The Bahamas is one of the most-visited destinations in the Caribbean. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear turquoise water, powdery white-sand beaches, and some of the best water sports in the region. So I’ve rounded up the best hotels in The Bahamas on the most popular and desirable islands!
Which Bahamas Island Is Best for Your Trip?
From luxury resorts to boutique hotels to eco-lodges, I’ve got the perfect hotel for you.
Here are the best hotels in The Bahamas for your dream trip!
Grand Isle Resort and Residences
Grand Isle Resort and Residences
Great Exuma
This is my favorite hotel on Great Exuma, the largest island in Exuma and the most popular “home base” for exploring this region of The Bahamas. At this all-villa resort (which was a filming site for The Bachelor), you’ll have access to one of the best beaches on the island, two restaurants, a tiki bar, a main pool, an adults-only pool, golf carts, and complimentary water sports.
Check out all of the Best Hotels in Exuma, The Bahamas
The Island House
Nassau
With just 30 rooms, this intimate, boutique hotel is the first of its kind in Nassau. You’ll have a fabulous pool, spa, anti-gravity yoga studio, squash courts, tennis court, lap pool, an in-house cinema, and a top-floor open-air restaurant.
Tiamo Resort
Andros
This is the only eco-resort in The Bahamas, and it’s only reachable by seaplane. There are 11 spacious, secluded screened-in wooden cottages, all with views of the resort’s sugar-white beach dotted with palm trees and hammocks.
EMBRACE Resort
Staniel Cay
This hotel is on Staniel Cay in the middle of the Exuma island chain near the famous Thunderball Grotto and swimming pigs. The coastal apartments are cozy, and every unit has a patio. There’s a fabulous pool at the hotel, and there are restaurants and shops just a short walk from the resort.
The Cove Eleuthera
Eleuthera
Go off the beaten path at this secluded resort on the laid-back island of Eleuthera. You’ll love swimming in the infinity pool, snacking at the sushi bar, sleeping in your chic all-white room or villa, lounging on the private beach, and sipping cocktails at the open-air bar.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Paradise Island
The Ocean Club’s appearance in the movie Casino Royale gives you just a taste of the resort’s glitz and glam. This colonial-style former estate has opulent guest rooms with private balconies or decks, infinity pools, and butler service. You’ll also have a world-renowned golf course and restaurant, a Balinese-inspired spa, and a formal French garden modeled after Versailles, complete with marble statues and a 14th-century Augustinian cloister.
The Royal at Atlantis
Paradise Island
This is arguably one of the most recognizable and iconic hotels in the world. Atlantis is a megaresort with multiple pools, a family spa, Dolphin Cay, the 141-acre water park, a casino, a no-kids-allowed luxury spa, 21 restaurants, and 19 bars.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Nassau
This resort has everything you could want – six pools, a private beach, a spa, a wellness center, restaurants, bars, lounges, tennis courts, shopping, golfing, and a casino. Because Hyatt owns this property, you can also earn or cash in some rewards points for staying here.
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Recommended Tours in The Bahamas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can you travel between islands in The Bahamas?
Your inter-island travel options in The Bahamas are ferries operated by Bahamas Ferries or domestic flights operated by Bahamas Air. Ferry and flight schedules can be limited, especially during the off and shoulder seasons, so plan and book in advance.
Do I need a visa to travel to The Bahamas?
Citizens of the EU, Australia, U.S., Canada, and the U.K need a passport, a return or onward ticket, and a confirmed hotel or vacation home booking. If you’re coming from one of these five countries, then you do not need a visa.
If you’re a citizen of another country, you might need a visa or visa-on-arrival to enter The Bahamas. You’ll want to check your country’s visa guidelines and requirements.
Your passport will need to have an empty page for your entry stamp and be valid for at least six months past your entry date to The Bahamas.
Cruise ship passengers visiting The Bahamas for a day are exempted from obtaining visas.
Can DACA students travel to The Bahamas?
No. DACA students can only travel in the United States and U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How much does it cost to travel to The Bahamas?
Expected travel costs in The Bahamas, plus airfare:
Lower End: $350/day per person.
Midrange: $650/day per person.
Higher End: $1000/day per person.
What should I avoid in The Bahamas?
Things you should avoid in The Bahamas are:
1. Hurricane season.
2. Unmarked taxis.
3. Never leaving your resort.
4. Expecting punctuality – everything runs on “island time” here.
5. Haggling. You’ll need to pay the stated price.
What do I need to know before traveling to The Bahamas?
Bahamas Travel Guide – Know Before You Go:
1. The currency is the Bahamian dollar ($), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar. So 1 Bahamian dollar is always the same as 1 U.S. dollar.
2. U.S. dollars are accepted interchangeably with Bahamian dollars, so you won’t need a different currency if you’re from the U.S. But you may receive change in Bahamian dollars.
3. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuations, so be sure to check this as your trip approaches. On average, 1 Bahamian dollar equals about £.72 British Pounds, €,84, and 6.46 Chinese Yuan.
4. Tap or “still” water is safe to drink in The Bahamas, so you don’t need to buy bottled water.
5. Many restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, and most restaurants don’t update their Google business profile. So you’ll want to call restaurants for their opening hours and reservations instead of relying on the internet.
6. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels and car rental agencies, but most shops and restaurants don’t take credit cards. And most of the shops and restaurants that take credit cards charge a 2.5-5% processing fee, which can add up quickly. So I recommend paying for meals and souvenirs with cash.
7. ATMs are available at some resorts, banks, and shopping centers throughout the islands, but they’re often not conveniently located to hotels and vacation homes. So I recommend bringing enough cash with you (especially if you’re from the U.S. with no currency change) or withdrawing lump sums to avoid making lots of visits to an ATM.
8. Bars and restaurants run on “island time,” meaning that service will likely be slower than you’re used to. You may have to get the server’s attention rather than waiting for them to approach. This is a cultural difference, not a sign of poor service.
9. Greetings are usually verbal rather than a handshake or peck on the cheek. It’s polite to greet everyone upon entering a taxi, shop, restaurant, or boat with a ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon.’
10. Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are Types A and B. So if you’re from the U.S., you won’t need an outlet adaptor. But British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.
What is the best time of year to go to The Bahamas?
The Bahamas’ High Season is from December to April because of the incredible weather in the mid-70s (24°C) and mid-80s (29°C). All tours, businesses, and restaurants will be open with regular hours of operation. But accommodation prices can be double what they are the rest of the year, and tourist numbers and cruise ship dockings are at their highest. So you need to make all of your reservations in advance.
The Shoulder months are May and June. The weather will still be mostly dry, crowds will be less, and businesses and tours should still be open.
The Low Season is from July to November during the rainy season. Hurricanes and tropical storms can occur, and rain is common. Many shops, restaurants, and tour operators close or reduce their hours during these months, but you can get some great deals on hotels and resorts that would be out of your price range in the peak months.
Can you drink the water in The Bahamas?
Tap or “still” water is safe to drink in The Bahamas, so you don’t need to buy bottled water.
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