How to do The Atlantis Resort on a Budget
I’m sure you’ve all heard of it (most likely from the commercials). The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas. Although the Atlantis Resort really is a paradise, it can be a very expensive one.
This world famous resort would usually be one that is way, and I mean WAYYYY out of my budget. I’m usually more of a “stay-in-a-hostel-and-get-the-cheapest-room” kinda gal. Not only because I’m le poor, but because for most of my travels, I’m barely even IN my hostel, so I don’t like spending too much money on accommodation. I’d rather be out and about spending money on fun things!
But this was an exception because 1. The Atlantis is a RESORT so it was more than just a place to sleep and 2. (and most importantly) MAMA WAS PAYIN!
…Ok, well she got a discount. Because let’s be real, this place is PRICEY. The actual price of the rooms may not have been too bad (we were staying in the cheapest tower) but the price of everything else really adds up. That’s right. This was NOT an all-inclusive resort. As a matter of fact, food and drinks were expensive.
But good news! There are ways to make it as cheap as possible! These are 3 easy ways to do the Atlantis Resort on a budget and make your whole trip a helluva lot cheaper!
1. Stay at the cheapest tower
The Beach Tower. The rooms are pretty basic, but you won’t really be in your room too much because there’s so much to do on the resort!
2. Take advantage of the free activities/entertainment
What is included? The aquarium, the water park, an amazing beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, pools, lazy rivers, the theatre, nightclubs and bars, and…the gym (although I don’t believe in working out during vacations). By doing the free activities that are included with your stay, you won’t need to spend money on anything but food and drinks!
3. Buy food and drinks offsite
And as far as food and drinks is concerned, it is possible to save money in this area as well. Mama and I went to a local liquor store outside the resort grounds to buy some rum (obviously) and my favorite Bahamian beer (Kalik) so that we could make our drinks and bring them down to the beach instead of paying for drinks there. This is a huge money saver and a great way to stay within budget at the Atlantis resort!
We also frequented restaurants outside of the resort grounds, which were noticeably cheaper. One was Anthony’s, right across the street from our tower, which had great food at prices much cheaper than inside the resort.
As far as food IN the actual resort, the poolside restaurants are a cheap option for lunch, and there are a few restaurants in Marina Village, like Johnny Rockets, Bimini Road, and Murray’s Deli, that were more casual and therefore not as expensive.
In the end, my time at the Atlantis was amazing. I don’t stay in super nice resorts like this, so I definitely took advantage of the luxury and felt like a princess! I even splurged and paid to swim with dolphins!
Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful place. But hopefully you can find your own way to do it on a budget like I did!
