A New Tradition

It’s not just an award-winning children’s program, fabulous pools, sandy beaches, a casino and hair-raising waterslides that will attract your clients to Atlantis, Paradise Island. With the opening of the new Marina Village, the resort is becoming a foodie haven.

The village, strongly influenced by Bahamian culture, was developed by Jackson Burnside and Associates and heralded as “a quaint Bahamian community.”

Located just steps from the Royal Towers, its recent opening attempts to give visitors to Atlantis a true Bahamian experience. Inside the village, clients can discover vibrant artwork and Bahamian handicrafts such as plaits, straw products woven into handbags, hats and other decorative items. Visitors can also experience the Bahamian celebration of Junkanoo as participants dressed in elaborate costumes parade through the village accompanied by drums, cowbells, horns and whistles.

But by far the greatest allure to the new Marina Village is the food. Offering variety of everything from traditional Bahamian fare to family-style Italian dinners and a steakhouse, the village has broadened Atlantis’ culinary options.

Restaurant Roundup

Start your day with Starbucks, which is by far the biggest draw to the village in the mornings, for both residents and visitors. Serving all the familiar blends from home and some special ones like Coconut Vanilla Creme Frappuccino the world’s most famous coffeehouse is packed with patrons waiting for a caffeine fix. Next door, for those wishing for a cool smoothie to sip in the balmy Caribbean, Jamba Juice offers fruity beverages and healthy snacks.

Restaurants like Carmine’s and Johnny Rockets, both of which have opened in the newly constructed Bahamian-style village cater to families. Although the surroundings may look Bahamian, the menus at these restaurants are geared to Americans, serving up traditional burgers, fries and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets, and family-style Italian at Carmine’s.
Another culinary addition includes Seafire, a stylish and modern steakhouse with a traditional butcher and a wine market for guests. Clients will find an extensive menu of grilled meat, poultry and fish served in an eclectic atmosphere. Guests should be sure to try the restaurant’s signature dish, spit-roasted prime rib.

Bimini Road truly captures the spirit of the Bahamas. Serving local Bahamian cuisine in a colorful, festive establishment, clients should stop by to try some typical island fare and the one-of-a-kind conch bar. Also, not to be missed are the variety of specially concocted cocktails.

But the restaurant currently attracting the most attention is Cafe Martinique, a venture spearheaded by world-renowned chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who first dazzled diners in New York with his innovative interpretation of classic French cuisine. Now, in his newest establishment, a recreation of one of the islands’ most legendary restaurants, Vongerichten wows guests with a classic redefinition of French gourmet dining inspired by his heritage of Eastern France.

At a private dining, our group sampled delicacies served by this amazing master chef. The menu included various kinds of seafood caught fresh that morning as well as steak and shellfish and was all served with wines hand-selected by Vongerichten. Needless to say the meal was outstanding. Cafe Martinique is the icing on the cake for clients looking for all the flavors of paradise.

Coming to Atlantis

On the horizon, Atlantis expansions include additions to the waterpark, a new beach area and two new towers with all-suite accommodations and condo-hotel rooms.
On the culinary side, chef Nobu Matsuhisa will open his first Caribbean restaurant and the newest location of Nobu at the Atlantis Casino in the Royal Towers. And in 2007, Bobby Flay will open the Mesa Grill.