Last Updated on October 20, 2025
The Bahamas. Those two simple words conjure up visions of white sandy beaches and beautiful skies that go on forever. Over 700 islands make up the Bahamas, and people inhabit 30 of them. Two of those – New Providence and Paradise Islands – are home to some of the finest resorts and hotels.
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamian nation, is located on New Providence Island and was once a haven for buccaneers during the golden age of piracy. It is now a bustling city filled with colonial architecture and lovely pastel-colored buildings. Roughly 70 percent of Bahamians live on New Providence and Paradise Island.
There, you’ll also find a bustling cruise ship port. My first visit to Nassau in 2025 was aboard a cruise ship. As you would expect, tourism is a massive part of the local economy.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
One of the most famous resorts in Nassau, Atlantis sits on Paradise Island directly across the bridge from Nassau. The Royal Towers are an iconic landmark, easily seen from the cruise port and even more impressive as you get closer. The designers built it to capture the legendary allure of the lost city of Atlantis. From firsthand knowledge, they have done a remarkable job.
The resort is massive, with over 1200 rooms in just the Royal Towers. While it is not all-inclusive, there are several categories of accommodations available: The Royal Towers, The Coral, The Cove, and The Reef.
Within the property, you’ll find luxurious suites and standard rooms – connecting or otherwise. Though the resort is family-focused, there is an adult-preferred area, a condo property, as well as more economical rooms available. The resort also features a casino.
Resort features include:
- Barbie-themed area – girls of all ages will undoubtedly enjoy
- Marine environment – one of the world’s most significant open-air marine habitats with 250 varieties of fish.
- Dolphin Cay – a marine mammal rescue center where guests can experience interactive dolphin encounters
- Aquaventure Water Park – high-speed slides, private beaches, a kiddie beach, and a lazy river
- The Dig – my personal favorite – an Atlantis-themed maze through the aquarium that is a tribute to the “lost city” and culminates with a photo op of the Rising of Atlantis.
Atlantis Paradise Island is much more than a resort. It is a themed destination combining luxury, water fun, and adventure, along with a great deal of family-friendly fun.
British Colonial Hotel
If history and elegance are your preference, the British Colonial is for you, standing where builders once raised Fort Nassau, the island’s first fort. The property, built in 1901, is one of the oldest continually operating hotels in the Bahamas. The beauty and elegance of the historic hotel are breathtaking.
Located downtown, it offers the rare amenity of a white sand beach in the city center. There is also a stunning pool and plenty of green space to relax and while away the day. The building itself is of colonial era design, but has the feel of a classic tropical resort. The cream color and iconic red roof easily identify the British Colonial.
The indoor staircase is stunning, the epitome of a photo op. Movie buffs may recognize the stairs as “Never Say Never Again” and “Casino Royale” showcased the hotel in classic James Bond style.
The property is family-friendly with several different accommodations, many offering dazzling views. Rooms are spacious with king/queen beds as well as sofa beds and huge bathrooms. Rooms have a balcony, either a garden or an ocean view, and a luxurious ambience.
There is also plenty of meeting space and unique areas within the hotel, making it a perfect location for an island wedding.
The British Colonial entwines history and beauty into a picturesque hotel for your stay.
Margaritaville Beach Resort
Nassau elicits images of dreamy, tropical beaches. It’s only natural that the Margaritaville Beach Resort is part of this image. The resort is situated right along Nassau’s harbor front, featuring luxury accommodations in a relaxed, tropical, Jimmy Buffett vibe.
Margaritaville is the main resort anchor for The Pointe Complex. This area is Nassau’s effort to bring the harbor front to life for year-round use by tourists and locals. The resort has the unique distinction of being a beachfront property in an area that also combines urban vibes and residential living.
The Pointe comes alive with live music, themed events, and festive seasonal celebrations, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience while staying at a downtown property.
Walking through the resort immediately takes any stress away. Walls burst with lyrics from Buffett’s songs, wrapping the space in a carefree island vibe. The big blue flip-flops remind visitors to relax and enjoy.
The beach and pools overlook Nassau Harbor and a waterpark features a lazy river, a surfing stimulator, and lots of water slides. The resort is within walking distance to the British Colonial as well as the downtown shopping district and the famous Straw Market.
Condo-style units and suites offer incredible views and luxurious furnishings, making for a perfect stay. The property even boasts several meeting spaces, opening up plenty of opportunities for hosting events and celebrations.
Catching my eye was the incredible infinity pool within the adult-only area.
The Breezes Resort
Anyone looking for an all-inclusive resort with a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than The Breezes Resort located right on Cable Beach, one of the most famous and scenic beaches in Nassau. I enjoyed several days here, and every moment proved just how phenomenal this place is.
The Breezes strikes a balance of fun, beauty, and value. Generally priced below some of Nassau’s more well-known resorts, it provides everything needed from an all-inclusive. There are several dining options, and the food is quite pleasurable. The property includes three freshwater pools, including a swim-up bar. Just a few steps from these pools is a fantastic stretch of beach offering stunning sunrises and sunsets.
If you’re into sports and fitness, there is a workout center as well as tennis courts, a rock-climbing wall, and beach volleyball. I was able to enjoy nightly entertainment and themed events, generally in and around the pools, weather permitting.
The resort hosts its share of groups, destination weddings, and themed vacation packages. While it’s about 10 minutes from downtown, it is an excellent place for couples and friends’ getaways, though it is mainly adults-only (14+).
I would definitely return to this resort for its service and vibe.
Notable Nassau Places of Interest
If you’re looking for a strict adult-only all-inclusive resort, Nassau boasts a couple of elegant resorts. Both Hotel Riu and The Warwick Paradise Island are viable options.
A visit to John Watlings Distillery provides a guided tour of a premium rum distillery along with samples at the end of the tour. I was fortunate to partake in a rum tasting, sampling the different types produced there and learning about their various aspects. Visitors get a taste of history walking through the Buena Vista Estate, circa 1789, even learning about its namesake pirate.
If you have a desire to learn and immerse yourself in authentic Bahamian culture, a visit to the Educulture Junkanoo Museum and Experience is a must. I learned about Junkanoo—its history, origins, and meaning—and found it absolutely captivating. I heard this described as a living heritage, and I couldn’t say it better. My visit to the museum was one of my most memorable experiences during my time in Nassau.
