By Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher, Successful Black Parenting Magazine

Press trip hosted by Atlantis Paradise Island and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. Opinions are my own.

Part One of a Three-Part Series

From the moment my plane touched down in Nassau, I knew this trip to Atlantis Paradise Island would be something special. The island air smelled like coconut and saltwater, and I could already feel my shoulders relaxing.

As part of a press trip hosted by Atlantis Paradise Island and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, I was treated like a VIP from the start. The staff greeted me with smiles as warm as the Bahamian sun, handling every detail with such grace that I felt more like royalty than a guest.

The iconic Royal towers and Bridge Suite can be seen from all over the island.

Walking into Atlantis’ lobby was a jaw-dropping experience. It was reminiscent of a cathedral, with soaring ceilings and marble pillars that framed an open-air aquarium filled with tropical fish and rays. I half-expected King Titan himself to appear.

To the right, the casino buzzed with energy. To the left, families strolled past restaurants and stores. And beyond the casino, luxury awaited with Cartier, Louboutin, and Rolex stores that glittered beside artwork created by Bahamian children, proof that this elegant resort also celebrates its local roots.

“It looked like I was entering King Titan’s throne room, an underwater dream of light, marble, and motion.”

My Room With a View

To reach my room, I passed a lagoon filled with sea turtles, and yes, I squealed out loud like a little kid. I love sea turtles. Inside my room, a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries waited for me on the table. I don’t even like chocolate like that, but it took only one delicious bite to change my mind.

My suite’s balcony looked out over three amazing views: Dolphin Cay to the left, cruise ships in the middle, and white-sand beaches and turquoise waves to the right. I was in heaven on the 15th floor.

This story is part one of our exclusive Atlantis series for Successful Black Parenting Magazine. If you missed part two and three, Atlantis Adventure: The Heartbeat of the Bahamas — The Junkanoo Experience (Pt. 2), you can read it here to discover what makes Nassau the ultimate family location. Read part three, Inside the Michael Jackson Suite — The Royal Side of Atlantis, where we take you inside one of the most iconic hotel suites in the world.

Cruise-Ship Energy with a Splash of Ocean Magic

Atlantis has the energy of a cruise ship that never needs to leave shore. It’s big, bold, and buzzing, with entertainment and dining options around every corner. There’s even an Atlantis app to help you navigate the resort’s more than 400 acres, check activity times, and make restaurant reservations.

For parents raising little mermaids, little mermen, or future marine biologists, this is an extreme dream destination. They have the options of snorkeling the Ruins of Atlantis with a 10-foot manta ray like I did (more about that later), scuba diving lessons at Atlantis Dive Center, snorkeling in Paradise Lagoon, and guided underwater marine habitat tours.

Highlights for Families

• Crush Teen Club – a mega gaming lounge and dance floor for older kids and teens.
• Kids Night Out – supervised themed fun so parents can enjoy a romantic dinner.
• Family Feud Challenges, poolside movies, trivia contests, and marine-themed crafts that bring the family together.

Even when Tropical Storm Imelda rolled in, the fun didn’t stop. Families caught movies at the indoor theater, explored the escape room, or checked into the Kids Club. For me, the storm meant an extra day to explore, including an unexpected treat: a private tour of the legendary Bridge Suite, also known as the Michael Jackson Suite. (Look for all the details about that tour in Part Three of this series.)

“Even the storm couldn’t dim the magic. Atlantis turned a rainy day into an adventure of its own.”

Family-Smart Rooms and Kid-Safe Details

Atlantis clearly understands families. The Royal’s connecting rooms are perfect for multigenerational trips, and thoughtful touches like cribs, night-lights, and kid-height peepholes make parents feel secure. Atlantis manages to strike a balance between luxury and genuine hospitality, making everyone feel welcome.

Culinary Adventures for Every Taste

That first night, I dined at NOBU, the Michelin-starred restaurant by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The sushi was as fresh as the sea breeze and plated like fine art.

If your kids prefer burgers to sashimi, don’t worry. The on-site Shake Shack offers a full kids’ menu and one of the only full-service bars (for adults only) in the Shake Shack franchise, a win for parents.

At Claudio’s, the evening started with welcome shots for the grown-ups, and continued with a Junkanoo band parading through the restaurant, filling the room with drums, cowbells, and laughter. Be sure to go before sunset and grab a window seat. You can spot juvenile hammerhead sharks and rays gliding through the outside aquarium.

Dinner at Paranza delivered upscale Italian perfection. While it doesn’t have a printed kids’ menu, the chefs gladly makes steak and fries or spaghetti for younger diners. Then there’s Fish by José Andrés, where every bite is a celebration of flavor.

Most restaurants offer affordable children’s options and will adjust dishes to suit your family. Plan to dress up a bit. Atlantis evenings deserve it.

“Atlantis is an investment, but it’s an investment in joy, laughter, and memories that your family will never forget.”

Magical Marine Moments

At Aquaventure Water Park, thrill-seekers conquer the Leap of Faith, a near-vertical drop through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks. Families looking to unwind can float down the mile-long lazy river, laughing as gentle rapids push them along. My most magical moment, though, was snorkeling with Kronos, a manta ray with a wingspan wider than a car. Kronos repeatedly circled back and swam under me me like a silent greeting, checking me out. Scientists say manta rays can recognize themselves in mirrors and I swear Kronos knew just as interested in him as he was of me.

Pair that with The Dig, Atlantis’ spectacular aquarium modeled after the mythical lost city, and you have a living, breathing science lesson for kids.

Beyond the Resort: Nassau Adventures

Thanks to the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, I got to explore the city beyond the pink towers of Atlantis. Our first stop was the Graycliff Estate, the mansion is said to have been built by pirate Captain Grey Smith, whose ship was called The Grey Wolf. Inside, chandeliers sparkled above antique furniture, and a cabinet door creaked open by itself during our tour. Haunted? Maybe. A walk back in time? Definitely.

Graycliff houses the third-largest wine collection in the world, with more than 275,000 bottles in its cellar. Within walking distance, you can visit the Graycliff Cigar Factory, where artisans hand-roll cigars, the Graycliff Chocolate Factory, where you can sample truffles and bars, and The Bahamian Moonshine Company, where the samples will make any parent giggle.

If that isn’t enough, stop by Bahama Barrels Winery for a tasting or a lesson in winemaking (make an appointment). Then head to the Batik Factory, where families can make shirts, dresses, and more using traditional batik stamping and dyeing methods.

We continued our day at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and the Junkanoo Museum, both must-sees for Black families. The costumes, drums, and history tell a powerful story of African ancestry and Bahamian pride. (You’ll get the full Junkanoo experience in Part Two of this series.)

Lunch at Drifters, home of Da’ Fry, sealed the deal for me. The conch fritters and salad were so good I half-joked about needing a private jet to fly back for more.

Parents can also enjoy a spirited stop at John Watling’s Distillery, where you can learn to mix cocktails and earn your own certificate. Yes, I left feeling jolly, as a proud certified mixologist.

“Between the haunted pirate estate, the moonshine tastings, Junkanoo jamming, and the laughter, Nassau gave us more than a tour. It gave us stories.”

Sweet Send-Off

When my stay came to an end, I woke early to watch the sunrise over the turquoise horizon. With a cup of coffee in hand, I thought about how this trip reminded me that joy, connection, and wonder still exist in full color.

Atlantis Paradise Island isn’t just a resort – it’s an experience. It’s a living world of laughter and luxury, where kids can explore safely, parents can recharge, and families can create memories that last forever. No matter how old you are, Atlantis will make you feel like a kid again. The Atlantis Paradise Island is officially Parent Approved.

Disclosure: This trip was hosted by Atlantis Paradise Island and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. Travel expenses and accommodations were provided, but all opinions, experiences, and recommendations expressed here are entirely my own.