The first time we went to The Bahamas was in 2009. We went in August and split our stay between two different hotels. We stayed at The Atlantis Resort for four nights, then the Sheraton at Cable beach for another four. There were two key reasons for splitting the stay. The Atlantis is very pricey, with rooms averaging over $300 per night. As well, the Miss Universe pageant was taking place at The Atlantis Hotel and I wasn't so sure that I wanted to spend my whole vacation amongst the most gorgeous young women on the planet.
As it turns out, the beauty queens hardly bothered us. LOL. It was though, a fast paced and exciting time at The Atlantis. The grounds are expansive and we walked a lot. There are more than a dozen pools, incredible aquariums, exciting night life, a grand casino, amazing restaurants and exquisite shops. At every hour, of every day, there is something to do at The Atlantis Resort.
We stayed in the Coral Towers. It was an ideal location to everything we wanted to see and do. My kids loved the water park. I feel head over heels in love with the Marina and the boardwalk area. My husband enjoyed the thrill of the challenger water slides and we all loved the pools. I just can't think of anywhere on earth that suits our varied interests better. And since it was our first time, we tried to do it all.
We went swimming with the dolphins. We took a boat ride out onto the ocean. We walked the beaches. We went to the straw market and we sought out local cuisine. But it was a little tiring. CJ, my youngest child, was a mere 4 years old at the time. He couldn't even do the waterslide through the shark tank because he was too young. And since that is a "must do" activity, we had to take him back.
The second part of our trip in 2009 was to the Sheraton at Cable beach, as mentioned earlier. Ahhhh. It was so relaxing! It too felt like home. But with a clean, modern, beach-y decor. Our room was at the far end of the hotel, but hardly half the walk of The Atlantis. There at the Sheraton, we enjoyed the 2 pools and the oceanside. The beach was gorgeous and hardly crowded at all. While there was only 2 restaurants and a snack bar, we found they more than met our needs.
We won't forget the hospitality shown to the kids at the fine dining restaurant at the Sheraton. It was of Italian cuisine and had remarkable food. Our waiter, Charles, made a lasting impression. He introduced me to Nassau Royale Rum, and served the best chocolate cake that I have ever had in my life. I swear our second trip to The Bahamas was so that I could have that cake again, and pick up a couple more bottles of rum!
The Sheraton took the speed of our trip down from a 10, to the pace of a 3. That, was amazing. We felt rested and safe and re-charged. By the time we left for home, I feel that everyone in the family was completely satisfied and indeed had their personal perfect vacation.
Our second trip, we stayed exclusively at The Sheraton. Our third trip back, we stayed exclusively at The Atlantis. But would we do a split stay again? Yes. Would I go back there tomorrow if I could? Yes!
I really can't wait to go back to The Bahamas. I love to travel and I like to try new destinations, but I really can't think of anywhere I'd rather be, than The Bahamas.
No comments:
Post a Comment