The Ultimate Guide To The Bahamas

As you’d expect, the food of Nassau & Paradise Island is all about the very freshest seafood, tropical fruits, island spices and international influences. Whether you’re indulging in a beachfront feast or sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, dining here is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the flavours.

Seafood is at the heart of Bahamian cuisine, with conch – served fried, grilled or in a refreshing citrusy salad – being a local staple. You’ll find plenty of laid-back eateries serving cracked conch, grilled lobster and stew fish, best enjoyed with a side of rice and peas. For a true taste of the islands, head to a traditional Fish Fry, where locals and visitors gather for freshly grilled snapper, spicy jerk chicken and cold rum punch. Meanwhile, there are plenty of upscale dining experiences across Nassau & Paradise Island – think hands-on Bahamian cooking classes at the Graycliff Culinary Academy (as well as gourmet chocolate and spirit pairings) and interactive workshops with top chefs at The Kitchen at Baha Mar. 

Nassau & Paradise Island are home to a range of luxury hotels, with something for every traveller and budget. To help you find the right property, here are just a few of our favourites across its islands…

For Barefoot Luxury

Rosewood Baha Mar, Nassau

Set on the pristine sands of Cable Beach, Rosewood Baha Mar is all about understated luxury. Sophisticated suites and private beachfront villas are matched with five world-class restaurants, including Café Boulud by Daniel Boulud. Guests can unwind at the impressive spa, enjoy a game at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course or sip cocktails at Manor Bar. Plus, they also have exclusive access to the water park, tennis courts, fitness centre and pergola lawn with games. Water sports rentals are free, while the kids club keeps little ones to teens occupied. 

Visit ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM

For A Boutique

Goldwynn Resort & Residences, Nassau

A chic newcomer on Nassau’s Cable Beach, Goldwynn Resort delivers a boutique experience with residential-style suites and a private beach. Rooms are light-filled and spacious, while the infinity pool is where guests lounge with cocktails on butler-serviced cabanas. There’s also an indoor/outdoor spa with a range of wellness treatments, a Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant and a chic day-to-night bar. 

Visit GOLDWYNNRESORTS.COM

For An Island Hideaway

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Nassau

A favourite among jet setters since the 1960s, The Ocean Club is a glamorous choice with the elegance and flawless service you’d expect from a Four Seasons property. Here, you’ll find Versailles-inspired gardens, an 18-hole golf course and a martini bar as seen in James Bond film Casino Royale. When guests aren’t making the most of spacious rooms filled with thoughtful amenities, they’re lounging on the 8km white sand beach or discovering marine life in the surrounding waters. 

Visit FOURSEASONS.COM

With eight pools, a sprawling waterpark and over 45 restaurants and bars, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a one-stop playground for couples, families and groups alike. Rooms are smart and spacious, and many come with ocean views and balconies. Guests can unwind at the ESPA spa, explore the wildlife sanctuary, or enjoy a game at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Watersports on offer include kayaking and paddleboarding, while the kids’ clubs has entertainment for all ages.

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SLS Baha Mar is where design-forward interiors meet a buzzy social scene. Expect sleek rooms, glamorous pools and a beach club that feels straight out of Miami. The vibe is playful and polished – think flamingo sightings, poolside DJs and colourful poolside cocktails. With access to Baha Mar’s full range of amenities and varied dining options, it’s ideal for those for girls’ trips and fun group holidays.

Visit SLSHOTELS.COM

For Families

The Royal at Atlantis, Nassau

For families seeking endless excitement, The Royal at Atlantis delivers. With five hotels spread across a sprawling complex, guests have access to the Aquaventure water park, perfect for little ones to teens. Parents can retreat to the spa or enjoy private dining experiences while kids explore shark tunnels, waterslides and interactive marine experiences. 

Visit ATLANTISBAHAMAS.COM

An adults-only, all-inclusive retreat with serious old-school glamour, Sandals Royal Bahamian is perfect for couples. Once a favourite of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, it now offers butler-serviced suites, a private offshore island, and ten restaurants ranging from French fine dining to beachside grills. Days can be spent snorkelling, sipping cocktails at swim-up bars or indulging in spa treatments. 

Visit SANDALS.CO.UK 

Right in the heart of Nassau, Margaritaville Beach Resort is all about laidback island vibes with a playful twist. There’s a water park, surf simulator, rooftop bar and even a bowling alley – plus, easy access to Junkanoo Beach and downtown’s colourful markets. Rooms and suites are bright and breezy, with ocean views and plenty of space to spread out. It’s a great option for groups who want fun, flexibility and a central location. 

Visit MARGARITAVILLERESORTS.COM 

Flight Time: British Airways offers direct flights to Nassau & Paradise Island, so it couldn’t be easier to reach the dreamy destination. The flight takes around nine hours, with the main airport being Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS).

When To Go: Nassau & Paradise Island benefit from year-round sunshine, though there are topical downpours from June to August. One of the best times to visit is during the dry season, from December to April.

Average Temperature: Temperatures remain high throughout the year, though during the summer months they tend to range between 31° and 33°C.  

Currency: Bahamian Dollar is the official currency, though US dollars are widely accepted.

Time: Local time is GMT minus 4 hours.

When it comes to flying long haul to The Bahamas, British Airways makes the journey as easy as possible. With three cabin classes to choose from – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business) – there’s an option for every budget. Whether you're seeking value or elevated luxury, you can expect the best of British service throughout your journey. 

Travellers can enjoy generous baggage allowances, so there’s no need to compromise when it comes to packing your island wardrobe. Flying Club World offers premium comfort, a fully flat bed and delicious cuisine – ideal for arriving refreshed and ready to explore. Even in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus, thoughtful amenities and hours of in-flight entertainment helps the time fly.

With direct flights from London Heathrow to Nassau, British Airways helps you reach the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Nassau & Paradise Island  in comfort and style.

For more information, or to book your trip, visit BRITISHAIRWAYS.COM