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.