Atlantis Relaunches The Cove, Paradise Island

By Alexander Britell

Atlantis’ ultra-luxe resort has relaunched in a big way.

The Paradise Island destination officially debuted the new The Cove, Paradise Island this weekend, highlighted by the launch of a pair of significant new culinary additions to the Bahamas: eateries by Chefs Julie Lightbourn and Jose Andres.

The launch party included a performance by music superstar Fergie.

The Cove’s transformation is centered around its sparkling new “poolscape” that is a reimagining of what has long been Nassau’s most bustling beachside hotspot.

Lightbourn has brought her famous Harbour Island eatery Sip Sip to The Cove, while the world-renowned Andres is debuting Fish, which will feature Bahamian favorites from lobster to lionfish.

Lightbourn opened Sip Sip at The Cove over the weekend, overlooking The Cove’s redesigned poolscape with views of the sea.

The new poolscape at The Cove.

Both Sip Sip and The Cove’s private cabanas will serve what Lightbourn calls “Caribterranean” fare.

“My husband and I dreamed of having a place that was true to Harbour Island’s legacy of friendly hospitality, a place where locals and tourists would come for a home-grown, Bahamian-inspired meal and the perfect rum punch,” Lightbourn said. “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with The Cove to bring the spirit and tastes of Sip Sip Harbour Island to Paradise Island. It’s even more exciting that the resort wanted to capture our open-air, laid-back vibe, featuring Bahamian artwork. The new beach deck overlooking The Cove’s lovely beach and the turquoise water is the icing on the cake.”

The restaurant was designed by local architect Mark Henderson with input from Jeffrey Beers International.

The new poolscape is a design by designer Lulu DK that includes 20 upgraded cabanas decorarted with Lulu’s art and fabric designs, along with surfboards and complementary sun products.

A look inside the cabanas.

The party piece, though, just might be Sacred Space, a permanent installation on The Cove’s sandy peninsula designed by The Bahamas’ greatest living artist, Antonius Roberts, focusing on seven dancing women who each represent a vision to help conserve Bahamian heritage.

“I am creating this Sacred Space to be a specific, historical memorial in this location and to reflect and embody my personal philosophy about art and how it can be used interactively. It also embraces my profound interest in the conservation, preservation and transformation of our environment, and the 700 islands of The Bahamas,” Roberts said.

The Cove’s relaunch is another big step in what is a property-wide relaunch of The Bahamas’ best-known resort, which includes the recent debut of The Coral, a revitalizing of what was formerly known as the Coral Towers.

Andres’ restaurant will make its debut in February.

“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the ocean – whether it’s enjoying the freshest delicacies of the local waters or going diving. The Fish brand tells the story of this beautiful, mysterious thing we call the sea, through food — and my team and I are very excited to create this new experience at The Cove,” Andres said. “The new Bahamian team is as committed as I am to supporting sustainable fishing practices and the protection of the Bahamian coral reefs.”

The relaunch of The Cove is the latest big news for Paradise Island in a week, followed by last week’s announcement that the island’s signature Ocean Club resort would become a Four Seasons.