Best Places To Stay In The Bahamas
The Bahamian islands are mostly known for being a Caribbean paradise of white, sandy beaches and idyllic resorts, and for their dramatic history, packed with pirates, smugglers and explorers. But you’ll see from our list of the best places to stay in the Bahamas, that these gorgeous islands have a lot more accommodation-wise, than just resorts. Of course there are vast properties with all the trimmings, and small honeymoon-perfect, barefoot luxury hideaways, but there are also fantastic guesthouses, hotels perfectly set up for divers and fishermen, and some surprisingly accessible private islands to stay on.
1. The Cove At Atlantis, Nassau
The most prestigious address at the ocean-themed Atlantis Paradise Island, the luxurious Cove at Atlantis greets guests with an idyllic open-air lobby. On top of the resort’s waterpark and 20-plus dining options, guests staying here will have exclusive access to a private white-sand beach and an adults-only pool, complete with private cabanas and DJs spinning the decks. The secluded ocean-facing rooms are the real drawcard here with their contemporary design and French balconies opening onto a view of the turquoise sea.
2. The Island House, Nassau
With just 30 rooms, The Island House, Nassau’s first boutique hotel, is the antithesis of the area’s usually sprawling all - inclusive. New York design firm Champalimaud was tapped for the interiors: expect cool, contemporary furnishings made of coral stone and cypress and views of the property's ten tropical acres and central pool. The communal living room, the property’s showpiece, is a gallery in itself with pieces by Herman Miller and local Bahamian art. After you get past the interiors, it’s time to enjoy what you’re really here for—be it toning down at the souped-up spa (which features an anti-gravity yoga studio, squash courts, tennis court, and lap pool), catching a flick at the in-house cinema, or diving into Southeast Asian cuisine at top-floor open-air restaurant Shima.
3. Rosewood Baha Mar, Nassau
Rosewood Baha Mar, the last in the trilogy of Baha Mar openings (after the family-friendly Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and more trendy SLS Baha Mar), is among the island’s most luxurious stays. Guests have access to the wonderland of options that makes Baha Mar so great—pool parties, myriad restaurant options—but with the ability to escape it all in their own serene corner of the resort. All 185 rooms here feature beachy rattan furniture and breezy water views (high-rollers, you'll get your own pool when you one of the multi-bedroom beachfront villas) and grant access to two cabana-lined pools, a Rosewood spa, and a blissfully private beach. Here for romance? The farm-to-table restaurant's Rum Room can be booked out for an intimate dinner for two.
4. The Ocean Club, Nassau
The Ocean Club’s appearance in the Bond flick, Casino Royale, might tip you off to its glamour and bravado. The colonial-style former estate, on 35 manicured acres on Paradise Island, is one of the best hotels in the Bahamas—and is every bit as impressive as it looks, from the 105 understatedly opulent guest rooms with private balconies or decks to the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, Balinese-inspired spa, and formal French garden modeled after Versailles, replete with marble statuary and a 14th-century Augustinian cloister. Villas come with infinity pools, but all rooms enjoy butler service, which just begs for breakfast on your terrace—at least, that’s how we imagine James would have liked to start each morning.
5. Kamalame Cay, Andros
You might feel as though you’ve been marooned on Kamalame Cay, a tiny private island off the coast of Andros thick with mangrove trees—but in the best kind of way. Just 19 airy villas, kitted out with Indonesian furniture, muslin-draped windows, and sunny wraparound decks, sit on the beach, where staff bend to your every need—be it snorkeling a nearby reef, having a candlelit dinner on the three-mile beach, or being escorted to the dock for a luxurious oil massage at the overwater spa.
6. Small Hope Bay Lodge, Small Hope
The oldest dive resort in the Bahamas is a beloved classic on Andros, and we’re not just talking about its renowned bonefish guides or wreck diving tours. Loyal visitors—mostly snorkelers, anglers, divers, and outdoorsy types—return year after year to the comfort of its 20 rustic garden cabins, kitted out with Androsia batik fabrics and pine, and sense of community felt during communal meals at the main lodge and happy hour at the beachside bar—not to mention the all-inclusive rate that keeps things simple. What else is included: rental equipment for biking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking, as well as a dive course for inexperienced guests looking to get their feet wet.
7. Tiamo, Andros
It’s the only eco-resort in the Bahamas, but don’t think that means Tiamo compromises on romance. Sure, its wooden cottages are screened-in and set on stilts, with composting toilets and electricity that runs on solar power—but there also just 11 of them, spacious and secluded on the edge of a nature reserve that faces a sugar-white beach scattered with hammocks, and only reachable by seaplane. Some have private pools and terraces that lead directly to the sand; all have cushy king beds wrapped in reclaimed linens—though sleeping in is not an option once you’ve had a taste of the lodge breakfast. The island of Andros is famous for its bonefish, but inland hikes, led by the nature concierge team, provide possibly even more exciting encounters including vivid orchids and indigenous rock iguanas.
8. Grand Isle Resort, Great Exuma
There’s lots to love about this 78-villa resort: the heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, the addictive cocktails at Palapa Grill (considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the Bahamas), the ultra-spacious rooms that come with full kitchens and their own golf carts for taking a spin around the premises, its own private section of Emerald Bay Beach right by the pool. No wonder it was a destination of choice for The Bachelor. The story you’ll be bringing home, however, will probably revolve around Great Exuma’s resident pigs, with whom you can swim alongside during dips in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Big Major Cay.
9. Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, Freeport
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach All Inclusive is set on the soft white sands of a private beach reserved exclusively for its guests. Spread across multiple bungalow-style buildings, it offers a variety of air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. Leave your wallet at home with the generous All Inclusive package – meals and snacks, unlimited cocktails, nightly live entertainment, themed parties, and unlimited non-motorized sports are included. Pool and beach games (with prizes), Caribbean dance classes, yoga classes, and even a mini disco for the kids will keep everyone entertained.
10. Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Nassau
The all-suite Comfort Suites Paradise Island with its pink, L-shaped buildings surrounding a central pool offers superior and spacious accommodation. Perks include a separate living area and a daily full American breakfast buffet with everything from eggs and waffles to fresh fruit. Located alongside Atlantis Paradise Island, guests can enjoy full use of its facilities, such as the waterpark, swimming pools, spa, kids’ club, and private beach. They will also have full signing privileges at any of Atlantis’ restaurants and bars.
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David Castain
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