Additional Coverage:
- My family spent over $3,000 on 4 nights in Atlantis. The Bahamas resort felt overpriced, but we’ll keep coming back. (businessinsider.com)
Atlantis Paradise Island: A Toddler’s (and Parent’s) Dream Vacation, But at a Price
Paradise Island, Bahamas – Sun, sand, and splashing toddlers – that’s the dream, right? For this family of three, that dream became a reality with a recent four-night stay at Atlantis Paradise Island’s Reef hotel. While the experience was undeniably luxurious and convenient, the hefty price tag left us wondering if paradise comes at a premium.
As seasoned parents, our vacation planning now revolves around keeping our little one entertained. Atlantis, with its abundance of on-site amenities, seemed like the perfect fit.
Having previously enjoyed a trip there in 2023, we knew the resort offered stroller-friendly access and a host of activities. The Reef, tucked away in a quieter corner of the sprawling complex, offered a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the casino, water park, and over 20 restaurants.
Thanks to some savvy credit card perks, we snagged a $100 resort credit and free breakfast, plus a 25% discount on our room rate. Even with these savings, our four-night stay in a one-bedroom oceanview suite during the low season (August) totaled $2,279. Food and drinks added another $816 (after the $100 credit), bringing the grand total to just over $3,000, not including airfare, transportation, babysitting, or groceries.
Our oceanview suite was a definite upgrade from our usual accommodations. While the décor felt a bit dated, the spacious layout with two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and private balcony overlooking the turquoise waters made it worth the splurge.
The balcony quickly became our favorite spot, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat. The full kitchen also proved invaluable, allowing us to prepare meals and snacks for our toddler, especially after a slightly chaotic family dinner at Carmine’s.
While the beach offered beautiful white sand and gentle waves perfect for little ones, securing a prime spot with a functioning canopy required early-morning diligence. The real highlight?
The actual reef just off the beach! We hired a resort babysitter for $82.50 to enjoy three hours of snorkeling and exploring the vibrant marine life.
The resort’s 14 pools, including several zero-entry options, provided endless splashing fun for our son. We spent most of our pool time at the one near The Reef and the pools within Aquaventure, the resort’s impressive water park.
With options for all ages, from gentle slides to thrilling plunges, Aquaventure kept both toddler and parents entertained. We even braved the shark-filled waterslide!
Another highlight was the massive indoor aquarium, a welcome escape from the sun. Our toddler loved exploring the tunnels and marveling at the diverse marine life.
Dining at Atlantis presented a mixed bag. While options abounded, most felt overpriced.
A memorable (and expensive) dinner at chef Michael White’s Paranza cost $310, excluding the babysitter. Even quick bites at casual spots like Field Trip added up quickly.
Despite the high cost of dining, the overall convenience of Atlantis, with its numerous restaurants, activities, and amenities, was hard to beat. The ease of navigating the resort with a toddler, combined with its proximity to the airport (a short three-hour flight from New York), made for a truly stress-free vacation.
While Atlantis may not be the most budget-friendly option, its family-friendly atmosphere and sheer abundance of offerings make it a tempting paradise. We’ll certainly be back, if the vacation fund allows!