The moment I stepped into the balmy, sun-kissed embrace of the Bahamas, the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau wasn’t just a backdrop; it was the heartbeat of the experience. Greeted by a sleek SUV and a private chauffeur, I instantly knew that this journey was going to be more than a getaway — it was a dive into Bahamian elegance. As the Baha Mar Tennis Cup fundraising event unfolded around me, the resort proved that its charm wasn’t just in its impressive amenities, which range from tennis courts and a golf course to three distinct hotels and a waterpark. What struck me most was Baha Mar’s vibrant energy, which served as a perfect prelude to what guests can savor here all year long.
Photo: Baha Mar
In the Bahamas, Baha Mar Is Three Hotels in One, With Amenities for Days
The rooms and amenities that anchor Baha Mar
Photo: Baha Mar
Baha Mar isn’t your typical resort. It’s a complex with three different hotels: a sophisticated Rosewood, a large Grand Hyatt, and a boutique-y SLS. The Rosewood was my sanctuary during my stay. My room was a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, highlighted by a king-sized bed and a balcony that opened to stunning ocean views and lush scenery overlooking the property. Particularly striking were the luxurious marble amenities in the bathroom and a luxe minibar that added to the overall opulence.
As a whole, Baha Mar is a paradise for water lovers, featuring an array of pools that cater to every preference, whether you’re seeking relaxation or fun. Each pool has a distinct style and ambiance, with features such as in-pool lounge chairs, nearby restaurant and bars, kid-friendly water features, and other amenities that create a unique swimming experience.
Photo: Baha Mar
One of the main highlights, however, is the Baha Bay Beach Club, which guests can reserve ahead of time, elevating the beachside and pool experience with its private cabanas that overlook the pristine waters of the ocean. These cabanas provide an exclusive retreat, perfect for enjoying the stunning ocean views in a more intimate setting. The club’s luxurious amenities and attentive service ensure a day at the beach is nothing short of blissful.
Baha Mar’s next-level amenities
Photo: Baha Mar
Several venues elevate the overall Baha Mar experience, including multiple spas. At the Rosewood where I stayed, the Sense Spa is a tranquil oasis, blending traditional therapies with Bahamian elements for a rejuvenating experience. It’s distinguished as the only salon in the Bahamas offering the luxurious Miriam Quevedo scalp treatment. The spa’s massage selections include the personalized Sense Signature Massage, the locally inspired Bahamian Mood, bespoke Intuitive Therapy, and the serene Ocean Sedative. Each treatment at Sense Spa promises an immersive journey into relaxation and Bahamian charm.
The Baha Mar Casino elevates the gaming experience with a diverse array of table games and slot machines, creating a dynamic hub of excitement and entertainment within the resort. Players can immerse themselves in classic favorites like Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat, or explore a vast selection of slot machines offering a variety of themes and jackpot opportunities. The casino’s vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by the inclusion of games like Craps and Poker, catering to both novice and seasoned gamblers. This blend of traditional and modern gaming options ensures an engaging experience for all visitors.
Photo: Baha Mar
The T2 Cigar Bar at Baha Mar is another special space ensuring all guests of the resort have access to the things that they enjoy. This particular space offers a sophisticated environment for cigar enthusiasts, featuring a curated selection of premium cigars. Guests can savor the flavors of these fine cigars while enjoying a range of top-shelf spirits, enhancing the experience. The bar’s elegant setting, designed with comfort and luxury in mind, provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and socializing. This refined atmosphere, combined with the exceptional quality of cigars and spirits, makes T2 Cigar Bar a premier destination for connoisseurs.
Dining at Baha Mar
Photo: Baha Mar
As you might expect from a property as all-encompassing as Baha Mar, the dining and drinking options on site are nothing short of extensive. To start, there’s the Manor Bar at Maha Mar, which presents an ambiance of old-world sophistication, specializing in classic cocktails and featuring an extensive rum list. The setting is both moody and dramatic, perfect for sipping carefully crafted drinks in a refined atmosphere. This bar is a haven for those who appreciate the finer aspects of cocktail culture and seek a luxurious, yet intimate, drinking experience.
Cleo is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that artfully integrates local Bahamian ingredients. Led by award-winning Chef Danny Elmaleh, the menu features a variety of shareable plates, mezzes, and flatbreads, complemented by an array of cocktails. Guests can enjoy this fusion of flavors in a warm, intimate, and energetic setting, perfect for a lively dining experience that blends Mediterranean traditions with the tropical charm of the Bahamas.
Nestled in Rosewood’s lush gardens, Costa is a restaurant that serves Latin American flavors with a fresh island twist. The menu showcases coastal cuisines fused with Mexican flavors, offering a unique take on traditional seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy these flavorful meals in communal, open-air cabanas, surrounded by the serene beauty of the gardens and pools.
Baha Mar also has an Italian-leaning restaurant in Fi’lia. The restaurant serves a creative twist on Italian classics, incorporating local flavors and ingredients, as exemplified in dishes like conch arancini. The dining experience at Fi’lia is both authentic and imaginative, providing guests with a unique blend of Italian cooking techniques and Bahamian tastes.
Photo: Baha Mar
Carna, a sophisticated steakhouse, provides guests with an elegant dining experience focused on high-quality meats. Helmed by award-winning Chef Dario Cecchini, Carna sources the finest cuts from around the world. The ambiance and décor complement the exquisite menu, making it a top destination for steak lovers seeking a refined atmosphere.
Café Madeleine brings a slice of Paris to the Bahamas, offering a serene breakfast atmosphere with options like avocado toast on a croissant. The cafe features both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to savor freshly baked pastries and classic French specialties such as quiche and croque monsieur, along with house-made gelato and sorbet. This charming Parisian-inspired cafe creates a delightful morning experience for those looking for a touch of French cuisine in a tropical setting.
Elsewhere, Café Boulud captures the essence of traditional French cuisine with a menu inspired by Chef Daniel Boulud’s four culinary muses: La Tradition, La Saison, La Mer, and Le Voyage. The dining experience combines the elegance of French dishes with local Bahamian ingredients, offering classics like Tournedos Rossini alongside seafood and locally sourced vegetables. The restaurant’s sophisticated Bahamian setting enhances the glamor of the cuisine, making it a fusion of French culinary art and Bahamian hospitality.
Getting to Nassau and Baha Mar
Photo: Baha Mar
Several US airlines fly from major cities across the country to get to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, including United, American, Alaska, Delta, Jet Blue, and Southwest. United alone operates flights from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, and many more. From Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport, the drive to Baha Mar only takes 10 or 15 minutes. Guests of the resort can also arrange private transportation to and from the airport. 