Atlantis in Bahamas
Jun 29th, 2015, 03:01 PM
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Atlantis in Bahamas
We are planning our 50th anniversary trip with our whole family next summer and are giving thought to the Caribbean. We are an active family of 12, including 6 adults, 2 teens, 3 older elementary children, and a 4 year old.
I have been looking at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and would appreciate input from those who have visited there. The activities look somewhat "canned" to me, yet I may not be seeing it correctly. Tell me about things like the dolphin encounter and swimming with the sting rays. When looking at their website, those type activities seem a bit cookie-cutter. We want to avoid a spot that is basically a water park with a few added activities and eating at the same restaurants for a week. So should we avoid Atlantis? I'm not being critical of anyone who chooses this as their favorite vacation spot. Vacations are so personal. Just trying to find the best fit for our family.
We would love to enjoy the ocean. We want to take some great snorkeling trips that go away from the hotel, parasail, go deep sea fishing, the kids want take some beginner scuba lessons and go on a basic dive, windsurf, boogey board, jet skis, etc. We don't want to be at the hotel and a water park for the entire week.
My husband and I have visited St John and love it. Not sure if the activity level is a bit laid-back for our whole group. Our group likes to stay busy most of the time and we want a beautiful beachfront location to call home for the week.
I would appreciate input. Thanks!
I have been looking at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and would appreciate input from those who have visited there. The activities look somewhat "canned" to me, yet I may not be seeing it correctly. Tell me about things like the dolphin encounter and swimming with the sting rays. When looking at their website, those type activities seem a bit cookie-cutter. We want to avoid a spot that is basically a water park with a few added activities and eating at the same restaurants for a week. So should we avoid Atlantis? I'm not being critical of anyone who chooses this as their favorite vacation spot. Vacations are so personal. Just trying to find the best fit for our family.
We would love to enjoy the ocean. We want to take some great snorkeling trips that go away from the hotel, parasail, go deep sea fishing, the kids want take some beginner scuba lessons and go on a basic dive, windsurf, boogey board, jet skis, etc. We don't want to be at the hotel and a water park for the entire week.
My husband and I have visited St John and love it. Not sure if the activity level is a bit laid-back for our whole group. Our group likes to stay busy most of the time and we want a beautiful beachfront location to call home for the week.
I would appreciate input. Thanks!
Jun 29th, 2015, 06:34 PM
#2
Much of Atlantis is indeed "canned"...even the landscaping. We have been there three times, but that was several years ago. We really enjoyed the aquarium and The Dig, and the slides. The beach is also very nice.
However, we got tired of the total commercialization of the resort. I know resorts are all commercialized, but Atlantis seems to be the extreme.
If you love St. John, I don't see you loving the Atlantis. They are as different as night and day.
There are so many other places that offer the activities you are looking for that are more laid back and not like Vegas on the beach.
However, if the kids REALLY want to experience the water slides and aquariums, etc, then go for it. It can be fun if you know what to expect.
However, we got tired of the total commercialization of the resort. I know resorts are all commercialized, but Atlantis seems to be the extreme.
If you love St. John, I don't see you loving the Atlantis. They are as different as night and day.
There are so many other places that offer the activities you are looking for that are more laid back and not like Vegas on the beach.
However, if the kids REALLY want to experience the water slides and aquariums, etc, then go for it. It can be fun if you know what to expect.
Jun 30th, 2015, 02:28 PM
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Thank you, schmerl. You confirmed my suspicions.
I am trying to research a Caribbean location that is a single day's flight from Texas so we don't spend more than 2 days of our week's vacation in travel. It seems I'm finding an overnight required to several spots (such as St John) that I've checked.
Do you have other locations to suggest that I investigate that are less commercialized that would fit the things our family wants to experience?
Outside the Caribbean, I'm looking into Maui. We have been there a handful of times and, surprisingly, we can get there faster than most places in the Caribbean I've checked.
I'm thankful for your input.
Thank you!
I am trying to research a Caribbean location that is a single day's flight from Texas so we don't spend more than 2 days of our week's vacation in travel. It seems I'm finding an overnight required to several spots (such as St John) that I've checked.
Do you have other locations to suggest that I investigate that are less commercialized that would fit the things our family wants to experience?
Outside the Caribbean, I'm looking into Maui. We have been there a handful of times and, surprisingly, we can get there faster than most places in the Caribbean I've checked.
I'm thankful for your input.
Thank you!
Jun 30th, 2015, 07:33 PM
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You might consider renting a villa/condo on St Martin. They have tons to choose from. They also have a ton of restaurants for every taste and budget. There is a rhino safari where you take your own motorized dinghy to a great snorkel spot. In addition, they offer the 12 meter regatta sailing, butterfly farm, sunset beach bar, lots of beaches, great shopping & easy access to other islands for day trips....Anguilla, Saba, St. Bart's..... I go through www.caribbeandays.com
Jun 30th, 2015, 10:51 PM
#5
Consider Turks and Caicos--tons of water activities, no "canned" feeling. I see stingrays all the time, but in nature, not fabricated like Atlantis.
I like Atlantis for a couple of days, but keep in mind, it feels like a water park at the beach. Tons of pools, but they play loud music at all of them. And the crowds!
TCI is great for families-and bonus one of the best beaches in the world! There's a weekly direct flight from Dallas.
Resorts in TCI are condos, with living rooms, kitchens. Many villas to choose from too--excellent restaurants. Tons of water activities, and you can also explore other islands and uninhabited cays (by boat, ferry, drive, etc)
I like Atlantis for a couple of days, but keep in mind, it feels like a water park at the beach. Tons of pools, but they play loud music at all of them. And the crowds!
TCI is great for families-and bonus one of the best beaches in the world! There's a weekly direct flight from Dallas.
Resorts in TCI are condos, with living rooms, kitchens. Many villas to choose from too--excellent restaurants. Tons of water activities, and you can also explore other islands and uninhabited cays (by boat, ferry, drive, etc)
Jul 7th, 2015, 11:41 AM
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We have been to St. Maarten and really enjoyed it. The place we stayed is no longer there-wiped out by a hurricane.
We have also been to Atlantis. At the time, our kids were younger and it was a great place for them. We stayed in the condo buildings which have their own pools-no cruise ship passengers like the rest of Atlantis. Another option is Bermuda which we really like although it's pricey. Took the kids for the first time last year and are going again this month.
We have also been to Atlantis. At the time, our kids were younger and it was a great place for them. We stayed in the condo buildings which have their own pools-no cruise ship passengers like the rest of Atlantis. Another option is Bermuda which we really like although it's pricey. Took the kids for the first time last year and are going again this month.
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