11 Top-Rated Resorts in Nassau, Bahamas
The capital of The Bahamas, Nassau is a colorful, bustling city that is also home to a number of top resorts. Located on 21-mile-long New Providence, one of Nassau's best assets is stunning Cable Beach, with its mix of pink and white sand set against a clear turquoise sea that is perfect for swimming.
A popular cruise ship port with a protected harbor, Nassau also has good snorkeling and diving in the brightly hued coral reefs just offshore. For this article, we focus on the best resorts in Nassau, but there are many more top places to stay on neighboring Paradise Island. The two islands are connected by a bridge, making it easy to go back and forth.
Nassau's resorts come in all budgets, including some top five-star properties. They also cater to all kinds of travelers, from couples on honeymoons or romantic getaways to families traveling with the kids. And should you want to stay at a resort where you don't have to worry about the cost of dinner and entertainment, there are all-inclusive resort options on Nassau as well. Below are our picks for Nassau's best resorts.
1. Rosewood Baha Mar
Accommodation: Rosewood Baha Mar
The 5-star Rosewood Baha Mar is part of the ritzy Baha Mar Resort Complex development on Cable Beach, which is also home to three other resorts. Amenities shared between the properties include a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, tennis courts, a kids' club, nature sanctuary, and dozens of restaurants. Guests at the Rosewood also have access to their own private portion of Cable Beach, where sun-loungers and umbrellas are set up and there are opportunities for water sports.
The rooms and suites here are posh and come with top quality linens on comfy beds, Bahamian art hanging from the walls, and soaking tubs and walk-in showers in the bathrooms. Families will like the beachfront villas, which are very spacious and feature butler service and plunge pools.
Other resort specific amenities at the Rosewood include two restaurants, swimming pools, and a fitness center. There is also a full range of treatments available at the on-site Sense Spa.
2. SLS Baha Mar
Accommodation: SLS Baha Mar
Also in the Baha Mar development on Cable Beach, the SLS Baha Mar caters to families and couples alike. The trendy 5-star property features modern design with unique decorative mural accent walls and a white-on-white color scheme.
Suites offer separate living spaces, and many of the rooms here come with ocean views. All come with private furnished balconies. If you need more space, book one of the two-bedroom apartments. With full kitchens, they are a great choice for families or anyone looking to cook for themselves.
Besides having access to all the amenities in the Baha Mar complex, which includes a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, a nature sanctuary, and some 40 different restaurants and entertainment options, the SLS has three of its own restaurants to try. There are also two swimming pools, direct beach access with sun-loungers and umbrellas, a spa, and a gym on the grounds.
An airport shuttle service is also available for a fee. And should you wish to go on a snorkeling or fishing excursion, the concierge here can set up all sorts of day trips.
3. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Accommodation: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Created for romantic vacations, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island caters to couples. The adults-only property offers 5-star luxury in an all-inclusive package. Rooms and suites are elegant and feature personal butler service.
With 10 different restaurants, including a la carte and buffet selections, there is plenty of variety when it comes to dining. And you can eat as often as you like and not have to worry about paying a bill since the resort is all-inclusive.
Other amenities at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa include access to a private offshore island, Sandals Cay, that features a zen spa (there is an extra fee for treatments), a swimming pool, and another restaurant.
Back on the main resort grounds there are also multiple swimming pools and a fitness center. Airport transfers are complimentary, and if you feel like shopping, Nassau's duty free shops on Bay Street are just a few minutes away.
4. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is in the Baha Mar Resort Complex on Cable Beach. The 4-star luxury resort features a mix of rooms and suites with colorful, contemporary decor and extras like in-room tablets with interactive games. Unlike many resorts, it is also pet friendly. If you're traveling with the family, the suites have up to three-bedrooms.
Besides Baha Mar's shared amenities, like a Jack Nicklaus golf course and nature sanctuary, the Grand Hyatt has a host of its own perks. There are seven swimming pools, four hot tubs, and a private section of beach on the grounds with plenty of sun-loungers and cabanas that guests can reserve.
When it is time to eat, choose from half a dozen restaurants, including one that serves traditional Chinese noodles and another that focuses on artisanal desserts. For a little pampering, pay a visit to the spa.
5. The Island House
Accommodation: The Island House
For a boutique Bahamian resort experience, check into The Island House. The property has just 30 rooms and suites, as well as six apartments. All feature luxe modern decor with island style. The furnished balconies are perfect for relaxing any time of day or night.
Despite the small size, this 4-star property has an impressive list of amenities. Guests can choose from two restaurants. There is also a large lap swimming pool surrounded by sun-loungers, squash courts, a movement studio, and even an art house cinema on the grounds. They also have private beach access and a spa with a range of treatments.
If you want to explore beyond the resort, the staff can arrange for island tours and excursions. If you are traveling with a dog, it is even pet friendly. Kids are also welcome. There are family rooms, and babysitting can be arranged.
6. Graycliff Hotel
Accommodation: Graycliff Hotel
The Graycliff Hotel is located in downtown Nassau just next to the Government House but not directly on the beach. The sand and sea are just a few minutes away, however, and Graycliff guests have access to a private section of Cable Beach with sun-loungers and umbrellas.
The AAA four-diamond property has a distinct historic ambience and has just 20 elegantly decorated rooms and cottage suites. Each is individually decorated and named. To sleep where Winston Churchill once laid his head, book the Pool Cottage. If you're looking for a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom, you'll want to go with the more modern Mandarino Cottage.
Amenities include a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness room, and evening entertainment. The hotel is family friendly, and babysitting can be arranged. There are also board games and puzzles available to borrow.
7. British Colonial Hilton Nassau
Accommodation: British Colonial Hilton Nassau
Overlooking the cruise port, the historic British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another top 4-star resort. The property has its own private section of white-sand beach with sun loungers for guests to relax on. There is also a freshwater swimming pool surrounded by bright-hued cabanas and day beds.
The family-friendly hotel features a range of rooms and suites that come in a number of size configurations, including some with wraparound windows and ocean views. All are done up in contemporary island style and have spacious bathrooms. Some even have Jacuzzi tubs.
Amenities on the grounds include free use of paddleboards and kayaks, a well-equipped fitness center, and two restaurants. Aqua is the hotel's signature restaurant and features an international menu, as well as sea views. There is also a coffee shop.
Ask the front desk for help with booking island excursions, including diving and snorkeling trips. If you need to rent a car, this can also be arranged.
8. Melia Nassau Beach
Accommodation: Melia Nassau Beach
The upscale Melia Nassau Beach sits on a gorgeous section of Cable Beach and is also part of the Baha Mar Resort Complex. The only all-inclusive resort in the complex, the Melia has its own set of seven different restaurants with food from around the globe. The dishes here are quite good and there is more than just buffet fare.
The resort offers a number of configurations to its rooms and suites but all are bright, modern and comfortable and come with furnished balconies with either ocean or garden views. If you want a bit more luxury, book The Level, which is similar to a club floor in other hotels. It offers VIP service to its guests that include a special reserved beach area, private lounge for breakfast, and between-meal snacks and a concierge service.
Other amenities for all guests include private beach access, two hot tubs, and three heated swimming pools with waterfalls. One is adults only, and another is for kids. Speaking of children, there is also a kids' club on the grounds, and babysitting can be arranged.
Guests also have access to all the amenities at Baha Mar. Ask the staff to book you a tee time at the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course (there are special rates for Melia guests) or check out the tennis courts, restaurants, and shops around the development. If you are traveling with children, there is a kids' club on-site, and babysitting can also be arranged.
9. Compass Point Beach Resort
Accommodation: Compass Point Beach Resort
Music lovers will want to check out Compass Point Beach Resort, which was opened by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell some 25 years ago. Unlike the large resorts, Compass Point is comprised of brightly painted Bahamian-style huts.
These come in a variety of sizes and layouts, from seafront studios with king beds and a balcony featuring 180-degree ocean views to elevated seafront huts with two-levels. The latter come with a kitchenette, patio, and picnic table on the ground level and a second floor with the bedroom and a large ocean-facing balcony. Regardless of what size and shape hut you choose, you can expect a state-of-the-art sound system in each.
Amenities include a restaurant with an indoor dining space, as well as a large patio area. There is also an outdoor lounge space where private dinners for up to 20 people can be arranged. Breakfast is included in your rate.
Right on the beach, there are plenty of sun-loungers set up to enjoy the views of the clear turquoise sea and also more chairs set around the swimming pool. For activities, guests can book snorkeling, diving, and fishing trips. There are also opportunities for Nassau food tours, horseback riding, and paddleboarding excursions. If you just need to be pampered, check out the on-site Windrose Spa, which offers a full range of treatments.
10. Sandyport Beach Resort
Accommodation: Sandyport Beach Resort
In the Sandyport Marina Village, this beach resort has direct access to beautiful Cable Beach, as well as a second private lagoon beach for its guests.
The 3-star resort has a range of rooms and suites and is kid friendly. All accommodations come with locally made linens and artwork. The suites are a great choice for families. They come with full kitchens, living space, and personal hot tubs. For something in between, try the studios with kitchenettes and sitting areas.
Amenities here include the popular Blue Sail restaurant. There are also three swimming pools, including one with a waterslide for kids. The gated community the resort is located in also has shops and restaurants guests can check out. There is no fitness center here, but guests can request discounts at a local gym if this is important.
11. Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas - All-Inclusive
Accommodation: Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas - All-Inclusive
Set in a gorgeous Cable Beach location, Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas is the perfect pick for a romantic, all-inclusive vacation that won't cost a fortune. The three-star property only allows children over the age of 14 to stay, so you won't have to share the pool or restaurants with small children.
The resort also prides itself on its "Ultra-Inclusive" policy that means the price you book at includes all resort fees, tips, and other surcharges, so there will be no surprising after arriving in Nassau.
While not super fancy, rooms are clean and comfortable with slightly dated decor – the floral bedskirts and matching drapes are a little much, but you don't come to the Bahamas to hang out in the room. Beds are comfy, and the tile floors keep sand from sticking everywhere.
Breezes offers lots to keep you busy, with activities from kayaking to a trapeze included in the rate. There are five dining options with buffet and a la carte options. If you are looking for a special experience, book a private beach dinner for an extra fee.
