The Cove at Atlantis

The Cove: It’s a name-dropper for those in the (Atlantis) know. Though more than five years old, the property is still the most fashionable address on the entire property, for good reason. Arriving guests will be whisked in through a driveway that is tucked away next to the main hub, Royal Towers, and far from any sight of crowds. The open-air lobby is graced with Asian-themed ponds carrying floating water lilies. Dark woods create a contrast against white walls and contemporary art, and long cyclandric chandeliers hang from soaring cathedral-style ceilings above.By day, the setting is serene and spa-like with natural light that pours in through all sides of the airy space. Check-in and guest services are located behind air-conditioned offices to each side, leaving the lobby to be a veritable runway with stylish couples and families walking past in their chic beach attire. Guests are typically coming to and from the Cain at the Cove pool (adults only) or the quiet family pool called Cascades that is shared with Reef guests.At dusk is when those eye-catching chandeliers throughout the hallways come alive with low lighting. Lounge music and a wafting tropical breeze add to the sexy ambiance. Bathing suits are replaced with evening attire (all Atlantis pools close early) as guests make their way to one of many restaurants around the property and then continue with drinks at the Seaglass Lounge, the casino, or clubs in that vicinity. Winding paths are not always well-lit, but guests can walk or take the free shuttle service to the Royal Towers and One&Only Ocean Club for other restaurant options.

The Cove section of Atlantis is situated on a separate drive between the Reef and the Royal Towers sections. Staying at The Cove offers a more exclusive environment and therefore it is a longer walk from some areas of the resort. A free shuttle service between tower entrances (as well as the One&Only Ocean Club and golf course), is available. The Cove is walking distance to the Royal Towers, the Starbucks at the Reef, the Mandara Spa, fitness center, tennis center and highlights at the Aquaventure.It may be worth considering a rental car to explore the island, otherwise taxis are readily available. Not much is around the grounds or would be a long walk away –- those wanting to go to the grocery store or visit other areas will require a rental car or taxi service.Atlantis is located on Paradise Island, a small island off of New Providence, and it has earned its name for a reason; guests will understand the name change from Hog Island back in 1961 as soon as they get their first glimpse of the turquoise water and white-sand beach. Atlantis itself is sometimes referred to as "Vegas by the Sea." The resort is accessible from the airport by shuttle or taxi service, and it takes about half an hour depending on time of day (traffic can get bad through downtown Nassau). Some drivers will make passengers pay the $1 cash-only fee to get across the bridge to the island, so it helps to have a little cash on arrival.

The Cove offers 600 suites in a tower that is situated much closer to the water than the Royal Towers, making it easier to get to the ocean and pools. Rooms are the most expensive in the Atlantis, but it's easy to see why -- they are easily the most sophisticated and upscale. Most rooms are decorated with light woods, green, and coral.All rooms are considered suites. Ocean and Deluxe Ocean Suites are located on floors 19 and below and can accommodate four people (or five with one child) in the two double queen option (there's also a king bed option). The door to the room opens up to a foyer area with a large walk-in closet and mirror. Bathrooms are spacious with a walk-in shower and large tub. The bedroom has a flat-screen TV and desk area that leads down a step to another seating area with a sleeper sofa and seated balcony (lacking at the Royal Towers) with ocean views that range from partial to full.Azure Suites are located on the top five floors with excellent views from floor-to-ceiling windows, designer toiletries, furnished balconies, and deep soaking tubs. Extra amenities include discounts on dolphin interactions, daily breakfast for two, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and a personal concierge.The Sapphire Suites are the stellar corner units with either one or two bedrooms; they have jaw-dropping views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Balconies look out over the ocean and get a direct overhead view of the trendy Cain at the Cove pool. Interiors have a separate living and dining area for entertaining, a master bedroom with king bed, master bath with two-person steam shower and tub facing the ocean, second half-bath, plus stocked a minibar, flat-screen TVs, and Bose Sound system. Extra amenities here also include free Wi-Fi, daily breakfast for two (including room service), late checkout, and personal concierge.Presidential Suites are located the top floor. They have expansive views from balconies and from two master bedrooms and bathrooms; other features include a media room, office, a 10-seat dining area, a living room, and a number of extra services like free breakfast, limo transfers, and butler service.Guests staying in any room type here have the ability to upgrade to The Club Level for more services and amenities.

The Atlantis would not be what it is without the extensive marine habitat (the world's largest outdoor aquarium) and Aquaventure, a 141-acre, 200-million gallon water park that combines a series of slides (Mayan Temple and Power Tower), a lazy river, and the Current, a mile-long water ride with waves and tidal changes. These two major amenities are free for guests, as is admission to the casino and nightclubs, but that's pretty much where the free ends. There is also a 14-acre Dolphin Cay, which can organize swimming with dolphins, playing with sea lions, and, snorkeling with manta rays. The 10,000-square-foot gym offers yoga and cardio classes for a daily fee, as well as six tennis courts and a rock-climbing gym.Guests arriving to the Atlantis will receive cards upon arrival, which are not just used for room access -- they're also used to charge payments to the room for amenities, restaurants and bars around the resort. Guests pay this balance upon check-out, and the resort puts a hefty hold on guest credit cards during the stay. Some Atlantis spots do accept cash for payment, but many are considered "cashless", so it's best just to pay with plastic. Guests who are using a regular credit card may have to show ID.A regular and free shuttle service is offered between towers, as well as to the sister property, One&Only Ocean Club, and the golf course. These simply pick up and drop off at each entrance. Walking to key points in the Aquaventure and to various pools can take more time, but there are clean bathrooms around the resort. If children and parents get separated, there is a lost and found area.One of the only Starbucks on the property is located at the Reef tower next door. Other amenities nearby include a high-end spa called Mandara, the huge fitness center, and non-motorized water sports (all for a fee). There's also a daily fee for Wi-Fi, which includes unlimited devices.All Cove guests are eligible to upgrade to the Cove Club for additional services and amenities, like access to the Club Lounge with views of the sea, gourmet breakfast, soda, water and snacks during the day, and free cocktails for two hours in the evening.

Guests have access to every pool at Atlantis, as well as two pools exclusive to the Reef and Cove guests. The Cove beach is also set apart from the rest of the beach area. It is quiet and free of vendors. The Cascades pool, though family-friendly, stays peaceful and uncrowded, and offers brown cushioned lounge chairs that have awnings. There is a grill and bar for snacks and frozen drinks. The adult-only Cain at the Cove pool, however, is the party pool and a main reason why many guests choose the Cove in the first place. It has an energetic crowd of young people drinking cocktails, eating lunch, dancing to DJ music, and gambling. There are also private cabanas that can be reserved.

Restaurants at this property include a high-end buffet called Mosaic. Mesa Grill is the Southwestern restaurant and steakhouse from celebrity chef Bobby Flay in a space designed by architect David Rockwell. Other high-end options in the complex include Nobu and Café Martinique, both in the Marina Village. A shuttle can also take guests to One&Only Ocean Club for Jean-Georges Vongerichten's first Caribbean restaurant, called the Dune. The casino, Moon Lounge, and Seaglass provide after-dinner drinks late into the night.The Atlantis has an endless supply of food and beverage options both inside and out. Breakfast is offered at Seagrapes buffet and at casual outposts such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. For lunch, most eat at one of the many pool bars and grills located around the resort selling the usual sandwiches and snacks. Value meals are available for a single price, and a cup of soda can be refilled several times at the soda fountains to help keep costs down. For dinner, there are some casual options such as pizza and subs, mid-range options like Chopstix and the Lagoon, and the aforementioned high-end options.There is a Cove Dining plan available for Cove and Reef guests only. It is a set price per day for adults and children (under six eat for free) and includes buffet or continental breakfast, and buffet or a la carte dinner at a number of options, not including gratuity or alcoholic beverages. It might be a better fit for families with little ones, rather than couples.