Best islands to stay in the Bahamas
New Providence Island
The island of New Providence is a cosmopolitan jet-set playground located between Andros Island and Eleuthera Island. This island boasts the distinction of having hosted several significant celebrities from all over the world. Here, you will find Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas.
New Providence is home to two-thirds of all Bahamians and provides fast-paced living, high-end shopping, exhilarating adventure rides and sizzling nightlife that often goes all the way until dawn. New Providence is the country's culinary capital. Here, you can find celebrity-chef restaurant and settle down with the best gourmet meals to be found on the Bahamas.
A getaway for the wealthy and royal, this island boasts some of Bahamas’s most exquisite accommodation options. Today as many as ten cruise ships a day dock at New Providence or Nassau (as most people call the entire island) seeking the action packed and fast paced life of a tropical city. Visitors flock the beaches during the day for a lively surfside scene and then hit the famed Bay Street at night for the hopping nightlife and glitzy casinos.
Yet the calm, easy going visitors stroll among the city's pastel colonial buildings rich with historical significance, and perhaps play a round of golf at one of the inland’s major courses. While the island is quite upbeat, it’s still possible to find quiet stretches of sandy white beach to relax along the coast.
Accommodation in New Providence
Recommended hotels in New Providence Island:
Atlantis Paradise Island: Located on the stunning shores of New Providence Island, Atlantis Paradise Island is a world-renowned resort destination offering an unparalleled experience. The resort features luxurious accommodations, including ocean-view rooms and suites, as well as a wide range of amenities. Guests can enjoy multiple swimming pools, water slides, a private beach, a marine habitat, a casino, world-class dining options, and a spa. With its extensive facilities and activities, Atlantis Paradise Island is perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking a luxurious and immersive vacation in the Bahamas.
British Colonial Hilton Nassau: Situated in downtown Nassau on New Providence Island, the British Colonial Hilton Nassau offers a blend of colonial charm and modern comforts. The hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites with ocean or city views, a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Guests can savor delicious meals at the on-site restaurants, relax with a cocktail at the poolside bar, or explore nearby attractions such as historic sites and shopping areas. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is ideal for business travelers, couples, and history enthusiasts looking for a refined stay in the heart of Nassau.
Meliá Nassau Beach - All Inclusive: Nestled on the stunning Cable Beach, Meliá Nassau Beach is an all-inclusive resort offering a hassle-free and immersive vacation experience. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, a variety of restaurants and bars, a fitness center, and entertainment options. Guests can enjoy water sports, daily activities, and live performances. With its all-inclusive package, Meliá Nassau Beach is a fantastic choice for families, couples, and anyone seeking a relaxing and fun-filled stay in the Bahamas.
Grand Bahama Island
With a diverse mix of historic appeal, modern attractions and ecological wonders, Grand Bahama Island is a complete vacation destination. This little island boasts one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, endless beaches and crisp blue water.
As far as luxury accommodation is concerned, Grand Bahama is where dreams come true. For the sophisticated traveller, you will find this island extremely alluring. From enjoying the benefits of intimate hotels overlooking the ocean to having your every wish taken care of at an all-inclusive resort, there’s something for everyone on Grand Bahama Island.
Full of historical charm, Grand Bahama is a great option for history buffs as its settlements serve as cultural hot spots for discovering the true Bahamas. With its three national parks, it’s also a great option for the adventurous including hikers and persons simply looking to explore the natural surroundings. For instance, the Peterson Cay National Park boasts one-quarter mile of the marine environment, excellent for snorkelers.
There are also several underwater cavernous here, some of the world largest. For land exploration, the Rand Nature Centre is home to a variety of native species that can be seen year-round.
Accommodation in Grand Bahama
Recommended hotels in Grand Bahama Island:
Grand Lucayan Resort: Situated on the stunning Grand Bahama Island, Grand Lucayan Resort offers a beachfront escape with breathtaking ocean views. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a range of water sports activities. Guests can indulge in delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurants, unwind at the spa, or tee off at the nearby golf course. With its picturesque setting and abundant amenities, Grand Lucayan Resort is perfect for families, couples, and those seeking a tropical island getaway.
Pelican Bay Hotel: Located in the heart of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, Pelican Bay Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with a charming island ambiance. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with marina or garden views, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Taino Beach. Guests can explore the bustling Port Lucaya Marketplace, enjoy water sports activities, or simply relax and soak up the laid-back island atmosphere. Pelican Bay Hotel is a great choice for travelers looking for a convenient and relaxed stay on Grand Bahama Island.
Old Bahama Bay Resort: Situated on the western tip of Grand Bahama Island, Old Bahama Bay Resort offers a secluded and tranquil retreat. The resort features spacious beachfront suites and villas with stunning ocean views, a swimming pool, a marina, and a white sand beach. Guests can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities, or simply unwind and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. With its remote location and serene ambiance, Old Bahama Bay Resort is ideal for couples, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful and intimate getaway.
Out Islands
The Bahamians also call the Out Islands the “Family Islands.” In contrast to the big city and faced paced life in New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport), Out Islands offer a family oriented and relaxing setting.
These quiet islands are ideal for relaxing and reconnecting, for dream weddings and honeymoons, for deep sea fishing, diving and eco-travel vacations. For instance, touring the Bimini nature trail to exploring the island’s flora and fauna can be a rather a relaxing experience.
The Out Islands are particularly popular for fishing, particularly Andros Island. Here, visitors can enjoy the thrill of catching bonefish in the clear, shallow waters or deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic where you’ll find big game such as sailfish, tuna and wahoo. Sailings, kayaking and beach-combing are also major part pastime escapes here.
Accommodation in Out Islands
Recommended hotels in Out Islands:
The Cove Eleuthera: Located on the beautiful Eleuthera Island in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, The Cove Eleuthera offers a luxurious and secluded beachfront experience. The resort features stylish and spacious accommodations, including private villas and cottages, with stunning ocean views. Guests can relax by the infinity pool, indulge in gourmet dining at the on-site restaurant, or enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. With its pristine beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and upscale amenities, The Cove Eleuthera is perfect for couples and those seeking a romantic and idyllic island retreat.
Tiamo Resort: Nestled on South Andros Island in the Out Islands, Tiamo Resort offers an eco-friendly and intimate getaway amidst tropical beauty. The resort features charming beachfront cottages and villas, a private beach, a swimming pool, and a spa. Guests can explore the surrounding nature reserves, go snorkeling or diving in the vibrant coral reefs, or simply unwind in a hammock under swaying palm trees. With its remote location, eco-conscious approach, and natural wonders, Tiamo Resort is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, and those seeking a peaceful and off-the-grid escape.
Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina: Situated on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. The resort features comfortable accommodations, including cottages and villas, with ocean or marina views. Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling, or simply relax by the infinity pool and soak up the serene atmosphere. With its marina facilities, outdoor adventures, and beautiful surroundings, Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina is perfect for boating enthusiasts, families, and those seeking an active and nature-filled vacation in the Out Islands.
Exuma Islands
Exuma is a district of the Bahamas consisting of over 360 islands. The largest of the cays is Great Exuma. Each island offers its own unique Bahamian experience, but all in laid-back surroundings. On Exuma, you are likely to run into some of the world’s most famous stars who enjoy several of these islands all year round.
The islands of Exuma also boast some amounts of historical and mystical appeal. Tours and excursions are popular methods of exploring the islands’ mystical past, for example, the island of Bimini is spoken in legend to be a remnant of the lost city of Atlantis. As such, exploring the surrounding waters is a popular pastime here. Simply rent a sea kayak or small sailboat, get some snorkel gear and explore. An interesting point for snorkeler is Thunderball Grotto where you may catch a glimpse of rare sponges and tropical fish.
Particularly great for divers, the Exuma Islands are considered to be among the greatest dive sites in the world with its wrecks, reefs and blue holes. The Exumas also hosts many boating competitions, making the islands a perfect destination for devoted boaters.
Of particular interest is the Moria Harbour Cay National Park, a massive natural ecosystem between Great and Little Exuma which features beaches, mangroves and sand dunes. The park is also home to nesting seabirds and a large nursery for marine life.
Accommodation in Exuma Islands
Recommended hotels in Exuma Islands:
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort: Located on Great Exuma Island in the Exuma Islands, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a luxurious all-inclusive experience. The resort features elegant rooms and suites with ocean views, a private beach, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, tennis courts, and a spa. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at multiple restaurants, enjoy water sports activities, or simply relax by the pool. With its upscale amenities, beautiful beachfront setting, and adults-only atmosphere, Sandals Emerald Bay is ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic and indulgent escape.
Grand Isle Resort & Spa: Situated on Great Exuma Island, Grand Isle Resort & Spa offers spacious villas with breathtaking ocean views. The resort features a swimming pool, a private beach, a spa, and a fitness center. Guests can go snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, play golf at the nearby course, or explore the picturesque nearby islands. The resort's luxurious villas and tranquil surroundings make it a great choice for families, couples, and those seeking a peaceful and upscale beachfront retreat in the Exuma Islands.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club: Located on Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers a charming and laid-back island experience. The resort features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant and bar, and a marina. Guests can swim with pigs at the famous Pig Beach, explore the stunning Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, or take a boat tour to visit the Thunderball Grotto and other nearby attractions. With its authentic island vibe and proximity to unique natural wonders, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is perfect for adventure seekers, boaters, and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path getaway in the Exuma Islands.
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