Bahamas Atlantis Resort Stay – Latest 2023 Report

In the winter of 2023, our family revisited the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, a dreamlike destination in the Bahamas, nestled in the Caribbean Sea. This was our first stay in four years, and this time, we focused on the changes since our last visit.

Christmas tree at the entrance of the Royal Tower

For an overview of our 2019 stay, please see this article, which details the entirety of Atlantis.

[Bahamas] Atlantis: A Family Adventure in the Caribbean

Significant Changes at Atlantis Bahamas

Compared to our last visit in late February 2020 (just before COVID-19), we noticed several changes throughout the resort. Here’s a brief overview:

• Completion of the Royal Tower renovation
• Revitalization of the Coral Tower
• Complete renovation and closure of the Beach Tower water park
• Launch of the dedicated Atlantis app
• Replacement of plastic water bottle tickets with metal drink bottles
• Price increases due to global inflation
• Closure of one of the buffet restaurants
• New dining area in Dolphin Cay
• Apparent decrease in fish numbers
• Transition from participatory to observational fish-feeding events
• Enrichment of seasonal events (possibly due to the Christmas season)
• Discontinuation of long-sleeve wetsuit sales

Let’s delve into each of these changes in more detail.

Renovations within Atlantis Hotels and Pools

The allure of Atlantis Resort, backed by the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, never ceases. Particularly, the completion of renovations in the Royal and Coral Towers has brought fresh wonders to visitors.

Completion of the Royal Tower Renovation

The Royal Tower, revamped to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Atlantis.

25th-anniversary decoration at the entrance of the Royal Tower

The guest rooms have been refreshed with new wallpapers and furniture. For more information, visit here.

However, certain issues like malfunctioning privacy displays next to doors still exist. We look forward to future improvements.

View from the hotel room, overlooking Dolphin Cay. We could enjoy dolphins jumping in the distance from our ocean-view room.

New Charm in the Coral Tower

In the Coral Tower, new Starbucks and ice cream shops have opened. The lounge entrance area, with its open and inviting atmosphere, is delightful. Large sofas and a relaxed space in front of the TV have been set up, proving popular with families.

CORAL Lobby, with some games and books for casual enjoyment.

The new ice cream shop offering fresh, healthy smoothies is also a highlight. The menu included four types of healthy smoothies, along with light snacks like bagels and coffee. Customization to suit individual tastes is possible as they are made on the spot.

The ice cream shop ‘Sun & Ice’ in the CORAL lobby offered delicious, colorful gelato.

Changes in Atlantis’s Beach Tower Area

One of Atlantis Resort’s hidden attractions, the Lazy River in the Beach Tower area, was unfortunately completely closed during our visit. (This is different from the main attraction, the Rapid River.) It was surrounded by construction fences, so we couldn’t enjoy this feature. We eagerly await its reopening after the renovation.

Atlantis’s Environmental and Digital Initiatives

Downloading the Atlantis App

Previously, navigating the resort with large paper maps and checking printed event lists for activities was the norm.

This time, everything has been updated to an app. The app can be downloaded for free from stores like the Apple Store. However, its usability is quite challenging.

The app’s event schedule screen. Difficult to read due to its confusing layout and automatic scrolling.

We ended up using the printed Resort Events Guide available at the front desk to enjoy the resort activities.

We hope for future improvements.

Atlantis-Branded Metal Drink Bottles

Previously, at check-in, guests received paper tickets for plastic water bottles from the front desk.

This time, we received metal drink bottles instead. They featured the ‘Atlantis’ logo and seem to be part of Atlantis’s participation in an ocean conservation program. This is an excellent initiative.

Complimentary metal water bottles as part of Atlantis’s ocean conservation efforts.

Changes in Atlantis’s Restaurants

Significant Price Increases in Restaurants

Atlantis Resort, already known for its high prices, experienced further increases due to global inflation.

The prices are astonishingly high for everything.

Ordering a healthy smoothie at a casual cafe would cost about $12 USD plus tips and taxes, totalling around $15 USD.

Smoothies on the right column are all priced at $12 USD

It’s advisable to be mentally prepared for the high costs before arriving at the resort.

For more restaurant information, refer to the article we compiled four years ago.

[Bahamas] Dining in Atlantis: Things to Know Before You Go

Closure of One Buffet Restaurant at Atlantis

One of the highlights of the resort is its luxurious buffet-style dining. During our last visit to Atlantis, we enjoyed breakfast and dinner at two buffet restaurants.

The abundance of food was overwhelming, and the kids were incredibly excited.

The dessert pizza is still a favorite. Yay!

The slightly upscale buffet restaurant that used to be in the COVE is no longer there. In its place, a new fancy breakfast restaurant, ‘Perch Bahamas‘, has just opened.

Looking at the reviews on Google Maps, it’s quite disappointing (rated 2.4 stars as of January 2024), which discouraged us from trying it out.

New Dining Area in Dolphin Cay at Aquaventure

Access to Dolphin Cay’s beach requires participation in paid activities like swimming with dolphins. There’s also an entry fee just for sitting on the beach.

Dolphin Cay. Watching the trainers interact with the dolphins is delightful.

A new area for casual dining, including snacks and cocktails, has been set up just beyond the low fence at the edge of Dolphin Cay Beach.

The new area in Dolphin Cay. Cocktails and light meals are available for purchase.

From here, you can watch dolphins jump and engage in various activities from a distance. Enjoying this with the stunning sunset view in the background is highly recommended.

The sunset at Dolphin Cay is breathtakingly beautiful.

Marine and Water Activities at Atlantis

For a summary of pool-related activities during our 2019 stay, including slides and aquariums, see here.

[Bahamas] A Comprehensive Guide to the Atlantis Aquarium

Perceived Decrease in Fish Numbers

Atlantis, more a bustling commercial resort than a natural haven, still evokes the desire to see fish in the sea, especially in the Caribbean. Four years ago, looking over the bridge inside the resort, numerous colorful fish in the river connecting to the open ocean was a delightful sight.

Paradise Lagoon. Enjoying a swim while waiting for our lunch order at the restaurant next to the lagoon.

This time, the number of fish visible from the bridge seemed to have significantly decreased. It might be seasonal, though.

We went snorkelling at COVE Beach and spotted about 20-30 fish.

Relaxing at COVE Beach

Changes in Fish Feeding Events

The fish-feeding events are no longer participatory. If you go to the designated spot at the set time, you can watch the trainers feed the fish.

Unfortunately, the hands-on experience of feeding stingrays, which we enjoyed last time, was no longer available, which was a bit disappointing.

Discontinuation of Long-Sleeve Wetsuits

Since I found the wetsuit I purchased at Atlantis very useful last time, I was looking forward to upgrading to a long-sleeve one. However, it’s unfortunate that they have discontinued their sale. Considering that there were many chilly days, it’s advisable to prepare for the cold when planning your trip.

Poolside on a cold day (lol).

Atlantis Seasonal Events

Since we stayed at Atlantis during the Christmas period, we witnessed numerous special seasonal events.

Christmas Trees Everywhere

Christmas decorations. A line of Christmas trees decorated according to themes of different countries, including Japan!

Atlantis Live Concerts and Dining

On Christmas Eve, there was a wonderful live concert featuring a cappella and string bands at the entrance of the Royal Tower.

At the entrance of the Royal Tower. A live event on Christmas Eve

Special Christmas dinners and Bahamian dinners were available at the buffet restaurants (note the price increase).

Christmas buffet. A delightful array of beautifully decorated desserts

An example of a buffet event at the Poseidon restaurant

For New Year’s Eve, a large stage was set up poolside.

Additionally, various restaurants and lobbies throughout the resort hosted live music and karaoke events, especially nearing the weekends.

Summary of Atlantis in 2023

Although there were a few disappointing aspects compared to our last visit, overall, it was an incredible family vacation that will remain a cherished memory for life.

Enjoying Paradise Lagoon Beach.

Atlantis is particularly a paradise for families with teenagers and younger children.

I am happy to assist in making your vacation as wonderful as possible.