“It’s better in the Bahamas,” is the longtime tagline of this Caribbean island nation. And it’s true. No matter what style of tropical getaway you prefer—super sophisticated; activities à go-go; all day and night dance parties — there’s a specific island in this archipelago of more than 700 for you. Whatever pristine expanse — or spits of sand — you choose you’ll enjoy sublime and often footprint-free beaches and some of the clearest water on the planet — and a singular honeymoon experience.
Chic Beach: Harbour Island
Harbour Island, with its pastel-colored houses and high-end boutiques, attracts a posh crowd. After strolling the pristine pink sand beaches and hiring a boat to take you to the island’s best snorkel- ing spots, explore pretty little Dunmore Town. You’ll nd quaint churches, family- owned conch shacks and bakeries and stylish clothing boutiques like the Sugar Mill, owned by British designer and long- time Harbour Island resident India Hicks.
Where to Eat: Dress in your best beach-chic kaftan when lunching at Sip Sip, a casual oceanside hotspot with great people watching. The most romantic dining room on the island is located within The Landing, a ritzy boutique hotel. Favorite dishes include grilled lob- ster, beef tenderloin and chili salt squid.
Photo courtesy of Pink Sands Resort
Where to Stay: Pink Sands has 25 pastel-colored cottages and lush grounds that feature hibiscus and bou- gainvillea and swaying coconut palms. After a day lolling on beach (the sand really does have a pink hue!), sip a fruity and spirited Goombay Smash cocktail on the deck of the Blue Bar before dining at Malcolm 51, which showcases fresh- caught seafood (room rates start at $579 a night).
Next: Where to Go for Private Paradise ►
Private Paradise: Kamalame Cay
For pure — and posh — escapism, there’s Kamalame Cay, a 96-acre private island resort off Andros, the Bahamas’ largest island. Blissful days include a lobster picnic on a secluded stretch of beach reached via golf cart (each room comes with one), napping on a beachside hammock, kayaking along the shore and indulging in a hot-stone massage in the fabulous over-the-water bungalow spa. Staff can arrange sunset cocktail cruises and shing and diving excursions to the more inhabited Andros.
Where to Eat: Meals are served in the island’s Great House and include conch salad and seared ahi tuna for lunch and pork belly with coconut rice and stone crab fettuccine for dinner. The impressive wine list features bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux and Sonoma. For a more casual meal, there’s nightly barbecue served at the thatched-roof Tiki Bar.
Where to Stay: Kamalame Cay boasts 19 rooms, cottages and suites. A romantic option is the one-bedroom Cottage Suite, with tiled oors and French doors that lead to wraparound balconies, perfect for sunset watching (room rates start at $275 a night).
Photos courtesy of Kamalame Cay
Next: Where to Get Swept Away ►
Swept Away: Eleuthera
Mention Eleuthera, and you’ll likely get a few blank stares, as this low-key Bahamian island is not on most people’s radars — and that, of course, is what makes it so appealing. Visitors have white-sand beauties like Rainbow and Ten Bay beaches all to themselves. There are also natural attractions like Glass Window Bridge to discover. Although there isn’t much of a nightlife scene, everyone (including Lenny Kravitz who owns a home here) gathers at Elvina’s, a ramshackle bar and grill with live music, Cajun dishes and ice-cold Kalik beer.
Where to Eat: Tippy’s, with delicious seafood dishes like conch fritters, coconut shrimp and Bahamian stone crabs, is an island favorite. There’s also an inexpensive Friday night fish fry in Governor’s Harbour, which attracts a local crowd.
Where to Stay: The Cove has charming cottages and villas overlooking two crescent-shaped beaches. Enjoy soothing spa treatments and snorkeling in the aquamarine waters. A private champagne dinner on the sand with a bon fire is a romantic must-do (room rates start at $379 a night).
Photos courtesy of The Enchantment Group
Next: Where to Go for Glitzy Nightlife ►
Glitzy Nightlife: Nassau
If you like to boogie down after a day of lounging with an umbrella drink on gorgeous beaches like Cable and Cabbage, then capital Nassau — and adjacent Paradise Island — are your ports of call. Watch the sunset, rum punch in hand, in casual bars like the Green Parrot. After dinner, hit the bustling casino in the Atlantis resort for blackjack and roulette. Later it’s off to Atlantis’ Aura, a swanky nightclub, while nearby Señor Frog’s has a fun and young party vibe — don’t be surprised if you end up on a conga line.
Photo courtesy of Atlantis
Where to Eat: Sea Glass at the Cove Atlantis is a see-and-be-seen spot for tapas and cocktails. The enormous property also encompasses an outpost of sushi powerhouse Nobu. Or savor wagyu short ribs and Bahamian lobster at Seafire Steakhouse.
Where to Stay: The Cove Atlantis is a stylish all-suite hotel within the massive pink-hued Atlantis complex. Modern-chic rooms come with ocean-facing balconies and there’s an adults-only pool, complete with sexy daybeds, butler-serviced cabanas, international DJs, outdoor gaming tables and an all-day happy hour vibe (room rates start at $400 a night).
Next: Where to Go for Adventure ►
Adventures to Go: Exumas
The Exumas, a little-known Bahamian archipelago, has plenty to keep active types busy. At the beautiful Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma, spend your days on the water windsurfing, kayaking and sailing. The resort’s all-inclusive tariff offers unlimited scuba diving to the Exumas’ untouched coral reefs and wrecks. On land, there’s a Greg Norman-designed golf course and loads of organized activities. For a truly unique experience, book a snorkeling cruise to uninhabited cays, where you are sure to spy the local swimming pigs. Don’t forget to relax — the resort’s spa is an emporium of pampering.
Where to Eat: At the resort, ditch the flip- ops, because the floor at Barefoot by the Sea, with dishes like conch chowder and blackened wahoo, is just powder-soft sand. For a more elegant setting, there’s La Parisienne for French cuisine, and late night, have a pint in The Drunken Duck, an English-style pub with darts and a pool table.
Photos courtesy of Sandals Resorts
Where to Stay: The all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay is set on a pretty mile- long stretch of beach on Emerald Bay and has 249 suites, many with sea views. For the ultimate in pampering, book the bi-level Love Nest Suite with a private pool and butler service (room rates start at $269 per person, per night and are all inclusive).