The Best Beach Hotels to Book in The Bahamas

On the sleepy island of Great Exuma, this village-like resort exudes barefoot luxury. Elegant-but-unstuffy villas peep from behind tall coconut palms, overlooking a sweep of pristine sand. There are larger properties for multi-generational gatherings, or romantic beach houses-for-two, but all have natural stone floors, sink-into beds, breezy, colonial-style decor and well-stocked kitchens (handy if you have kids in tow). Guests can pootle about the resort on golf carts; winding paths lead down to a sleek infinity pool, Seastar spa (try a fragrant frangipani wrap) and three restaurants serving everything from lobster to jerk chicken.

Once inside this soothing, luxury enclave, it’s easy to forget that you are on Nassau’s Cable Beach, a bustling stretch of high-end hotels and lavish casinos just 10 minutes from the capital’s airport. Sleek, sophisticated interior design is peppered with bright Bahamian artwork, and there are all the bells and whistles you’d expect: beachside butler service, two shimmering pools and an enticing spa. If you’ve overdone it in the sun, retreat to the elegant library for afternoon tea, then smarten up for rum cocktails later at the moodily lit Manor Bar.

The look at this secluded bolthole is pared-down island chic, with a clutch of breezy white cottages gazing across the glassy waters of Governor’s Harbour on Eleuthera. Archways made of twisted driftwood and exuberant clouds of fuchsia-coloured bougainvillea add to the beachy charm, while the sleek infinity pool is made for sunset Instagram shots. Leave bomb-diving children at home – this is the spot for a stylish grown-up getaway. Eleuthera is known for its pink-sand beaches – the resort has its own private swathe on the Atlantic side of the island, which is a five-minute ride away by golf cart (each cottage comes with its own set of wheels).

Well off the beaten track, this eco-friendly outpost lies on Andros, the largest and wildest island in the Bahamas. Built in the 1960s, it has simple-but-stylish beachfront cabins hand-crafted from coral rock and pinewood, decorated in Androsia, a colourful batik-print fabric made on the island. There’s no swimming pool, but you won’t mind once you’ve clapped eyes on the white-sand beach strung with hammocks, and the solar-powered hot tub. Along with nature-lovers, it draws underwater enthusiasts, who come for the world-class dive sites right off the beach. And don’t miss the eye-popping blue holes inland: natural freshwater swimming pools.

Nassau’s most iconic hideaway has more than a whiff of old-school Hollywood glamour about it – indeed, parts of Casino Royale were filmed here, including the scene of Daniel Craig famously emerging from the sea in his tight-fitting trunks. Tucked away in 14ha (35 acres) of manicured tropical foliage, the hotel occupies a plum position on chi-chi Paradise Island, connected by bridges to the mainland. Rooms are as luxurious as you’d imagine, with lashings of marble, hardwood flooring and sea-inspired artwork. There are two immaculate pools, tennis courts and a Balinese-themed spa.

You couldn’t get any closer to the beach than you are here, right on a postcard-perfect crescent of talcum-powder-soft sand. This is a friendly, family-run hotel on unspoiled Cat Island, with 16 rooms daubed in bright tropical hues, livened-up with cheerful artwork. There’s a lovely, laidback feel, with fishing floats dangling from buttonwood trees, hand-painted driftwood signs and pink conch shells dotted around the place. Go for a snorkel, book a kite-surfing lesson, take a dip in the freshwater pool or simply stroll along the deserted beach for miles.

This secluded Nassau mansion feels more like the home of a wealthy, supremely stylish friend than a luxury hotel. There are subtle nods to Asia, with peaked rooftops and bamboo furnishings, while the 30 rooms are understated, in muted hues, with polished hardwood floors and breezy terraces. There’s an elegant pool, a spa by luxe British brand Bamford and a 48-seat cinema where you can sip chilled vino while watching arthouse movies. While it’s not right on the beach, there’s a guest shuttle to the hotel’s private swathe of white sand, just five minutes away.

A low-key Long Island hideaway, Stella Maris is the perfect spot to disconnect. Don’t expect fancy TVs and fast wifi; instead you’ll be treated to hypnotic ocean views from every angle, swaying hammocks and miles of unspoiled beaches such as spectacular Cape Santa Maria beach, with its silky-soft sand. Accommodation ranges from cosy rooms for couples to four-bedroom cottages with private pools. All are bright, spacious and spotless, with playful tropical decor and decked terraces. Don’t miss the weekly Rum Punch party, where the local band gets guests grooving beneath the palms.