Turquoise-tinted, clear waters ripple across cotton-soft shores. A salty breeze moves by, begging you to order another Mango Marg. You could say this place is a lot like the cocktail – it’s satisfyingly just right – but the Bahamas has much more to offer than its impeccable food and drink. Its settings are textbook examples of paradise, with perfect palm trees and photogenic beaches. While the sea and sand can be enough to secure you a great holiday, the Bahamas has vibrant landscapes and beautiful sunsets to sweeten the deal. Basically, when searching for a dreamy vacation, the Bahamas has got your back.
The allure of the Bahamas extends beyond blissful, boozy nights under the stars and palm trees, à la Lenny Kravitz, too. Bahamian culture is equally appealing, steeped in unique history and artistic self-expression, often showcased through elaborate masks at heritage events like the Junkanoo Parade. With nearly 700 coral islands scattered across the West Atlantic Ocean, just off the coasts of Miami and Cuba, the archipelago boasts a rare blend of American and Afro-Caribbean influences, as well. And like most island-dwelling people, the locals exude a chilled and hospitable vibe.
Its sublime barrier reefs and glamorous accommodations have solidified the Bahamas' status as a luxury getaway. For those seeking such a destination, we have curated a list of the best hotels and stays to serve as the backdrop for you to soak up the sun and live your most beautiful, Bahamian life.
What is the best time to travel to the Bahamas?
If you want to bruk it down in the Bahamas, the best time to party is the shoulder season from April through to June. The high season is from mid-December to April, and it's generally considered the time for the best weather, with temperatures reaching up to 27.2℃. Travelling in the low season between August to November is great for those who are budget-conscious.
How to get to the Bahamas?
British citizens don't need a visa when travelling to the Bahamas for under 30 days and can fly directly from Heathrow Airport via British Airways. Island hopping is a breeze thanks to the accessible ferries in Freeport, connecting you to over 16 islands with beaches waiting to be explored. Additionally, there is a plethora of taxis and shuttles available to whisk you around the Bahamas, allowing you to delve into all the divine history and heritage sights this alluring destination has to offer.
Things to do in the Bahamas?
As soon as you touch down in Nassau you'll be greeted by idyllic scenery and vibrant street art, which is enough to be considered an activity in its own right, but there's also a host of thrilling things to do in the Bahamas otherwise. Some must-try expeditions include feeding the pigs on Pig Beach in Exuma Island (the pigs don't fly here, but they do swim), hang out with flamingos at the sanctuary in Baha Mar Resort, swimming with sharks and discovering underwater shipwrecks. The Ocean Atlas, located on the western coastline of New Providence, is where you can find the underwater statues created by Jason deCaires Taylor, but for the ultimate diving experience, head to Albany Port.
Rosewood Baha Mar
Situated within the Bahamian capital of Nassau, Rosewood prides itself as the most luxurious hotel within the Baha Mar resort. It features one of the finest restaurants in the capital, Café Boulud, led by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud, where you can find a world-class truffle dinner. You need not be familiar with chef kingpins to enjoy with all of the hotel's amenities, though. Spend mornings at their exquisite private beach or partake in high-octane activities like flamingo yoga. This place makes time feel as though you hit the fast-forward button.
When venturing beyond the resort, the Rosewood concierge is second to none. They can help you live out your yacht fantasy in Albany for unparalleled snorkelling adventures in the protected reefs, home to tropical fish and sea turtles. While melting into leather on a yacht is enjoyable on its own, nothing compares to the mesmerising views of life underwater.
Whatever's on the cards for your vacation, whether it's lounging after a day at the beach or exploring the deep blue sea, you can't beat the feeling of returning to a base like Rosewood. With upscale rooms, perfectly primed for you to luxuriate, it's the ultimate retreat. The rooms are everything you would expect from a five-star property, equipped with lots of high-spec tech from multiple plasma screens to Bluetooth speakers. Their resort-facing suites come with centred poster beds and swish interiors. Picture sanded-down wood antique wardrobes contrasting with light wood feature chairs adorned with rope. The rooms are flooded with natural light from the balcony windows, offering views of bountiful jungle-esque palm trees laden with fruit. The birds sing a sweet lullaby, too.
The hotel has also done an exceptional job of showcasing the local art ecosystem. The 22,000 sq ft property showcases artworks from new-wave Bahamian artists like Melissa Alcena. Bahamian brilliance is part of the hotel’s blueprint; it's found not only on its walls but also in its traditional dishes like fish soup and biscuits, available on the breakfast room service menu. It's no wonder Rosewood Baha Mar plays a big part in facilitating the annual Baha Mar Culinary and Arts Festival (only in the Bahamas could you see the likes of Sting headlining and then bump into band members on Rosewood's beach).
The Cove At Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis is home to more than 500,000 sea creatures and is a nautical paradise for families. From waterfalls to pools and water parks, including the iconic Mayan Temple water slide, there is fun to be enjoyed by kids of all ages (including you). The treasure trove of activities even includes being able to swim with their 17 rescued dolphins from Hurricane Katrina. The Cove, within the resort, is a more relaxed approach to the wider Atlantis experience, making it a sterling choice for those who want to make the most of their family getaway. You can sneak away to the epic 30,000 sq ft Mandara spa and enjoy quality grown-up time with personalised wellness sessions that cater to couples, too, indulging in the aromas of lime & ginger or rich Caribbean coffee through their scrubs and exotic treatments. Best believe your skin and soul will be feeling revitalised. Atlantis is an epicentre of ocean fun that offers an abundance of fun, or relaxation, whenever you're in the mood for either (yes, even when accompanied by your family).
Rosewood Baha Mar Villas
When seeking the ultimate private villa experience, Rosewood Villas offers a surplus of grandeur that will leave you picking your jaw up from under its plush rugs. The Caribbean hideout combines the luxury of high-end villas with aesthetics and tech more reminiscent of a "Selling Sunset" episode. The property hosts up to seven guests across 3,100 sq. ft, curated to contemporary perfection, with a seamless flow throughout. You'll be amazed by the Vitamin D pouring in, providing breathtaking beach scenes from every window and angle. From the Smeg kitchen appliances to the sky windows (which capture the most beautiful natural light over its freestanding bathtubs), downtime here is dripping with vibes.
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Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the black wood spiral staircases and the infinity slabs of stone which float over peacock blue water features. There's even an elevator for those who prefer to avoid the stairs (perfect for beach bums). With a private chef and staff on deck, you can enjoy Bahamian fish BBQs and ice-cold beverages while soaking up the sun, all at your leisure. The experience is unmatched, with exceptional pools and a private beach all on the villa's doorstep. All in all, this property offers a marvellous backdrop to the cashmere-soft beaches. One to add to the bucket list, for sure.
Goldwynn Resort & Residences
If you're looking to avoid the resort route and opt for more trendy vibes, Goldwyn Boutique Hotel is the property you've been searching for. The interiors are stylishly minimal, boasting neutral colour palettes with muted finishes. Ultimately, it's the ideal setting to experience the beauty of the Bahamas. It's in a prime location, yet feels wonderfully private. The hotel's attention to detail is also a game-changer when it comes to maximising on space. The design of the rooms and common areas give you a villa-like feel – without the hefty price tag. Superbly situated, you can enjoy ocean views from your room and take a dip on demand, as the beach is only a stone's throw away. Goldwyn also offers plenty of fun activities to suit every kind of adventurer; paddle boards, snorkelling gear, kayaks, and ocean floats are all available upon request. It's the kind of place you want to watch the sun set, drink in hand, every day you're there (an exquisite scene only magnified by the balconies' brilliantly conceived glass walls).
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