With beautiful beaches, vibrant local culture, design-forward boutique hotels, and many different sun-splashed destinations to choose from (not to mention direct flights from most major U.S. airports), it’s no wonder the Bahamas is a long-standing favorite of holiday-goers looking for a stress-free, warm-weather vacation. Scroll on for five spectacular spots to check out on your next trip to this Caribbean island paradise.
Nassau
The convenient gateway to the rest of the Bahamas, Nassau is home to the main international airport, many attractions—including shooting locations from films such as Casino Royale—sandy beaches, and off-shore scuba diving sites. And while it’s well known for palatial resorts, the capital also gives vacationers a few fabulous boutique hotels for island escapists.
Where to Stay: Goldwynn Resort & Residences
Goldwynn Resort & Residences—a welcome newcomer to Naussau’s accommodation scene and the only Bahamian member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World—transports travelers back in time with its nostalgic mid-century glamour. The 81-key property boasts an infinity pool and sits on the sugar-white sands of Cable Beach, so guests also get to enjoy paddleboarding and swimming in the turquoise tides.
Eleuthera
A dream world for relaxation seekers and nature lovers, untouched Eleuthera feels like a best-kept secret with lush foliage, near-empty stretches of soft sand (including the rosy French Leave Beach), aquamarine waters, a vase network of caves, and inland swimming holes. It’s one of the best places in the Bahamas to get out and explore or embrace the lost art of doing nothing.
Where to Stay: The Other Side
The antithesis of a sprawling resort, The Other Side is a blissfully low-key choice that’s tucked away on a pristine, palm-studded beach. Design embodies airy minimalism with an emphasis on solitude and soaking in the gorgeous scenery. The glamping-style sleeping tents and a trio of hilltop shacks are simply perfect with four poster beds and lots of local wood. The former also flaunts outdoor tubs.
Harbor Island
To the northwest of Eleuthera, Harbor Island entices travelers with its postcard-worthy pink sands that stretch along the eastern shore. Beyond blush beaches, this holiday haven provides ample opportunities for snorkeling excursions to coral reefs that are teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and stingrays. It’s always nice to take a bike ride or stroll around Dunmore Town to see the photogenic bougainvillea-draped pastel cottages.
Where to Stay: Bahama House
Bahama House exudes an intimate, sun-drenched charm. It has 11 stylish rooms, each adorned in rattan furnishings, grasscloth wallpaper, and local artwork. Despite its central location in Dunmore Town, many guests find it rather impossible to leave the freshwater swimming pool and classic Caribbean bar that’s stocked with more than 40 aged rums.
North Andros
Situated on the largest, least developed, and most sparsely populated island in the Bahamian archipelago, North Andros is an ideal destination to get away from it all—including hordes of cruise passengers. Other than working on your tan, vacations in this eco-tourism hub are all about snorkeling, sea kayaking, hiking, exploring the blue hole, and bonefishing.
Where to Stay: Kamalame Cay
An upscale resort on a 96-acre private Eden, Kamalame Cay has all the making of a life-giving Caribbean vacation filled with rum cocktails and catching rays. Mornings start with breakfast delivered to the doorstep of your standalone bungalow. Then it’s time to decide whether it’s a pool or beach day. The property also serves up one of the most stunning tennis courts in the entire world.
South Andros
Separated from the northern and central parts of the island by tidal creeks, South Andros is a laid-back locale that’s brimming with natural beauty and eco-tourism potential. Access to the third largest barrier reef on the planet means travelers have their pick of incredible snorkeling and diving, plus kayaking and deep-sea fishing.
Where to Stay: Caerula Mar Club
The first new hotel to open in South Andros in almost 20 years, Caerula Mar Club very much falls into the barefoot luxury category and puts a lot of stock in eco-conscious practices. In addition to an idyllic beach, outdoor pool, spa, and three dining concepts, it offers oceanfront suites and private villas decked out in breezy decor. The marble bathrooms are stocked with all-natural Sarah Baeumler bath products.
Exuma:
If you have an extra few days, head to the Exuma archipelago for sapphire waters and endless photo ops with cute four legged creatures. You’ve definitely seen influencers posting jealousy-inducing photos and videos swimming with pigs on Instagram. That bucket-list activity goes down on Big Major Cay (aka Pig Beach). You can only reach this dreamy destination by boat — opt to visit the island via an excursion with Exuma Water Tours.
Where to Stay: Fowl Cay Resort
An all-inclusive experience that will erase the image of massive vacation complexes with crowded buffet lines and non-stop entertainment from your mind forever, Fowl Cay Resort is a spellbinding, small private island hotel that’s a quick boat ride from Pig Beach. Love seclusion, villas overlooking crystal-clear aqua water, snorkeling, and captaining your own powerboat? This picturesque place certainly ticks all the boxes.
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