such as steam, special lighting, and waterfalls. The Falls and the Drop water coasters are accessible from The Rapid River without the guest needing to leave their inner-tube. The Rapid River has changed only slightly since its 2007 opening, with an optional rapids waterway closing.
The Power Tower is the tallest feature of Aquaventure, at 120 feet tall. The tower is home to four water slides.
The Dig
Atlantis is home to 14 lagoons and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species. The Dig simulates the 11,000-year-old lost continent and provides a look at the civilization, home to sea creatures. The goal of The Dig is to provide guests with a taste of life in the fabled city of Atlantis. A Predator Lagoon is full of sawfishes, barracudas, stingrays, and sharks. A clear acrylic tunnel runs underwater, allowing visitors unobstructed views of the marine environment.
Golf
The Ocean Club Golf is a private 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course that stretches for over 7,100 yards. The course features a restaurant and bar located at the clubhouse. Many professional golf events are hosted at the Ocean Club Golf including the LPGA Pure Silk Bahamas Classic.
Atlantis guests can experience the new nearby island excursions on charter boats. Guests can swim with the pigs, relax for the day on the private Rose-Island, or snorkel the shallows. Discover Paradise Island and Nassau Harbour onboard one of Atlantis' customized luxury boats. Pieces of 8 tours have Fountain powerboats that cruise up to.
The resort features a marina designed to dock large yachts. The eastern side of the marina features the Marina Village, which is a small shopping centre.
Dolphin Cay
The Dolphin Cay was the first rehabilitation centre in the Bahamas. It is the home to a marine habitat for rescued bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and manta rays. Care is provided by over 100 professional specialists in marine wildlife. The first mammals found were 17 stranded bottlenose dolphins and 10 sea lions. All these were rescued from Gulfport, Mississippi where Hurricane Katrina hit. After years of rehabilitation and care, training started and the dolphins learned commands with trainers. This allows Atlantis guests to get first-hand interactions and experiences with each animal this includes hands-on and communicating with the dolphins. Many interactions are offered which include shallow water experiences, swimming deep, and paddle boarding or kayaking across the lagoon.
The Blue Project Foundation
The Blue Project Foundation is a nonprofit 501 organization working to save species and their habitats located all throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean sea. The community fundraising is used for a sanctuary for all species from rare to commonly found sea creatures. The funding is received from the Atlantis guests who engage in the hands-on interactions and experiences with the animals. These donations go into the health and nourishment for all the rescued animals. Along with that, team members work to restore coral reefs and clean up pollution.
Marine Habitat
The marine habitat is an “open-air” habitat that includes 14 lagoons with over 50,000 animals. The Ruins Lagoon contains lobster, snapper, a colorful reef, and the opportunity for Atlantis guests to snorkel with the many different species. The Predator Lagoon accommodates sharks, rays, and barracudas. Many sharks are also located in the Mayan Temple Shark Lagoon where guests slide through an inclosed waterslide through the aquarium. In the shallows of the Reef Lagoon, it is home to the nurse sharks that spend their time resting across the bottom. The Stingray Lagoon is a shallow and sandy lagoon with many rays and a chance for guests to be able to touch and feed them.
