WITH its powdered sands, glistening turquoise waters and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, The Bahamas has long been a playground for the rich and famous.
And its capital Nassau – plus neighbouring Paradise Island – is one of its most exciting spots, promising a getaway like no other.
Here, you can kick back and relax at world-leading resorts, marvel at magical marine life, sip fine wines under a cerulean sky and splash about at action-packed waterparks.
From the glitz and glamour of downtown Nassau to the luxury resorts of Paradise Island and the silken sands of Cable Beach, you’ll enjoy incredible variety wherever you choose to stay.
And daily direct flights with British Airways – as well as regular services with Virgin Atlantic – make this sun-kissed destination easier than ever to reach.
Claire Sweeney, 51, looks incredible as she hits the beach in Barbados
With crystalline waters, you can dive in for some incredible experiences, including up-close encounters with rays and thrilling snorkelling adventures.
Golf lovers will be in heaven too, with a range of incredible courses, and a trip to The Bahamas wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local rum – John Watling’s Distillery produces some of the best around.
You can enjoy fine dining experiences in blissful settings, savouring superb French, Italian, Asian and traditional Bahamian cuisine.
Atlantis Paradise Island
This expansive island paradise is one of the most emblematic resorts in the Caribbean.
Built around the monumental Aquaventure, a 141-acre waterpark with high-speed waterslides, a lazy river and countless swimming pools, Atlantis is made up of five distinct hotels, spread along a picture-perfect five-mile stretch of golden sand.
You’ll dine in style at an incredible choice of 40 restaurants, including world-renowned names such as Nobu.
There’s plenty to keep you active, too: exploring shipwrecks on half-day diving trips and swimming with bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cay. There are so many excursions to choose from.
Baha Mar
A dazzling resort set over 1,000 lush acres on Cable Beach, Baha Mar is home to three fabulous hotels – the stylish Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, refined Rosewood Baha Mar, and hip SLS Baha Mar.
This beachfront estate – all gleaming sands, swaying palms and incredible facilities – will ensure an unforgettable holiday.
Indulge yourself at celebrity-chef restaurants including Marcus Samuelsson’s Fish + Chop House, master local delicacies at Baha Mar’s cooking workshops, or savour experiences such as the flamingo meet and greet.
Jess Wright looks amazing in Barbados as she enjoys rare holiday with baby son
Then dive into The Bahamas’ newest waterpark, the luxe Baha Bay, with thrilling slides and a luxurious beach area.
Graycliff Hotel
Nassau’s oldest hotel, this 18th-century mansion has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and The Beatles.
The style is pure vintage glamour – think chandeliers and ornate antiques set behind a pastel-pink façade and a columned porch.
Dining in the restaurant feels like stepping back in time, with drinks offered in the parlour and grand candelabras on the tables.
Savour some truly delicious Bahamian cuisine, served alongside a collection of rare and fine wines from the world’s third-largest wine cellar: more than 250,000 bottles from 400 vintners.
Wine lovers can even book an excursion to blend their own unique bottle of wine at the Bahama Barrels winery.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Since the Sixties, this Paradise Island oasis has been a favourite getaway for the glitterati.
Perched between sparkling waters and verdant Versailles-style gardens, it’s the epitome of secluded luxury.
The grounds are incredible – stone arches, tiered gardens, swaying palms and blooming bougainvillea, all imbuing a sense of serenity and splendour.
It’s not all about tranquillity in paradise though. You can set sail on catamaran cruises, delve the depths with snorkelling adventures or take a complimentary bike ride around the island.
For sports enthusiasts, there’s a championship golf course, six floodlit clay tennis courts… and then the chance to bliss out in the spa.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Reserved just for couples, this all-inclusive haven is set in tropical surroundings and even has its own private island a short boat ride away.
Formerly the famed Balmoral Club in the 1940s, Sandals Royal Bahamian is now a dreamy beachfront retreat offering swim-up suites and butler service.
Make a splash with wonderful watersports – and even scuba diving – included in your stay, indulge in a treatment at the spa and escape to the island for a private beach, pool, hot tub and seafood restaurant.
Then kick back under starlit skies beside the flicker of tiki torches and fire pits, as you sip signature cocktails into the night.
Whichever resort you choose, with idyllic beaches, incredible cuisine and unforgettable activities available, you’ve found your island paradise.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
Inspired by musical legend Jimmy Buffet, famous for singing It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, this Downtown Nassau spot is set on fine-powdered sands lapped by calm Caribbean waters.
Make the most of the slides and lazy river at the Fins Up Water Park, then let the little ones enjoy the Parakeets Kids’ Club while you kick back at the St Somewhere Spa.
There’s an amazing range of restaurants, serving everything from steak and seafood to fresh fish tacos, and with multiple bars, you’re sure to find your perfect cocktail and make Jimmy proud.
Goldwynn Resort & Residences
This chic new Bahamian resort brings a touch of boutique style to the white sands of coveted Cable Beach.
Think airy, neutral tones throughout, an expansive infinity pool and activities that range from paddleboarding to kayaking.
Book a spacious studio for the family, treat yourself to a lavish private cabana by the pool and relax with a view at the Rhizophora Spa.
Then head to dinner at OIA Restaurant, with its MediterrAsian specialities, followed by a nightcap at one of the hotel’s sophisticated bars.
Whichever resort you choose, with idyllic beaches, incredible cuisine and unforgettable activities available, you’ve found your island paradise.
