By Lauren Dana Ellman November 14, 2024
Travel + Leisure
The Bahamas is famous for its sugar-sand beaches, warm weather, and stunningly clear waters. All of this, coupled with its close proximity to the Eastern Seaboard (not only is it less than 200 miles from Miami, but it’s also less than 4 hours by plane from major cities such as New York and Boston) make the Bahamas an ideal vacation destination. With this in mind, it makes sense that this Caribbean country, comprising nearly 700 islands and cays, is home to dozens of incredible hotels and resorts.
Travelers looking to truly unwind — that is, without having to plan off-site excursions or reservations that force them to reach for their wallets — should consider checking into an all-inclusive resort, where room rates fold in on-site activities, meals, beverages, and entertainment offerings. All in all, a stay at one of the Bahamas’ best all-inclusive resorts will be one for the books, with everything you could ever want or need right on site. Whether you’re craving a romantic adults-only retreat or a family-friendly oasis, we’ve rounded up the best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas for every type of traveler, some of which have even ranked in T+L’s exclusive World’s Best Awards.
Why I’m the Expert
Lauren Dana Ellman is a travel writer and editor with over six years of experience. She’s also been fortunate enough to visit several all-inclusive Bahamas resorts in recent years, both for work and pleasure. She’s confident this list includes the country’s most relevant offerings for a positively dreamy vacation.
Kamalame Cay
What We Like
- This beachy-chic, picture-perfect private island resort is ideal for those craving seclusion with a side of luxury.
What to Consider
- A stay here doesn’t come cheap.
Located off the coast of Andros, this idyllic private island resort — which has won World’s Best Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023 — is situated on a 96-acre cay. Despite its sprawling grounds, the property offers just 22 beachy-chic rooms and suites comprised of bungalows, cottages, and Balinese-inspired beach houses. Guests here enjoy complimentary non-motorized water sports plus tennis and bike rentals. Wellness-seekers craving R&R need not miss the overwater spa, where services range from rose quartz lymphatic facials to seaweed-infused body treatments. While standard rates only include complimentary breakfast, guests can opt to purchase the standard or premium Guest of House packages, both of which include all meals, snacks, water, sodas, and juices; the latter, however, includes beers, wines, and spirits.
The Details:
- Location: Kamalame Cay
- Gratuities Included: No
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Accessibility: None
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Loyalty Programs: The Guestbook
- Rates: From $515 per night (excluding 32 percent taxes and gratuities)
Fowl Cay Resort
What We Like
- Each of the all-villa accommodations comes with its own powerboat with unlimited fuel.
What to Consider
- Minimum stays of seven nights are required.
This World’s Best Awards-winning private island resort in the Exumas stands out for its luxe accommodations. Each of the six oceanfront villas — which range in size from one to three bedrooms — comes complete with panoramic ocean views, direct beach access, a fully stocked kitchen, and, get this, its own powerboat with unlimited fuel for zipping around the island.
Don’t feel like cooking? No problem. Grab a meal or drink at the on-site Hill House restaurant, where the sunset views are simply stunning. Also included in your stay are Wi-Fi, premium alcoholic beverages, use of the tennis courts, fishing and water sports equipment, and your own golf cart.
The Details:
- Location: Fowl Cay, Exuma Islands
- Gratuities Included: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Accessibility: Yes, two of the six villas
- Loyalty Programs: None
- Rates: From $17,731 per week
This peaceful private island resort is the perfect example of barefoot luxury — and offers easy access to the Exumas’ famous swimming pigs and countless other adventures by water. The best part is, each of its spacious oceanfront villas comes with access to its own powerboat. Don’t miss the daily cocktail hour — the restaurant has beautiful sunset views.
Sandals Royal Bahamian
What We Like
- This romantic all-inclusive resort stands out for its 10 restaurants and complimentary water sports, including scuba diving.
What to Consider
- This resort is exclusively geared toward couples.
Sandals Royal Bahamian underwent a hefty $55 million renovation in 2022 that included new accommodations, restaurants, and lounge space, as well as the addition of a private island, Sandals Cay, that’s a quick 5-minute boat ride from the main resort. Rates at this romantic retreat include three meals, snacks, unlimited premium liquors, round-trip airport transportation, water sports, scuba diving, entertainment, taxes, and gratuities, among other amenities.
For a true treat, spring on a swim-up suite with butler service and private airport transfers, among other luxe amenities. I personally stayed in a spacious West Bay Honeymoon Oceanview One Bedroom Butler Suite and found the butler service to be incredibly helpful since they would reserve chairs by the often-crowded pool and beach area before we were even out of bed, which meant we could stay in PJs a bit longer while soaking up the ocean views from the comfort of our private terrace. I’d also be remiss not to mention the plentiful food and drink options; there are a total of 10 restaurants — which run the gamut from haute French fare at La Plume to authentic Bahamian eats at the Coco Queen food truck — and eight bars, three of which are swim-up.
The Details:
- Location: Paradise Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Yes; two accessible rooms and one accessible restaurant. One standard wheelchair and two beach wheelchairs are available for guest use, too.
- Loyalty Programs: Sandals Select rewards program
- Rates: From $300 per person, per night
Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan
Also available to book at Expedia.com and Hotels.com
What We Like
- The staff are warm and welcoming, while the rooms and common spaces, including the beautiful beach area, are pristine.
What to Consider
- Not all rooms have ocean views.
Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan is an upscale all-inclusive oasis on Grand Bahama Island; here, guests enjoy unlimited drinking and dining, entertainment (including weekly Friday night karaoke flights and Sunday brunches), water sports, and unlimited golf. Gratuities, taxes, and service charges are also included in the room rate.
Contemporary rooms and suites start at a spacious 400 square feet, and each has private furnished balconies as a bonus. The four on-site restaurants serve up everything from Bahamian conch fritters to house-made flatbreads, to fresh-baked pastries and beyond. The resort also has a pristine stretch of sand and a sparkling infinity-style swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
The Details:
- Location: Grand Bahama Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Handicap-accessible
- Loyalty Programs: None
- Rates: From $134 per night
Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island
Also available to book at Expedia.com
What We Like
- This adults-only all-inclusive boasts a beautiful beach area plus a handful of eclectic drinking and dining options.
What to Consider
- Rooms and suites are a bit dated compared to the other resorts on the list.
For an adults-only, warm-weather escape, look no further than Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island in Nassau. When they’re not relaxing in their rooms, each of which has a private balcony or terrace, guests can be found soaking up the Bahamian sun on the beach (there is a stretch of sand reserved exclusively for resort guests) or enjoying a dip in one of two on-site swimming pools.
Additionally, with a slew of entertainment offerings and activities — which run the gamut from live shows and music to beach volleyball, kayaking, and beyond — it’s pretty much impossible to be bored here. For an extra rose of R&R, hit the Renova Spa, which has a sauna, whirlpool bath, and a slew of wellness-centric treatments such as vitamin C facials, detoxifying body wraps, and deep tissue massages. Lastly, when hunger calls, guests can make their way to the main buffet or one of four a la carte restaurants, including a Japanese eatery and a steakhouse.
The Details:
- Location: Paradise Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: Select restaurants
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Yes
- Loyalty Programs: Riu Class
- Rates: From $262 per night
Breezes Resort Bahamas All Inclusive
What We Like
- This lively all-inclusive is conveniently and ideally situated along one of the Bahamas’ most famous beaches.
What to Consider
- Not all rooms have private patios.
Breezes Resort Bahamas All Inclusive is set along Cable Beach, a 2.5-mile stretch of sand that’s considered one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful beaches. While we wouldn’t blame you if you spent the entirety of your stay on the sand, the hotel also boasts several freshwater pools — one of which has a swim-up bar — which all overlook the stunningly clear ocean.
Otherwise, post up in one of the al fresco hammocks, play a round of tennis or pickleball, indulge in an island-inspired spa treatment at the on-site spa, or head to one of the five restaurants or four bars for a meal or tropical cocktail. Come nighttime, retreat to your room or suite, all of which have elegant marble bathrooms and rich mahogany wood furnishings for an elegant look and feel.
The Details:
- Location: Paradise Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Yes, select guest rooms and facilities
- Loyalty Programs: Breezes Rewards – Guest Loyalty Program
- Rates: From $384 per night
Club Med Columbus – Bahamas
What We Like
- The location is more off-the-beaten path for a truly private vacation.
What to Consider
- There are just two restaurants.
Reopen since October 2022 following extensive renovations, this 89-acre oceanfront resort offers postcard-worthy views of the Bahamas’ famous turquoise waters from pretty much all angles. The upscale property is located on the tiny San Salvador Island, which, compared to nearby Nassau, is far less crowded and way under the radar.
At this resort, land and water sports are included, such as tennis, Wingfoil (a combination of windsurfing and kiteboarding), yoga, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing, to name a few. Two restaurants, three bars, and tropical-inspired rooms and suites round out the resort.
The Details:
- Location: San Salvador Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Yes
- Loyalty Programs: Great Members Program
- Rates: From $374 per person, per night
Small Hope Bay Lodge
What We Like
- This beachy-chic all-inclusive offers an intimate ambiance coupled with ample outdoor activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddling.
What to Consider
- All meals are served buffet-style, which may be a turn-off for some travelers.
The all-inclusive Small Hope Bay Lodge has been welcoming guests to Andros Island for over 60 years. Accommodations take the form of beachfront cabins, each hand-built from coral rock and local pine and decorated with handmade furnishings, local artwork, and colorful Androsia batik accents.
The al fresco showers, ideal for a post-snorkel or -scuba rinse-off, are just the icing on the cake. The property is especially popular among adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike since it includes complimentary use of bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks, along with a free scuba or snorkeling lesson. When it comes time to refuel, feast on local specialties such as fresh-caught lobster — best enjoyed with a drink, of course. There’s also a kids’ menu, a nightly cocktail hour with a full open bar, and complimentary babysitting for children ages two to seven during dinnertime (6:00 p.m. through 8:45 p.m.).
The Details:
- Location: Andros Island
- Gratuities Included: No
- Restaurant Reservations Required: No
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: None
- Loyalty Programs: None
- Rates: From $325 per night
Warwick Paradise Island
What We Like
- This harborfront hotel is a favorite for its adults-only ambiance and lively atmosphere.
What to Consider
- The resort isn’t by the ocean; rather, it’s located along Nassau Harbor.
Warwick Paradise Island is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on — you guessed it — Paradise Island. This property stands out for its private beach area and five restaurants offering everything from Italian to Asian-fusion to steak and seafood.
Meanwhile, the contemporary rooms and suites provide plenty of natural light plus pops of black, yellow, and teal, an homage to the Bahamian flag. At the beating heart of the hotel is the Junkanoo Beat, where you’ll find dance shows, live performances, movie nights, karaoke, game tournaments, and more. For some R&R, make a beeline for the Amber Spa, or enjoy a dip in the sprawling swimming pool.
The Details:
- Location: Paradise Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes (for dinner)
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Yes; the Island View Accessible room is located on a lower floor and has wider bathroom doors and roll-in showers with grab bars.
- Loyalty Programs: Warwick Journeys
- Rates: From $224 per night
Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
What We Like
- This value-packed resort offers complimentary amenities such as water sports and trapeze classes.
What to Consider
- Given the resort’s family-friendly programming and amenities, those craving an adults-only escape should stay elsewhere.
Located on Grand Bahama Island, the oceanfront Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive, spans 26 lush foliage-fringed acres. The amenity-packed property is especially popular among families for its kids’ club, dedicated children’s pool, and activities such as tennis, kayaking, snorkeling, a mini-disco, and trapeze classes.
In between activities, guests can be found grabbing a bite to eat at one of the four restaurants, including the aptly named Viva La Pizza and Hacienda Don Diego, which dishes out mouth-watering Mexican favorites. Guest rooms are equipped with balconies or private terraces. The aforementioned activities along with all meals, unlimited drinks (including cocktails and wine), and entertainment are all included in the room rate.
The Details:
- Location: Grand Bahama Island
- Gratuities Included: Yes
- Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes (for dinner at select restaurants)
- Wi-Fi: Included
- Accessibility: Yes, handicap-accessible rooms and facilities
- Loyalty Programs: Wyndham Rewards
- Rates: From $194 per night
Know Before You Go
You can use U.S. dollars in the Bahamas
Good news: there’s no need to convert your U.S. dollars to Bahamian dollars since the currencies have a 1-to-1 exchange rate. However, it’s worth noting that you will still need your U.S. passport in order to gain entry into the country, and re-entry into the U.S. after your trip.
English is the official language of the Bahamas
English is the official language of the Bahamas, which reduces the language-barrier struggle that often comes with traveling to foreign destinations. This means that U.S. and native English-speaking travelers will easily be able to communicate with locals, tour guides, and hotel staff alike.
Cars drive on the left side of the road
Should you opt to rent a vehicle in the Bahamas — however, it’s unlikely you’ll need to — keep in mind that cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is because the Bahamas was a British colony for over 300 years before becoming an independent country in 1973.
Be wary of hurricane season
In the Bahamas, hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November 30th. While these months coincide with the destination’s low season — expect fewer crowds and cheaper rates on lodging and airfare — they’re also the wettest months of the year. As such, storms and rain should be expected.
How We Chose These Hotels
For this story, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman pored through hundreds of user reviews and ratings — coupled with her own personal experience — to narrow down the best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas. Several properties also made this specially-curated list because they’ve earned a highly coveted spot on T+L’s World’s Best Awards list. Additionally, since this list was focused on all-inclusive properties, it was important to consider the complimentary activities, amenities, drinking and dining, and entertainment offered at each property. Just as we broke down what was included at each property, we also made sure to note what is not folded into the room rate (i.e., in some cases, gratuities). Lastly, it’s worth noting that all of our hotel recommendations align with our T+L Hotel Values.
