Like many Caribbean escapes, the Bahamas are considered a form of paradise. The Atlantis Resort, however, is literally located on Paradise Island, making the aptly-suited description a happy reality.

Crossing the bridge from Nassau to Paradise Island, coral-colored towers overwhelm the skyline. The sight of the well-known archway room, which runs for $25,000 per night (at a four-night minimum), draws images of celebrities who have stayed there, like Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey.

Unable to afford the luxuries of Oprah, I stayed in the Royal Towers. The marble, high-ceiling lobby greeted me, boasting an entire wall of glass and a view of underwater marine life. The double-bed, ocean view room was outfitted with a balcony overlooking the resort, a large flat-screen TV, and more than enough room for the three of us.

While my main goal was to spend five days reading and tanning, the on-site activities were too tempting to pass up. I was captivated by The Dig, an aquarium-like passageway that resembles a cave. The floor-to-ceiling walls were made completely of glass, allowing you to look up and into the marine life. Sharks, manta rays, sea horses and sea turtles peacefully glided through the water, inches from my hand on the glass.

In an effort to see more marine life, I went snorkeling. I hopped on a boat that drove me a few miles into the ocean, and I explored the coral and fish that made their homes in a WWII shipwreck. Long, purple underwater plants reached from the ocean floor to graze my toes, and bright blue and yellow fish tapped at my goggles and slid against my arms. Deeper into the shipwreck, the fish were much bigger – about three feet long – and brighter hues of purple, orange and red dotted their scales.

Back at the resort, the waterslides beckoned adventurous travelers, but I was hesitant. I chose one called The Splurge that twisted and turned in near-darkness for a horrifying 60 seconds, and let me out – to my surprise – in the middle of the shark tank, where the creatures swam just an arm’s length from my face. Luckily, I was encased in a glass tube until I reached the open air again.

Back on the tanning front, I had a little trouble finding a quiet place to read and relax. While there are more than three beaches and countless pools, the areas surrounding the Coral, Beach, and Royal Towers were very family oriented, which meant loud music, poolside bingo, family feud games, and easily upset toddlers. If you’re looking for a quieter, more adult stay, choose a spot on Atlantis Beach, or accommodations in the Cove or the Reef, where pools are exclusive.

Having achieved the perfect sunny spot, and experiencing quite enough of water slides, rides and caves, I explored the dining and shopping side of Atlantis. Restaurants on the resort are expensive, including the most casual establishments. We found refuge mostly in the buffet brunch at the Marketplace ($25 per person), which allowed us to indulge in made-to-order omelets, pancakes and waffles, erasing the need for lunch.

One laid-back night, we ate at Atlas, the bar and grill located in the casino’s center. Attentive service (even to very severe fish allergy), fresh food, and stellar views of the ocean made it an easy choice. On our more upscale evenings, we chose Carmine’s and Casa D’Angelo. Carmine’s family-style portions and New York feel made us comfortable and happy, and Casa D’Angelo’s decadent, elegant courses left us both satisfied and impressed.

While we weren’t in town for Carrie Underwood’s live performance that weekend, we managed to find our own entertainment easily. Wandering through Marina Village, an open-air cluster of eateries and boutiques on the water, I spent time viewing Bahamian art one of the galleries and enjoying the cool beach scents of island-made soaps and candles. (Chain restaurant junkies rejoice: Marina Village is also home to Ben and Jerry’s, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Johnny Rocket’s.)

The quaint Marina Village, lit only by twinkling lights twirling up and down palm trees, instantly became a different place when the island’s Junkanoo band happily invaded the territory. Donned in enormous, brightly colored costumes and masks, blowing whistles and horns, and creating thunderous noise on bongos, the troupe paraded through the winding village with its music and dance moves. After talking with locals, we learned that Junkanoo is a parade that happens on Boxing Day in the Bahamas, causing a joyful ruckus much like Mardis Gras. Once a week, the band practices through the resort, and we were fortunate enough to get caught in its colossal momentum.

With all Atlantis had to offer, I found much more than just a beach, a book, and a tan.

© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney