Now we've all paid to check our underweight luggage and eaten stale peanuts on a bargain-basement airline while flying 16 hours in an economy seat to sleep under the stars in a foreign land. But sometimes you want to mix things up all in the same trip, so we asked travel writer Carly Milne to book a flight to The Islands of the Bahamas, and break her trip into two parts by setting herself up with two types of accommodations -- one on the mega-hotel end, the other on the stunningly charming boutique side. Our question? Which was the better Bahamian experience?

Up Next: Carly checks into The Cove Atlantis

Most people are familiar with Paradise Island's Atlantis, the fabulously epic resort that features enough activities to keep a guest occupied for months. But what you may not know is Atlantis recently launched two new hotel towers. The first is The Cove, an incredible 600-room all-suite hotel with ocean views from nearly every room. The second is The Reef, featuring 3,000 fully equipped suites with all the comforts of home. I chose to check in at The Cove for about $420 a night.

Up Next: The Dream Suite

Simply put, my room was incredible. The d?cor was contemporary but warm, making me feel more like I was staying at a friend's place than a hotel room. I had a beautiful view of the ocean and was high enough up that I couldn't hear any guests, but benefited from the soothing sounds of the waves crashing gently against the beach. Both the living room and bedroom sported flat-panel TVs, the bed was large enough to fit a football team, and the bathroom was bigger than my home. After drawing myself a bath fit for a queen, I decided I could get used to this.

Up Next: Fun In The Sun

So how did I spend my days? Sure, I spent some time riding the 68-foot Leap of Faith waterslide and allowing myself to float down the Lazy River that wound its way around the resort. And yes, I kissed a dolphin at Dolphin Cay, where guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in a special lagoon ($105). But for the most part, I relaxed. I laid in the sun at The Cove's adults-only pool, and budged only when it came time for me to make my appointment at the world-class Mandara Spa. Hold my calls, indeed!

Up Next: Mouth-Watering Cuisine

For dinner, it was a tie between mouth-watering Japanese food at Nobu, gourmet French fare from Chez Willie, and outstanding nibbles from Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. Both Nobu and Mesa were on property, so taking a trip into town to Chez Willie's was an added bonus to their delicious escargot.

After having such an incredible time on Paradise Island, I was beginning to wonder if the second type of adventure would be able to hold a candle to the first. There was only one way to find out...

Up Next: The Boutique Hotel

Just a short puddle-jumper trip away to The Out Islands, Cat Island is the place to get away from it all. I was met at the airport by my driver, Cyril Ingraham, who runs Ingraham's Taxi Service and wins the prize for being the most knowledgeable person I've ever met when it comes to the history of Cat Island. He drove me to Fernandez Bay Village, which would serve as my home for the next few nights (at $240 a night). As soon as the hotel staff came out to greet me in bare feet and smiles, I knew I was home.

Up Next: Fernandez Bay Village

My room was just steps from the water, so naturally I dropped my suitcase on my bed, dug out my bikini and plunked myself down on a chaise lounge. One of the great things about Fernandez Bay was the laid-back nature of it all. Guests can make their own drinks at the bar, dinners are served buffet style, and whatever you want to do, you can. There's snorkeling, kayaking, biking around town and evening bonfires... or there's what I did -- lay on a beach chair until it gets too hot, get in the water until it gets too cold, then back on the beach chair.

Up Next: Mount Alvernia

But once again my guilt over being too lazy overcame me. I circumvented it by taking a tour of the island, complete with a small hike up Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas at 207 feet. At the top sits The Hermitage, an old monastery with fascinating architecture and fabulous views of the island. I took a trip to Sammy T's Beach Resort for dinner, where I dined on fresh salad and authentic Bahamian conch, and enjoyed the peacefulness of being on a private beach.

Up Next: The Verdict

Although the Atlantis Cove has lots of bells and whistles, I have to say Fernandez Bay Village wins hands down. Instead of a hotel room, I got a beach-side cottage for almost half the price! Plus, you just can't beat the privacy and seclusion the less frequented Out Islands provides. All in all, it depends on the type of trip you want - if you're looking for a great night life and a ton of activities at your fingertips, the Atlantis Cove might be the right hotel for you. If you just want to have a relaxing beach vacation, and experience the Bahamas au natural, my boutique hotel on Cat Island can't be beat!

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