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When visionary hotelier Sol Kerzner proclaimed his core value No. 1 "blow away the customer", never was that phrase more apparent than in his utopian masterpiece, Atlantis. Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, this massive water-world resort which opened in December, 1998 boasts 1,201 guest accommodations set in the two majestic Royal Towers and the Coral and Beach Towers, 2,300 rooms, 35 restaurants and bars, fountains, waterfalls, watersheds and the largest marine habitat in the world (besides the actual ocean). And let's not forget a world-class casino, spa, children's learning center, shops, a comedy club, convention facilities, a movie theater and more! So where do you start? Anywhere you want. But first, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the vast island empire called Atlantis, here's a little background about the fabled city, the theme of this spectacular resort, and the island where it lives. A
Little Background Music Atlantis
was first mentioned by the Greek Philosopher Plato. The empire
was said to have stretched from the Straits of Gibraltar at the
mouth of the Mediterranean all the way to the Americas. It was
where Poseidon, the God of the Oceans, ruled with his five sets
of male twins. (My heart goes out to Mrs. Poseidon cooking for
10 teenage boys and a god, but of course, they never mention her).
For years people have searched for traces of this wonderful civilization and some believe Atlantis was the island of Crete, while others believe it to be the Canary Islands, Scandinavia or the New World. But what Atlantis really is, is a larger than life, dramatic, extraordinary playground for humans of all ages, interests and homelands. If Atlantis was to have been a place where people lived in harmony and enjoyed all the gifts life and nature had to offer, then rest assured, Atlantis lives. More gloriously than ever. The
waterscape surrounding the Atlantis resort is over 11 million
gallons of water, more than 50,000 sea animals that represent
over 200 species that live in 11 exhibit lagoons.
3 Days in Paradise Day 1
Making
our way inside, we found ourselves in the Great Hall of Waters,
the main lobby area of the Royal Towers. You
could easily spend some time roller-blading around this huge rotunda
(although, don't). The ornate Atlantean pillars and the gleaming
marble floors are highlighted by a domed ceiling that displays
eight murals that tell the story of Atlantis from its days of
glory to its impending destruction. The murals were painted by
artist Albino
Gonzalez. After checking in, we were shown to our room in the Royal Towers. The Royal Towers has 1,201 guest facilities including 120 suites, and the amazing 5,000 square-foot Bridge Suite located in an archway high above the resort. All rooms have mini-bars, in-room safes, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, color satellite TV and movies on demand. Our room offered an incredible view of the grounds and the ocean. After many "oohs" and "ahhas" from our window, we unpacked and began our journey.
Although our time here was limited, and we couldn't sample everything (which is why you MUST come here a second, or more, time!) I'll give you a first hand account of our experiences. If you need more info on Atlantis, I'll be listing the Atlantis website for you to explore at the end of this article. >>more
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Upon
arriving at Nassau airport, my assistant and I were met by a limousine
sent by Atlantis. Michael, our limo driver who came to us by way
of Bahamas Experience, a combination limo and tour guide
service, was a pleasant and talkative native Bahamian, happy to
share his knowledge of the Island. For those of you wanting limo
service to Atlantis or a private tour of the island, you can email
