Bahamas-Bound

I just found out yesterday that I get to go back to the Bahamas after graduation!  I’m returning to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, where I stayed two years ago and I highly, highly recommend.  And

let me tell you, it’s not called Paradise Island for nothing.  The beaches are beautiful and the people are very friendly.  The resort itself is honestly amazing.  The photo on the bottom right is the view from our room (the water really is that blue)! Best of all, you will never be bored.  There is a 141-acre water ‘metropolis’ complete with 11 pools, 9 water slides, a lazy river, and a river rapids ride thrown in for good measure.  You can lay on the white sand beaches (piña colada in hand of course), go snorkeling or scuba diving, check out one of the largest marine exhibits in the world with more than 50,000 aquatic animals spread throughout the property, or play with some dolphins.  I actually got to go in the water and interact with them.  Definitely something everyone should try to do!  There’s so much going on at Atlantis that I could probably ramble for days, so here is my wish list for my upcoming trip (aside from doing all of the above again). 

                                                                                                                            Spa Day

After working my butt off for four years of college, I think I deserve a trip to the spa.  The Mandara Spa at Atlantis combines Asian techniques and European therapies to create one relaxing experience.  They offer massages, facials, full body treatments, and salon services.  I don’t need anything fancy, although having an alfresco massage and getting to listen to the ocean sounds pretty nice.

          Play with some Sea Lions

     I already got to hang out with the dolphins, so naturally I have to move on to the sea lions.  You can hug, play, and take pictures with them, and then get a behind the scenes tour of how they are taken care of.  I think they’re adorable!

     Win Big!

    This might be my most far-fetched dream yet, but here it goes.  Atlantis is home to the Caribbean’s largest casino, which spans seven-acres with 80 tables games and 750 slot machines.  Games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker to name a few.  I’m hoping betting all of ten bucks will make me instantly rich.

         Take a “Leap of Faith”

     Time to put my brave face on.  The water park’s iconic Mayan Temple houses the “Leap of Faith” water slide, a 60 ft. near-vertical drop into a shark filled lagoon.  One of the top questions I got after going to Atlantis last time was whether I went on this slide or not.  My answer was a firm ‘no way in hell.’  After conquering college, I figure I should be able to conquer a water slide.  We shall see.

    Just writing this post has me wishing it were June already!  Again, I highly recommend this resort.  Everything really is better in the Bahamas!