Compass Point Beach Resort

Compass Point
Beach Resort is easily one of the island’s most distinctive properties. The
resort was opened in the 1990s by music producer Chris Blackwell. Stars like
the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Bob Marley recorded at Blackwell’s
Compass Point Studios, which was once located nearby. Many of these famous
artists stayed at Compass Point Beach Resort while working at the studio. Then
there’s the resort’s eye-catching appearance. It’s composed of multicolored
huts inspired by the Bahamian celebration of Junkanoo. These huts are set in a
dramatic location, surrounded by lush green foliage and palm trees, and
overlook the expansive Atlantic Ocean. The resort
is charming but not luxurious. Primary colors look hand-painted, and some of the buildings have thatch roofs. The reception area is done in dark woods and colorful island paintings. Outside, an enormous concrete sofa is painted neon-green and decorated with a palm tree. The overwhelming majority of guests are couples of all ages. The resort doesn’t offer any particularly kid-friendly amenities, but the atmosphere isn’t party-driven enough to deter families, and we spotted a few during our visit. Room rates on New Providence Island are expensive across the board, and the prices at Compass Point are on par with comparable mid-range properties. Extra fees upon check-out, such as daily housekeeping surcharges, leave some guests feeling nickel-and-dimed.

Compass
Point Beach Resort is located on West Bay Street, the main thoroughfare winding
along the northern edge of the island. There are a handful of restaurants found
within walking distance, but little else to do and see. For better or worse,
its far removed from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown Nassau and Cable
Beach. The location is best for guests intent on escaping the more crowded areas of the island, or those with rental cars. Guests are otherwise forced to rely on high-priced taxis or cheap buses that stop running early in the evening.Downtown
Nassau and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay are around a 30-minute drive away. The
attractions of the massive Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island can be reached in
about 40 minutes by car. The airport is an easy five-minute drive away. For
those without rental cars, there are several jitney bus stops located along
West Bay Street. Free self-parking is available in a lot across the street from the resort.

Guest rooms
at Compass Point are set in individual huts, most of which have an attractive
octagonal shape. The decor varies slightly from room to room, but all are
quaint and cottage-like with whitewashed walls and hardwood flooring. Each room
includes a framed blurb about a particular artist who recorded at the former
Compass Point Studios. Surround-sound music systems pay
additional homage to the site’s musical history. Rooms also feature flat-screen
TVs and DVD players, which are mounted to the wall above large dressers. Free
Wi-Fi is available, and simple work desks face toward one of the windows.
Bathrobes and throw pillows are colorfully branded with the Compass Point logo. All rooms
have coffeemakers, as well as bamboo trays stocked with a few plates, cups, and
a wine corkscrew. Narrow
halls leading to bathrooms are lined with shelves offering microwaves, mini-fridges,
toaster ovens, and personal safes. Bathrooms are small and pleasantly rustic,
with wooden counters and wooden floor showers. Aveda bath products
are provided. All rooms offer balconies with striking views of the hotel
property and ocean. Elevated Sea View Huts include the addition of an open-air
kitchenette and dining area set beneath the huts, which are set on stilts. Some
also have additional bedrooms.

Features at Compass Point are home-spun and charming. The
resort’s medium-size pool looks a bit like two rectangular pools stacked on top
of one another. The pool is surrounded by a small deck set with soft loungers,
beach umbrellas, and a few tables. This modest pool is elevated by its
spectacular surroundings, with the ocean on one side and the resort’s
brightly hued huts on the other. A little farther across the property, there’s
a tiny hot tub set on a rock platform. Again, the outstanding ocean vistas take
this hot tub from average to extraordinary.The
resort’s restaurant offers a menu of Bahamian and international cuisine
for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This popular restaurant is known to attract
locals, expats, and tourists not staying at the resort. In the spirit of the
resort’s heritage, live music is often featured. The indoor dining area is nice
enough, with low lighting and wooden tables and chairs. The outdoor dining area,
however, is the stand-out section of the restaurant, which features sweeping views
of the ocean and pool along with tables and chairs painted to match the
surrounding huts. In addition to the main outdoor dining area, there’s an
intimate lounge in one corner, set under a thatched roof. A free continental
breakfast is available for guests each day. Windrose
Spa is set in one of the resort’s huts, offering a single treatment room where
therapies like massages, facials, or manicures are performed. There’s also the
option of having treatments outside, under a thatched roof hut set at the end
of the resort’s 120-foot long pier. Love Beach
can be accessed by following a path leading to the west end of the property. This
mile-long stretch of white sand is one of the loveliest beaches on the island. It’s
a great spot for snorkeling, and its out-of-the-way location means that it’s
rarely crowded.  Free Wi-Fi
is offered throughout the hotel. A small shop in the lobby sells snacks and drinks, as well as
beachwear and souvenirs. Wedding planning services are available.