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THE BAHAMAS, an archipelago of 17 Islands, is a Caribbean vacation destination with an annual hairdryer-hot climate just a nine-hour non-stop direct BA flight from London. I am staying at the swanky Rosewood Baha Mar, which opened in late 2018 to join the Grand Hyatt and SLS hotels within the Baha Mar complex in Nassau, New Providence, the country’s most populated island.
My first experience of the Rosewood Baha Mar commences with access into their meet-and-greet lounge at Nassau Airport. I’m served a welcome glass of ice-cold salmon-pink fizz before I take the chauffeur driven car to the northern shore of Nassau, a mere ten minutes away.
Rosewood Baha Mar
As I’ve already checked in at the airport, I am immediately escorted to my airy hi-tech suite furnished suite, one of 232 dwellings on the resort, decorated in considered shades of turquoise to mimic the cerulean waters that await me. Once I’ve torn myself away from soaking up the views across the tropical gardens from my balcony,
I head downstairs and saunter over to the adjacent Baha Mar Casino, where I’m struck by the highly charged atmosphere in a room filled with high rollers sitting beside over what must be over a hundred tables.
The casino floor is edged with some world-renowned designer boutiques which I am drawn to, spending more of my time window shopping and gawping at the jewels than joining the enthusiastic gamers table-side.
Rosewood Baha Mar
As the sun begins to weaken, I follow the beach path that snakes past the resident flamboyance of flamingoes and head onto the palm fringed Cable Beach. It’s here I find the perfect spot to sit on the talc-soft bleached sand to watch the sun gradually fade into the horizon.
Next morning I’m up early to be whisked away on a 10-minute speedboat ride to Rosewood Baha Mar’s island Long Cay, available to guests for private hire.Â
Rosewood Baha Mar
Exclusivity is evident by a lack of footprints on the crushed sand, which I manage to spoil as I head over to the single sunbed under a giant sunshade, to enjoy a few hours in solitude. The only sound is my butler Miguel arriving with an icy Baha Mama cocktail to keep me cool with the gently lapping of waves from the waters that surround me.Â
At mid-day, as the mercury rises, I head off to devour lunch under the shady palm trees. I tuck into a delicious lunch of fresh fish and salad, with endless glasses of chilled Angel’s Whisper rosé which ends with a plate of juicy watermelon, all laid out by Miguel.
Rosewood Baha Mar
This region of the Caribbean is home to an abundance of tropical fish and sea-life including dolphins, stingrays and manatees, but it is the famous Bahamian swimming pigs and piglets that fascinate me – and although I am keeping my eye out for them, I’m told they’re actually found on Pig Beach, seventy nautical miles away (another day trip for when I return).Â
Rosewood Baha Mar
As we race through the waves returning to Rosewood Baha Mar, I glare onto the sea for the final time and reflect on my time spent in true Bahamian bliss.
Rosewood Baha Mar
After departing Rosewood Baha Mar, I learn that a new restaurant Café Boulud The Bahamas, has recently opened within the hotel. Offering the glamour of traditional French cuisine with globally renowned Chef Daniel Boulud at the helm, the menu will be inspired by locally sourced ingredients where possible and feature Boulud’s four culinary muses – La Tradition, La Saison, La Mer and Le Voyage.
by Amanda Bernstein
A King, double occupancy room at Rosewood Baha Mar starts from USD$660 per night (approx. £508 per night). To book contact +1 800 447 3496 or visit Rosewood Hotels
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