Property Highlight : The Cove, Atlantis – Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Bahamas Ranks as one of the top 10 destinations to spend your Holidays at because of the following reasons:
- Every resort participates in making a well programmed celebration and they really bring out the party culture of the Bahamas . For me it was a grand welcome at a fully decorated lobby and holiday music in the atmosphere at all times. Atlantis had planned live bands , Jazz music, party nights and live concerts by famous artist . 2019 had The Jonas Brothers doing a 2-3 hour concert in their Imperial Ballroom.
- You can witness their annual carnival called the ‘JUNKANOO’ . It is a splendid show of different themes and colors, local music and dancers with creative colorful costumes. They give their best at this extravaganza where they are rated on all the above points by a panel of Judges. The troops come from the neighboring islands and perform on their local art, a plethora of display of colors , costumes and themed decor vehicles. The carnival begins on Christmas eve at midnight and ends next day around 2pm, or longer.
- The weather is just right. Between 75 to 80 degrees. Perfect beach weather, most popular with travellers from the North eastern regions.
- Multicultural cuisines can be eaten at international restaurants chains housed inside this resort property itself. Right from eating Japanese at Nobu, Meditarrean at Olives or italian at Carmines, and many more options to indulge into fine dining.
Atlantis : It Runs an amazing marine life rescue program housed within a rich marine habitat , preserved in their near to natural conditions in the aquarium called “THE DIG”. The variety of fishes and aquatic life they hold is varied and most colorful i have seen. They maintain a regular feeding time shows for resort guests and also encourage snorkelling programs, and other forms of animal interaction. Their most popular program being shallow water interaction and swimming with the dolphins, sea lions or stin gray. They have housed many dolphins, turtles etc. rescued during the Hurricane Katrina. A very impressive documentary bas been made on their program.
Atlantis is build like a cluster of towers serving accommodations for guest with different expectations:
Harbourside facing the Harbour gives a very floridian look with basic amenities and access to yatchs
Royal Tower is the main building connecting to the other towers . this is where we can see a bridge between the big towers. The bridge is the atlantis suite
Beach Tower – with a direct access to the beach and also budgeted as compared to other towers
Coral Tower – The accommodation in this tower just got latest refurbiushments and the newer rooms definately stand out to meet the new and modern expectations.
The Cove – This is where we decided to stay. The newest and most modern of them all and known for a private beach access and world of its own. Also staying in thsi tower also means facing less crowd and more seclusion on the beach than the rest of the popular beaches. Their beautiful dark wood cabanas are very upgraded and equipped and you can rent them for the entire day and not need your room at all . They look like mini beach bunglows.
MY TRAVEL DIARY TO ATLANTIS
My experience and Things I did at The Cove, Atlantis:
Day 1
Dec 24, 2019
Explore and accustom , This Resort is huge. It can be simplified by just going the shuttle routes to hop towers, but to do it differently, there are short ways to connect by foot to any tower. It did take us few days to understand the map. We realised it a long way atleast 2-3 mile walk on an average each day between towers. The activities and restaurants are spread out so depends on what you choose to do. Definately Do not miss a dip in the waterpark on day 1 to refresh and remove the tiredness of the flight.
Restaurants: Reservations are done days in advance for most of the fine dining locations, you are better of starting your experimental day with marina pizzeria / delicatessen. They have housed in popular chains like Nobu, Carmines and Chopstix. In the 7 nights we were there we tried atleast 3 of the fine dining locations, and 2 casual and 2 local town restaurants.
They have a whole day of activities e.g. interaction with Santa from Breakfast with Santa to Meet the Santa.
Fees applies to these and many other add on entertainment activities. So if you think you have saved and grabbed a great deal on the hotel + air package, there will be surprise charges to follow and you will know it as you read on!
Day 2:
Dec 25, 2019
Woke up late. We decided to dedicate the whole day near the Mayan temple water slides. Got my sun block and kindle and cellphones fully charged. Spent the day in the swim costumes. Plenty thrill rides so be ready for the non stop fun. This makes a whole lot of reason why you need to stay in Atlantis. Our favorite of them all was the Rapid river tube ride. I think its every age group favorite and best family ride. However todays highlight was the Challenger water slide which my son (7 yr old) did multiple times. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CHALLENGER SLIDE
…and here is how the ABYSS waterslide looks like from inside . Could not pick my guts up to experience this. its FASTEST FLOWING and scariest of all waterslides. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ABYSS
Tips:
1.The food overall is going to add on to your bills in a big way. Do carry some munchies for those untimely hunger times . Spending a long day in water does build frequent hunger pangs
- Carry a waterproof phone case and lots of sunblock (one bottle won’t do)
- Do block your seats in the morning before the water park opens. They do run out of chairs especially with holiday crowd.
Day 3:
Dec 26, 2019
Highlight of the day : Atlantis Pals Kids Club, Casino day sans kids and fine Dining at Nobu
Today we thought we will try the kids club since they had day events and holiday party night . And hoping kids can meet and make some new friends for the rest of the days they are here and familiarize. This gave us around 3-4 hours of free time and we explored the Adult only activities like casino, the Adult only side of Cove and of course some fine dining fitting a date night dinner. I highly recommend 1 Kid-free night, There is a lot to do.
Dec 27:
Glimpse of the Junkanoo Parade
Lucky to be around this time, and not getting a glimpse of the crazy fiesta would be something i would regret. We were warned by lot of locals that this ticketed street parade gets booked and remains jam packed with onlookers. So going there would’nt be an ideal thing to do especially when the tv runs a live telecast of it.
However nothing like feeling the vibe in person. We took our chances and went Downtown.
The parade was at the verge of getting done and the best participants were the ones which were finishing it off with a grand exit. The streets were emptying up and wasnt as crazy as we thought it would be. We could see and feel the ongoing festivities up close and personal and also got a chance to interact with the group personally in background. It believe end of the event was the best timing to go, though the parade began as early as previous night at 2am.
Can’t believe the humongous energy of the group , dancers and musician who have been trumpeting the streets for 12+ hours.
Few inconveniences involved (difficulties of finding taxis, long walking, hot weather, etc.) but where there is a will there is a way. So thrilled to actually witness one of the best parades with extravagant costumes and themed vehicles in lifetime.
Dec 28:
Another day at Waterpark paradise .
We met some familiar faces today as 4-5 cruise ships docked and Bahamas being a very popular port of call . Many guests prepurchase an atlantis day pass and spend an entire day at the waterpark and enjoy dining.
Dec 29:
Exploring local shopping and dining
A relaxing day of casual dining and a day we decided to explore local town. This was a good they buy some souvenirs (which are all duty free ofcourse). We were alsofllowed by a bunch of ladies time an again for hair braiding art. We did find $2 per braid the most reasonable and well negotiated offer but by the time we accepted, the lady was lost of sight. Maybe next rime for the beautiful braids. Some of the favorites were bead necklaces and handcrafts made with coconut shells. The local Jambe drums were so artistic and so were the statues , all made with coconut shells. Must buy some to support the local artisans.
We also dined at “señor Frog” the local restaurant we would love to go again and again For its live guacamole and party culture. We believe it had the best view of the harbour and saw cruise ships departing in the last rays of sun!
Day 30
Our final day we decided to catch up with all that was not accomplished in our list of things to do . Most recommended was the Swim with Dolphins and various animal interactions. We had such a unique and close experiences with the aquatic experiences, we definitely did save the best for the last. Also celebrated my daughters 5th bday at the heaven. The in-house fine dining “Carmines Italian” was our pick for the night for the finale
Day 31
Checking out : The last early morning beachwalk
Checking out today and took the last early morning beachside walk on an empty private beach of The Cove!
We Rented a Limo ride to the long ride to the Airport and it was most rewarding.. Taking back a heart full of memories and precious Tan back home.
CLIENT DIARIES: Suman Bafana’s 50!
I did have many families booked to go to Atlantis (5 families and 1 group), However this family booking was an emotional experience for me and very thankful for their positive word of mouth as well!
This was a surprise vacation gifted by Suman’s family to her. It was really memorable for them as the surprise was well kept and we could add her sister very last moment to the itinerary as well, who flew specially from India for this occasion.
Their STAY at the iconic Royal tower made it convenient for them to shuttle within the resort and more central to most of the attractions
We had a special surprise waiting for them in the room as well with a humongous fruit basket placed carefully in Sumans bedroom right on time! The family really enjoyed their fruitful time though the weather had been a hit or miss each day, they could do only 2 of the 4 activities scheduled for them. However the plan was to have each day eventful and indulging and that was thoroughly achieved . You can see their smiling faces through the pictures.
I heartily thank her family to giving me the opportunity to plan the 5day getaway to this beautiful resort and activities for them. My vendors Atlantis made it special to make small changes and trivial minutes for the family and working with this kind of partners is always a great experience.
I want you to travel! 