The Best Hotels in Freeport, the Bahamas

Family-focused and budget-friendly, the Bell Channel Inn first opened its doors in 1980 and remains in the hands of the family who opened it. In fact, the hotel’s motto is that they treat everyone like family, and here, that’s not just marketing-speak. The site is compact, with a courtyard pool and 32 waterside rooms that are bright and homey, with pastel color-schemes and rattan furniture. A great base for divers, the renowned dive shop, Caribbean Divers, is just a short boat ride from the hotel.

There are swim-up bars, and then there are swim-up bars in a cave. At Taino Beach, you’ll find the latter. Housed in its own grotto made of hewn rocks, it’s a cool break from the sun. Here, the beachside lifestyle is a breeze to ease into, with BBQ grills located around the property and white sands on the doorstep. The swimming pool is another highlight, in a tropical setting, along with a lazy river and a 100ft (30m) water slide. For those that sail, there’s a serviced marina with 25 boat slips. On the accommodation front, there are cream-hued rooms spread across three buildings in this hotel in Freeport and all offer full kitchens, master bedrooms and patios or balconies.

Bright rooms in yellows and blues look out over the busy waters of the Port Lucaya Marina and canals of Grand Bahama Island. Individual touches such as local artwork, sculptures and handwoven cushions lend a homey feel. For longer stays, book the waterside stateroom category, which offers more space with a separate bedroom and a kitchenette. Sabor, the hotel’s elegant restaurant, is situated next to three separate and serene pools, meaning guests can grab a light bite after enjoying a refreshing dip. The local market square is extremely close by, home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and spa services, as well as a popular casino and golf course. Cross the road to access over 2mi (3km) of white sand beach; sunsets are the perfect time to take a moment and soak in this pretty spot. Be sure to book a day trip to Lucayan National Park. This 40-acre (16ha) underwater cave system is one of the longest in the world.

Foodies, brace yourself. This 36-unit condo-hotel in Freeport, which hugs a tropical waterfront, is serious about its food. Describing its restaurant as “vintage,” guests are required to dress formally for cuisine prepared by an award-winning team of Bahamian chefs, where the open kitchen concept is intended to give the feeling that chefs and staff are preparing dinner for 30 friends. The seared sea scallops with minted pea and pineapple salsa are a must. Tours leave from the hotel’s dockside – no lines, just personalized service. Take a leap into Owl’s Hole, a 30ft (9m) drop into a crystal-clear freshwater cave, or for experienced divers, famous Tiger Beach offers the opportunity to swim with tiger and hammerhead sharks. After all that activity, relax in rooms furnished like homes away from home, with quaint Bahamian decor and perks including kitchens, washer-dryers and marina views.

Watch the boats come back to shore at the Ocean Reef Resort and Yacht Club, where the rooms and the grounds, which include two outdoor pools, face the marina. With full kitchens, in-room coffee machines and some suites featuring spa baths or hot tubs, you can be as self-contained as you like. The on-site Dive Shop offers certification for beginners and can arrange daily dive or snorkel trips. There are tennis and volleyball courts on site, or rent a bike and set off to explore. Replenish your energy with a trip to the club’s restaurant, Oceans Blue, which serves an all-day selection of homemade delicacies. Oh, and don’t miss the weekly island fish fry for deliciously fresh fare, straight from the sea.