As you approach Baha Mar along Cable Beach, the sheer scale of this $5.2 billion resort complex is breathtaking. Sprawling across 1,000 acres of Nassau’s coastline, it’s less a resort and more a small city dedicated to the art of vacation. Since its phased opening in 2017 and 2018, Baha Mar has been turning heads and setting new standards for luxury in the Caribbean.
At the heart of this ambitious project are three distinct hotel brands, each with its own personality. The Grand Hyatt, with its twin towers housing 1,800 rooms, serves as the beating heart of Baha Mar. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure place where families, couples, and business travellers find their niche. The spacious rooms and suites offer sea views or overlook the meticulously manicured grounds – either way, you’re in for a treat.
For those who prefer their luxury with a side of cool, the SLS Baha Mar is a 299-room boutique hotel that punches well above its weight. Step into the lobby and the scent of fresh flowers immediately envelops you. The high ceilings and white walls create a canvas for the carefully curated décor: plush velvet sofas, artfully arranged coffee table books, and splashes of colour that catch the eye.
The Rosewood Baha Mar completes the resort’s luxury trifecta with 233 accommodations, ranging from rooms to suites and villas. This property caters to travellers seeking an elevated experience, where attention to detail is paramount. The Rosewood’s design philosophy incorporates elements of Bahamian heritage, creating a sophisticated and authentically local atmosphere. Whether it’s a morning coffee on a secluded patio or an evening nightcap under the stars, the Rosewood ensures that the iconic Caribbean climate is always part of the guest experience.
When it comes to dining, Baha Mar is a gourmand’s playground. With over 45 restaurants and bars, you could eat somewhere new for every meal of a month-long stay. By celebrated Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, Carna elevates the steakhouse concept to an art form. At Shuang Ba, the elegant interiors set the stage for refined Chinese cuisine that would be at home in any global culinary capital. For a taste of France in the tropics, Café Boulud brings Daniel Boulud’s culinary mastery to bear on local ingredients.
It’s not just about fine dining and champagne at Baha Mar. The Swimming Pig gastropub is open around the clock, serving up comfort food and craft beers perfect for those late-night munchies or early-morning pick-me-ups. And you can’t forget about room service—sometimes, there’s nothing better than enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich on your balcony.
Baha Mar’s centrepiece is its 100,000-square-foot Vegas-style casino. As the Caribbean’s largest, it features 1,140 slot machines and 119 table games, offering ample gaming opportunities for novices and seasoned players alike.
Families and thrill-seekers will find their paradise at Baha Bay, the resort’s 15-acre water park. Opened in 2021, it’s a wonderland of aquatic adventure, featuring everything from gentle lazy rivers to pulse-pounding slides. The 500,000-gallon wave pool is a particular highlight, as is the FlowCurl surf simulator for those looking to hang ten without venturing into the ocean.
Baha Mar is about more than just luxury; it’s a vibrant celebration of Bahamian culture. At The Current, the resort’s gallery and creative hub, you can explore over 2,500 local art pieces. Guests can engage with Bahamian creativity by participating in hands-on workshops and classes. And the gift shop has evolved into a true showcase for local artisans, offering unique handmade items that go beyond the usual tourist trinkets.
For those looking to mix relaxation with activity, Baha Mar has plenty to keep you busy. The Royal Blue Golf Club, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course, has earned its reputation as the best golf course in The Bahamas. Tennis enthusiasts will find a variety of options at the Racquet Club, which offers hard, clay, and grass courts, as well as facilities for the increasingly popular pickleball.
When it’s time to unwind, the impressive 30,000-square-foot ESPA spa is ready to help you shed any lingering stress. This serene retreat boasts both indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, creating a sanctuary within a sanctuary. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, guests at the Rosewood can escape to the Sense Spa, which provides an elevated level of luxury and calm.
Baha Mar takes full advantage of its oceanfront setting on Cable Beach, offering guests direct access to a stretch of shoreline known for its powdery sand and clear, azure waters. Here, visitors can enjoy various seaside activities, fully embracing the quintessential Caribbean beach experience just moments from their accommodations. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or something more adventurous like Jetsurf boards or Aqua Karts, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sea.
As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues that seem almost too perfect to be real, you might find yourself at one of Baha Mar’s 11 pools, perhaps nestled in a luxury cabana with a butler attending to your every need. Or you may be browsing the high-end boutiques, considering whether that Rolex would make a fitting souvenir of your stay.
Six years since its full opening, Baha Mar has truly made its mark on Cable Beach. It’s tough to picture Nassau without this vast resort complex, which boasts everything from an exciting waterpark to upscale dining options. While it draws in tourists by the thousands and provides jobs for the local community, it’s not for everyone. Some guests dive into the all-inclusive luxury, while others come to prefer a more genuine Bahamian experience. No matter your perspective, Baha Mar’s impact is clear. The resort keeps adapting to stay competitive in a busy market, and there’s no denying that this Bahamian behemoth has transformed the landscape of Caribbean tourism. For more, visit bahamar.com. —Mark Sissons
Story photos: credit Baha Mar
share:
Be the first to comment