From the small boutique properties of Cable Beach to the book-ending behemoths Atlantis and Baha Mar, and with both new options and old favourites, Nassau-Paradise Island (NPI) has dozens of hotels of different stripes sure to appeal to very type of visitor to the popular destination.
But whatever one’s preference, there’s no question that the accommodation scene is evolving at break-neck speed in the Bahamian capital, presenting, like the city, a fresh new face for fans and first-timers alike.
Based on a recent visit with Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) Canadian representative Canlink Travel, Travel Industry Today checked out several of the top hotels in Nassau – a list of names that the NPIPB’s CEO Joy Jibrilu says collectively offer “world-class accommodation (that) exemplifies Nassau-Paradise Island’s commitment to excellence and hospitality.”
Here are the first four of our eight great lodging options to consider:
(ED. NOTE: In tomorrow’s issue, we offer will cover four more Nassau hotels of distinction: Goldwynn & Residences, the Graycliff, Four Seasons, and Sandals Royal Bahamian).
Iconic Atlantis – the ‘Disney of Nassau’
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas resort is looking to the future with a fresh look after unveiling a US$150-million renovation this summer.
“Atlantis continuously elevates the guest experience, and recent developments at The Royal, Paranza, and the Atlantis Casino provide guests with upgraded, modern touches while retaining the resort’s integral identity that visitors know and love,” says Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis.
Dubbed the “Disney of Nassau,” iconic Atlantis, with its pink twin towers, is a destination unto to itself, boasting five unique lodging options: the grand, iconic newly renovated towers of The Royal, the family-friendly ambiance at The Coral, water-side villas at Harborside Resort, all-suite luxury accommodations at The Cove and residential-style living at The Reef.
But notably, it is also home to Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest waterparks. The 57-hectare waterscape of slides and river rides features 14 pools and is interwoven into the resort’s very fabric (as opposed to be setting to the side). There are also 3 km. of white sand beaches.
And with something for all traveller demographics – and currently including an interactive Barbie exhibit in residence for families – the resort boasts such additional resort amenities as Mandara Spa, tennis and pickleball centre, basketball courts, a 500-seat movie theatre, Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) for children ages 3-12, a gaming arcade, teen nightclub, comedy club, award-winning 18-hole golf course, newly redesigned Atlantis Casino, and an array of luxury and boutique duty-free shopping.
Guests can choose from a collection of over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges with celebrity chef culinary masterpieces, including Fish by José Andrés, Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, and Paranza by Michael White.
Atlantis is also home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, with over 65,000 aquatic animals from 250 species making their home in natural ocean-fed lagoons and habitats, including Dolphin Cay, an elaborate marine animal conservation and education centre created to provide guests with opportunities to learn more about some of nature’s most fascinating mammals.
Baha Mar – Twin titan
‘More luxury than Disney,’ Nassau’s mega Baha Mar resort – home to Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood hotels – opened in 2017 (on the site of the former Crystal Palace) after years of off-and-on development. Now it’s a fixture that has changed both the skyline and the options available to visitors, both for leisure and business.
Located about 10 minutes from the airport on the way into Nassau, the massive 300-hectare, 2,300-room resort provides an alternative in size and scope to more distant Atlantis on Paradise Island. Indeed, it is so large that it has 5,000 full time employees and indirectly supports 15,000 more, who serve three anchor hotels, a casino, convention centre, plus Baha Bay luxury waterpark, casino, golf course, tennis club, spa, over 30 retail outlets, over 45 food and beverage outlets (including food trucks), and nightclub.
Baha Mar also boasts the largest display of Bahamian art in the world (3,000 pieces, attended by a staff of 12), which is displayed throughout the resort and conference centre, as well as a significant flamingo habitat designed to help preserve the national bird of the Bahamas and which boasts its own CFO – chief flamingo officer. Guests can take part in flamingo walks (daily) or even do yoga with the birds.
Hotel guests at the Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS properties (providing a range of price points) uniquely share the aforementioned facilities, which also include extensive network of outdoor swimming pools (one with a “cliff jump”), beach, and “The Shacks” Bahamian village.
As for the hotels, the complimentary venues cater to families (Grand Hyatt) refined guests (Rosewood) and partygoers (SLS) – each playing a part in the overall mosaic.
Company execs say a fourth hotel will soon be announced, to built beside the waterpark.
Margaritaville – Calling all parrotheads
Having opened in 2021, Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau boasts 288 rooms, residences, marina, water park, shopping concourse, entertainment (including movie theatre and bowling alley) and plenty more – all framed by late owner Jimmy Buffet’s iconic laid-back ‘state of mind’ style, which underpins the brand.
Dubbed Margaritaville at the Pointe, the resort anchors the east end of Nassau at Junkanoo Beach and is within easy walking distance of Bay Street and the spectacular new cruise port; and, in the other direction, Nassau’s famous Fish Fry.
The resort features two separate towers, including The One Particular Harbour, which houses premium guestrooms and suites, complete with oversized rooms and balconies, full kitchens or kitchenettes, suited for families and extended stay.
‘Parrotheads’ (Buffet fans) and regular guests alike will find a wide range of activities, rows of retail shops, and activities, such as testing their surfing skills at the FlowRider Surf Simulator at Fins Up Water Park or unwinding at the St. Somewhere Spa.
Dining options include 12 restaurants and lounges ranging from the casual Italian eateryto a premier dining experience at JWB Prime Steak & Seafood. For a nightcap, guests can stop at Changes in Latitude for a cocktail or take a trip to Graycliff Sky Lounge for libations.
British Colonial – History renewed
A landmark in downtown Nassau, the British Colonial re-opened nearly a year ago (Dec. 18) following a US$50-million-dollar transformation. The property has the same owners as the nearby Margaritaville Beach Resort, which opened in 2021, kickstarting the transformation of the east end of Nassau.
Originally opened in 1924 on the site of the city’s Old Fort, the “grand dame” of Nassau hotels has been a Sheraton, Best Western and Hilton over the years, ending its affiliation with the latter just before the pandemic.
It also famously featured in the James Bond film, “Never Say Never” with Sean Connery.
Now featuring redesigned lobby, 288 completely renovated rooms and suites, seven food and beverage venues, private beach, and two ocean-front pools, the four-star property again exudes a sense of island-inspired sophistication.
NPIPB’s CEO Jibrilu enthuses, “The property has truly preserved the ambiance and history, and warm welcoming experience that guests have come to know and love. It is a classic vacation in the heart of Nassau.
“New hotels like the British Colonial helping attract new visitors (including) Canadians… as we continue to target high net worth premium travellers.”
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