Those looking for a relaxed vacation with some yoga thrown in should look elsewhere. This is a serious ashram by an established group (there are nine Sivananda Yoga Ashrams throughout the world) and the 5:30 a.m. wake-up bell proves it. Guests focus on postures, breathing, positive thinking, and meditation, and have some free time to take advantage of the beautiful beach setting. Seemingly a world away from neighboring mega-resort Atlantis, this five-and-a-half acre, mid-range oasis has a range of accommodations from tents to Beachfront Suites (most rooms have shared bathrooms, though). Two vegetarian meals are prepared daily right after each two-hour yoga class , while morning and evening satsangs (a mix of meditation, chanting, lectures, singing and dancing) help create a sense of community. Extra workshops and lectures are built into the daily schedule, and there's a wellbeing center for massage treatments and Ayurvedic body treatments.
Those looking for a relaxed vacation with some yoga thrown in should look elsewhere. This is a serious ashram by an established group (there are nine Sivananda Yoga Ashrams throughout the world) and the 5:30 a.m. wake-up bell proves it. Guests focus on postures, breathing, positive thinking, and meditation, and have some free time to take advantage of the beautiful beach setting. Seemingly a world away from neighboring mega-resort Atlantis, this five-and-a-half acre, mid-range oasis has a range of accommodations from tents to Beachfront Suites (most rooms have shared bathrooms, though). Two vegetarian meals are prepared daily right after each two-hour yoga class , while morning and evening satsangs (a mix of meditation, chanting, lectures, singing and dancing) help create a sense of community. Extra workshops and lectures are built into the daily schedule, and there's a wellbeing center for massage treatments and Ayurvedic body treatments.
This upscale time-share property across the marina from Royal Towers is distinguished from the five other sections of Atlantis by its series of colonial-style, pastel-colored buildings -- and its lack of direct beach access. The 392 condo-style units (with one, two or three bedrooms) are popular with families thanks to their additional space, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Some of the furnished balconies in the four-story elevator buildings have views of the yachts and Nassau Harbor. This section is a bit quieter than others, though the kid-friendly pool with water fountains and lawn games does get lively. A free shuttle ride runs regularly to other parts of the resort, where guests get complete access to all the main pools, Aquaventure, and the marine habitats.
This upscale time-share property across the marina from Royal Towers is distinguished from the five other sections of Atlantis by its series of colonial-style, pastel-colored buildings -- and its lack of direct beach access. The 392 condo-style units (with one, two or three bedrooms) are popular with families thanks to their additional space, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Some of the furnished balconies in the four-story elevator buildings have views of the yachts and Nassau Harbor. This section is a bit quieter than others, though the kid-friendly pool with water fountains and lawn games does get lively. A free shuttle ride runs regularly to other parts of the resort, where guests get complete access to all the main pools, Aquaventure, and the marine habitats.
The "cheap seats" property of the Atlantis (though no part of the resort is cheap) has approximately 500 rooms in an aging retro structure dating back to the 60s. Renovations to these family-friendly accommodations include clean tropical decor with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers with free Starbucks; bottled water, however, is not free, and is the first indication of just how expensive the resort is. Take it for what it is, though: Guests at the Beach Tower have access to 11 pools, including a lazy river and large pool next to the property, and a long stretch of white sand beach, as well as free admission to the 141-acre Aquaventure, marine exhibits, nightlife, and casino of the greater Atlantis resort. It’s a lot of walking to get around, but it has less crowded environs and a shuttle service between towers. Expect to be aggravated by restaurant prices and fluctuating hours of operation. Water-view rooms are highly recommended.
The "cheap seats" property of the Atlantis (though no part of the resort is cheap) has approximately 500 rooms in an aging retro structure dating back to the 60s. Renovations to these family-friendly accommodations include clean tropical decor with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers with free Starbucks; bottled water, however, is not free, and is the first indication of just how expensive the resort is. Take it for what it is, though: Guests at the Beach Tower have access to 11 pools, including a lazy river and large pool next to the property, and a long stretch of white sand beach, as well as free admission to the 141-acre Aquaventure, marine exhibits, nightlife, and casino of the greater Atlantis resort. It’s a lot of walking to get around, but it has less crowded environs and a shuttle service between towers. Expect to be aggravated by restaurant prices and fluctuating hours of operation. Water-view rooms are highly recommended.
The 223-room Comfort Suites Paradise Island is a definite upgrade from what most people expect of the chain. The hotel underwent a 6.3-million-dollar renovation in 2013 and it shows: the rooms are modern and contemporary, the pool is clean and inviting, the restaurant is large with an attractive outdoor seating area, and there is even a chic bar in the lobby. All rooms are Junior Suites and have partially sectioned-off living room areas, mini-fridges, and work desks with office chairs. Guests get free access to Atlantis --a nearby resort that's more like a theme park, with aquariums and casinos on-site. Atlantis also has its own beach, which is a welcome bonus considering that the Comfort Suites doesn't have any shoreline on-site. Travelers may want to compare rates at the nearby Sunrise Beach Club, a beachfront property that offers spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens.
The 223-room Comfort Suites Paradise Island is a definite upgrade from what most people expect of the chain. The hotel underwent a 6.3-million-dollar renovation in 2013 and it shows: the rooms are modern and contemporary, the pool is clean and inviting, the restaurant is large with an attractive outdoor seating area, and there is even a chic bar in the lobby. All rooms are Junior Suites and have partially sectioned-off living room areas, mini-fridges, and work desks with office chairs. Guests get free access to Atlantis --a nearby resort that's more like a theme park, with aquariums and casinos on-site. Atlantis also has its own beach, which is a welcome bonus considering that the Comfort Suites doesn't have any shoreline on-site. Travelers may want to compare rates at the nearby Sunrise Beach Club, a beachfront property that offers spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens.