Frommer's Review
There's no other spot in The Bahamas, with the possible exception of the Crystal Palace complex on Cable Beach, with such a wide variety of after-dark attractions, and absolutely nothing that approaches its inspired brand of razzle-dazzle. Even if you stay in Nassau or Cable Beach, you'll want to drop into this artfully decorated self-contained temple to decadence, even if gambling isn't really your passion. Love it or hate it, this place is simply a jaw-dropper.
The casino is the most lavishly planned, most artfully "themed" casino this side of Vegas. The only casino in the world built above a body of water, it was designed in homage to the lost continent of Atlantis, and it appears to have risen directly from the waters of the lagoon. The gaming area is centered on buildings representing a Temple of the Sun and a Temple of the Moon, with a painted replica of the zodiac overhead. Rising from key locations are four of the most elaborate sculptures in the world. Massive and complex, they were crafted by teams of artisans spearheaded by Dale Chihuly, the American-born resident of Venice whose glass-blowing skills are the most celebrated in the world. Other than the decor, the casino's gaming tables, open daily from 10am to 4am, are the main attraction in this enormous place, and about a thousand whirring and clanging slot machines operate 24 hours a day.
Recent additions to this blockbuster casino include a lineup of poker tables and the Pegasus Race and Sports Book, with an illuminated and computerized display that lists the odds for many of the world's upcoming sporting events. Thanks to instantaneous communications with a centralized betting facility in Las Vegas, the staff here will make odds on a staggering number of sports events, both professional and college, as well as horseracing and greyhound racing. This facility also contains a mini amphitheater with plush armchairs and views over a battery of TV screens, each displaying one of the sporting and/or racing events for which odds are being calculated and money is changing hands. One side of the casino contains Aura, a club that manages to attract a few local hipsters as well as guests of the Atlantis. Come here anytime during casino hours for a drink. A sweaty, flirty crowd parties all night on the dance floor. Often you can catch some of the best live music in The Bahamas, as bands take to the stage that's cantilevered above the dance floor. The club gets going around 9pm nightly, with a cover charge of $30 (£16) required from all nonguests of the Atlantis. (Note that the entrance charge is usually waived for women.) Ringing the casino are at least 3,252 sq. m (35,004 sq. ft.) of retail shopping space, with even more located nearby in the Marina Village and an impressive cluster of hideaway bars and restaurants.
Also in the same Atlantis complex, Joker's Wild (tel. 242/363-3000) is the only real comedy club in The Bahamas, with a talented company of funny people who work hard to make you laugh. Show times are Tuesday through Sunday at 9:30pm. At least two comedians will appear on any given night, most of them hailing from The Bahamas, with occasional appearances of performers from London and New York.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
