I have a confession. I don’t like the beach. It’s not the water part — I love playing in the waves — but I try to avoid sand, seaweed, and the Portuguese men-of-war that populated most of my childhood seaside trips.

Now that we have a family and live in a place with a real (read: cold) winter, we’re rethinking the whole sand-and-sea vacation. Atlantis, located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, piqued my interest when I learned just how affordable all that fun could be. Catering to everyone in the family is something Atlantis takes seriously, which matters more and more now that my kids are at different stages of independence.

Splashers children’s area, complete with a Mayan-themed water play structure and three spiral slides, was designed for kids under 54 inches. In all, Atlantis has more than 141 acres of pools, water slides, and a lazy river. My favorite attraction is Dolphin Cay and the 14-lagoon marine habitat. The cay’s shallow-water option allows young children to pet dolphins and sea lions while older kids can swim with the frisky sea mammals. For an extra thrill, feed hawksbill turtles or speed through the shark lagoon in a glass-encased water slide.

Teens may opt for the hour-long snorkel tour of the Ruins Lagoon where they can swim with giant rays, sharks, and tropical fish. Snuba — a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling — is the ideal option for youngsters looking for a longer underwater experience without a scuba license. And after the sun sets, Club Rush’s dance floor and movie screen offer the perfect place to hang parent-free.

You’re parents. You crave some couples-only time. While at the resort, children can hang out at the Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) center, which offers a three-hour session for $45 (full days with lunch included run $105). Kids can take cooking classes, visit the pools or beach, and play practically any video game ever invented — within appropriate age limits, of course. Technology is integral to Atlantis: The resort has a huge stage and green screen for some serious dress-up or improvisational comedy. But don’t be surprised if your preschooler is more impressed with the interactive touch-screen walls, tables, and floors where lizards have been known to chase kids’ feet while fish follow little fingers.

With the kids happily occupied, try a yoga class or Climber’s Rush, a state-of-the-art rock climbing facility featuring 12 different rock climbing surfaces developed with input from some of the world’s most renowned rock climbers. Then cross a glass bridge to the contemporary Mandara Spa. Arrive early for the Taking of the Waters bathing experience before a much-deserved massage while your partner unwinds on the nearby Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole Ocean Club Golf Course, which offers spectacular views and some challenging links. Dine together at Café Martinique or Mesa Grill before picking up a book from the resort’s library, playing craps in the casino, or strolling through Marina Village’s upscale shops.

Movie night is always a hit with our crew, and Atlantis Theatre screens family friendly movies (yes, they serve popcorn, too). Music lovers should check out the Atlantis LIVE concerts, which just hosted Sheryl Crow on May 29 and has Justin Bieber on June 12.

Rooms start at $270 per night (bonus: kids 11 and under stay free). The resort also offers meal plans starting at $75 per adult, per day, and $35 per child, per day.
Yeah, I’m starting to think Atlantis might be just the place for my next beach party — er, vacation. For more information, check out www.atlantis.com.

Anna Philpot is a Santa Fe-based freelance writer and associate literary agent with Irene Webb Literary. She much prefers swimming with dolphins to sharks.