While we’re not even finished recovering from the winter holidays, a lot of us are already thinking about Spring Break. Not necessarily the college version — my back and knees are too chronically achy to pretend like I’m in that age group — but instead family getaways that will help alleviate concerns that a child’s week at home will do nothing but jack up the iPad screen time. There are obviously a lot of places to consider, but for golf, entertainment, and one of the best parties of the year anywhere on this planet, Atlantis Paradise Island is the easiest choice.

The 2025 Nassau Paradise Island Food and Wine Festival takes place March 12 through March 16 and promises to be one of the biggest, most entertaining events of the year on any island under the sun, and that’s not hyperbole. Having attended this soiree each year since its inception, I can say with 100 percent certainty that it only gets better — thanks in part to the mutually beneficial on-island competition — and this year’s lineup of celebrity chefs is undoubtedly flat out bonkers.

Given that it’s sort of his property (in spirit), everything begins with Chef José Andrés, the undeniable living saint and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient whose Fish restaurant at The Cove is already the centerpiece of any Atlantis trip’s dining itinerary. The only difference this time is that you’ll usually see the icon wandering the floor of his restaurant, greeting almost every guest with his infectious smile, checking on dishes before they’re delivered to tables, and taking pictures with anyone who asks.

Joining Andrés is an unbelievable squad of culinary superstars, including Alon Shaya, Glenn Rolnick, JJ Johnson, Kardea Brown, Katie Lee, Michael Symon, Michael White, Tony Abou-Ganim (arguably the best mixologist in the world), and the one and only Bobby Flay, who is hosting several events at which guests will get the chance to meet him. There are more than 30 events spread across the five days, so maybe bring larger golf shorts.

The cherry on top will be performances by Shaggy, who is basically the king of Caribbean festivals at this point, and Baha Men, who might finally tell us who let those dang dogs out.

Where to Play Golf at Atlantis Paradise Island

While it’s not one of the biggest competitions of the year, The Bahamas Golf Classic at Atlantis Paradise Island certainly garnered some new attention for the Korn Ferry Tour. That’s because the Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis is a downright stunner, and it might be one of the most underrated courses in the Bahamas and even the Caribbean.

At the very least, it’ll provide a thoroughly entertaining round of golf, although the windier days can make it very frustrating. That’s a small price to pay, of course, for unbelievable views from the waterside holes, and a steady string of photo opportunities that’ll make your Instagram feed the envy of your fellow golfers back home.

Another New Golf Opportunity at Atlantis

It seems like there’s always something new happening at this resort, and the latest example is the Good Lies Mini-Golf and Sports Bar. This family-friendly outdoor amenity is a welcomed respite from days spent by the many pools and floating aimlessly in the lazy river — not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just that sometimes it’s nice to mix it up a little between wedgie-inducing trips down the Leap of Faith.