Sidney Poitier. Sean Connery. The Beatles.
They were all here, during the days when when Nassau wasn’t just the place to be in The Bahamas: it was the spot in the whole Caribbean.
This was the epicenter: Cable Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever lay your eyes upon, where the jet-set was drawn to sparkling turquoise water and Bahama Mamas and a golden age of travel cool.
It’s no coincidence, then, that one of the first things you spot when you walk through the lobby is a splendid mosaic of black-and-white photographs of the boldfaced-names that defined the Thunderball-era days.
This is the Goldwynn Resort and Residences, the newest place to stay in Nassau and a resort that is affirmatively tapping into that very jet-set energy.
The resort, which opened its doors earlier this year, is a stunning new addition to Nassau and Paradise Island, a place that marries sleek design with a new level of modern luxury for the island.
Set right on the sugar-white sands of Cable Beach, the resort is home to 81 rooms, all built in a layout (there’s a condominium component here, too) that is a nod to the biggest trend in hotel development — the residential resort.
That’s because luxury travelers don’t want to compromise anything when they make their trips in the current age — including things like fridges, kitchens and the space they’re accustomed to at home.
The rooms themselves are spectacular, with a modern contemporary look and some truly exquisite bathrooms (including marvelous Grohe showers). They’re set either in view of the nearby Royal Blue golf course or looking out directly to the blues of Cable Beach.
The on-site eateries: a beach bar and a mediterranean-Asian fusion eatery called OIA, are fantastic. The beauty though, is that you are central to all of the culinary wonders of Nassau, whether you want to make the trek to downtown eateries like Graycliff and Cafe Matisse, jaunt to the Michelin-star-chef-backed restaurants at Atlantis, or take a stroll over to the nearby Baha Mar.
The latter is perhaps the biggest question potential travelers may have: yes, the Goldwynn and the Baha Mar are both on the same stretch of beach – but Goldwynn is in perhaps the most rarefied, serene corner of the beach. While you can see the megaresort down the road you’d almost never know it was there.
And the Baha Mar’s proximity represents an extraordinary amenity for a Goldwynn guest, whether you want to spend the evening dining, shopping or gaming.
But you’ll find that this place is rather difficult to leave; the pool, the beach, the cocktails at Bar Paul all magnetic, drawing you into your own perfect Bahamian portrait.
This is a thoughtful, creatively-designed, beautiful, well-run hotel — one worthy of this iconic beach in New Providence.
In other words, the Bahamas has a new jet-set hotel.
For more, visit Goldwynn.