The Cove at Atlantis: A Luxurious Bahamian Escape with Michelin-Starred Dining

Having been absent from Nassau for more than 15 years, as soon as I landed I noticed the change at Lynden Pindling International Airport. It had been expanded and brought up to international standards, making the entire island feel more vibrant. The 20-minute drive from the airport takes you through diverse neighborhoods and the city center before reaching Atlantis Paradise Island, an incredibly lush oceanside resort. This dynamic destination is celebrating its 25th anniversary with bold multimillion-dollar renovations and exciting new partnerships. Atlantis’ programming connects travelers to the rich history, art, people, food and festivities of the Bahamas while remaining dedicated to environmental conservation.

Daybeds along the beach / Photo: Courtesy of Atantis’ Royal hotel

But at the peak of island luxury is The Cove, a hotel and sensorial retreat designed with Bahamian splendor in mind. An elegant property perfect for a romantic getaway or relaxing oasis, The Cove offers 600 suites featuring balconies and floor-to-ceiling ocean views. This is enhanced by the Sapphire Services program, providing exclusive bespoke concierge experiences ranging from private dinners on the beach and VIP programming at Dolphin Cay to Coco Bahama Seaplanes and yacht charters with Aquazeal.

Living room in The Cove’s Sapphire Suite / Photo: Courtesy of Atantis’ Royal hotel

When I arrived at The Cove, I felt a sense of exclusivity, and was instantly relaxed by the open serene space in front of me. Check-in was private and seamless. Koi ponds and Asian design flourishes, found throughout the long atrium, contributed to the vibe, and as I walked closer to the ocean, the sea breeze and sound working their magic, I felt the urge to run to the pool and order a piña colada or any other refreshing island concoction.

My room, a two-level deluxe ocean-view suite, could comfortably accommodate four people, with an enormous bathroom, spacious walk-in closet and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a balcony. During the day, if you are not at the Mandara Spa, you can enjoy the adults-only pool, indoor/outdoor gaming, casual dining at Frezca, cocktails and bites at Sea Glass Lounge, and designer shopping at Escape, specializing in highly curated resort wear.

Whole fried lobster at Fish by José Andrés / Photo: Courtesy of Atantis’ Royal hotel

Dining at Atlantis has improved a million percent. Guests can choose from more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, including celebrity-chef establishments including Fish by José Andrés, Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, and Paranza by Michael White.

I dined at Paranza and felt like I was in Miami or New York. A casual outdoor area faces Atlantis’ famous Royal towers. This unfolds into the dining room, with tables of cerused oak and bright cognac chairs. Custom lighting includes blue glass fixtures, while antique mirrors add to the overall simplicity of this gem.

I started with the crudo of scampi, dressed with lemon oil. A triumph. A second crudo, salmon tartare with chives and colatura, was refreshing, but the capesante—scallops over butternut squash puree—was unforgettable.

I can never resist fried calamari, especially when I am in the hands of Michael White. His frittura di Paranza combined crispy calamari, shrimp and zucchini batons, nongreasy and as tasty as I expected. By the time I got to the pastas I was full, but I had to have one. I opted for one of my favorites, the linguine and mixed seafood with Calabrian chili paste and breadcrumbs, which have soaked up the chili spice and produce a tingling sensation of joy.

Nobu was another great experience. A massive dining room divided into intimate areas offers the most extensive Nobu menu I have ever seen. I opted for my all-time favorites, and all scored very well. The toro tartare had that wasabi-soy dressing that most people find aggressive, but I love how it cuts through the fat of the tuna belly. Yellowtail crudo has always been a crowd-pleaser, and it was fresh and slightly spicy as expected, but the salmon crudo with nashi pear is so delicious it leaves me speechless. Another standard Nobu winner is rock shrimp tempura—crispy, sweet and addictive. Of course, I had his famous black cod (a most copied dish), and for the first time tried Nobu-style fish-and-chips, a giant portion I could not finish. But then arrived an assortment of sushi, nigiri and sashimi, and I overdid it because it was all so good!

Best For

A getaway to disconnect. If you live in Miami, it’s sometimes shorter to fly to Nassau than to drive across town. In an hour, you are guaranteed a good time.

Verdict

Spacious accommodations, sandy beaches, award-winning Michelin-level restaurants and a state-of-the-art casino ensure a fun experience for adults seeking an escape from the routine.
atlantisbahamas.com