You may know the two mega resorts in The Bahamas — Atlantis Paradis Island and Baha Mar. They’re both outstanding, with world-class amenities and a truly unforgettable experience. But if you’re looking for a different kind of Bahamian vacation, there are myriad options for you at some of the country’s fantastic small resorts.
Here are seven of our favorites for an unforgettable vacation in The Bahamas.
Valentines, Harbour Island The only true residential resort on endlessly chic Harbour Island, Valentines is a lovely mix of condominium-style units married with a fun-loving, energetic position as the de factor heartbeat of Harbour Island. It’s the best of both worlds, home to its own private beach club on Pink Sand Beach and a privileged perch on a spectacular Dunmore Town marina.
Peace and Plenty, Exuma Thanks to new ownership and a new investment, this historic property is better than ever, with 35 brightly-designed rooms in the heart of George Town. But there’s a party piece: the hotel has its own private beach club just across the water on nearby Stocking Island, set one of the best beaches in The Bahamas — meaning you can enjoy old-fashioned Exuman charm in the morning then spend the day on a sparkling turquoise beach for the rest of the afternoon.
Stella Maris, Long Island Long Island remains one of the great undiscovered destinations in The Bahamas, with miles and miles of untouched beaches, dramatic diving and even some blue holes. And for years, the island’s signature place to stay has been Stella Maris, with an intimate collection of 45 rooms on a spectacular stretch of coastline.
Graycliff, Nassau It’s not easy for a boutique hotel to have all the amenities of a resort. And Nassau’s Graycliff has more amenities than most large resorts, too, with everything from its own on-site cigar factory to the most beautiful pool in The Bahamas and the country’s destination restaurant. It’s a luxury universe on a private compound in the hills above Old Nassau.
Fernandez Bay Village, Cat Island If you’re looking for the kind of Caribbean vacation that simply doesn’t exist any more, it’s here. Set on a tranquil beach in pristine Cat Island, Fernandez Bay is a family-owned, authentic homage to the kind of getaways we dream about — toes in the sand rooms, beachside entertainment and three glorious home-cooked meals a day. Make sure you ask for Shane’s Shack. Thank us later.
The Dunmore, Harbour Island Another Harbour Island stunner, this melds the barefoot elegance of Harbour Island with a glamorous nod to the jet-set age, with endlessly cool guest rooms, some marvelous villas and a postcard-perfect corner of Pink Sand Beach.
Cape Eleuthera, Eleuthera It’s the kind of ratio we like. There are 14 guest rooms here, on a property that comprises about 4,500 acres. You don’t have to do the math to figure out that you have your own private resort. And that’s just the beginning at Cape Eleuthera, home to some of the best fishing in The Bahamas, some of the best food in Eleuthera and, most importantly, a bucket-list-style Sandbar just a few minutes’ boat ride from the hotel.