Bahamas Vacation Deal at Atlantis
The view of Atlantis from atop one of the Aquaventure slides, March 2008.
by Wendy Perrin
Attention, moms of energetic young boys and water slide fanatics of all ages: Here's another travel deal I might just nab myself if I weren't headed to Europe on business:
Through December 18 Atlantis, on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is charging $299 per adult for three nights' accommodations, which includes four days' use of the over-the-top water park (complete with phenomenal water playground for toddlers) and entrance
to the 50,000-creature marine
habitat (which had my kids mesmerized when we were there last March; pictured at left is my four-year-old, who now wants to grow up to be a scuba diver). Included with each room are two shallow-water dolphin experiences at the resort's renowned and eco-friendly Dolphin Cay.
Even when you add in all the mandatory taxes and fees, plus the $198 air fare from New York or $178 fare from Boston on JetBlue, this deal still works out to be a good value IF you can travel on the requisite days of the week (spelled out in the fine print). The deal is for travel through December 21.
Three key tips, based on my family's visit to Atlantis last March:
*It's a mammoth resort with five hotels. The $299 rate is for the Beach Tower, which is the least expensive and most dated in terms of decor and amenities. If it were me, I might pay slightly more to stay in the Coral Towers, which are more centrally located and, depending on your children's ages, might represent the best combo of kid-friendly and affordable. For kid-friendly luxury, plus the prettiest views and a gorgeous beach to yourself, choose The Reef. If you're kidless and want plush seclusion, splurge on The Cove, which at $599 for the package price is a steal.
*Food and drinks at the restaurants and snack bars are insanely expensive. You can save by going to the marina store and stocking up on provisions there. Or you can buy a dining plan. If it were me, I'd
purchase the casual dining plan--which costs about $350 for breakfast and dinner daily for a family of four for the four days--and I'd save on lunch and snack expenses by hitting the store. If you opt to stay in the condos that comprise The Reef, you can save by buying food in the store off the lobby and cooking it in your kitchenette.
*The weather can be a bit breezy in December, but even if the ocean is too cold, the pools should be warm enough. For surer weather, wait till February or March. According to the hotel industry analysts I've been interviewing for my upcoming January Perrin Report, the deals will be even better in the new year.
RSS Feeds
Comments