The Bahamas aren't just a place where cruise ships stop to refuel between Miami and the Caribbean. The islands are also a fantastic place for your next vacation. Why? Because it's a gorgeous, tropical, easily accessible spot (you can get to the Bahamas from most major U.S. cities), and is far less overrun with tourists than many of its Caribbean counterparts.
From the glistening shores of Paradise Island to the car-free streets of Harbour Island, there's a little something for everyone — provided you appreciate gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, and luxe accommodations. Ahead, we've handpicked some of the best hotels in the region. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or an activity-filled adventure, you'll find it here.
Atlantis, Paradise Island
For families or groups looking for a more relaxed, but equally entertaining alternative to Disney World, Atlantis has it all.
Interact with dolphins and sea lions at Dolphin Cay, a state-of-the-art facility that was built to house 16 dolphins rescued after Hurricane Katrina. Spend an afternoon at Aquaventure, the resort's 141-acre waterpark, which has 18 water slides (including one that tunnels you through a shark-filled lagoon). Snorkel through the eery "ruins" of the lost city of Atlantis. Risk it all on a game of roulette in the casino. Or treat yourself to a massage at the sleek Mandara Spa and dinner at the breezy, James Bond-approved Café Martinique.
Like we said: it has it all.
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis.
If all of that sounds a bit overwhelming, you may be more comfortable at The Cove — a considerably more upscale part of the resort. There, you'll find spacious, thoughtfully designed suites and all the luxuries you'd expect from a four-star hotel. You'll still have access to the rest of the property, but you could also just stay put at The Cove for your entire trip and have a completely different, more refined experience.
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis.
The Cove Atlantis (Continued)
There are many pools and beaches to choose from at Atlantis, but only guests who are staying at The Cove are invited to grab a lounger here at the adults-only Cain beach club. With its 9,000-square-foot "ultra pool" (flanked by two other infinity pools on both ends) and DJ-spun tunes, it's all a little Miami — in the best way.
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis.
The Cove Atlantis (Continued)
Did you get lucky at the casino? Good, because you'll need a pretty hefty sack of cash to book one of Cain's 20 private cabanas, which face the pool on one side and the beach on the other. Each one comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, private en suite bathroom, lounge chairs galore, and an insanely friendly staff of attendants to deliver food, drinks, and whatever else you require.
Paradise Island, indeed.
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis.
Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island
To get to Harbour Island, you'll have to fly into Eleuthera (a quick flight from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Nassau), take a short taxi ride to the marina, and then catch a 10-minute ferry to the island. It's actually much easier than it sounds. And once you check into the Coral Sands, you'll see what all the fuss is about.
Photo: Courtesy of Coral Sands Hotel.
Coral Sands Hotel (Continued)
The hotel is one of the most luxe on the island, with 38 stately, well-appointed rooms and oceanfront cottages. But the crown jewel is Villa Carissa — a private three-bedroom, three-bathroom home (with adjoining guest cottage) with its own pool and elegant, British Colonial-style furnishings throughout.
Photo: Courtesy of Coral Sands Hotel.
Coral Sands Hotel (Continued)
Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on Harbour Island, and there are shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore in Dunmore Town. Although you may not want to tear yourself away from the hotel's heated freshwater pool, famous pink-sand beaches, and award-winning fine dining. It's your call.
Photo: Courtesy of Coral Sands Hotel.
Grand Lucayan Resort, Grand Bahama Island
Some hotels use the term "infinity pool" rather loosely; Grand Lucayan Resort is not one of them. It's not exactly boutique — with more than 500 rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, four tennis courts, a casino, and a 25,000-square-foot spa — but, hey, sometimes more really is more.
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Lucayan Resort.
Grand Lucayan Resort (Continued)
An all-inclusive option is available, but if you prefer to go à la carte, book one of the 51 Lanai suites, which offer 900 square feet of space, with separate bedroom and sitting room (with sleeper sofa), two full bathrooms, and expansive balconies or patios overlooking the ocean. It's hard to believe all this is just 60 miles from Florida.
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Lucayan Resort.
One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island
Paradise Island's One&Only hotel is a lesson in why you should never judge a hotel by its name. While it may sound like the sort of seedy by-the-hour motel you'd find on the Vegas Strip, it's actually one of the most stylish and sophisticated beachfront properties in all of the Bahamas.
Photo: Nickolas Sargent / Courtesy of One&Only Ocean Club.
One&Only Ocean Club (Continued)
There are a range of room classes available, but even the standard garden view rooms are anything but basic, with bold, Bahamian design influences and top-tier amenities. A variety of ocean-view suites are also available, as are two private garden cottages with their own plunge pools.
Photo: Courtesy of One&Only Ocean Club.
One&Only Ocean Club (Continued)
But if you're really looking to take it to the next level, you'll want to book one of the extravagant three- or four-bedroom villas, which boast a whopping 4,400 square feet of space, a prime beachfront location, and their own absurdly beautiful infinity pools. Ugh, your trip is going to suck!
Photo: Courtesy of One&Only Ocean Club.
The pineapple capital of the world, Eleuthera remains happily devoid of too much commercial development; you won't find any big box stores or chain restaurants. What it does have is 110 miles of unspoiled, turquoise coastline. And The Cove (no relation to the one at Atlantis) occupies a pretty gorgeous slice of it.
Photo: Courtesy of the Cove Eleuthera.
The Cove Eleuthera (Continued)
The hotel's 57 rooms and bungalows combine modern sensibilities with island aesthetics: dark wood set against crisp whites, plush furnishings, and Instagram-worthy views in every direction.
Photo: Courtesy of the Cove Eleuthera.
The Cove Eleuthera (Continued)
Hang in a hammock, lay out at the stunning hilltop pool, or hop on a bike and go explore the island. The hotel also has Jeeps and an 18-foot boat that can be rented by the day. The only thing that isn't perfect about this place? Eventually, it'll be time to go home.
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