The Bahamas, also known as "The Country of 700 Islands," although located in the Atlantic Ocean, is a favorite stop in the Caribbean cruise. Being only 45 minutes by plane to southeast of Miami, it is also a preferred destination for Americans starting to explore outside the U.S. Aside from its capital Nassau, other island districts such as Freeport, Great Exuma, Paradise Island, Harbour Island and Eleuthera serve travelers longing to feel a nice tropical warmth and experience a stunning beach ambiance.
There is an abundance of resorts to choose from and the best option is to reduce the stress and hassle of trip planning and budgeting by booking a Bahamas all inclusive package that fits your travel style. From this list of top rated all inclusive resorts the Bahamas offers, you can already pinpoint your best possible choice based on your travel budget (extravagant or limited), purpose (relaxation or outdoors), and company (partner, friends, kids, or even none).
1. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Knowing that you can experience two islands at the price of one will probably get you picking up your phone to book at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island. Sea-view suites, gym spa, and all other free amenities, and inland and water activities (name it, they have it) are never in question for this once-voted "Top Spa Resort" by Conde Nast Traveler. Aside from the all inclusive Bahamas experience in Cable Beach Nassau, you also get the rights to a free tour to their private offshore island where a secluded beach awaits, as well as other activities such as riding a private ferry, snorkeling and feeding sting of stingrays.
Wow factor:
Experience luxury at its finest by availing the highly impressive butler service, which is cheap if you can afford their Rolls Royce special transfer from the port/airport.
2. Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort
What does the owner of Sandals Emerald share in common with Johnny Depp, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and David Copperfield? Well, they all have a house (or hotel) in the Great Exuma district of the Bahamas. Dubbed as the Honeymoon Caribbean Resort, Sandals Emerald is the best for couples, whether new or rejuvenating. Book this Bahamas all-inclusive and get access to literally all activities, whether inland or water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, boat-paddling, scuba diving, readily available when you feel like being adventurous. Food and drinks are excellent and generously provided. It's also friendly to healthy-eating visitors as gluten-free meals are provided as options.
Wow factor:
Aside from exciting water sports, you get free access to other activities you never thought you could do in a beach resort such as dance, golf, and tennis lessons.
3. Breezes Resort
Another favorite in Nassau for its friendly staff, excellent food, and true-to-its-word all-inclusive services, Breezes Resort offers a "feels like home" ambiance with its relaxed beachfront in tandem with its cozy entertainment. But if you are outdoorsy, don't worry as rock climbing and trapeze swings are also part of the Bahamas all-inclusive experience it offers.
Wow factor:
The best day pass among all Bahamas all-inclusive resorts can be availed here for only $80, truly free of all services and activities from 10 am to 6 pm which is best if you are on a short stay or limited budget.
4. Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort
The stunning beach with fine white sand and pristine clear waters welcome guests of Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort located in the Freeport district. With its proximity to the Lucayan marketplace, you have easy access to regular shops, bars & restaurants, ATM, subway, and other tour providers. If you ever get bored with their not-to-miss seafood buffet and pizza at the Italian restaurant (which is just a few of the highly recommended), a true Bahamian crowd awaits you in its neighboring seaside snack shack. But who would want to go out when you have free access to water sports items such as kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats, and snorkeling gadgets?
Wow factor:
While other Bahamas all-inclusive resorts require booking for dinner, Memories Grand's steakhouse and hibachi restaurants, aside from offering the best cuisines, don't need you to make reservations. That's hassle-free dinner!
5. Riu Palace Paradise Island
Whether you are traveling solo or with your family on a budget, Hotel Riu could be the best resort for you. Unlike the giant resorts that isolate you from the rest of the island, Riu Palace is more of a home-base for those who wish to explore what Paradise Island has to offer. If you want to experience more than the free water activities, clean fair-sized ocean-view rooms, polite staff and excellent food that Riu Palace provides, the Atlantis, Ocean Club gardens, the marina side, and the ferry port for an island hop to Nassau are just a walking distance away.
Wow factor:
Aside from great value for its price, finding guests with their kids on Riu Palace Paradise Island proves that this resort is kid-friendly.
Recommendations
To summarize, in deciding on which resort to book, make sure to consider your purpose for traveling. Because whether it is for pure relaxation or mixed with outdoor adventures, whether with the company of friends, family, partner or of none, whether for isolation or to engage with the rich Bahamas local life, there is always a Bahamas all-inclusive option that will fit your preferences. Lastly, never forget to demand a sea view suite!