Some vacations are meant for relaxation. Some, culture. And some deliver a suspension of reality and a taste of fantasy. That’s Atlantis. Indeed, there is something almost other-worldly about Atlantis and, according to visionary founder Sol Kernzer, that’s just what they were going for.
Macaroni Kid was recently invited to help celebrate the grand opening of Atlantis’s Kids Adventures (they call it "AKA"). As if there wasn't enough to do at this sprawling resort already . . . water slides and rides, tennis, golf, a beautiful beach, 18 restaurants, an aquarium themed around ancient undersea ruins and what my 8-year-old son dubbed the world's least-lazy, lazy river. And no visit to Atlantis would be complete without a visit with the family of dolphins rescued from an aquarium that collapsed in Hurricane Katrina. Yup, you and your kids can don wetsuits and get in the water with them.
And now there’s AKA. It is a technology-driven world of fantasy, play and imagination. Five main areas offer fully tricked out play zones for kids three and up and cater to almost every interest. For the little ones, a well-stocked “grocery store,” tot-sized house for tea parties, wizard’s room complete with a talking tree and a LEGO room that is so well-equipped it looks like the right kid could build a space shuttle. Bigger kids will love the arts & crafts and the unique “Culinary Adventure” where young chefs can whip up candy oceans, crazy cupcakes and custom pizzas. Mac computer stations and a huge gaming room will keep the 8-12 year-olds engaged for hours. The performance room lets the little ones play dress up and the bigger ones channel their inner American Idol. A warm staff brings tremendous kid-friendly energy to the entire enterprise.
AKA is an indoor-focused club and offers three daily sessions ($45 for morning or afternoon and $60 for evenings). Booking a few sessions during the course of your stay will give the kids an amazing experience and give you a few hours to yourself. And maybe even dinner at Nobu.
To visit AKA, kids must be at least three and potty perfect. But don’t despair, there is plenty for the toddler and teen set. For the littlest ones, Splashers’ Mayan-themed water play area, Poseidon’s Kids Pool and the miniature slides at Ripples Pool will keep them entertained for hours. And when mom and dad need a break, qualified in-room babysitters are available. Teens and preteens will not tire of Atlantis’ collection of water slides, including the Serpent Slide, a wild ride that ends with a gentle float -- through the center of a shark tank! Afternoons and evenings will find them at Club Rush, a teen only club of music, movies, mocktails and videogames.
Atlantis offers three basic levels of accommodations: the Coral Towers, Royal Towers and Cove. Both the Coral and Royal Towers are just fine for families. The Royal Towers offers slightly better accommodations and a more convenient location. The Cove is Atlantis’ newest area and boasts gorgeous rooms, a quieter and more elegant atmosphere and an amazing adult-only pool. A warning for families, however, the Cove is a bit of a hike from the heart of the Atlantis complex.
Though not usually considered a bargain destination, Atlantis is currently offering some excellent packages. The best of the bunch is the Escape Winter package. Rates start at $499 and include 5/days 4/nights, free companion airfare and kids 11 and under stay free. Families would be well advised to consider a dining plan, otherwise the ala carte meals can really add up. Dining plans start at $75/day for adults, $35/day for kids 7-11. Kids 6 and under eat free with dining adults.
We asked several regular Atlantis families why they keep coming back and the answer was always the same: “there is something for everyone here and it’s beautiful. Why would we go anywhere else?” Why indeed. www.atlantis.com or call 1-800-Atlantis.
[Author's Note: Maddie and I were guests of Atlantis for a 3-night stay where we had the opportunity to experience much of what Atlantis has to offer. Neither Atlantis nor its affiliates had any input into the contents of this review].
