On Nassau’s Paradise Island, The Cove at Atlantis is big, bold, and unapologetically lavish. Opened in 2007, it’s been drawing in sun-seekers and thrill-chasers for years, offering a mix of high-end comfort and over-the-top entertainment.
An all-suite property with 600 accommodations, The Cove at Atlantis is a lot more refined than the rest of the complex, but make no mistake – this is still a resort that leans into its scale. The rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sunken living areas, and king-sized beds, all designed to make the most of those ocean views.
While “Paradise Island” might sound like a 1970s TV show, it is an actual island. The Atlantis resort is a goliath of interconnected hotels incorporating a giant water park, a casino and a marina/village – we have never seen more super yachts in one place. By the end, we were jadedly hypercritical (“yes, yes, the Sunseeker’s nice, but where’s the helipad?”).
The game here is to keep you happily inside, allowing you to breeze seamlessly, cashlessly from place to place. From high-end to casual, Nobu to Margaritaville, until you find yourself back where you started, like Patrick McGoohan in The Prisoner, only, you know, fabulous.
One unmissable feature is the 141-acre Aquaventure Water Park, promising fun for all ages. And though our own age is significantly more advanced than most of its patrons, we did indeed fling ourselves down several heart-stopping slides, one of which shoots through an aquarium. Speeding through a watery glass tube while sharks basked overhead between shafts of sunlight was a unique experience.
When we weren’t hurtling down water slides, we were eating. Dining options are vast, diverse and broadly excellent. Our evening at Nobu was as spectacular as you might expect. The world-famous restaurant delivered its signature mix of Japanese flavors with Peruvian influences, and every dish was worth the hype. The minimalist decor and moody lighting added to the experience, making for a sophisticated night out.
Fish by José Andrés, The Cove’s signature – you guessed it – seafood restaurant (which had us wander down a winding bridge over a beautifully illuminated pond of koi carp surrounded by greenery) had a stunning setting and was equally excellent. Oysters on the half shell, conch salad and striped halibut were all delicious, especially washed down with cocktails made from world-renowned rum producer Planteray.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Hedonist | NAS | GMT -4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Tucked away from the usual tourist paths, the Primeval Forest National Park offers a glimpse into the Bahamas’ ancient natural landscape. This limestone forest features sinkholes, caves, and a diverse range of native flora and fauna. It’s a serene spot for a leisurely hike and provides a unique perspective on the island’s ecology. Alternatively, the Pompey Museum in downtown Nassau offers profound insights into Bahamian history, focusing on the era of slavery and the journey to emancipation. Housed in a historic building, the museum provides a thoughtful and educational experience that will deepen your understanding of the island’s past. |
Compared to some of the newer, flashier resorts in the Bahamas, The Cove at Atlantis feels like a grand dame. The hotel has been around long enough to have a sense of history, but this also means it knows what it’s doing. Service is polished, the private pools and cabanas offer some much-needed calm, and the stretch of powdery beach out back is every bit as stunning as you’d hope.
It also makes for fantastic people-watching. The casino was a raucous party – high rollers, flashing lights and a general vibe of suspended reality. We sometimes suspect that we’ve been missing out on some illicit thrill by never having gambled, and we certainly felt that way here.
Beyond the immediate luxuries, The Cove at Atlantis offers a variety of excursions that cater to diverse interests. Guests can explore the vibrant marine life through snorkelling adventures, embark on deep-sea fishing trips, or take guided tours of Nassau to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. And of course, there is the now ubiquitous “swimming with pigs” experience (despite having been exposed to several videos of influencers being bitten on the bum just before our trip, we did go, and found them to be adorable).
The resort’s history is intertwined with that of Atlantis Paradise Island, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 with multimillion-dollar renovations. Aimed to revitalise the entire island, the enhancements made it more vibrant and appealing to travellers worldwide. Atlantis’ programming, meanwhile, connects guests to the history, art, people, food, and festivities of the Bahamas while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental conservation, including coral reef restoration and marine habitat protection.
Atlantis isn’t exactly subtle – it’s a giant, family-friendly playground packed with endless activities. But if you want to dip into the madness and still have a place to retreat to, The Cove at Atlantis strikes a great balance between indulgence and escape.
Photography by Terence Connors and courtesy of The Cove at Atlantis
