Paradise Restored: Atlantis Bahamas Unveils $150 Million Renovation
By Sean Chaffin
A trip to Atlantis Paradise Island may have guests feeling as if they are actually in the mythical lost city. The resort is packed with brilliant beaches, hidden coves, lagoons and marine life. This tropical oasis features numerous pools for taking it easy, immaculate landscaping, and the thrilling Aquaventure water park. Architectural features throughout the property may also have guests getting some serious Atlantis vibes—all the while enjoying a best-in-class experience.
However, the lost city probably never had a great casino scene, beautiful golf course, unmatched dining and every amenity one might imagine. Now the property has gotten even better with the completion of some recent renovations and additions. Booking a vacation at Atlantis is unlike any other. Casino players can check out a modern property with 700 slots, 85 gaming tables and a sportsbook. The $150 million redevelopment not only included a major sprucing up to the casino, but to other parts of the resort as well.
The resort unveiled refashioned rooms in The Royal, Atlantis’s iconic towers; an entirely redefined casino; and Paranza, a new restaurant at The Cove. The resort also debuted refashioned guest rooms in The Royal, Atlantis’s iconic towers. The updates include custom fixtures and design motifs featuring ocean and ecosystems found throughout the Bahamas.
“Atlantis continuously elevates the guest experience, and recent developments at The Royal, Paranza and the Atlantis Casino provide guests with upgraded, modern touches while retaining the resort’s integral identity that visitors know and love,” resort President and Managing Director Audrey Oswell said. “Atlantis’ experiential-driven programming allows our guests and visitors to create lifelong memories while visiting the resort and the Bahamas. The new designs throughout Atlantis demonstrate our commitment to providing an unsurpassed vacation experience.”
Guest Rooms Revamped
The Royal is the 1,201-room hotel that is home to the Atlantis Casino and underwent a multimillion-dollar transformation, including the addition of specially curated décor. The redesign is meant to transport guests to the serenity of the white sand beaches of the Bahamas, with breathtaking Caribbean views as the focal point.
The carpets, reminiscent of the calmness and beauty of the ocean, add to the tranquility. Sculptural pieces are inspired by the unique archipelago of the Bahamas and offer visual glimpses of the island within the space. The cool, calming shades of blue and white and the use of neutral beechwood reflect the soothing seas and provide a peaceful retreat for travelers to relax. The suites feature richer, deeper colors to add depth, with bold teals and sage greens providing an elegant touch.
Casino Upgrades
After some time at the beach, the casino comes alive at night and now has never looked better after the upgrades. The venue is home to one-of-a-kind glass sculptures by internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The Sun and The Moon glass installations were created specifically for the casino 25 years ago, uniting color, light, form and space to deliver a uniquely immersive experience. Now the property re-lighted the glass sculptures and minimized the surrounding structure, for a new design that interacts harmoniously with light and space.
The custom carpet features 26 shades, drawing on the jewel tones seen in the casino’s recognizable art. Deeply saturated hues and gold accents, combined with shimmering textures and flowing lines, echo the refractions of the sea, adding a sense of place and creating a cohesive, sophisticated look.
The murals throughout the casino have also been restored, and nearby light features have been updated to give the spaces a modern yet classic feel, incorporating Atlantis’ signature design elements. The ceilings, previously covered by canopies, are now open for a more spacious and airy atmosphere. Cleito’s is also a new private gaming space for players who want to play a little higher in an exclusive area.
Some time away from the gambling tables and slots was also taken into consideration with the renovation. The central Moon Bar has been upgraded with a circular deck, allowing guests to take a break from the action. Bar Sol is also now open, inspired by the late Sol Kerzner’s passion for Bahamian artists, music and entertainment. The bar’s stylish and sophisticated atmosphere offers well-crafted cocktails and the chance to dance beneath a raised stage and DJ booth.
Delectable Dining Options
The Atlantis is already home to several fine-dining options, including Nobu and Silan—the new restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya. Paranza is now the newest dining option at The Cove luxury all-suite hotel, from Michelin-starred chef Michael White. Award-winning design studio Jeffrey Beers International designed the restaurant in collaboration with Tony Tompkins. The interior was inspired by the vibrant blue waters and white sand beaches of both the Bahamas and Italian coastline, complementing White’s approachable and unfussy take on fine dining.
“The culinary journey for guests begins as they arrive and walk along a winding path to discover the warmly lit patio of the restaurant, nestled under a wooden pergola and opening into Paranza’s main dining area,” management note of the eatery. “The custom space is adorned with hand-blown glass, antique mirrors and iron arches featuring earthy hues such as oak, smoky blue and bright cognac.”
A temperature-controlled dual-purpose wine wall is the focal point of the private dining room’s entryway. The room features oversized, seashell-shaped brass light fixtures and custom design elements.
Beyond Paranza, there are several other dining additions. Perch offers a new contemporary breakfast experience with market-fresh ingredients. Atlantis also now houses the Caribbean’s first Shake Shack. There are many more additions and even more is in the works, including Paradise Links mini-golf course. There is no better time to book that trip and enjoy some time in a real paradise.
