Located on New Providence island, the Bahamas’ biggest city is also one of its most popular destinations and not only for those on a cruise stop-over – with some fabulous upmarket resorts as well as great dining, shopping, nightlife, and some lovely historic architecture, it’s worthy of a week or two’s holiday.
You can delve into Nassau's past as a pirates’ base, a result of its proximity to major trade routes, with visits to the Pirates of Nassau Museum, Fort Fincastle, Fort Charlotte, and Fort Montagu. There are also several pastel-coloured British colonial buildings to admire, including Government House with its pink facade. Nassau was originally a Spanish colony, until it was burnt down and rebuilt by the British.
The shopping is brilliant here, especially on Bay Street, but there are also picture-postcard pearly-white sands to relax on, particularly Cable Beach and Western Esplanade Beach, and the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre. Meanwhile, over the Nassau Harbor bridges, neighbouring Paradise Island is most famous as home to the iconic Atlantis Resort with its water park, aquarium, and casino. There are also several golf courses to enjoy.
Within Atlantis you’ll find The Cove, an elegant retreat nestled between two private beaches, with exclusive perks and white-glove services. Ideal for both couples and families, it has 600 luxurious suites with French or full balconies and floor-to-ceiling ocean views, as well as four multi-level pools with chic daybeds and outdoor gaming. The adult-only pool also has private cabanas, and there’s the Mandara Spa for the ultimate in indulgence.
Among The Cove’s tempting dining options are the new poolside Frezca, but Atlantis as a whole has a spectacular 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges, including Fish by José Andrés, featuring the freshest Bahamian seafood, an outpost of the iconic Nobu, and McKenzie’s Conch Shack with some of the tastiest conch salad in the Bahamas.
Another favourite, also on Paradise Island, is The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort. A playground for celebs and discerning travellers since the early 1960s, it’s set on an eight kilometre stretch of white sands within its own Versailles-inspired gardens. You can book restorative treatments in Balinese-style spa villas, play a round or two on the Ocean Club Golf Course, and sip nightcaps in the Martini Bar and Lounge.
The accommodation here is as stylish and airy as you can imagine, whether you pick an ocean-view or oceanfront room or suite, or opt for a two-bedroom plunge-pool bungalow or even a three-bedroom beachfront villa residence – the latter perfect for multigenerational holidays or other getaways with extended family or friends. What's more, the dining is quite simply sensational, with the absolute standout being Dune by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, whose remarkable signature dishes were inspired by his travels around the world.
And last but not least, on a private stretch of Nassau’s Cable Beach, Rosewood Baha Mar is an exclusive sanctuary within the Baha Mar resort enclave, surrounded by uninhabited islands. Its rooms, suites, and beachfront villas – the latter with private plunge pools – come with beach-cottage interiors – and there’s an indulgent spa.
Unforgettable drinking and dining comes in an array of venues including Tingum on the Sand, a toes-in-the-sand spot with authentic Bahamian breakfasts, lunches, cocktails, and wines. And in its Costa bar, you can enjoy unique experiences such as tequila and mezcal tastings and margarita-making workshops.
To book your Nassau holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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