The Best Boutique Hotels in Bahamas

The vibrant and colourful Rock House Hotel is a historic property on Harbour Island that has seen many transformations since it was built in the 1940s. Once a private home, then a bed and breakfast followed by a rental property, the boutique hotel now serves as one of the most sophisticated resorts in the area. Rock House features ten uniquely decorated rooms, a pool and fully equipped gym. The restaurants at the hotel are among the best on the island and, if you’re feeling like a stroll, there is the famous pink-sand beach running along the property.

Located 70 feet above sea level, on a steep hill, is the ten-room Ocean West Boutique Hotel. The hotel’s location provides a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Killarney, south of the property. Guests can pamper themselves in the massage suite or exercise at the rooftop fitness centre. Aside from breakfast meals served at the hotel, the restaurant Sapodilla, one of Bahamas’ most sophisticated restaurants, is just next door for dinner.

On the tranquil shores of Eleuthera, you will find the cosy, stylish Cove Resort. The property features 55 seaside cottages and villas, all with an incredible view of the Bahamas’ turquoise waters. The Cove also has its own private beach, a fitness centre, spa, open-air sunset bar and a gourmet restaurant serving traditional Bahamian cuisine. The resort is one of the few in Eleuthera where you can engage in a range of water activities, including snorkelling, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the luxurious, eco-friendly Tiamo Resort is an exclusive tropical paradise on South Andros Island. Stay in one of the 11 villas or beach-side cottages with access to the pool, library, spa and gym. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the beach bar or tuck into seared ahi tuna with sautéed zucchini for dinner, with a fantastic view of the Caribbean waters. During the day, the hotel hosts a number of activities. Go paddling in a transparent kayaks from the resort’s private beach or off-shore fishing in the ‘Tongue of the Ocean’, a mile-deep canyon teeming with fish.

The Sunrise Beach Club & Villas is one of Nassau’s cosiest boutique resorts. The tranquil property features one- to five-bedroom villas, all with an ocean view of Cabbage Beach. All rooms and villas have fully appointed kitchens, terraces, entertainment centres and much more. It offers a more private, low-key option to an upscale hotel. Sunrise Club’s private beach gives guests access to banana boat rides, para-sailing and wave runner rentals. Popular with visitors and locals alike, stop at Viola’s bar and grill for a mango daiquiri and a bite to eat.

The 30-room Island House is located near one of Nassau’s most exclusive communities, Lyford Cay. With just 30 rooms, the hotel never feels busy. Onsite, you can play squash, swim in the lap pool or try one of the daily yoga and fitness classes. While Island House isn’t a beachfront property, you can just hop in the hotel’s Land Rover ‘taxi’ for a five-minute ride to the Old Fort Bay Club private beach. Dining options include Shima, a southeast Asian restaurant, serving arguably the best pad thai in the Bahamas, as well as pizza at Mahogany House and vanilla lattes at the Coffee House.

The historic Graycliff Hotel, once a colonial mansion built in 1740 by pirate Captain John Howard Graysmith, is nestled in the heart of Nassau. Ornate decor makes this hotel one of a kind, with four-poster beds, antique dressers and floral bed linen. Downstairs, there is the world’s third-largest collection of wine in the cellar to enjoy a bottle from. The Graycliff is also home to the Caribbean’s first 5-star restaurant (think lobster bisque and chateaubriand). Take a dip in the pool or learn how to roll your own cigar at the Graycliff Cigar Company nearby.

Formerly a private vacation home for the Marley family, today the legacy of Bob is celebrated at this luxury boutique resort. There are 16 themed suites, including the Jammin’ garden room and Three Little Birds master suite, complete with Moroccan rugs, mahogany furniture and brightly coloured mosaic tiles. Spend the afternoon in the two outdoor pools overlooking Cable Beach or peruse the Marley memorabilia in the Music Gallery.

The Coral Sands Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of Harbour Island. The oceanfront resort features 37 rooms, each decorated in a British colonial style, beautiful ocean-view cottages, and a three-bedroom private villa. The resort is located on the famous pink-sand beach where guests can go snorkelling, scuba diving or have picnics. Coral Sands is also home to the Terrace restaurant and the Beach Bar, which serves irresistible food, drinks and wines.

The idyllic Kamalame Cay Resort is a hidden gem located just off Andros’ mainland. Owned by childhood sweethearts Brian and Jennifer, this private island retreat offers 27 luxurious seaside suites, cottages and beach houses, each decorated with white walls, rattan rugs and chunky carved furniture. Rinse off the sand in the outdoor shower before pouring a cold G&T, using ingredients supplied with the villa. With three miles of white-sand beaches, there’s plenty to do – head out snorkelling, swim in the pool, play tennis or indulge in a massage at the overwater spa.