Outdoor Spaces Galore: Atlantis Bahamas

Outdoor meeting space has never been in more demand, and it's easily found in abundance at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Whatever your agenda-- small corporate meeting, multi-day conference or incentive program-- outdoor venues including poolside patios, marine habitats, oceanside patios, decks and sandy beaches all provide stunning backdrops. The lush oceanside resort offers world-class accommodations, luxury amenities and personalized service of a property of their caliber but, takes it a step further, weaving ways to connect guests to the stunning environment whenever possible.

"When we held our incentive trip at Atlantis, we were sure to take advantage of the gorgeous natural surroundings as much as possible," said Donna Leicher, a retired sales & events program manager from Delta Air Lines, Inc. "Unless we required audio visual or needed to go late into the evening, we were outside. The welcome reception, social hours and even a scavenger hunt took advantage of the island's expansive outdoor space."

The Royal Deck

Space like the Royal Deck, which offers views of the Paradise Lagoon and sits between the iconic Royal Towers, make it hard for meeting planners to plan indoors. It accommodates large groups with just as much beauty in the day as the night.  Lynda Kong maximized the natural beauty of the Royal Deck space when planning a 2018 global sales meeting for Nuance Communications. "With nearly 1,000 attendees ... we needed a destination that would allow us to hold a large-scale event and various smaller ones outdoors, without having to use the same space over and over again," said Kong, director, global events for Nuance Communications. "This was not a problem at Atlantis. For our largest event we took over the Royal Deck and Royal Bath Pool Deck areas and we were able to spread out. The band and dancing was in one area; bars and food stations were scattered throughout; and quieter little nooks where people could steel away from the action and talk privately were also available," she said. The natural beauty also benefitted the event budget. "The space required little decor. We took advantage of the natural habitat, adding a little lighting in the pool, a couple of our company gobos and really showcasing the iconic Royal Tower lit up in the background."

Ripples Deck

Surrounded by iconic Atlantis architecture including the famous Mayan Temple and it's Leap of Faith slide, is the Ripples Deck. While the grand columns and poolside views of Baths Colonnade make this an equally ideal outdoor venue for any event.

Ocean's Edge

Ocean's Edge is ideal for groups that would like privacy in a relaxed atmosphere. It sits on a bluff overlooking Paradise Beach and planners can time their events in order to take advantage of amazing sunsets with crashing waves as the soundtrack. This location is diverse in that it includes an event lawn and indoor pavilion that is multi-functional and can easily be designed for a chic lounge-style after-party. 

While these popular venues sometimes get all the attention, there are a variety of other scenic, off the beaten path locations where groups are holding not just their meal or break functions outdoors, but the meetings itself. 

"We have been holding meetings in pods of four outdoors, utilizing inventive furniture sets or even experimenting with large inflatables as seating," says Linda Stednick, Executive Director, Conference Planning. "As long as the group doesn't need AV for their presentations, they are tending to choose open air venues and we are happy to get creative to make sure we are adhering to social distancing, while providing a gorgeous setting for their function."

Travel Requirements and More 

To learn more about travel requirements, visit https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: As of Jan. 1, 2022, the new room VAT throughout The Bahamas is changing from 12 percent to 10 percent.