There are plenty of wonderful destinations out there to make your next overseas trip something a little bit special and out of the ordinary, but a place that finds its way to the top of most bucket lists is The Bahamas. A favourite among A-list celebrities and discerning honeymooners, the spotless sun-kissed beaches always live up to the promise of the glossy brochures and websites.
Of course, to really do it in style, you need to stay at the right place, and luckily for you, as an island nation that is fully focused on tourism, there are dozens of hotel choices. Here’s our pick of seven of the most extravagant hotels in The Bahamas to enjoy your next luxury vacation.
The Cove at Atlantis
Let’s start with one of the best places to stay if you want to indulge in a little celebrity-spotting, as this seems to be the place to go if you’re a Hollywood A-lister. The suites are gorgeously appointed with floor to ceiling windows and ocean-facing terraces, while being part of the Atlantis complex means you also have access to all the luxury facilities it entails. These include 11 different pools, including one with four tiers that is exclusive to the cove, 21 restaurants, a water park and a golf course.
SLS at Baha Mar
SLS stands for style, luxury and service, and they form the ethos for everything you experience the moment you step through the ornate front doors of this resort hotel on New Providence Island. It’s less ostentatious than Atlantis but has a little more of a feeling of exclusivity. There are two pools and five restaurants that are attached to the hotel, and there’s nowhere better to be than the intimate rooftop bar for some cocktails before dinner – or indeed after. There’s also a spa and numerous sports facilities to keep you busy too.
The Royal at Atlantis
Our second entry from the Atlantis resort, this hotel offers all the broader amenities mentioned earlier. The rooms exude luxury, and the towers really do make it look like a royal palace. This hotel is particularly popular among Australians who love to gamble all the time, as it is in close proximity to the casino that is one of the focal points of the resort. With more than 700 slot machines and 85 gaming tables, as well as several private rooms, there is something there for everyone, whether you are a high roller at the card table or just want to try your luck spinning the reels for fun.
The Ocean Club
Don’t be put off by the fact that the Four Seasons at Ocean Club is part of a chain. It’s actually one of the older hotels on Paradise Island, and as such it has a character all of its own. If it looks familiar to you, that could be because it’s something of a celebrity in its own right. The hotel featured in Casino Royale and with its colonial ambiance, live jazz music and extravagant choice of cocktails, you get the feeling you could bump into 007 around every corner.
Melia Nassau Beach
Melia is a hotel brand that has a global reputation for luxury. The one on Nassau Beach doesn’t disappoint, but at the same time, it’s a shrewd choice if you need to keep at least half an eye on the finances. The all-inclusive deal they offer means you can indulge to your heart’s content in the great choice of seven restaurants and various luxury spa treatments – and you won’t have any unpleasant surprises when you sign the bill at check-out.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Another great option for luxury at a sensible cost, you are always in safe hands with Hyatt. The hotel at Baha Mar provides access to all the facilities of the wider resort, so there are 40 restaurants, spa facilities and sports aplenty. There’s also an adults-only area, so this is a good choice if you’re travelling as a couple and want to soak up some peace and tranquillity.
The Reef at Atlantis
Finally, we return to Atlantis, where it all began. The Reef is a great place to stay if you are there with all the family, as they specialise in apartment-style accommodation. The private beach is the perfect spot for youngsters to play in safety, while when evening comes around there’s childminding facilities available while the adults explore the numerous bars that the resort has on offer, or perhaps try their luck in the casino.
