Pelican Bay at Lucaya

The legend of Pelican Bay has it that a lost pelican perched himself there for its beautiful sunsets. A ramshackle ship later crashed into its perch, and a motley cast of characters, from pirates to rumrunners, gradually trickled in. The rest is history, but remnants of the tale remain (along with the sunsets) at The Pelican Bay Hotel. The hotel has Euro-Caribbean colonial architecture, with warm, earthy tones, white wooden trim, and fretwork. The lobby has black-and-white checkerboard floors, Caribbean coral-colored walls, natural wood-wicker accents, and contemporary bird’s nest chandeliers suspended over the reception desk. The grounds feel intimate, with pathways meandering past the hotel’s buildings, bars, and pools alongside lush tropical gardens that feel a bit jungle-like in some spots. 

The resort is situated on Bell Channel Bay, overlooking a marina in the heart of Port Lucaya, a 15-minute drive from Grand Bahama International Airport. The hotel is set on calm, private grounds, and it’s a 10-minute walk to touristy shopping, dining, and the entertainment hub of Port Lucaya Marina & Marketplace. It's a six-minute walk to Treasure Bay Casino and a five-minute ferry ride to Taino Beach (on the hotel’s free ferry service). It’s an eight-minute walk to Lucaya Beach, an eight-minute drive to the Lucayan Golf Course & Country Club, and a five-minute drive to Greening Glade driving range.

The hotel features 90 Waterside Rooms and 96 Waterside Suites, some of which have been tastefully renovated with warm island decor blending sunny yellow walls with vibrant pops of blue, carved natural wood furniture, and terra-cotta-like tiling. Renovated suites have vibrant abstract artwork, crisp white sofas, turquoise cushions, and multicolored woven ottomans. However, a number of units remain un-renovated and severely outdated according to some guests, with complaints of bathroom cleanliness issues. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs with cable, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, hairdryers, free toiletries, and furnished outdoor patios or balconies with garden and water views. Renovated suites feature four-poster beds, separate lounge areas with libraries, work desks, and rustic wood and copper sink kitchenettes, equipped with microwaves and Nespresso coffeemakers. Suite bathrooms have double vanities and plush bathrobes, free daily breakfast pastries, and a faxed copy of "The New York Times"every morning.

The Pelican Bay Hotel isn’t packed with as many on-site features as some of its sprawling resort neighbors, but it does offer access (via a free hourly ferry), to nearby timeshare, Taino Beach, where there's a beach, a fitness center, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an array of water sports. The corporate events building, The four-story Canal House, caters to business travelers with a choice of meeting rooms and event spaces. Garden Delite, the breakfast restaurant, is on the fourth floor. 

Sabor’s Restaurant & Bar occupies a sleek open-air pavilion overlooking the water. By day, its happy mauve interior echoes its relaxed alfresco vibe. By night, moody lighting and a glowing lava-red bar create a hip nightclub feel. The menu includes American, Bahamian, and Asian fusion with plenty of seafood, meat, pasta, burger, and salad options. For larger groups, The Aquarium table offers dining on the restaurant’s own floating private jetty. 

Each of the hotel's three pools has its own vibe -- the first neighbors Sabor, the second “Quiet Pool” sits solo, and the other adjoins Bones Bar, which doubles as the official clubhouse for H2O Bone Fishing (a local wrangling group). It offers a full bar and cocktails either indoors, outdoors, or in the swim-up area and is essentially an old boat shed with giant doors that slide open right over the bay. Other features include a business center, free Wi-Fi, free outdoor parking, and self-service or valet laundry.