The Bahamas ~ July 2016

7/29/2016

New Providence Island, Bahamas

I was recently invited on a site inspection trip for travel consultants to experience several different resorts in the Bahamas. This was my first visit to the islands and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get there and the amazingly beautiful beaches. You can leave the States in the morning and have your toes in the sand by lunchtime! I realized now that is so much more than just a cruise port of call on the way to the Caribbean. I would recommend the Bahamas to anyone looking for a resort destination that is close to home. With a variety of resorts and accommodations to suit all tastes and group sizes, the Bahamas appeal to everyone.

The Albany, a Luxury resort community

After landing at the Nassau International Airport, my first stop on New Providence Island is The Albany. This luxury resort community is an exclusive retreat for those looking for a quiet, secluded atmosphere, where you don't even have to leave the property if you do not want to.

Modern and sleek in design, this resort allows you to be as active or inactive as you want. Enjoy their world class fitness center or play a round of golf on the resort's course, designed by Ernie Els. Or do nothing at all and relax on a lounge chair at one of the pools or beach front, where you can be waited on hand and foot.

Perfect for multi-generational families or a group of friends, accommodations range from the contemporary marina residences, overlooking mega-yachts in the harbor, to comfortable and sophisticated beach houses ranging from two to five bedrooms. Every unit is different and we can help you pick the best one suited to your needs and desires at the time of booking. The Albany would be a great destination for a special anniversary or retirement celebration.

Once the resort is complete in the next few years, it will have a certain draw for well-to-do individuals looking for a retreat in the Bahamian Islands without having to stay at the mega-resort, Atlantis.

The Albany is located on the western side of the island, opposite Paradise Island & Nassau, in a developing area that is quiet and secluded.

Atlantis paradise island resort
The Reef & The Cove Towers

After a couple of nights at the beautiful Albany, we moved to the northern coast of the island to visit the iconic resort complex of Atlantis, Paradise Island. To be honest, I have never seen anything like it. It's like the Las Vegas of the Caribbean or a cruise ship on land. The resort is self-contained, much like the Albany, but you could stay here for weeks and still do something different every day. A bit overwhelming and intimidating, a resort stay here is best planned with the assistance of a travel professional. There are so many aspects to Atlantis and we want you to be prepared as possible. Guests should also be aware that they will be sharing the massive resort with day trippers from several cruise ships that visit Nassau on a daily basis so it can get quite crowded, even with all that space. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, too! Although shuttles are available, you will still be doing plenty of walking...especially if you have children.

The Reef Atlantis
The beauty of Atlantis is that they can offer accommodations to meet every guest's budget and lifestyle. Although I didn't have the opportunity to stay at Atlantis, I did take part in a guided tour of two of their towers, The Reef & The Cove. I consider The Reef to be a 3 Star property, with suites and rooms that were specifically designed with families in mind; the units all have kitchenettes for those that don't want to dine out all day, every day. I liked the modern and contemporary design of the resort and it's proximity to the pools and beach, which looked lovely from my viewpoint on one of the unit's private balconies. Another great feature is the fact that guests have access to their own pool and beach area specifically for those staying at The Reef & The Cove.

The Cove Atlantis
Located next to The Reef is The Cove, where you will find the resort's most sophisticated and upscale accommodations, along with a price tag to match. Also the newest tower at Atlantis, this is the best choice for couples and families with older children. There is an adults only pool available to guests of the Cove only, which can be a pleasant (and much needed!) escape from the constant activity going on throughout the rest of the resort. The guest rooms and suites have all been recently refurbished; the decor is contemporary and "island elegant." The only downside is that , in order to create the illusion of seclusion, the Cove is located the farthest away from the water parks, dining and shopping venues. However, the upside to this is a quieter area of the resort and fewer crowds on the beach. So if you want to experience Atlantis but not be in the middle of it all, I recommend The Cove.

For more information on The Reef Atlantis, please click here.
For more information on The Cove Atlantis, please click here.

Certified atlantis specialist

One&Only ocean club

The One&Only Ocean Club sits on the same island of Atlantis but is world's away in terms of class and style. Just like with The Albany, this resort draws a different sort of traveler, one with a more sophisticated lifestyle and expectations. With only 107 rooms, this boutique property is perfect for honeymooners, couples, and families , which accommodations ranging from standard garden and ocean view resort rooms to multiple bedroom suites and villas.

I found the One&Only to be very chic and fashionable - it is a place to see and be seen but on a very discreet level. The resort grounds were immaculate and beautiful. There are plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind; my personal favorite was the adults only pool pictured below. The Versailles-like gardens in the background were the perfect place for an evening walk before dinner. For brief moment, it really felt like I was in Europe!

My Deluxe Ocean View Room faced the lawn and infinity pool in the recently renovated and historic Hartford Wing. The resort made a welcomed switch from the dark and rich Caribbean decor to a more colorful and light color scheme that is well complimented by the natural beauty of the surrounding resort grounds.

I am so lucky to have experienced this fun and relaxed environment. Not normally a sand and sun type of person, I'll admit that I was blown away by the color of the water and softness of the sand. Out of all the resorts that I had the privilege of visiting over the course of my trip, the One&Only Ocean Club was my favorite. It just had such a soft and sophisticated atmosphere that seemed effortless in nature. I am glad that I finally got to see the behemoth, Atlantis, and am now able to see what draws guests to its sunny shores and water parks. I cannot wait to see The Albany again upon completion.

Farewell Sunset

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