An Illusion in Paradise

Our most memorable moment would have to be the first time we've laid eyes on The Atlantis. The structure is so beautiful and detailed, it's beyond amazing. The Atlantis is a vision to be admired with your own eyes.

The other most impressionable moment would have to be the yachts lined up neatly at the dock. These monstrous-sized "ships" are a sight to behold. If you are staying at the Harborside resort or The Atlantis, rest assured, you will get your fair share of oohs and ahhs. Be prepared. You will stop and try to catch a glimpse of these magnificent beauties. Oh, those wishful dreams...

Quick Tips:

My advice is to simply to take your time and enjoy life. Don't rush around trying to get everything done all at once. If you do, you will miss so much. It isn't every day you get to go on vacation. Cherish it. Live it. And most importantly, savor its beauty.

Best Way To Get Around:

Oh my gosh!! This is so easy. Do yourself a favor. Don't drive. Let someone else do the driving, so you can be stress-free. Bahamas drives on the left side of the road, and it's mind-boggling!! Then again, so was our taxi-ride.

I’ll be honest. When we got back from Bahamas, I was extremely disappointed with our vacation experience. I didn’t want to share our ordeal with anyone because of all the past praises this resort has received. While I understand one person’s negative experience can hardly make an impact, I am hopeful that it will make a difference and more importantly, make you aware.

Let me start out by saying Bahamas IS extremely beautiful. From the white sandy beaches, to the beautiful crystal blue ocean, it was perfect. We just knew it was going to be a vacation to remember for the rest of our lives. The only thing is… it’s not a fond memory.

Check-in at the Harborside Resort wasn’t as smooth as could be expected. We were hoping to be confirmed into the unit we were assigned to, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Granted, we arrived about an hour earlier than normal check-in time, so they gave us Unit # 1708, which is located in Building 7, on the first floor.

We couldn’t wait to get the door open, so we could kick back & relax. When the door opened, I knew we were in DEEP trouble. The first wave of stale cigarette smoke hit us hard. Being non-smokers, my husband & I are very sensitive to smoke. I asked my husband if he wanted me to call the front desk & see about requesting a different unit. He declined only because he doesn’t like to fuss over things like that.

To make a long story short, it was my husband who finally called the front desk the next day & asked if it was possible in putting us into another unit. Lo & behold, we found out that Harborside resort does not believe in having ANY non-smoking units. I can’t say they didn’t try to accommodate us. They fumigated our room with a deodorizer. It only worked for a few hours & then the stale smoke came back FULL FORCE.

Don’t get me wrong. The unit itself was beautiful. We had a one-bedroom premium, which is bigger than the standard one-bedroom units. Our unit had a nice patio that overlooked the beautiful yachts and The Atlantis. The only drawback is our patio did not have a gate like some of the others did.

Our unit was fully stocked & very clean, with the exception of the smoke, that is. When you walk in, the kitchen was on the right, dining room (that seats six people) was on the left, & the living room and balcony was straight ahead. Just past the dining room was a door on the left that led to a HUGE bathroom, which had two private areas. Beyond that was the comfortable sized bedroom. It was more than adequate for us.

When looking at our photos, you can’t see the whole story behind it. That’s why I wanted to share OUR story with you, especially the non-smokers. Because pictures are just that- an illusion.

Best Things Nearby:
The best thing near the Harborside Resort was, of course, the Atlantis. This resort’s location is wonderful for a nice, quiet getaway, yet close enough to where all the action is. If you want a combination of both, Harborside Resort will suit this need perfectly.

The resort’s walkway to the Atlantis has been designed with comfort and roominess in mind. The path has been well taken care of and gives you several resting spots to admire the yachts looming over you.

Best Things About the Resort:
One of the best things about the resort is the location. This resort is perfectly situated for a nice, peaceful vacation, yet within walking distance to The Atlantis.

Putting aside the stale smoke odor in our unit (which I will fill you in on down below), the rooms are really comfortable and suitable for families. Your "home away from home" will take care of your needs in every way. From eating a cooked meal inside your unit to soaking in your own Jacuzzi tub, this resort puts small, cramped hotels to shame.

Resort Experience:
Let me start out by saying that the Bahamas IS extremely beautiful. From the white beaches to the beautiful crystal-blue ocean, it was perfect. We just knew it was going to be a vacation to remember for the rest of our lives. The only thing is… it’s not a fond memory.

Check-in at the Harborside Resort wasn’t as smooth as could be expected. We were hoping to be confirmed into the unit we were assigned to, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Granted, we arrived about an hour earlier than normal check-in time, so they gave us unit no. 1708, which is located in Building 7 on the first floor.

We couldn’t wait to get the door open, so we could kickback and relax. When the door opened, I knew we were in DEEP trouble. The first wave of stale cigarette smoke hit us hard. Being nonsmokers, my husband and I are very sensitive to smoke. I asked my husband if he wanted me to call the front desk and see about requesting a different unit. He declined only because he doesn’t like to fuss over things like that.

To make a long story short, it was my husband who finally called the front desk the next day and asked if it was possible in putting us into another unit. Lo and behold, we found out that Harborside does not believe in having ANY nonsmoking units. I can’t say that they didn’t try to accommodate us. They fumigated our room with a deodorizer. It only worked for a few hours and then the stale smoke came back FULL FORCE.

Don’t get me wrong. The unit itself was beautiful. We had a one-bedroom premium, which is bigger than the standard one-bedroom units. Our unit had a nice balcony that overlooked the beautiful yachts and the Atlantis. The only drawback was that our balcony did not have a gate like some of the others did.

Our unit was fully stocked and very clean, with the exception of the smoke, that is. When you walk in, the kitchen was on the right, dining room (that seats six people) was on the left, and the living room and balcony was straight ahead. Just past the dining room was a door on the left that led to a HUGE bathroom, which had two private areas. Beyond that was the comfortable-sized bedroom. It was more than adequate for us.

When looking at our photos, you can’t see the whole story behind it. That’s why I wanted to share OUR story with you, especially the nonsmokers, because pictures are just that - an illusion of the truth.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

We had the opportunity to visit The Point Restaurant on our first day of arrival in the Bahamas. Naturally, we didn’t feel like doing much except getting our tummies full, relaxing, and getting ready to begin our wonderful adventure in Bahamas.

The Point Restaurant is located onsite at the Harborside Resort, which is a wonderful convenience to those who don’t want to tackle the crowd at The Atlantis yet. Our first impression of the restaurant was positive. It’s located in a beautiful spot with glorious settings of the sun and the beautiful ocean.

The Point projects a mixed bar/restaurant typed atmosphere. Upon entry, you have to wait to be seated. I’m not sure if reservations are suggested or required because we did not have one. Nevertheless, we were approached immediately and asked where we wanted to sit. Since I love ocean views, I opted for us to sit out on the deck at the umbrella table and chair.

Once you enter the outdoor restaurant, you’ll pass the bar section (which is the covered section) and out onto the deck. We had a wonderful spot with gorgeous ocean views, the sunset, and the cruise ships. It was definitely a view to cherish.

Service was a bit slow, but we were tired and didn’t mind the wait. We were too busy soaking in the Bahamas’ lovely views. When our server greeted us, she was a bit preoccupied and uninterested. Regardless, she was polite and took our orders promptly. We opted for something simple since it was getting late in the day. It also seemed business was slowing down and the restaurant was going to close soon. We noted the time, and it was a little past 6pm.

Our plate of hamburgers and fries arrived in timely fashion and was served HOT! We thoroughly enjoyed our first meal in Bahamas. However…

... prior to our vacation, we were forewarned extensively about Bahamas’ food prices and expenses. I have to admit, even with all the forewarnings, we were taken back by the prices STILL. Never in our lifetimes have we been to a place that is so expensive. Then again, I have yet to travel internationally.

I just can’t fathom paying almost $10 EACH for burger and fries. This was not including our drinks or gratuities. Talk about being shell shock. Let me say, it was the beginning of many shell-shock moments in Bahamas.

Having said that, The Point Restaurant is a very nice place to dine. We wouldn’t hesitate to eat there again, but don’t say I didn’t warn ya about the prices!!

One of the nicest things about staying at the Harborside resort was the extra "perk" you receive. Only the Harborside resort and Atlantis guests are allowed to take advantage of the on-site activities free of charge. One of the activities we had the pleasure of experiencing was called The Dig.

There were two attendants standing by making sure you were a guest at either of the places mentioned above. Some had arm bracelets; others had their room-key card. If you didn’t have either of these, you would have to pay an entrance fee. We had our room-key card handy and were allowed in without any qualms.

The Dig is a very unique aquarium exhibit that guides you through an archeological tunnel, giving you glimpses of the lost continent. You’re first encounter will be the South Anteroom, where you will see beautiful sea creatures and artifacts. Your next journey will be the Jewel Fish Tank, a place where people have remarked to be a "religious shrine." You’ll view unusual sculptures surrounded by the alluring jewelfish, which are so bright that they look like they’re glowing! Once you have soaked in all the beauty, you’ll then have an opportunity to walk through a long carved stoned hallway etched with symbols. This is called the Interior Hallway.

Your next adventure will be in the Crystal Machining Room. This is a workshop where the "Atlanteans" made crystals and stones used as conductors for energy. These shining beautiful crystal sculptures are beautiful and powerful. The next room is the Storeroom. It was noted this room was used for storing wine and other delicacies, and you’ll see protective eels guarding it with their lives.

The Record Chambers is a room used for ceremonies. You’ll be able to survey elegant sculptures of figures that are known to be important to the Altanteans’ culture. The Submarine Room is filled with artifacts made of bronze and leather. The dive suit against the wall was the most memorable thing in this room. Last, but certainly not least; your last venture will end in the Navigation Room, which is also called Rotunda. In the center of the room, you will see the Navigation Guide narrating the city of Atlantis.

When your journey has come to an end, there is no need to worry, as there are PLENTY of other areas to explore. The Dig is just one of the many things the Atlantis has to offer and appreciate.

Prior to our visit to Bahamas, we were forewarned about the crowded beaches at the Atlantis. They told us only one beach came to mind that offered seclusion and privacy, and that was Cove Beach. Boy, were they right.

We probably would have not found Cove Beach by ourselves if no one had told us about it. While this beach was right on the Atlantis premises, it was situated AWAY from all the hustle-and-bustle. You had to actually walk past the crowded pool area with the many people, chairs, and toys strewn all over the place.

We had a destination in mind and that was Cove Beach. You see, we were on vacation and wanted to get away from it all. We wanted a secluded beach where all you can hear were the waves splashing against the beach. It was a little trek from the Harborside Resort (where we were staying), but THIS beach was worth the walk.

We noticed a little place by Cove Beach that offered towels. We stopped by there first before heading out onto the beach. We also had to sign out for the towels. By the way, this was the ONLY place we received the little metallic Atlantis bracelets. I guess they wanted to make sure you bring the towels back.

Our first impression of Cove Beach was, "Oh, my gosh!" The soft, white sandy beach was heavenly!! There were only a few scattered people on it, and that was just fine with us. We were definitely going to enjoy this beautiful beach without any guilt.

So, if you are looking for that peaceful beach that offers seclusion and beauty, look no further. Cove Beach is the place for you.