Luxury Escape or Overhyped? Unveiling The Royal at Atlantis Bahamas Resort

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beautiful resort at atlantis
Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

The writer was hosted and this post is sponsored by Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.

Are you considering visiting Atlantis and looking for the best place to stay? Look no further than The Royal at Atlantis! One of the five Atlantis Paradise Island hotels, The Royal is the iconic “pink” building with two towers linked together by the Bridge Suite. This is where most people picture themselves when planing their stay at Atlantis.

My family chose The Royal and indulged in a wide range of amenities and activities that kept us entertained throughout our stay. From the Aquaventure water park, to the marine animal encounters, to the spa, there’s something for everyone.

We love fun and food and the resort has a large variety of both. But perhaps the biggest reason I loved staying at

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The Royal at Atlantis is the close proximity to everything. The Dig, filled with marine life, is easily accessed from The Royal Lobby and Aquaventure water park is a short walking distance from your room or suite. There are also several restaurants and bars located in The Royal as well as right next door in Atlantis Casino. Last, The Royal is also the home of Atlantis Kids Adventure – a club for children ages 3-12.

This year, The Royal is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, and in honor of this milestone, here are our 25 reasons why you should book your stay at The Royal at Atlantis.

1. Stunning Ocean Views and White Sandy Beaches

The Royal at Atlantis is located on Paradise Island in The Bahamas and offers breathtaking ocean views and access to miles of white sandy beaches. With turquoise waters and fine white sand, the beaches at Atlantis are considered to be on of the the best in The Bahamas. 

The resort’s beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking.

The private beaches for guests staying at The Royal are more secluded and intimate, providing a VIP experience. Also, the sunsets from the beach are particularly beautiful; we loved strolling along the beach to take in the views at sunset.

blue oceans waters in the bahamas
Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

2. Accommodation Options for Everyone

The Royal offers a variety of newly renovated guestrooms and suites, making it suitable for families, couples and solo travelers. From romantic getaways to multigen family vacations, the resort can accommodate it all!

The rooms are very comfortable, and feature modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and mini-fridges. The different suites offer additional space, some with large balconies offering breathtaking resort and ocean views. Don’t forget about the 24-hour In-Room Dining!

Accommodations at The Royal feature elegant decor with neutral tones and luxurious furnishings. Premium guest rooms offers either a King Size Bed or two Queen Beds making it ideal for a family vacation. We stayed in a 1 Bedroom Regal Suite, offering our family of 5 plenty of space.

Read More: VIP Tips for Visiting Atlantis Resort

3. Atlantis Kids Adventure (AKA)

The Royal at Atlantis in the Bahamas offers a supervised kids club for children, providing a fun and engaging environment for kids while their parents relax and enjoy their vacation. AKA is open to children aged 3-12 and is staffed by trained and qualified caregivers. My kids loved the variety of activities and entertainment that kept them happy and engaged.

Activities offered at the kids club include arts and crafts, games,sports, treasure hunts and movie nights. The kids club also offers educational activities that teach children about marine life and the environment. 

Babysitting options are also available.

4. Endless Ways to Swim and Play 

The resort has a whopping 20 swimming ares and 14 swimming pools! And let me tell you, the river ride with rapids and wave surges is a total blast.

But that’s not all, the resort also offers a wide range of activities. You can try your hand at water sports, snorkeling and paddle boarding in the resort’s marine habitat. It’s home to more than 50,000 sea creatures, which makes snorkeling there a unique and exciting experience.

Did you know that the resort also features the largest open-air marine habitat in the world? It has 11 exhibit lagoons and more than 250 species of marine life. It’s like having your own private aquarium to explore.

Leap of Faith water slide at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas the royal at atlantis review
Leap of Faith water slide at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas. Photo credit: Gwen Kleist

5. The Variety of Dining Options

Are you a food lover looking for a resort that offers a wide variety of dining options? Look no further than The Royal at Atlantis resort. This place has got it all, from casual bites to fancy dinners, and everything in between.

You’ll find a ton of casual eateries that serve a variety of international cuisines. So, whether you’re craving some Bahamian specialties or food from some other part of the world, you’ll find something that tickles your taste buds.

The Royal and other nearby resorts also have some fine dining options for when you’re feeling fancy. 

And let’s not forget about the bars, lounges and coffee shops where you can enjoy a cocktail or a drink while taking in the views of the ocean or the resort’s lush gardens.

Whole lobster dinner at atlantis
Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

6. Casino Entertainment

The large Atlantis Casino that’s open 24/7 and has a wide variety of games to keep you entertained.

If you’re into table games, the casino offers blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. Plus, there are a ton of slot machines. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find something that will suit your level of experience. 

Even better, the casino has a rewards program where you can earn points while you play and redeem them for a variety of perks, like free play, free meals and free hotel rooms. And the casino staff is top-notch, professional and well-trained. We found them to always be happy to help with any questions or concerns.

7. Relaxation and Wellness

The Royal at Atlantis in the Bahamas is home to the luxurious Mandara Spa. This is my go-to place for escaping the stresses of everyday life and indulging in some much-needed pampering.

The spa offers a wide range of treatments and services to help guests relax and rejuvenate. Massage options range from Swedish to deep tissue to hot stone. Facials can be anti-aging or hydrating. Body treatments include scrubs, wraps and hydrotherapy to exfoliate, hydrate and rejuvenate skin. And, of course, the spa offers manicures and pedicures.

Beyond the pampering, the spa also offers a range of wellness services such as yoga, fitness classes and meditation to help guests maintain their overall well-being during their vacation.

8. It’s an Award Winning Resort

From the first moment you walk into the lobby until you get down to the water to explore the ocean, you’ll see why Atlantis offers its guests an award winning resort experience. The staff is incredible and the concierge services are top-notch. It’s not surprising that The Royal at Atlantis has won so many awards

9. Exclusive Amenities for The Royal Guests

Staying in The Royal resort means having access to a private lounge and beach. These areas provide a more secluded and intimate setting for guests who simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the resort’s lush gardens.

In addition, staying at The Royal includes access to exclusive dining experiences, such as private dinners and culinary events. These experiences provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy gourmet cuisine in a more intimate and upscale setting.

The Surge water slide. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub

10. Thrilling Slides and Water Rides

When you stay at The Royal you’ll be the closest resort to all the water fun! The resort features the iconic Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith slide, where you can slide through a shark-filled lagoon, as well as more than 20 swimming areas and a water park, providing endless hours of thrills and excitement.

Aquaventure is considered one of the best water parks in the Caribbean. Our family’s favorite water slides at Aquaventure are:

  • The Leap of Faith: This is a thrilling water slide that drops riders nearly 60 feet through a clear acrylic tunnel and into a shark-filled lagoon.
  • The Rapids River: This river anything but lazy! Here, you float down a mile-long river with rapids and wave surges that ratchet up the thrill level.
  • The Abyss: One of the resort’s most popular attractions, this water ride features a series of high-speed water slides through dark, twisting tunnels and down steep drops.

If you’d prefer relaxation over thrills, there is an actual lazy river. Or you can just snag one of the many places to sit poolside. 

11. Activities that Don’t Include Water

You don’t have to get wet to have fun at The Royal at Atlantis in The Bahamas! Activities that don’t involve water include:

  • Golf: The resort’s 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Tom Weiskopf. It’s a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience with a bonus: beautiful views of the ocean and the resort’s lush gardens.
  • Tennis: Play on Atlantis Paradise Island tennis courts or take a lesson from a pro.
  • Spa and Wellness: We’ve already mentioned the wide array of services offered at the luxurious Mandara Spa, from face and body treatments to yoga classes.
  • Fitness Center: The Royal also has a state-of-the-art gym and fitness classes so you can maintain your fitness routine while on vacation.
  • Shopping: The resort offers a wide selection of shopping options, from high-end designer boutiques to traditional Bahamian souvenir shops.
  • Casino: The large casino offers a variety of games, including slot machines and table games.
  • Entertainment and Shows: There is a wide range of entertainment options, from live shows to movies to special events, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy.

12. Close to Nassau Attractions

The Royal at Atlantis is located on Paradise Island, which is just a short drive from Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas. Nassau is located on New Providence Island, which is connected to Paradise Island by two bridges. Plus, the resort is close to many natural and cultural attractions, providing opportunities to explore the local area and experience Bahamian culture.

13. Shopping Options

The resort has a good range of options for shopping, from luxury brands to souvenirs, making it easy to find the perfect vacation mementos to bring back home. You’ll also have access to shops selling essentials in case you forget to pack some necessities.

14. Closest to the Main Resort Attractions

One of the greatest benefits to staying at The Royal is that it’s close to the best attractions and activities on the Atlantis property, including the Dig and Aquaventure. Being near the water park was really important for our family since we were taking 3 kids back and forth each day.

kids looking at the fish in the dig the royal at atlantis review
One of many acquariums at Atlantis Resort Bahamas. Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

15. Great for Families 

The Royal at Atlantis in The Bahamas is a great destination for families for several reasons:

  • Kid-focused amenities: Ranked at the top of this list is the kids club. That means the kids can have fun while the adults can relax. 
  • Activities for all ages: The Royal offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, such as swimming with dolphins, snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as land-based activities such as tennis and golf. 
  • Family-friendly accommodations: The resort offers a variety of room types that are designed to accommodate families, such as suites with multiple bedrooms and connecting rooms. These room types provide families with the space and privacy we all appreciate when on vacation together.
  • Kid-friendly dining: Foodie kids will find great food around the resort, but there also are dining options for pickier eaters such as buffets, pizzerias and ice cream parlors.
  • Entertainment: The resort offers everything from live shows to movies, ensuring that there’s always something that is kid- and family appropriate.
  • Special Experiences: Atlantis has incredible experiences like the Mermaid for-a-day-program for kids ages 3-12. This fairy tale adventure is all about making your little one feel like an underwater princess for the day. 

Read More: Check out all of the family-friendly things to do at Atlantis Resort.

16. Corporate and Private Events

The resort’s meeting and conference spaces, team-building activities, dining options, luxurious accommodations, event planning services and business services, provide everything that is needed to make a corporate or private event successful.

17. Cultural and Natural Attractions

Because the resort is so close to Nassau, it offers easy access to many cultural and natural attractions, allowing you to experience the best the island has to offer. Take a day trip to Nassau’s historic district, or explore the beautiful beaches and nature preserves located nearby. (To be honest, during our visit we found that there was so much to explore around The Royal that we never ventured far.) 

sunset at atlantis bahamas resort
Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

18. Golf on a Beautiful Course

Looking to hit the links on your vacation? The Royal at Atlantis Bahamas has an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. This beauty was designed by Tom Weiskopf. Located on Paradise Island, the course offers challenging holes augmented by stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Nassau Harbour.

The golf course also has a full-service pro shop where you can pick up some new gear or apparel, and a practice facility with a driving range, chipping green and putting green. Plus, there are a variety of golfing programs and services, like clinics and private lessons, so you can work on your swing while enjoying your vacation.

19. Transportation from the Airport 

Conveniently arrange for transportation to and from the airport with The Royal. When you’re traveling with a group or kids, it’s always nice to have direct transportation to a resort. Some Atlantis resort package deals include complimentary private transfers to and from the airport, so check on that when booking.

Read More: Everything you need to know about getting to Atlantis Paradise Island.

20. Swim with the Marine Animals

The resort’s marine habitat, Dolphin Cay, offers the opportunity to swim with dolphins and other marine animals, providing an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience.

  • Dolphin Encounters: During these encounters, guests learn about bottlenose dolphin behavior and communication and have the opportunity to touch, feed and swim with these intelligent and friendly animals.
  • Shark Encounter: If you’re brave enough, you can also swim with and observe different species of sharks in a safe and controlled environment. This is called the snuba’ experience at the Mayan Temple.
  • Stingray Encounter: This experience allows you to swim with, feed and learn about southern stingrays. 
  • Sea Lion Encounter: During this encounter, you will learn about the life and behavior of these playful and intelligent animals and have the opportunity to touch and feed them. 

All marine animal encounters are led by trained professionals, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the guests and the animals. These encounters are a great way to learn about marine life and have a unique and memorable experience while on vacation.

There are many more of these experiences available; see the full list here

Photo credit: Atlantis Bahamas

21. Entertainment, Shows and Events

The resort offers a wide range of entertainment options, from live shows to movies to events like the Nassau Paradise Island Food & Wine Festival. See the full list of the current shows and events that are taking place at The Royal here.

22. Plenty of Ways to Upgrade Your Vacation

There are many ways you can upgrade your stay at The Royal. Beyond the usual upgraded room options and private cabanas, I recommend you book the Atlantis Marine Life camping experience. My family loved it!

23. Nightlife Options

The Royal at Atlantis in the Bahamas offers a variety of nightlife options, including clubs, lounges, bars, the casino, live music and shows. 

24. Beautiful Both Day and Night

The Royal at Atlantis in the Bahamas is considered a stunning and beautiful destination both during the day and at night.

During the day, the resort’s tropical landscaping and lush gardens provide a colorful and picturesque background for photos! We took a ton of family photos at locations around the resort.

At night, the resort is equally beautiful with its illuminated architecture, lighting and landscaping. you really have to see it to believe how stunning it is.

nighttime view of the resort at atlantis
Photo credit: Breeze Leonard

25. It’s the Perfect Vacation Destination

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or entertainment, the resort has something to offer you.

This was by far one of our favorite resorts and our trip to Atlantis was unforgettable.

We have several other posts to help you plan your trip to Atlantis, check them out here:

Family Friendly Things To Do at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

17 VIP Tips & Questions for a Visit to Atlantis Resort Bahamas

When is the Best Time to Visit Atlantis?


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