Beyond Atlantis: Unveiling Paradise Island’s Best-Kept Secrets

The Imperial Club, a private club experience on the 19th floor of The Royal’s East Tower, opens at Atlantis Paradise Island on May 1, 2026. Most visitors come to this resort for the water slides, the casino, and the sprawling beach — and those are all still there. But over the past year, Atlantis has been quietly layering in experiences that cater to a different kind of traveler: someone who wants the full resort access with fewer crowds, better food, and a sense that they’ve discovered something the guidebooks haven’t caught up to yet.

This guide covers the new openings, exclusive spaces, and seasonal events that make up Paradise Island’s best-kept secrets — from a Thai chef’s pop-up to a private club floor and a multimillion-dollar spa overhaul. Whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer escape, these are the details worth knowing about before you book.

Each of these experiences adds a distinct layer to an Atlantis stay. Below, I’ve broken them down — what they actually are, who they’re for, and how to make sure you don’t miss the one that fits your trip.

The Imperial Club: A Private Floor Above the Bustle

Opening May 1, 2026, the Imperial Club occupies the entire 19th floor of The Royal’s East Tower, with sightlines across the ocean and Paradise Island’s shoreline. Access is limited to guests booking specific suites and premium room categories — it’s not a universal upgrade you can add at check-in. Check-in happens at a separate VIP space called The Sun Lounge inside The Royal Towers, bypassing the main lobby front desk lines entirely.

The club itself operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Complimentary breakfast is served each morning with what the resort describes as a tailored presentation — think plated dishes rather than a buffet line. Daytime snacks and small plates bridge the gap between meals, and a structured cocktail hour rolls out signature drinks alongside rotating evening canapés and sweets. All food and beverage inside the club is included.

Rooms in this category also come with butler service: unpacking assistance, dining reservations, activity planning, and day-to-day logistics. Bahamian welcome amenities and upgraded in-room features are included. You still have immediate access to Aquaventure water park, Dolphin Cay, The Dig, the beachfront, Atlantis Casino, Crystal Court Shops, and every restaurant and bar — the club simply gives you a quieter base to return to.

Mandara Spa: A Full Reinvention

Mandara Spa at Atlantis is undergoing a multimillion-dollar transformation that’s set to debut in early 2026. The renewed spa draws from three distinct traditions: ancient Asian healing techniques, traditional European therapies, and indigenous Bahamian ingredients. That last piece is the one that stands out — local spices, fruits, and minerals are being incorporated into signature treatments, which gives the spa a sense of place rather than feeling like a generic luxury chain.

Expanded treatment rooms and tranquil relaxation spaces are part of the plan, along with modern wellness programming that goes beyond the standard massage-and-facial menu. The exact treatment list hasn’t been fully released yet, but the direction is clear: this isn’t a refresh of the same services. It’s a repositioning of the spa as a destination within the resort, not just an add-on for a rainy afternoon.

Cocodrilo: From Pop-Up to Permanent

Cocodrilo started as a summer pop-up in the former Lagoon Bar & Grill space, and it was popular enough that Atlantis made it permanent. The concept is cantina-style beachfront dining — relaxed during the day with ceviches, tacos, and cocktails, then more energetic at night with bold flavors and music. The permanent menu includes a Fajita de Carne with slow-roasted barbacoa and poblano crema, a Mexican Ensalada with roasted corn and oregano dressing, and a Coctel de Camarones with shrimp, avocado, and lime maria sauce.

The space itself sits right on the water, which gives it a different feel from the more formal restaurants inside the resort towers. It’s worth knowing that the daytime and evening atmospheres are quite different — if you’re after a quiet lunch, go early; if you want the lively seaside vibe, come back after sunset.

Kò Sà-Wăn: Chef Ian Kittichai’s Thai Pop-Up

Chef Ian Kittichai brought his Thai dinner pop-up Kò Sà-Wăn back to Atlantis at The Cove’s Perch restaurant. The menu celebrates bold Bangkok flavors with two standout dishes that have carried over from previous iterations: Hor Mok Pla Gao — fresh grouper steamed in banana leaf with a spiced coconut custard — and Tom Kha Gai, a coconut-galangal chicken soup that manages to be both creamy and sharp.

This is a pop-up, not a permanent addition, so its return dates are limited. The fact that Atlantis brought it back suggests it found an audience, but you can’t assume it will be running during your stay. If Thai food is a priority, check the resort’s dining calendar before you book or call ahead to confirm the current schedule at Perch.

Gong Cha and the Retail Expansion

Gong cha, the global bubble tea brand founded in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, opened a location at Atlantis next to FIELDTRIP and adjacent to The Royal Pool. It’s open daily from 11:00 AM, serving Pearl Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, and Passionfruit Green Tea with toppings like tapioca pearls, coconut jelly, and aloe. For a resort that doesn’t lack for drink options, this fills a specific niche — something cold, sweet, and customizable that isn’t a cocktail or a soda.

Around the same time, the resort’s retail portfolio expanded significantly. Tiffany & Co. opened a custom-designed boutique that reflects the ocean setting. Jacquemus recently opened a boutique with a contemporary architectural aesthetic. Lalique is opening a space for crystal jewelry and art pieces. Dylan’s Candy Bar is coming to Marina Village. Vineyard Vines and Creed perfumes have also opened or are in the process of opening. The overall effect is that Atlantis is positioning itself as a shopping destination, not just a resort with a few gift shops.

Sunset Beach Dinners and Holiday Events

December brings a series of exclusive, time-limited experiences to The Cove. The Sunset Beach Dinners are elevated barbecue-style meals set up right on the sand, with sommelier-selected wines, a curated bar program, a welcome drink, and a live DJ. Pricing starts around $290 per person, and seating is communal — you’re sharing a table with other guests, which works well for couples or small groups but less well for large families who want a private table.

The holiday calendar also includes a Frescobaldi Wine Dinner at The Ocean Clubhouse Restaurant on December 20, a multi-restaurant festive experience at The Cove (FISH, Paranza, Sea Glass) on December 22–23, and the return of Paranza’s Sunday Brunch and Bubbly for the full month. Nightlife highlights include a Junkanoo Parade at Marina Village on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:00 PM, a New Year’s Eve party hosted by Ariana Madix and headlined by Two Friends with fireworks over the Royal Tower, and a Steve Aoki set at AURA Nightclub on January 3.

Making the Most of Paradise Island’s New Layer

Most of these experiences require some advance planning. The Imperial Club is tied to specific room categories — you can’t add it as a standalone upgrade, so you need to book a qualifying suite from the start. Mandara Spa’s new space will likely have limited appointment slots when it debuts in early 2026. Cocodrilo and Gong cha are walk-in only, but their peak hours are predictable. Kò Sà-Wăn is a pop-up with no fixed year-round schedule. The December events have hard dates and capacity limits.

If you’re planning a trip primarily around one of these experiences — say, the Imperial Club or a specific dinner — call the resort directly to confirm availability and booking requirements before you finalize flights. The Atlantis website has a dining and events calendar, but for pop-ups and seasonal programming, a phone call is more reliable.

Before You Go — Paradise Island’s New Experiences

Can I access the Imperial Club without booking a suite?

No. Access is limited to guests booking specific suites and premium room categories inside The Royal. It’s not available as a standalone upgrade or day pass. Confirm that Imperial Club access is included in your booking confirmation before you arrive.

When exactly does the new Mandara Spa open?

The multimillion-dollar transformation is slated for an early 2026 debut. An exact date hasn’t been announced yet. If wellness is a central reason for your trip, check the Atlantis website or call the resort a few weeks before your stay for the latest timeline.

Is Kò Sà-Wăn running year-round?

No — it’s a pop-up that has returned to The Cove’s Perch restaurant for limited engagements. The menu features dishes like Hor Mok Pla Gao and Tom Kha Gai. Check the resort’s dining calendar or call ahead to see if it’s scheduled during your travel dates.

Are the Sunset Beach Dinners worth $290 per person?

That depends on what you value. You get an elevated barbecue dinner on the sand, sommelier-selected wines, a welcome drink, and live entertainment — all in a small-group communal setting. It’s priced as a special-occasion experience, not a regular dinner. If you prefer a private table, this format may not suit you.

Do I need reservations for Cocodrilo or Gong cha?

Cocodrilo is walk-in only for lunch and dinner — no reservations. Gong cha is also walk-up only, open daily from 11:00 AM. For Cocodrilo, arriving by 6:30 PM gives you the best chance at a water-view table during peak season.

Paradise Island Beyond the Water Park

Atlantis has always been a place you go for the big, obvious attractions — the water park, the aquarium, the casino. The shift happening now is quieter and easier to miss. A private club floor, a spa that actually uses local ingredients, a Thai pop-up that could stand on its own in a city, a beachfront cantina that earned its permanence. These aren’t replacements for the core resort experience. They’re additions that give you more reasons to stay put rather than leave the property looking for something better. If you’re planning a trip to the Bahamas, the island-hopping adventures beyond Nassau — like the Exuma Cays or kayaking through Bimini’s mangroves — are still worth the boat ride. But Paradise Island itself just got a lot more interesting.

References

Caribbean National Weekly. “Atlantis Paradise Island touts new dining, retail and wellness additions ahead of 2026 spa debut.” Caribbean National Weekly, 2025. ↗

Carib Journal. “Atlantis Just Added a Private Club for Suite Guests.” Carib Journal, 2026. ↗

The Art Shelf. “Atlantis Paradise Island Redefines Luxury Travel with New Dining and Wellness Experiences.” The Art Shelf, 2025. ↗

If you’re building a longer Bahamas trip, the guides to bonefishing the flats, kayaking Bimini’s mangroves, and exploring the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offer solid next stops once you’re ready to leave the resort behind.