Those looking for a relaxed vacation with some yoga thrown in should look elsewhere. This is a serious ashram by an established group (there are nine Sivananda Yoga Ashrams throughout the world) and the 5:30 a.m. wake-up bell proves it. Guests focus on postures, breathing, positive thinking, and meditation, and have some free time to take advantage of the beautiful beach setting. Seemingly a world away from neighboring mega-resort Atlantis, this five-and-a-half acre, mid-range oasis has a range of accommodations from tents to Beachfront Suites (most rooms have shared bathrooms, though). Two vegetarian meals are prepared daily right after each two-hour yoga class , while morning and evening satsangs (a mix of meditation, chanting, lectures, singing and dancing) help create a sense of community. Extra workshops and lectures are built into the daily schedule, and there's a wellbeing center for massage treatments and Ayurvedic body treatments.

Smack dab between Atlantis Resort, Riu, and the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island, this hidden gem offers 26 units ranging in size from one-, two-, three-, four and even five-bedroom options. Room decor varies depending on the owner's taste, but these spacious villas all have fully-equipped kitchens, coffeemakers, sofa beds, and patios at generally great prices. Guests can walk to the aforementioned neighboring resorts for restaurants and nightlife, or rent a car for more island freedom. Lounge chairs are never a problem at one of two pools, but do not miss out on having private access to Cabbage Beach; since the entire stretch of sand is completely public, guests can grab a beer from Archie's stand and choose the party vibe in front or walk further down for near isolation. Sunrise's on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers occasional live entertainment (that can stay loud late).

The 223-room Comfort Suites Paradise Island is a definite upgrade from what most people expect of the chain. The hotel underwent a 6.3-million-dollar renovation in 2013 and it shows: the rooms are modern and contemporary, the pool is clean and inviting, the restaurant is large with an attractive outdoor seating area, and there is even a chic bar in the lobby. All rooms are Junior Suites and have partially sectioned-off living room areas, mini-fridges, and work desks with office chairs. Guests get free access to Atlantis --a nearby resort that's more like a theme park, with aquariums and casinos on-site. Atlantis also has its own beach, which is a welcome bonus considering that the Comfort Suites doesn't have any shoreline on-site. Travelers may want to compare rates at the nearby Sunrise Beach Club, a beachfront property that offers spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens.

Paradise Island Beach Club is a three-pearl hotel set on Cabbage Beach. The resort is composed of 44 cheerful two-bedroom villas, all of which have roomy living areas, full kitchens, and private balconies or terraces. The property’s on-site amenities, which include two outdoor pools (one with a swim-up bar), Reef Bar & Grill, and a fitness center, are similarly generic. The only striking feature here is the direct access to beautiful Cabbage Beach. It’s worth comparing rates and amenities with the nearby Sunrise Beach Club and Villas which has fresher rooms and a prettier pool. 

With 600-plus rooms, the comfortable Coral Towers (formerly the Brittania Beach Hotel) is a section of Atlantis that appeals to mid-range travelers -- mostly families. It's cheaper than the Royal Tower but closer to the action (and crowds) than the budget-friendly Beach Tower. Though decor and amenities are similar to the Beach Tower, Coral offers larger room options, such as the Regal Suite, which has two full bathrooms. It sits next to the harbor (some rear-facing balconies have views of it), and offers easy access to Marina Village for more choice in restaurants, shops and after-dinner strolls among the yachts. In the front is the Paradise Lagoon for non-motorized water sports (for a fee). Expect to pay a hefty fee for just about everything, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many.

Bay View Suites Paradise Island is a three-pearl hotel located on Paradise Island. The hotel’s 25 rooms feature home-away-from-home amenities like big living areas and full kitchens, but the decor is unstylish and dated. While the hotel’s three outdoor pools, open-air restaurant, and small fitness center are all convenient features, there’s nothing particularly exceptional about this hotel besides its affordable rates. Expect a 10-minute walk to picturesque Cabbage Beach and a five-minute walk to the Atlantis resort. For slightly higher rates, Sunrise Beach Club and Villas offers direct beach access and a better restaurant. 

The "cheap seats" property of the Atlantis (though no part of the resort is cheap) has approximately 500 rooms in an aging retro structure dating back to the 60s. Renovations to these family-friendly accommodations include clean tropical decor with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers with free Starbucks; bottled water, however, is not free, and is the first indication of just how expensive the resort is. Take it for what it is, though: Guests at the Beach Tower have access to 11 pools, including a lazy river and large pool next to the property, and a long stretch of white sand beach, as well as free admission to the 141-acre Aquaventure, marine exhibits, nightlife, and casino of the greater Atlantis resort. It’s a lot of walking to get around, but it has less crowded environs and a shuttle service between towers. Expect to be aggravated by restaurant prices and fluctuating hours of operation. Water-view rooms are highly recommended.