7 luxury hotels in the Bahamas: from secluded oceanfront villas and historic boutiques to grand resorts
The fabulous Bahamas is one of the most coveted destinations for travelers from all over the world. Gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters and a delightful barrier reef know how to impress, as do the luxury hotels that can become your Bahamas abode.
The archipelago consists of 700 islands and offers guests plenty of opportunities for vibrant vacations, incredible adventures, and top-notch accommodations. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated resort with every amenity imaginable or want to enjoy the privacy of a secluded boutique hotel, there's plenty to choose from. This collection of the best hotels in the Bahamas will make dreams of the perfect vacation come true.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Paradise Island
The legendary Bahamas hideaway has been providing its visitors with the very best that local hotels have to offer since it opened in 1962. The resort is owned by the Four Seasons chain and occupies a 5-mile stretch of white-sand beach. The 35 acres of Versailles-style gardens and lawns feature spacious rooms and suites, cozy bungalows and residences surrounded by green grounds and tall coconut palms. The atmosphere of the resort is in keeping with classic notions of Bahamian beach chic. Guests can play a game of golf and tennis, rejuvenate with treatments in the spa villas, stroll through the tiered gardens on the grounds, splash in the ocean and then move to one of the three pools, enjoy the cuisine of the Dune restaurant and exotic cocktails in the bars and lounges. Add to all this deep-sea fishing, diving, beach yoga, luxury yacht charters and water sports: a Bahamas hotel vacation is always full of possibilities.
Atlantis, Paradise Island
One of the most famous local resorts has become almost as famous among luxury tropical vacationers as the legendary city it was named after. Several chic luxury hotels on its grounds exude the beauty and culture of the Bahamas, drawing inspiration for their interiors from the azure waters and white-sand beaches surrounding the island. From the freshest seafood at Fish by José Andrés to original cocktails at the ultra-lounge Bar Sol, there are several exquisite restaurants to turn every meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Thrill and adventure await guests at every turn here. They have access to over 20 swimming areas, 6 beautiful beaches over 6 miles long and 14 unique pools. The center of aquatic fun and entertainment is the huge Aquaventure Water Park. The 141 acres of this one-of-a-kind waterscape provides an incredible experience for visitors of all ages. There are nearly two dozen pools, high-speed water slides, glass tunnel slides, a mile-long river with raging rapids, a play fort for kids, and more.
The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island
Travelers looking for the best hotels in the Bahamas for a romantic getaway or a relaxing family vacation can stay at this elegant hideaway. It is situated between two private beaches, the privacy of which helps you enjoy Bahamian splendor. The hotel is a 600-room tower in the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort with a wonderfully diverse range of activities. It combines luxury, proximity to the ocean and adult entertainment and is the most upscale of the five hotels at the famous resort in the Bahamas. It was previously most sought after by couples and travelers seeking a quiet getaway, but the presence of a family pool, two excellent beaches and proximity to Aquaventure Water Park has increased its popularity among family travelers. The hotel has 600 suites with balconies. If you dream of falling asleep to the splash of the waves and enjoying the view of sunsets over the ocean, this is your option. The rooms are very spacious, with walk-in closets and large bathrooms. Guests have access to restaurants, spa, casino and other Atlantis resort activities.
British Colonial Hilton, Nassau
Among the most iconic and famous hotels in the Bahamas, this place has a history of over 100 years. In 1900, Henry M. Flagler built the Colonial Hotel here. In 1932, Sir Harry Oakes became its owner: according to legend, Oakes was asked to leave the hotel and found its appearance unsuitable, so he decided to buy it outright in retaliation. He renamed it the British Colonial Hilton and was mysteriously murdered in 1943. But the hotel still bears the name given by Oakes. Now part of the Hilton chain, its spacious rooms and suites welcome guests with typical furnishings and decor, as well as a magnificent view of the city, garden or harbor. All of the hotel's facilities epitomize the hotel's commitment to tranquility and relaxation, from its two magnificent swimming pools to its range of fine restaurants and vibrant bars. They are complemented by an equipped fitness center, poolside bar and massage services, daily breakfast buffet, private beach and beach club, water sports facilities and first-class duty-free shopping on the hotel's doorstep.
Pelican Bay, Grand Bahama Island
Legend has it that the "discoverer" of this beautiful bay was an old pelican who lost his way while fishing. Upon discovering this piece of land, he was so struck by its beauty that he created a large perch from which he could admire the sunsets over the bay, which gave the harbor its name. The name was transferred to the beautiful hotel, the view from the rooms of which confirms that the old pelican obviously had a taste for beautiful scenery. Pelican Bay has 183 rooms with private balconies, as well as kitchenettes and separate living rooms in suites. Room decor combines classic European style with bright Caribbean accents. When staying at great hotels in the Bahamas, travelers expect unparalleled comfort and amenities. For its part, Pelican Bay offers them three pools with lounge chairs on-site (and bar service near two), a fitness room, and easy access to the beach, golf club, nearby Port Lucoya market, and outdoor activities. Guests should also stop by the hotel's wharfside Sabor Restaurant to enjoy island and international cuisine.
Coral Sands, Harbor Island
One of the most beautiful boutique hotels on the outskirts of the 300-year-old town of Dunmore Town on Harbour Island boasts the stunning pink sand and turquoise water beach of Coral Sands, famous far beyond the Bahamas. This small secluded hideaway has recently completed a major renovation, so it's never looked better. Guests can choose from rooms and suites with large bathrooms and private balconies, garden bungalows close to the beach, one-bedroom oceanfront cottages, and gorgeous 4-bedroom residences. Days at Coral Sands can be filled with lounging in the landscaped pool, in-room massages, classes in the fitness center and yoga studio, playing tennis on the state-of-the-art court, specialties from one of the best restaurants in the Bahamas, Latitude 25, and, naturally, relaxing on the famous pink beach. The hotel concierge will be happy to organize a variety of adventures - snorkeling, deep sea fishing, excursions and tours, beach picnics and boat and bicycle rentals, as well as babysitting services as needed.
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Great Exuma
Lovers of all things exclusive should discover one of the top Caribbean hotels located on Great Exuma Island in the Outer Islands of the Bahamas. The Sandals Emerald Bay Golf beach resort is all-inclusive, creating a special enclave of carefree sophistication for its guests. The 500-acre property features suites and secluded villas seamlessly woven into landscaped gardens. The resort features three pools (one complete with a signature edge bar and zero-entry), an award-winning spa, and a Greg Norman-designed golf course. Few of the best hotels in the Bahamas can offer as much gastronomic diversity as Sandals Emerald Bay Golf: 11 superb restaurants from around the world and 6 bars, including an authentic British pub. The all-inclusive package includes all meals, unlimited drinks, certified diving and equipment, sports, day and evening entertainment, airport transfers and return transportation, and all taxes and tips.
