My 12 year old son and I have set out on a new adventure. We have set off on a trip to the Bahamas to check out the Atlantis Paradise Island’s new 8,000 square feet Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA), designed while taking into the consideration the imagination and desires of the younger traveler. The trip, hosted by JetBLue, Atlantis, and Lego, has also provided my son and I with an opportunity to talk more, without interruptions from his little brothers.
We got up very early this morning, headed out to JFK, and got to walk through Jet Blue’s new Terminal 5. I will talk more about the 11 month old new terminal soon. For now, suffice to say that they did an amazing job with it, and the services and shops available from what I saw during our quick tour seemed the types of things that most travelers would want to enjoy while waiting for a flight, or killing time between connections.
Our flight on Jet Blue’s plane was incredibly comfortable. And this wasn’t just because it was a plane full of writers. It was the standard amenities, like the leather seat, leg room, free movies, free XM satellite radio, and the service that really helped to make the experience for us. We got the chance to work on smaller Lego pieces that will make part of a larger piece to be unveiled at the official AKA Grand Opening ceremony tomorrow Sunday (1/23/10). My son made a new friend and sat with him during the flight, while I chatted with his mom and relaxed on the 3 hour trip.
The airport experience was short and friendly. We did wait a bit longer to go through customs, but we also had a live bad playing while we waited, and while waiting for the bus, I got to watch some airport workers enjoying a game of checkers.
We arrived to Atlantis Paradise Island Resort after a 40 minute bus ride from the airport, past beaches with crystal blue waters, and through downtown Nassau, which is a hub for tourists, with all the American fast food eateries and stores.
The entrance to Atlantis had us in complete awe. They took the time to really create a fantasy for their visitors. The kids in the group that I am with were incredibly excited…especially the little ones. It was a bit windy, and the sun was touch and go…not as warm as I had hoped it would be, but certainly warmer than NYC. My 12 year old was all smiles, checking out all the details and taking it all in.
We were immediately escorted to our room. Atlantis offers several accommodations options, for either a relaxed, tropical experience or a more luxury and all-suite stay, whatever the needs may be, with or without kids, it seems they have thought of it all. Of course, I haven’t seen all the grounds yet. We are staying at Royal Towers, the most family-friendly of all their sections, in a two bedroom guest suit. Our room overlooks the beaches, pools and ship dock of the island. We can see the cruise ships from our glass balcony doors, and the lights of the rest of the island at night. During the day however, we get a clear view of it all, and it’s quite beautiful.
We had a brief time to rest, before we ran out for our first activity of the day, Dolphin Cay. This is where we got to interact with the dolphins up close and personal. The little ones were both terrified and overjoyed. The trainers were great at getting the ones who were scared to at least approach the dolphins and touch them. What an amazing experience it was for all of us. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before…and the location was so pretty too. The groups all had a wonderful time, and photos of this particular activity will be posted soon! But for now, all I have to say is I think I looked pretty hot in my wet suit!
Me, Liz (Mom 101), and Christine (Boston Mamas)
Afterwards, we had a great dinner al fresco, where the kids got to participate in some musical fun as well as build Legos with Frankie Jonas. It was great seeing the kids really come together and build some awesome pieces! And dinner was delicious.
Our last event for the day was to tour “The Dig”, an underground maze, with passageways and tunnels that offered us views of amazing fish, sharks, and other sea creatures. The fish in here are incredible, and the set up is gorgeous. What a wonderful treat it was to walk through the tunnels and see so many interesting sea animals. My 12 year old really enjoyed this part of the night…well, that and the unlimited free ice cream during dinner!
Tomorrow we have another fun packed adventure, and we can’t wait. So much to see and do here! Can’t wait to share more with you! In the meantime, check out Atlantis Paradise Island’s website. They are offering 4th night free, plus free companion airfare, and children stay free!
Stay tuned for more on our Atlantis Paradise Island Adventures!
Disclosure: This adventured was fully sponsored by Atlantis, Jet Blue, Lego. However, the views and opinions shared in this post are strictly my own.
jill notkin
Great round-up of the day! Can't wait for more today – so nice meeting you!
Doris M Bachand
WOW!!!! This is fantastic Carol and David!!!
dave herz
So cool. Hope you are enjoying all that one on one time with your son!
Melisa with one S
What a great opportunity, and I'm not talking about the obviously glorious accommodations. I went on a trip with only my older son in 2007, and the private time we got together for that five days was something I'll treasure until the day I die. I'm sure this trip will be the same for you. Have a great time; I can't wait to read about the rest! xoxo
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[…] my way to JFK’s terminal 5, Jet Blue’s terminal. I mentioned it before on our way to The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, and even still it had the ability to make me feel comfortable and relaxed. Checking in was a […]