The 14 Most Beautiful Hotels in the Bahamas
The Bahamas, an English-speaking archipelago that begins about 50 miles off the south coast of Florida, is comprised of 700 islands -- some bustling, some secluded. But no matter where you head -- Eleuthera, Nassau, Great Exuma, Paradise Island, or Harbour Island -- you'll find a pretty property that will have your jaws dropping and cameras clicking. From properties with beautiful private beaches to hotels with chic and stylish rooms, here are 14 of the most stunning resorts in the Bahamas.
-
1. Rosewood Baha Mar
-
2. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
-
3. Fowl Cay Resort
-
4. Coral Sands Hotel
-
5. French Leave Resort
-
6. The Cove Eleuthera
-
7. SLS Baha Mar
-
8. Pink Sands Resort
-
9. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
-
10. Tiamo Resort
-
11. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
-
12. Grand Isle Resort & Spa
-
13. The Cove at Atlantis
-
14. Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
Part of the three luxury hotels that make up the massive Baha Mar resort, the 237-room Rosewood Baha Mar is the most luxurious (and expensive) option of them all. Occupying a prime spot right on beautiful Cable Beach, the property is a true stunner. But there's more to love beyond its beauty. Amenities are aplenty here: Not only do guests have access to all features across the Baha Mar resort, including several restaurants, a golf course, a casino, a kids' club, and expansive spa and fitness facilities, but Rosewood also has its own private spa, outdoor pools with private cabanas (one with beach views), and gym. Two restaurants serve tasty food, and The Library offers Champagnes, afternoon tea, and caviar. For even more pampering, rooms and suites come with private balconies and butler service.
A best-in-class Bahamian resort, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, is as luxe as it gets. For starters, there are three outdoor pools (including a beachfront infinity option), a romantic Versailles-inspired garden, and a beautiful white-sand beach. Rooms feature private balconies or patios, massive bathrooms, flat-screen satellite TVs, iHomes, and free beach accessories. Spoiled for choice, guests can spend their time at free yoga classes led on an oceanfront deck, on the 18-hole golf course, on the tennis courts, in the indoor/outdoor fitness center, at the Balinese-style spa with private villas, or on the running trail. After a jam-packed day, return to free Champagne and strawberries, and enjoy sunset cocktails at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Dune restaurant.
A 28-guest capacity means that crowded spaces are unheard of on this 50-acre private island resort in the Exumas Islands. Expect to shell out quite a bit for the exclusive vibe, though the attentive staff (including a personal island host), three private beaches, personal boats for daily excursions, and spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and private terraces and decks help justify the intimidating price tag. All-inclusive rates cover everything from food and drink (yes, even top-shelf liquor, wine, and beer) to water sports equipment and a host of other activities.
For those who wish to stay directly on Harbour Island's beautiful pink-sand beach, the recently spruced up Coral Sands Hotel is a solid pick. Free water sports equipment, such as kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear, make it easy to enjoy the area. Even better, the beach is protected by a barrier reef, meaning the surf is calm and good for swimming. Beyond the sands, the 38-room hotel offers a fully equipped gym and yoga studio, a heated freshwater swimming pool, and a tennis court. Or, guests can simply relax in the restaurant or open-air bar backed by the stunning turquoise water.
Situated on 270 stunning, serene acres on Eleuthera island, the beachfront French Leave Resort is picture-perfect from head to toe. The freshwater pool, which overlooks Cupid's Cay, is certainly a highlight here, as is the pink-sand beach. Guests can take advantage of the poolside dining, enjoying creative cocktails and tasty fare between refreshing dips in the water. Snorkeling, boating, or kayaking are all top options, too.
Opened in 2013, this 40-acre boutique property on Eleuthera island is removed from the crowds in Nassau. Given its secluded atmosphere, celebs, couples, and families seeking privacy are frequent guests. The two pink-sand beaches are man-made, but you'd never guess it, and there's also a jaw-dropping infinity pool and cliffside bar to keep folks refreshed and fueled up, respectively. Massive villas feature private plunge pools and state-of-the-art kitchens (non-villa guests without kitchens should plan on eating at the restaurant, since nearby options are limited). Luckily, the menu changes daily based on produce from the garden.
The SLS Baha Mar, one of three luxury hotels comprising the Baha Mar resort, is seemingly designed to induce envy on Instagram, from the super-stylish lobby to the rooms with chic and hip decor. In addition to direct beach access, the property provides two outdoor pools (one has live DJ sets), three restaurants (Japanese, Mediterranean, and Italian), a nightclub, a rooftop bar, and suites and residences with living rooms and kitchenettes. Plus, guests can use the features across the Baha Mar resort, including the golf course and casino.
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this boutique property on Harbour Island makes for a peaceful stay. The grounds are tranquil and house a small freshwater pool, tennis courts, and several restaurants and bars, though golf carts are available for exploring other areas of the island. The 25 freestanding cottages sprinkled across the 20-acre landscape come with romantic open-style showers, air-conditioning, Bose sound systems, loaded iPods, and flat-screen TVs (some also have private beach paths). Cooking classes are also on offer, plus guests get free use of snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, but most seem happy to spend their days soaking up the sun at Pink Sands Beach -- a three-mile stretch of sand from which the resort takes its name.
With a motto like "love is all you need," you can bet this all-inclusive resort delivers on amenities for couples. Two 24-hour pools, a pretty beach, 10 dining options, eight bars, fire pits, and an on-site spa offering indoor/outdoor treatments keep the vibe romantic. Some find butler service to be worth the splurge, too. It's not all romance, though; the resort does attract its fair share of party-oriented travelers, thanks to the rowdy piano bar and late-night pub.
Accessible only by seaplane or private boat, the 14-room Tiamo Resort has the privilege of being situated away from the other hotels on South Andros Island. You'll find everything you need here: an infinity pool with gorgeous ocean views, an open-air restaurant serving fresh seafood, a small spa, and rooms with free non-alcoholic minibars, garden showers, and screened-in porches (some even have plunge pools). Just keep in mind that the price tag matches the upscale experience.
Located directly on beautiful Cable Beach, the massive, 1,800-room Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is not short on amenities. The laundry list of features includes six attractive pools, the Caribbean's largest casino, impressive spa and fitness facilities, a golf course, and nine tennis courts. All that activity will surely help you work up an appetite, and luckily, there are plenty of dining options, from seafood to food trucks with Mexican fare. Families are taken care of with a kids' club and opportunities to see wildlife at The Sanctuary, aviary, and flamingo habitat. To top it off, rooms are spacious, plus there are multi-bedroom villas and residences available for larger groups.
A heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a secluded beach with white sand and piercing-blue water, a large golf course, an on-site spa, and a poolside restaurant come together to create a scenic setting at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa. The upscale property, located on the gorgeous island of Great Exuma, also houses 79 spacious villas with contemporary furnishings, fully-equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, flat-screen TVs, and private patios or balconies. The only drawback? It's a 20-minute taxi ride to the main town, and there's not much in the way of activities around the hotel.
Opened in 2007, this 600-suite tower is the more upscale section at the Atlantis resort complex. Couples and families come to enjoy the secluded beach, modern suites (many with ocean views), and overall air of exclusivity. The property shares a separate beach and family pool with neighboring Reef Tower, but Cove guests also get access to an adults-only pool with private cabanas, outdoor gambling, and a live DJ. Of course, guests also get free admission to the massive outdoor aquarium and 141-acre water park -- two of the Atlantis' most notable features. Entrance to the casino is also free, but the yoga and cardio classes at the 10,000-square-foot gym require a daily fee.
You'll never be short on things to do at the Grand Lucayan resort. A 15-minute drive from the airport, this beachfront hotel entertains with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a huge serpentine pool, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center that unfolds over three levels, multiple restaurants, and water sports (windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, parasailing, and more). Modern, island-inspired guest rooms and suites also provide options -- all with balconies or patios, and water or garden views. However, beware of the hefty add-on fees and "all-inclusive" rooms that aren't all-inclusive.