Running Sunrise Resort & Marina

Bordering its private marina, this resort’s facade sits in bold contrast to its calm surroundings, painted a happy blazing orange beneath a gray driftwood-shingled roof. Inside, the lobby feels dated, with pinkish pastels, faux flower arrangements, and random homey touches. It’s old fashioned, but uncluttered and clean -- just like the rooms. Palm clusters adorn neat, slender gardens that rise to a sunny expanse of deck with a freshwater pool. The garden stretch provides several jetty access points, and some slips are right in front of guest rooms. A hexagonal pavilion (formerly the bar and restaurant) is now occupied by a mint-green sports room with sparsely placed games and fitness equipment surrounded by wall-mounted TVs. It opens into the library lounge, with floral-cushioned white cane sofas and several restaurant-style dining settings -- presumably remnants of a former dining room. Music and meals are no longer on offer here -- which can come as a rude surprise if you’re not expecting it -- but what remains is perfect for travelers and boating aficionados seeking real peace and quiet.

Peacefully set next to a calm channel, at the end of a no-through road, Sunrise Resort & Marina is an 18-minute drive from both Grand Bahama International Airport and Port Lucaya Marketplace -- Freeport’s lively resort, entertainment, nightlife, and casino mecca. The channel entrance is 70 nautical miles from South Florida, and an ideal access point to the popular dive site, Theo’s Wreck. It’s a 15-minute walk to Silver Point Beach, and Emerald and Ruby Golf Courses are both around 16 minutes away by car. Taxis can be arranged by the resort on request, and the nearby bar, eateries, market, and liquor store are about a 10- to 15-minute walk or five-minute bike ride away.

Rooms are simple and sparse, and decor varies between cool coastal colors and warm sunny tones with natural rattan or pinkish wooden furniture, tiled flooring, and loud splashes of tropical floral fabric either in the curtains or on the bedspreads. All rooms have water views through large windows, but they lack privacy, and people wandering past can see right in if guests don’t draw the blackout curtains. Double and King categories feature designated kitchen-style areas with mini-fridges and bar table seating for two. The Admiral Suite feels more like a private apartment, with a separate living room, kitchenette, king bedroom, walk-in closet, and powder room. All rooms feature mini-fridges, coffeemakers, tube TVs with cable, air-conditioning, safes, and irons/ironing boards. Bathrooms feature plastic tub/shower combos (with fittings that have seen better days), hairdryers, and a selection of free individual toiletries. Connecting rooms are available on request, as are rollaway beds.

Despite its lack of restaurant, Sunrise does okay on the features front. The sports room offers billiards and ping-pong tables as well as some basic exercise equipment. The library lounge provides a quiet communal space suited to reading or playing cards in inclement weather, but doesn't have much in terms of actual books. There's also a vending machine with soft drinks. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available for guest use. Kayaks and Jet Skis are available, and the area is renowned for its good fishing and diving. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout, and there's free on-site parking.