Our Family-Friendly Trip to the Reef at Atlantis
The Reef at Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas was the perfect destination for our anniversary trip this past January. With my husband, our toddler, and our six-month-old in tow, we were ready for a week of family fun, relaxation, and a bit of adventure. We’ve traveled all over the world, but the Atlantis resort stood out for its mix of family-friendly activities and luxury. Seven nights didn’t feel like enough—we could’ve stayed longer!
If you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out my tips for Flying with Kids. And for more family-friendly travel destinations, don’t miss my reviews of Grande Colonial La Jolla and Rancho de los Caballeros.
The Reef at Atlantis: A Family-Friendly Retreat
Location
The Atlantis resort is located on Paradise Island, across the harbor from Nassau. Most people assume Atlantis is in Nassau but it’s a quick 30-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport to the resort.
We stayed at The Reef, one of the five Atlantis hotels. If you look at a map of Atlantis, you’ll notice that The Reef is slightly more secluded than the other properties.
This location (right on the edge of the resort) meant fewer crowds and a calmer, more laid-back atmosphere—exactly what we were looking for on this trip.
The Topaz Suite
Our Topaz suite at The Reef became the perfect home base for our family. With a separate bedroom, a pullout couch for our toddler, Crew, and a full kitchen, it felt more like an apartment than a hotel room. They even provided a full-size crib for our baby, Quinn, at no extra charge.
Outside, the quiet atmosphere of The Reef contrasted beautifully with the lively energy of other areas on the property.
Shuttle Service
What I love about resorts is that they have everything you need. You don’t have to rent a car or even leave the property during your stay. While getting around the resort was easy, thanks to free shuttles that ran every 15 minutes, we didn’t mind the walks because it gave us a chance to explore.
Of course, traveling with little ones isn’t without its challenges. Balancing naps, meals, and activities required some flexibility. And transitions between events sometimes felt like an adventure on their own! But the resort’s thoughtful design, with plenty of shaded nursing areas and play zones, made things much easier.
Atlantis Resort Dining
Meal planning at Atlantis requires a bit of strategy, especially for upscale dining. Reservations were a must for the finer restaurants, particularly since families with kids need to book earlier slots (no later than 6:30 P.M.).
On the other hand, casual options were more flexible and perfect for spontaneous days. Here’s where we dined and what we loved:
Fish by José Andrés
One of our most memorable meals, Fish had an incredible seafood-focused menu with standout dishes like grilled conch, halibut, and chimichurri mushrooms. The staff went above and beyond to make my family feel comfortable. The deconstructed banana foster dessert was the perfect way to end our anniversary dinner.
More Restaurants
For more variety, we also enjoyed Silan (Mediterranean) and Paranza (Italian), both of which offered delicious meals in family-friendly settings. On casual days, Shake Shack—complete with a marine exhibit inside—was a huge hit with our toddler.
Snack shops near the kid zones were lifesavers, offering turkey sandwiches, salads, and fries in clean, shaded seating areas.
Activities and Attractions
Aquariums
Atlantis is truly a playground for all ages. Crew was mesmerized by the marine exhibits so we spent hours watching sharks, turtles, and stingrays. The saltwater marine habitat, free for guests, became one of our favorite spots to visit throughout the day.
Water Attractions
Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park, offered a mix of excitement and relaxation. There were plenty of shaded areas for nursing breaks and splash zones for kids.
Aside from the water park, Atlantis has a lazy river, coy ponds, private beaches, and numerous pools. So if you love the water, there’s always something fun to do.
Marina Village
If you’re traveling with little ones, don’t expect too much of a nightlife. But it was nice to stroll through Marina Village, a little street with all sorts of restaurants and private yachts. There were shopping kiosks and live music for casual fun in the evening.
While The Reef felt like a calm oasis, we ventured to The Royal to see the other side of Atlantis. Its energy was lively and bustling, with a vibe that reminded me of Vegas.
General Tips for Traveling with Kids to Atlantis
Packing Essentials: Bring plenty of snacks, toys, and sun protection for kids. A stroller is a must for navigating the large property.
Meal Planning: Make reservations for upscale restaurants and consider meal packages if you plan to stay for several days.
Budgeting: Keep in mind the additional 15% gratuity and 10% VAT tax on most purchases (room, food, drinks). Also note that charges are subject to change at any time so check the Atlantis website for the latest fee policy when booking your vacation.
Family Perks: Request a free crib when booking, and take advantage of the shaded nursing spots and playgrounds near kid zones.
What I Wore On Vacation
When I’m on vacation, comfort and functionality is just as important as style. I wore this Puff Sleeve Mini Dress to dinner one night. But I also love casual day dresses like this Floral Suspender Mini Dress.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Atlantis is not an all-inclusive resort. However, all guests have free access to the water park and the resort offers meal plans.
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All Atlantis guests have no-cost access to the water park. However, anyone else can purchase a day pass for access. Prices vary depending on the season but children under 3 are free.
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The Reef is not a Marriott property but a few of the Atlantis hotels are part of the Marriot Bonvoy travel program (The Cove, The Royal, and The Coral).