There are many wonderful destinations to make an indulgent and rather special trip. One place that always seems to find its way to the top of most lists is The Bahamas, a favorite with discerning honeymooners and A-list celebs, and it’s not difficult to see why. The archipelago, with more than 700 islands, is a veritable tropical paradise with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a vibrant culture. So, it’s also not surprising that the islands have some of the most lavish and extravagant hotels. The most expensive hotels in the Bahamas lie across a wide range of islands and destinations across the country’s many islands. What’s more, they range from sprawling seaside retreats to smaller boutique getaways with seriously luxurious digs and offerings.
So, whether you’re looking for a lavish retreat for a family holiday or a romantic vacation, these Bahamanian hotels are sure to exceed your expectations. That said, whether you’re in a lavish hotel in the heart of bustling Nassau or tucked away on a secluded island of Eleuthera, these hotels provide unparalleled luxury, breathtaking views, and world-class amenities. The fact that there are so many things to do in the Bahamas makes it all the better. Here’s a detailed guide to the poshest of the posh digs in “The Islands of Song.”
Table of contents
- The Island House, Nassau
- The Cove at Atlantis, Nassau
- The Dunmore, Harbor Island
- Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau
- The Cove, Eleuthera
- Pink Sands, Harbor Island
- Kamalame Cay, Andros
- SLS At Baha Mar, Nassau
- The Reef at Atlantis, Nassau
- Rosewood Baha Mar, Nassau
- The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Nassau
- Where do celebrities stay when they go to the Bahamas?
- Does Baha Mar have a beach?
- What is the difference between the hotels at Baha Mar?
The Island House, Nassau
11
The modern and boutique Island House is ensconced in lushly landscaped gardens in the heart of Nassau but away from the maddening crowds. In fact, it’s an inland resort sitting away from the tourist zone, making it perfect for those who want to get away. Those with a green thumb will love the property, which boasts an artistic style with local art, custom-wood furniture, and gardens.
Despite not being located on the beach, the hotel makes up for it with its outstanding vibe of a private and posh mansion. Simple elegance is the mainstay here. The entire resort is peppered with wicker swings and ever-so-green landscaping, so it’s manicured and wild at the same time. What’s more, it has some excellent amenities, some of which are unique on the island. The 48-seater Cinema stands out, where you can lounge on the comfortable sofas, sip wine, and munch on truffle popcorn while watching your favorite movie. Three restaurant options include a great bar as well. After a swim in the outdoor lap pool, the Bamford Spa is inviting. You can also hit up the unique fitness options at the Antigravity Studio. Finally, there’s a regular fitness center, an outdoor muscle gym, a padel court, and two indoor squash courts.
All rooms are ultra-modern, airy, and spacious, with wood-framed furnishings and artistic bedboards. You’ll especially love the bathrooms with romantic, open-concept showers and standalone soaker tubs, including entry-level ones, which cost USD 650/night. The priciest 2-person suite costs USD 1,300/night, while the cottage costs upwards of USD 2,000/night.
Check Rates on:
The Cove at Atlantis, Nassau
10
Sophisticated luxury? Check. World-class amenities? Check. A celeb favorite? All the better! Welcome to The Cove at Atlantis, an all-suite resort that’s part of the family-friendly Atlantis Paradise Island, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. What’s more, there are free shuttles regularly running between the resort’s hotels, the golf club, and the Aquaventure water park.
So, it’s not surprising that guests here enjoy all the benefits of the Paradise Island resort. Families with kids will love the gigantic water park, which even has a slide that sends people through an acrylic tube inside a shark lagoon! Adults can spend the day by the private pool and the cabanas, complete with concierge services and premium drinks. Later on, retreat to the Mandara Spa, which offers excellent treatments and even has a couple’s suites. The best bit? There are 21 restaurants and bars where you can drink and dine! That’s why it’s considered one of the best hotels in the Bahamas.
All seven suite categories boast jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling ocean views of the private beach out front, with large French balconies for those who love watching sunrises. The massive marble bathrooms are designed for two; think two soft robes, lots of high-end bath products, and tubs and showers large enough for two. Entry-level suites cost USD 650/night, and the One-Bedroom Azure Suite costs USD 1,500/night. The Two-Bedroom Azure Suite, which is the priciest, costs USD 2,200/night.
Check Rates on:
The Dunmore, Harbor Island
9
Harbor Island is a chic place with a persona of its own and is home to many luxury resorts, the best of which is The Dunmore. This hotel has famously been the belle of Harbour Island since as far back as 1963 and manages to be both old-world and modern. Not only does it have the air of a members’ club with a long list of devotees, but it’s the place to see and be seen—or hide out. The best bit? It sits right in the middle of all the action, in the heart of the famed pink sands beach.
The entire hotel has a retro, Gatsby-esque vibe, from the peach napkins in the dining room to the candy-striped umbrellas. Even though evenings demand strictly formal attire, mornings are spent in the rattan-and-linen-clad living room, where the soft-spoken Henry, a Bahamian through and through, will keep doling out rum punches. The onsite restaurant serves a delicious breakfast, becoming a supper club in the evenings. Moreover, there’s also a lovely pool, a tennis court, and even sun loungers set up on a private section of Pink Sands Beach.
With just 18 rooms spread across scrumptious little low-rise cottages, the setup feels delightfully suburban and private. What’s more, every suite is tucked away among the lush gardens, down a little path, and comes with plush beds, TVs, coffee machines, and a small fridge. While entry-level suites cost USD 920/night, the oceanfront suite (for 2) costs USD 1,300/night. The priciest is the Hilltop Cottage, which costs USD 2,600/night.
Check Rates on:
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau
8
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau is perfect for those who never want to be bored on their beach holiday. This massive, amenity-packed resort brings Las Vegas to the Bahamas with its dancing fountains and giant casino. At the same time, it has a healthy dose of Island charm with its picture-perfect beach location, excellent amenities, and many natural attractions.
Everything sparkles and glitters, including the imposing 28-storeyed state-of-the-art structure, and the resort is a juxtaposition unto itself. While it boasts an impressive array of shops with luxury brands like Hublot and Cartier, it also features rehabilitated and rescued animals in its Exploration Center. So, you’ll believe us when we say there is nothing that the Baha Mar doesn’t have, from a signature spa and private gambling rooms to watersports and tennis courts. Over 600 acres, it has a massive outdoor pool area with waterfalls, rain cabanas, a swim-up bar, movie nights, and a golf course. By the beach, you can lounge on daybeds, paddleboard, snorkel, sail, kayak, and more. 23 restaurants, bars, cafes, and lounges complete the amenities. That is why it’s one of the best family hotels in the Bahamas.
Even standard rooms cost USD 650/night and are contemporary and sleekly designed. They have Juliet/full balconies, Keurig coffeemakers, minibars, and gleaming marble bathrooms. Sea views might come at a premium but are worth it, and the One-Bedroom Poolside Villa (for 2) is excellent, costing USD 1,500/night. The priciest is the Two-Bedroom Oceanview Residence Monaco, which costs USD 3,000/night.
Check Rates on:
The Cove, Eleuthera
7
Getting away from the bustle doesn’t get any better than staying at The Cove on the sleepy island of Eleuthera. Hailed as one of the most private and tranquil resorts in the Caribbean, this luxury boutique resort sits on a divinely secluded bit of the island. Interestingly, its location between two coves is just a stone’s throw from the Glass Window Bridge, a.k.a. the “narrowest place on Earth.”
Luxury and utter seclusion are the hallmarks of this exquisite and lushly landscaped place, which has not one but two private beaches. The long hilltop infinity pool is definitely the most impressive amenity, complete with knee-weakening views, daybeds, and poolside drinks. Those who love staying active can use complimentary bicycles, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and the like. Aside from the amazing spa, there’s also a small gift shop and everything from boat and seaplane to island tours. The coolest bit is that Eleuthera is famously home to the world’s sweetest pineapples, so head over to one of the two restaurants to sample some delicious pineapple desserts. Don’t miss the evenings here, which involve nightcaps under string-lit palm trees around fire pits.
Choose from 57 rooms, suites, cottages, and villas, all of which come with Nespresso coffeemakers and outdoor patios. While the entry-level rooms cost USD 800/night, are significant enough, the grand oceanfront rooms are several notches above and cost USD 1,700/night. The opulent Three-Bedroom Oceanfront Villas with private butlers are truly lavish and cost USD 3,000/night.
Check Rates on:
Pink Sands, Harbor Island
6
The stylish Pink Sands resort’s tagline is ‘civilized simplicity,’ and it’s true. With its arched branches, a lush banyan tree makes for an imposing entryway, eventually opening onto the striking azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The fact that the closest activities are a 10-15-minute walk on the opposite side of the island is the main selling point of this intimate resort.
The peaceful retreat takes the pace of the leisurely island down several notches, thanks to touches like Asian-inspired koi ponds and the eponymous pink sand beach. The staff are warm and friendly, living up to the resort’s standard of perfection. The private pink sand beach with its turquoise waters is a delightful place for swimming and lounging. Even adventure enthusiasts will love this place, thanks to the complimentary snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, and kayaks that the resort provides. Moreover, an apparel shop on the property allows guests to explore the offshore reefs. And despite there being no spa, the team can arrange for massages, too, as well as off-island excursions.
With just 23 sparkling one/two-bedroom white cottages, staying here is as exclusive and intimate as it gets. What’s more, they feature garden or ocean views and are entirely surrounded by tropical gardens. On the inside, its conveniences and comfort abound in the form of plush, oversized beds, mini-fridges, Nespresso machines, and walk-in closets with plush robes. Some cottages, like our ocean-view one, even had a sitting area and a mini wet bar. While one-bedroom cottages start at USD 900/night, the oceanfront ones cost USD 1,150/night. The ultimate is the four-bedroom Banyan Treehouse, which costs USD 3,100/night.
Did you know that Pink Sands is one of the top gay-friendly hotels in the Bahamas? Yes!
Check Rates on:
Kamalame Cay, Andros
5
Live like a celebrity at the all-inclusive luxury boutique resort Kamalame Cay (pronounced “key”), a 96-acre private island resort sitting off the coast of Andros, the Bahamas’ largest island. In fact, it’s rumored to be the de facto island outpost of the luxury resort community The Albany, where everybody from Tiger Woods to Justin Timberlake owns homes. Kate Upton, Albany founder, and British billionaire Joe Lewis, a Sotheby’s buyer, KC sees them all.
It’s the special touches that make Kamalame Cay truly stand out. A delicious culinary delivery with a breakfast wicker basket would arrive at our room every morning. It included fresh juices, freshly baked goodies, coffee, and other treats. Other top-tier amenities included fishing trips, golf carts to roam the island, tennis courts, and even an onsite dive shop with PADI-certified professionals. The Overwater Spa was the cherry on top, and it’s the only overwater spa in all of the Bahamas!
Staying here is an absolute dream; imagine a collection of beachfront villas on a picture-perfect, private stretch of white sand beach. Moreover, the island and the resort sit just off the Andros Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest barrier reef. While rooms for 2 people start at USD 550/night and go up to USD 1,300/night, the Queen Pineapple 5-Bedroom Villa costs a cool USD 5,000/night!
There are many (but exclusive) ways to get here. One is you can fly into Nassau and take a Coco Bahama Seaplane that lands directly at the private marina in KC. The second option is to take a small jet from Nassau to Andros airport. If you don’t like flying, you can charter a yacht, although the ride will be long and somewhat bumpy.
Check Rates on:
SLS At Baha Mar, Nassau
4
Beachside luxury doesn’t get any better than at SLS at Baha Mar in Nassau. It’s one of three hotels inside the Baha Mar resort complex and occupies pride on Cable Beach, the most famous strand on the island. Staying at this sprawling beachfront Nassau retreat and playground is bliss as you bask in the personalized, boutique service and style but with luxurious five-star amenities.
SLS is an acronym for “style, luxury, and service,” and every moment at this resort combines those three words. Attentive service and the staff’s ability to recall your names and preferences are incredibly impressive. What’s more, there’s a plethora of amenities specific to the SLS, which includes two swimming pools, five restaurants and lounges, and — drumroll — Nassau’s only rooftop bar! Guests can also enjoy beyond the resort’s confines, with unlimited access to a pair of restaurants and the Bond nightclub right on the larger Baha Mar property. Plus, they have access to both neighboring Baha Mar resorts and their facilities, including an art gallery, a Jack Nickalus-designed 18-hole golf course, and the largest casino in the Bahamas.
With 300 rooms across a whopping 18 categories, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the digs here. Done up almost exclusively in white, the rooms all have theatrical decor, with the only color coming from the views beyond the balconies. Did we mention the comprehensive minibar that includes everything from mini alcohol bottles to a USB cord, rum cake, sunscreen, and even an intimacy kit with a feather tickler and condoms? While the entry-level ocean-view one-bedroom residences start at USD 300/night and go up to USD 1,100/night, the priciest are the three-bedroom SLS residences, which cost USD 5,300/night!
Check Rates on:
The Reef at Atlantis, Nassau
3
If you’re traveling with kids, there’s no place better in the Bahamas for an indulgent vacation than The Reef at Atlantis. Here, everyone will be spoiled silly by both land and water adventures. Part of the legendary Atlantis resort complex on Paradise Island, the resort is all about sleek indoor designs and fabulously lush and water-filled outdoors. Think chandeliers and marble floors filling public spaces indoors, with a fabulous pool complex and a pristine beach out front.
Amenities
As we mentioned earlier, there’s a swimming pool for every kind of traveler here, from pools with cascading waterfalls, Mayan temples, and hieroglyphs to mini water slides and water play forts for the little ones. The 141-acre wonderland Aquaventure Water Park, in particular, is very popular with families as it has exhilarating waterslides and dizzying water rollercoasters. The perks don’t end there, either. Atlantis is home to as many as 40 restaurants – yes, 40! – so even the pickiest of eaters will love drinking and dining here. If that wasn’t enough, there are also experiences like feeding Bahamian iguanas, day trips to the Exumas, and swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cay.
Rooms
Staying at this tower within Atlantis is like living in your own paradisiacal home with a living space, well-equipped kitchen, and superb ocean views. The suites here tick all the boxes for a perfect family stay, as they’re spacious and full of all sorts of mod-cons. While the entry-level 1-bedroom ocean suites start at USD 750/night, the 2-bedroom ocean suite costs USD 1,700/night. The 2-bedroom Penthouse suite is the priciest room in the hotel and costs USD 6,150/night.
Check Rates on:
Rosewood Baha Mar, Nassau
2
The Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau combines tropical aesthetics with style. This oceanfront resort is the most luxurious of all three resorts in the huge Baha Mar entertainment complex. The sense of place is evident in the 100 artwork pieces by Bahamian and international artists everywhere.
Amenities
The home comforts of the rooms and suites might never want to make you leave, but there are many good reasons to do so. One of them is the Sense Spa, which uses traditional West African and Bahamian remedies to leave you looking your very best. Try the Lucayan Relief treatments or the Arawak Body Balance, which the first inhabitants of the Bahamas inspired. Discerning wellness-focused travelers will appreciate the outdoor yoga classes and 24-hour fitness center, all flanked by leggy bubblegum pink flamingos. The standout is the serene private beach and a lush, jungle-fringed pool that’s reserved only for Rosewood guests. Finally, the resort has not one or two but five food and beverage spots to choose from.
Rooms
Choose from 226 well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas, all featuring hand-painted walls in soothing hues, tropical glassware, and jute and rattan. What’s more, they also feature spectacular views of the resort or the ocean from the patios/balconies and luxe bathrooms with AERIN bath products. While the entry-level suites cost USD 620/night, the premier ocean-view grand one-bedroom suites cost USD 2,200/night. The three-bedroom penthouse suite costs USD 15,000/night, but the oceanside 6-bedroom villa costs a whopping USD 16,500/night!
Check Rates on:
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Nassau
1
You’re treated like royalty at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort in Nassau and one of the most beguiling upscale hotels in the Bahamas. You might recognize this beachfront stunner from its glamorous cameo in the James Bond flick, “Casino Royale,” but its history is older. It was dreamt up as a lavish paradisiacal island escape by A&P supermarket heir George Huntington Hartford II. Moreover, he adorned it with Palace of Versailles-inspired lush sculpture gardens and European-imported fountains. Sigh. That’s why it’s one of the best hotels in the Bahamas.
The luxury here begins right from the location itself; it sits off Nassau on Paradise Island, which can be accessed via two bridges from the mainland.
Amenities
Staying at The Ocean Club means having a whole world of luxury at your fingertips. Two restaurants, one serving French-Asian fare and the other serving international fare, take care of all and any hunger pangs. What’s more, there are not one or two but three pools to luxuriate in. The pièce de resistance is the decadent Versailles Pool, which boasts sweeping views of the striking verdant gardens leading all the way to the cloisters. This buzzy swimming pool is front and center overlooking the Atlantic, but the original pool, which is now a leafy, adults-only space, will cater to couples. Lawn chairs are peppered across the large expanses of landscaped lawns, with the winding paths leading to tucked-away tennis courts ensconced in fronds.
Rooms
The rooms are exceptionally elegant and have garden or ocean views. There are also suites, bungalows, and villas with fully equipped kitchens. What’s more, even the most basic rooms, which cost USD 1,100/night, have generous seating areas and floor-to-ceiling French doors that open onto balconies with alfresco seating setup. The luxury oceanfront suite, the highest room category for 2 people, costs USD 2,500/night. The 4-bedroom beachfront villa is the priciest room, costing a cool USD 14,000/night.
Check Rates on:
Where do celebrities stay when they go to the Bahamas?
While the Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, and the Cove at Atlantis, Paradise Island, are popular with celebrities, Kamalame Cay is one of the most exclusive resorts preferred by celebrities.
Does Baha Mar have a beach?
Yes. Baha Mar sits on the legendary Cable Beach, widely considered one of the country’s most stunning beaches and shorelines. Moreover, it has beach service.
What is the difference between the hotels at Baha Mar?
The Baha Mar complex includes three hotels. While the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a large and bustling resort, Rosewood Baha Mar is a quieter, sophisticated version perfect for couples. Finally, the SLS Baha Mar is an upscale place with a lively atmosphere.
