In 2015, when astronaut Scott Kelly had a video conference with his youngest daughter from space for the very first time, he could have called attention to many of our planet’s stunning visuals. Kelly, according to his Twitter account, decided to show her “the most beautiful place from space.”
That place was the Bahamas.
For us Earth-dwellers, the Bahamas have long been a favorite tropical destination, especially for families seeking turquoise waters, powdery-sand beaches, kid-friendly hotels and great value. And now, with the opening of the much-awaited, $4.2 billion Baha Mar development, the sheer volume of family-friendly product in the Bahamas should send travel planners over the moon.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar adds an impressive 1,800 guestrooms (accounting for 230 suites) while Rosewood Baha Mar offers 185 oceanview accommodations, including adjoining rooms, as well as five luxe beachfront villas. Families staying at either property will have full access to the amenities of Baha Mar, from six pools and a children’s tennis program to Hobie Cat (catamaran) sailings along Cable Beach and complimentary clear-bottom kayaks. Both hotels offer kids’ clubs that focus on Bahamian culture and the island’s rich biodiversity.
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Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is currently running The Family Plan promotion, which offers 50 percent off a second connecting guestroom for children under the age of 18, while children under age 5 eat free. (As of press time, no end date to the promotion has been announced.)
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has added 1,800 guestrooms.
Credit: 2018 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board“We have a lot of new inventory, and what guests will see when they visit is that all the resorts have completed major renovations as well,” said Fred Lounsberry, CEO of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. “We’ve always been a family-friendly destination, but now we’re doing even more for kids and offering new experiences for the whole family.”
www.hyatt.com
Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas
Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas has long been a family favorite for its colossal Aquaventure waterpark and whimsical, otherworldly design. And there’s nothing like a little friendly competition on the island to spark new developments at Nassau’s most recognizable resort.
Updates at Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas include a $21 million upgrade at The Coral at Atlantis, one of five hotels on property.
Credit: 2018 Nassau Paradise Island Promotion BoardThe 693-room The Coral at Atlantis, one of five hotels on property, is on pace to soon complete a $21 million upgrade and has rolled out new amenities including an ice cream parlor in the lobby and a Kids Concierge. The Kids Concierge is on call from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help create daily itineraries for children, provide kids’ menus for all of Atlantis’ family-friendly restaurants and set up parents with stroller rentals. The Coral’s modernized guestrooms will include pint-size robes and a minifridge; guests also will have the ability to pre-purchase snacks.
www.atlantisbahamas.com
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
A more affordable way to experience the wonders of Atlantis, however, is to book a stay at the recently refurbished Comfort Suites Paradise Island. It’s a short walk to Atlantis, and direct wheelchair access is also available. The value can be astonishing for a family of four when factoring in Comfort Suites’ complimentary American breakfast buffet and included daily admission to Atlantis’ waterpark, pools and beaches.
Comfort Suites Paradise Island offers fantastic value for clients.
Credit: 2018 Comfort Suites Paradise IslandAll 223 Junior Suites have been thoughtfully refreshed to feature a more private parlor lounge area with a pull-out sofa that’s ideal for the little ones. Other upgrades run the gamut from the enhanced lobby area and a renovated Crusoe’s Restaurant to a fully refurbished pool deck.
www.comfortsuitespi.com
Melia Nassau Beach
Sharing the same beach with Baha Mar is Melia Nassau Beach - All Inclusive, the only all-inclusive hotel in Nassau that welcomes children of all ages. A $19 million upgrade to the property includes a new adults-only pool experience, an expanded kids’ club with an outdoor playground and refreshed rooms at The Level, Melia’s resort-within-a-resort concept.
Parents will be pleased to learn that the property has extended its kids’ club hours until 9 p.m., so there’s plenty of time for parents to enjoy jazz music and a filet at Black Angus Steakhouse or try a glass of the signature Apricot Sangria at tapas restaurant Estavida.
www.melia.com
Bonus Tip
When it’s time to venture off property, consider a visit to Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, which was originally built in 1740 by pirate John Howard Graysmith. Here, visitors can stroll the small but informative The Heritage Museum of The Bahamas or see artists at work at Graycliff Heritage Village Artists Studios. Chances are that the kids will enjoy a visit to Graycliff Chocolatier most of all. Under the tutelage of a master chocolatier, kids can learn how to make and decorate their own chocolate. How sweet is that?
The Details
Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board
www.nassauparadiseisland.com
