From 1994 to 1998, Sol Kerzner created the mythical city of Atlantis from the ground up — or, more accurately, from the seabed to the skies.
In 1994, Sol Kerzner purchased a languishing Resorts International from entertainer/entrepreneur Merv Griffin. This once-popular jet-set playground on Paradise Island had seen better days, but from the start Kerzner saw its potential. Struck by the beauty of the location, on a lush tropical island with a pristine two-mile white sand beach, Kerzner vowed to build the most engaging and astounding resort the world had ever seen, a place where dreams would be made real and all who experienced it would fall under its mystical spell … whilst having a whole lot of fun in the process.
At that time, tourism, the largest sector of The Bahamas’ economy, had been on the decline, unemployment rates were in the double-digits, and the country’s tourism infrastructure had been steadily eroding for years. But that was all to change quickly as, within eight months, Kerzner had transformed almost the entire island into a tropical paradise.
From 1994 to 1998, Sol Kerzner created the mythical city of Atlantis from the ground up — or, more accurately, from the seabed to the skies. More than $800 million was spent to bring to life the myth and legend of the lost city of Atlantis. The original scope and scale of the project was mind-boggling: the world’s largest open-air marine environment of 11 million gallons, home to 50,000 sea creatures representing 200 species; new lagoons and countless waterfalls; a spectacular Mayan Temple Waterslide complex; 6 swimming areas and a $15 million Marina – itself an engineering marvel — that would attract the sleek international mega-yacht set.
In 1998, the 1,200-room Royal Towers opened – a major architectural achievement of arches, domes and spires, flanked by soaring towers that appear to have arisen from the sea — based on the myth that inspired them. Millions of dollars were spent commissioning museum-quality art from renowned artists from Europe, Africa, The Bahamas and the United States. The Caribbean’s largest casino was built in the Royal Towers, and contains millions of dollars in art. The most notable of which are Temple of the Moon and Temple of the Sun by glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, insured for $1 million apiece. Upon opening, the casino also offered a gaming industry first: a wall of windows – bringing light and the outdoors in.
Following a decade of success, Atlantis, Paradise Island continued its growth as Kerzner International embarked on a third phase of development with its approximately $1 billion expansion in 2007. Adding to Atlantis’ existing 2,317 rooms and the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, the Phase III expansion includes: the luxurious 600-room resort within the resort, The Cove Atlantis; a 497-key condo-hotel, The Reef Atlantis; a 14-acre dolphin habitat and education center, Dolphin Cay; a 63-acre addition to the waterscape, now called Aquaventure and a total of 140 acres; Aura, a nightclub from the operators of Hakkasan Group; approximately 100,000 additional square feet of new conference facilities and a total of over 500,000 indoor and outdoor space creating the largest conference space in the Caribbean; and the 30,000 square-foot flagship Mandara Spa.
The Cove is elegantly situated between Cove and Paradise Beaches creating the feeling of being cast away on a private, white-sand sanctuary. The luxury property was designed by architect Jeffrey Beers to bring high design together with the bluest ocean and mother of pearl hued sand. The result is an open air lobby that rises and sets with the day, an exclusive pool that sits between two private beaches, stunning and sensual rooms and suites, a collection of unparalleled dining and purposeful service delivered with Bahamian warmth.
PENTHOUSE SUITES
To confirm a room at the Cove you must be 21 years of age.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITES
To confirm a room at the Cove you must be 21 years of age.
SAPPHIRE SUITES
To confirm a room at The Cove you must be 21 years of age.
AZURE SUITES
To confirm a room at the Cove you must be 21 years of age.
OCEAN SUITES
To confirm a room at the Cove you must be 21 years of age.
ENJOY A VARIETY OF EXQUISITE CUISINES
A VARIETY OF OUTDOOR DINING EXPERIENCES
BARS & LOUNGES AT ATLANTIS
JOKERS WILD COMEDY CLUB
See some of television’s funniest comics at Jokers Wild, located between the The Beach and The Coral. Entertainment for all! Come enjoy antics from both local comics and those flown in specially. There are laughs-o-plenty to tickle your funny bone. Don’t miss a dose of Bahamas comedy out our shows – we’ll see you during your stay in paradise!
WORLD CLASS GAMING ON PARADISE ISLAND
Resort guests can sun on powder white Bahamas Beaches, swim in crystal blue waters, take in a Bahamian sunset and once the evening begins—dive into the Atlantis Casino. Crowned by life-size, ancient Atlantean vessels, the excitement of the table games at the Paradise Island Casino is legendary. From the international flavor of the Baccarat Lounge, adorned with its Chihuly glass chandelier to Blackjack action pulsating with energy near the Temple of the Sun, there are table games to meet every expectation. Paradise Island’s Casino features Las Vegas rules and experienced dealers and 85 table games including: Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, Let It Ride Progressive Poker, Three Card Progressive Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em Progressive Poker. With every flip of every card and every roll of the dice, our casino table games deal vacationers a winning combination of luxury and Caribbean atmosphere. Don’t miss the best casino table games in the Caribbean!
POOLS TO SATISFY EVERY LOVER OF SUN AND FUN
THE COVE POOL
More than a place to swim, The Cove Pool is a colorful oasis where Bahamian art and culture seamlessly intertwine. Lulu deKwiatkowski – the influential founder and designer of the luxury home décor and jewelry brand Lulu DK – has used a lifetime of Bahamian experiences to re-design The Cove Pool’s 20 cabanas with art and designs borne from both the nature and culture of The Bahamas. Each cabana features art and textiles created to complement the exclusive Lulu DK designs on the 20 bespoke Nusa Indah surfboards, inspired by the spirit of the islands. Dedicated cabana butlers offer guests spa treatments, complimentary tea, coffee, both flat and sparkling water, and a daily copy of the New York Times.
FIVE GREAT LOCATIONS… YOUR PERSONAL OUTDOOR OASIS AWAITS
Make yourself at home. Atlantis, Paradise Island’s 45 private cabanas provide relaxing retreats with immediate access to our pools in 5 distinctly different settings. Choose to lounge and relax in a private, secluded setting or enjoy the fun of a high-energy atmosphere. Atlantis private cabanas provide a shady, convenient home base just steps from our legendary pools and water attractions. Rent one for a few people or several for a larger group or event. Each inviting, spacious cabana features a variety of comforts to create your home-away-from-home for the day. All cabanas are family-friendly!
A WORLD-CLASS MARINE HABITAT DEDICATED TO CONSERVATION, REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION.
Dolphin Cay is one of the largest and most sophisticated marine-mammal habitats in the world. Our first residents were 17 stranded dolphins and 10 sea lions whose home in Gulfport, Mississippi was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Dolphin Cay is also the Caribbean’s premier marine animal rehabilitation facility.
We offer a variety of guest experiences that provide an up-close look at animal care, husbandry and daily animal interactions. There are in-water experiences in both shallow and deeper water, behind-the-scenes tours, and opportunities to paddleboard and kayak among the animals. All interactions are educational, teaching guests about these magnificent animals and hopefully, building a life-long appreciation for them and their counterparts in the wild.
Every visit to Dolphin Cay supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, creating and promoting solutions for a wide range of challenges, from coral reef and habitat conservation to improving the health of marine life.
If you have already booked your stay at Atlantis and would like to learn more about a Dolphin Cay experience, please scroll down or call 1-800-285-2684.
ACTIVITIES AT ATLANTIS
- PIECES OF 8
- FITNESS CENTER
- TENNIS
- SHOPPING
- EARTH & FIRE POTTERY STUDIO
- ATLANTIS THEATRE
- ATLANTIS LIBRARY
- YACHT & FISHING CHARTERS
- TOURS