It can be the exquisite finish to a wonderful vacation, an oasis in the chaotic world of air travel: the perfect airport lounge.
You make your way to the airport, get through security, through customs and immigration and what you really need is a place to unwind, to relax, a moment of tranquility before you get on your flight and begin the next part of the journey.
The Caribbean has seen growth in airport lounges in recent years, as more and more airports nod to travelers’ need for precisely this kind of sanctuary.
But right now, one Caribbean airport lounge towers over the others: the Graycliff Airport Lounge at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, The Bahamas: our choice as the Best Airport Lounge in the Caribbean for 2023.
The airport outpost of Nassau’s legendary Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant is just the oasis travelers are looking for, conveniently located in the American departures terminal at the airport.
Graycliff, set adjacent to gate C41, has three different lounge areas: an outdoor deck, a lounge and a smoking lounge.
The latter is a particular treat, a place to enjoy one of Graycliff’s famous cigars, something unique both in the Caribbean and around the world, whether you’re outside on the sun deck or savoring a rum or scotch inside the smoking lounge.
This isn’t a lounge where the beverage options are limited to a tiny fridge and a mini bottle of Sutter Home white zinfandel: there is a full-service bar, with spirits (including some terrific rums) and house-made cocktails, too.
What’s also outstanding is the retail selection: you can find a full assortment of cigars, luxury goods, Bahamian sundries; locally-made chocolate; and an impressive, hard-to-match selection of rare wines and spirits from around the world.
That’s a combination of offerings that no other airport lounge in the Caribbean can match right now.
It all adds up to an unrivaled mix of lounge, retail and food and beverage, a true destination airport lounge, the rare lounge that actually makes you look forward to going to the airport — no small feat indeed.
The Graycliff Airport Lounge is free for Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Pass or Lounge Club members.
It is open to all other guests for $35, which includes full buffet, coffee, tea, water and a soft drink and free, unlimited Wi-Fi.
