Paradise Island, Bahamas
The Royal At Atlantis
Bahamian Legend
What it is
A ginormous mega-resort on the ocean, with thousands of candy-hued guest rooms, the Caribbean’s largest casino, a 141-acre waterpark and 30,000-square-foot spa.
What it isn't
Boring. You’ll be able to cross a bounty of thrills off your bucket list, from diving with sharks to playing endless rounds on a championship golf course.
What we think
Proof Atlantis is an icon? It was where Monica and Chandler honeymooned on Friends. And it’s no wonder studio execs chose it for the ultimate romantic getaway—where else can you swim with dolphins, dip in 11 different pools, hit the links and dine at a Nobu in one day, and one place? The Royal, the most central wing of The Atlantis’s many resort arms, is known for its tricked-out suites; we recommend the One Bedroom Suite for its terrace with a postcard-perfect overlook of the turquoise harbor below. If you’re bringing the Littles, you’ll never hear the phrase “I’m bored”: activities include Sea Squirts, a marine education program where they’ll feed baby stingrays, and even a glass fusing pottery studio for 9-year-olds and above.
You're here because
Your daily resort fee includes a medley of exploits, from water park access to an unforgettable meet and greet at Dolphin Cay.
The Moment
You knew you’d eat well here, but you never imagined you could dine at a José Andrés restaurant—inarguably your favorite chef simply because he founded the nonprofit World Central Kitchen. On your plate tonight? A conch pulled out of the sea here just this morning and grilled with chimichurri sauce, plus hush puppies with honey butter and trout roe—and every bit as divine as you may have hoped.
Restaurants & Bars
Fish by José Andrés - the master chef's stunning new restaurant featuring fresh Bahamian seafood
Nobu - world renowned Japanese cuisine
Chop Stix - contemporary Chinese cuisine meets the Pacific rim
Casa D'Angelo - Tuscany meets the Caribbean
Olives - Mediterranean cuisine by renowned chef Todd English
Seafire Steakhouse - modern steakhouse with extensive collection of fine wines
Location
A prime perch of aptly-named Paradise Island, a 30 minute drive from 1,235-acre Bonefish Pond National Park, where you can explore the only remaining tidal mangrove ecosystem in the area simply by strolling a boardwalk.