Best Luxury Hotels in Nassau, New Providence Island

What was once known as the famous Balmoral Club back in the 1940s later became the 408-room Sandals Resort in 1995, where the motto is "Love is all you need." This resort has everything designed for couples and manages to impress upon arrival with Roman columns, statues, fountains, three levels of elegant accommodations, 10 distinct restaurants, and eight bars. Guests receive a slew of information at onset, including a schedule of both land and water activities and daily events, but many choose to relax at the beach or make use of one of two main pool bars to drink and mingle. Head to the offshore island for an easy excursion -– a boat leaves every hour and there’s a Jamaican restaurant (included) and cabanas for napping. It’s not all romance though; the resort does attract its fair share of partiers -– hence the rowdy Piano Bar and English Cricketeer Pub which are both open till the wee hours.

Part of a trio of luxury hotels comprising the immense Baha Mar resort, the Rosewood Baha Mar is the most luxurious (and expensive) option of the three. British Colonial architecture combines beach cottage interiors and Bahamian touches, plus the 237 spacious rooms are decked out with conveniences like 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and butler service. Two restaurants serve tasty fare and one of the most inviting spaces is The Library, a stylish guest favorite that offers Champagnes, afternoon tea, and caviar. Guests have access to all features across the Baha Mar resort, including an array of restaurants, a golf course, casino, kids' club, and expansive spa and fitness facilities, plus the Rosewood has its own private spa, pools, and gym. Families with kids might prefer the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, and its expansive pool complexes. 

Located in the heart of Nassau, the Graycliff Hotel is a colonial mansion with a historic past. The upscale property has loads of character and charm -- a beautiful facade with a two-story veranda, frequent live jazz music in the lounge, and a chocolatier, cigar factory, and museum on-site. Two pools (one with stunning hand-painted tiles), three restaurants (including the five-star Graycliff Restaurant), and a world-class wine cellar round out the offerings. The 20 spacious rooms are stuffed with antiques but still include modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Wi-Fi. However, some rooms can be noisy at night, the Wi-Fi is spotty, and the hotel is not on the beach. Travelers looking for a historic property on a beach location could try the British Colonial Hilton, which is similarly priced.

The 288-room British Colonial Hilton is a historic Downtown landmark offering all of the features (and add-on fees) you’d expect from an upscale establishment. Set on 300 feet of private harborside beach, the hotel neighbors Nassau’s main touristy strip, and it's walking distance to the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal. Highlights include its beachfront setting, freshwater pool, lush, tropical grounds, superb business amenities, 24-hour fitness center, water sports, elegant function rooms, and choice of on-site restaurants and bars. Modern rooms are generic, but well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, work desks, and huge marble bathrooms (with premium toiletries). This Hilton is a good option for cruise passenger stopovers, corporate travelers, and those seeking a central, full-service hotel that's less “resort-y” than others. Travelers seeking a more resort-like vibe could check out Atlantis.