The Bahamas has long been on my bucket list of places to visit. I finally got there last month, and I'll be back. This archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean spans some 700 islands and cays -- and I only saw two of them!
The trip started at The Cove Atlantis, a luxurious 600-room hotel within the sprawling 3,400-room Atlantis Resort in Nassau's Paradise Island. In this water-themed world, which made its splashy debut in 1994, guests can relax at one of 12 pools or four beaches, or enjoy an action-packed agenda of aquatic fun, featuring water slides, dolphin or sea lion encounters, a not-so-lazy river ride and so much more. A highlight for daredevils is the Leap of Faith slide at the iconic Mayan Temple, which plunges riders down a 60-foot, nearly vertical drop and through a clear acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon.
Hungry? Forty F&B options are on-site, ranging from grab-and-go outlets to lavish buffets and celebrity chef restaurants. It's a feast for all of the senses.
Among the seemingly endless options for groups of all sizes is a conference center that can accommodate up to 4,000 meeting-goers among its 50,000-square-foot Imperial Ballroom, more than 40,000 square feet of prefunction space, 30 breakout rooms and three boardrooms. The Grand Ballroom, at 25,000 square feet, holds up to 5,300 for receptions. Planners also can hold events in no fewer than 21 unique outdoor function spaces that integrate Atlantis' water theme, including its waterscape, marine habitats and beaches.
From there, I sought out the quiet side of the Bahamas. I took a tiny plane to Eleuthera for a few days of relaxation. Here, I stayed at The Cove, Eleuthera, a 57-room haven of sheer tranquility that opened in 2013. The delightful property is owned and operated by the Enchantment Group and a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts' LVX collection. The "action" at this little enclave centers around two small beaches and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The hotel provides kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels and bicycles, but the setting is so beautiful and calming that quiet enjoyment is the primary pastime.
Ideal for executive retreats or incentives, the resort has 3,405 feet of indoor event spaces and 6,117 square feet outdoors. For evening events, the beach makes a lovely setting, lit by tiki torches and, perhaps a bonfire. Full buyouts for groups of up to 100 can be arranged.
Following are some photo highlights from both properties.
The Cove, Atlantis
The Cove, Eleuthera