Grand Lucayan, Bahamas

Set on seven-and-a-half acres alongside a lengthy stretch of white-sand beachfront, the Grand Lucayan unfolds like a never-ending sprawl of restaurants, bars, and majestic colonial-inspired structures set on polished, palm-tree-covered grounds. Its main 10-story building dominates the beachscape and anchors the resort like a giant cruise ship parked on land. The evolution throughout the grounds feels fluid thanks to the giant serpentine pool snaking it’s way through the entire resort. It features an infinity edge right over the beach, and sun chairs border the pool’s perimeter (but they can fill up fast, so guests should snag one early in the day). Water sports, such as parasailing and Jet Skiing, provide plenty of background action. This resort is so big, there are two entrances, each with its own vast lobby. The main one is a statement in British Colonial grandeur with soaring recessed ceilings over marble floors and majestic palm trees flanking either side. The newer, more contemporary and minimalist Lighthouse Pointe offers a more relaxed, pavilion-style elegance.

The on-site restaurants and cafes mix up decor and ambience according to their formality (or lack thereof), and the cuisines they serve. Willy Broadleaf’s buffet-style set up unfolds with a range of themed dining areas to match each global offering. China Beach resides in a sleek contemporary Oriental-inspired setting that aptly overlooks the beach. Churchill’s is a fine-dining affair with elegant white-clothed table settings beneath soaring vaulted ceilings with majestic chandeliers -- all framed with French-style doors and windows. Right next door, The Grand Bar exudes Old World sophistication with its black leather captain’s bar chairs, marble floors, rich palette, and grand piano entertainment. Portobello’s Italian is set in a gracefully rustic Tuscan-inspired space, and neighboring Pizzeria Capri casually tones it down. Just off the lobby is Cuban-inspired, Havana Cay Lounge & Cigar Bar, and Iries Caribbean Seafood restaurant occupies a large villa-like setting dressed in colonial-style Caribbean decor. Waves (pool bar), Hammerheads Beach Bar, and China Grill are all alfresco and very relaxed, while Aromas and Plantation Cafes offer seating, but are more casual grab-and-go affairs. The Grand Lucayan crams in a lot of features, just as it does people vying for them, so guests should be prepared to wait -- especially when it’s busy. Booking the main restaurants well in advance is advised to guarantee a table.

The Grand Lucayan is set on a south-shore beach in the heart of Freeport’s touristy resort hub. It’s across the road from Port Lucaya Marketplace -- a bustling hotspot of shopping, dining, and nightlife about six minutes away on foot. Treasure Bay Casino is located literally next door (but can require a walk depending on where guests are staying in the resort). There are a number of nearby resorts in the immediate vicinity should guests feel like escaping as well. Airport and ferry cruise terminal shuttles can be arranged (for a fee), and taxis are readily available. Grand Bahama International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Guest rooms (in King and Double categories), and Suites (One Bedroom or Presidential), are divided into three areas -- each with its own island-inspired flavor, but they all share the same grounds and facilities. Regardless of where they’re situated, all rooms are bright and feature a balcony or patio with either marina, pool, beach, or tropical garden views. Stylishly done in a cool coastal palette of blues and greens, Lighthouse Pointe rooms and suites are available for “all-inclusive” rates, but in reality, don't extend to all resort offerings. Breaker’s Cay rooms are located in the resort’s main building. While corridors here suffer from a generic chain vibe, rooms get a more refreshing look, with neutral woods complementing more blues and greens. Spacious Lanai Suites take decor in an elegant British Colonial direction, with separate bedrooms with king beds, sitting areas with sleeper sofas, and two full bathrooms. All rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Some also have kitchenettes with sinks, microwaves, and utensils/dishware. Also provided are irons and ironing boards, safes, hairdryers, and blackout curtains. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, and are equipped with free individual toiletries. 

Leisure amenities at the Grand Lucayan are vast and centered on a white-sand beach. But the serpentine pool and a heated lap pool give mother nature a little competition. Loungers border the pool in abundance, although there clearly aren’t enough as they can fill up leaving some guests without a spot to stretch out. There are some sun umbrellas, but not many, so finding shade can be difficult, and beach cabanas are available (for a fee). Other star features include an 18-hole golf course and four Grand Slam-surfaced tennis courts. (Golf and tennis lessons can be arranged.) Water sports on offer include windsurfing, sailing, Jet Skiing, snorkelling, water skiing, and parasailing. 

The resort’s five restaurants include international buffet-style, Willy Broadleaf, flavors of Asia at China Beach, and Asian-inspired and American barbecue favorites at neighboring China Grill. There’s also Churchill’s steak restaurant, and all-Italian Portobello’s and Pizzeria Capri. Poolside bars offering cocktails and snacks include Waves and Hammerheads Beach Bar (with swim-up area). Havana Cay Lounge & Cigar Bar offers fine wines, ports and cigars (of course), and Iries Caribbean Seafood serves up local seafood. Aroma Cafe offers Nespresso, cakes, and snacks, and Plantation Cafe adds gelato into the mix. And 24-hour room service is available as well.

The 25,000-foot spa and fitness center unfolds over three levels. There’s a hair and beauty salon, and a full-service spa complete with sauna and steam rooms. The fitness level is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio- and weight-training equipment, a spin room, and an exercise room offering yoga, Pilates, and aerobics classes. The business center, and four huge conference rooms, cater well to corporate travelers, and free Wi-Fi is provided in rooms and some common areas. The Pavilion, a hexagonal function space overlooking grounds, is perfect for large-scale parties and receptions. (There are also on-site wedding services.) The lobby features a 24-hour reception desk, an ATM, concierge services, and luggage storage. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available, as is babysitting or childcare, and there’s plenty of free self-serve parking.