How This New Paradise Island Hotel Is Adding a Sense of Place

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

The Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas, a 244-room adults-only all-inclusive resort, is scheduled to open in Nassau this summer.

And while we’re always happy to hear about a new Caribbean resort, it makes us even happier when the folks behind said resort demonstrate an affection and respect for the culture of the region and try to create a hotel with a true sense of place.

So we were thrilled to hear that the 244-room resort plans to name many of its public spaces after Bahamian icons. Chickcharnie’s Pizzeria, for example, is named for the islands’ mythical and magical half-man/half-bird creature. The Hog Bar references Paradise Island’s original name, Hog Island, and Rum Cay lobby bar honors the islet of the same name. And who doesn’t love the name of the resort’s shish kebob restaurant, Tings on a Stick?! Junkanoo Beat is the name of the resort’s entertainment room, and the Alvernia boardroom pays homage to the Bahamas’ highest point, Cat Island’s Mount Alvernia.

It remains to be seen just how authentically Bahamian the resort, which is accepting reservations for stays beginning October 1, will eventually be. But they’re off to a good start.