There are around 700 sizeable islands in the Bahamas, and while they share a sunny position, surrounded by a paradise of coral sea, the islands have extremely different holidays to offer. So this is one of the Caribbean areas we think is in particular need of our Hotel Gurus’ expertise. Their recommendations of the best hotels for families in the Bahamas includes properties for watersports-loving families, divers and fisherfolk, lovers of comfort and luxury, families who want to try all the activities a resort has to offer, history buffs, and families who just want to escape to a sunny beach! The list also has hotel options for larger and extended families, and those who want plenty of privacy. Use our guide and start to plan your next family getaway.
For Beachfront Fun
- The Cove Atlantis is often referred to as the ultimate Caribbean beach resort, and if you want to stay in paradise then this is a close option. It rises like a pink palace out of bright blue waters, its 600 rooms stacked atop each other so everyone gets an amazing view of the hotel’s palm tree-fringed lagoon pools and the Caribbean beyond. And if you think of an activity you can probably do it here — including swimming with dolphins and designer shopping. Size really equals choice here.
- The Valentines Resort & Marina sits just back from one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas, and arguably the whole Caribbean: Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island. To go with the beautiful beach is a collection of 41 luxurious suites and villas, traditionally decorated with hardwood floors and antique-style furnishings. Valentines has a room to suit every family configuration, plus they offer a babysitting service, kids club, two restaurants and fantastic watersports facilities.
For a complete Escape
- Surrounded by lush forest and spread along two private beaches on either side of a rocky headland, The Cove Eleuthera is a gorgeous, secluded, contemporary hotel, ideal for families with an eye for design. There are 58 suites and cabins, and the family-sized ones are enormous, with big sea-facing verandahs. There’s a stunning infinity pool, great snorkelling nearby, and an excellent restaurant.
- Small Hope Bay is a collection of 21 oceanfront cottages, decorated in bold tropical colours and prints, surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens, and opening out onto the beach, with nothing else around. Small Hope is well known and loved by divers and fishermen, but the all inclusive rate includes the hire of bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, windsurfing gear and sailboats. There’s also a library and games room.
Best for Activities
- The SLS Baha Mar is a huge beach resort in Nassau: a classic Caribbean dream hotel, with endless amenities and activities, including a beach club, kids club and classes, a cinema, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf course, spa, gym, casino, lots of places to eat and drink and three pools: including an infinity pool, a kids' pool and a huge lagoon pool.
- Old Bahama Bay is set along a private stretch of beach, with nothing between the low-rise, pastel mansion-style buildings, where the 73 rooms and suites are located, and the ocean. These charming buildings have huge verandahs, and each of the suites inside has a private section, along with living areas and kitchens. Acitivity and amenity-wise, there’s a kids club, lots of complimentary watersports gear, a spa, tennis courts and a fab restaurant.
A Home from Home
- Cat Island’s Fernandez Bay Village is a collection of charming, stone-clad beachfront cottages which do look quite like a little village. Each of the 18 cottages has a large, private patio, spacious living area, a kitchen, and direct beach access, along with tiled floors and bamboo furniture. In the centre of the ‘village’ is a tiki bar and restaurant, and hub for watersports gear. Beachside villas are ideal for families, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
- Pineapple Fields is a collection of homely villas just back from a stretch of calm, sandy beach. With comfortable, contemporary interiors, and full kitchens, these villas make great homes-from-home. But with a great seafood restaurant, a lagoon pool, tropical gardens and beach access.
- The Hut Pointe Inn is perfectly located in Governor’s Harbour, where the beaches are calm and beautiful, and offers accommodation in spacious, comfortable, two bedroom suites with modern kitchens and verandahs. The inn doesn’t have a restaurant, but it does have watersports ephemera to share.
For Larger Families
- Perfect for families (and sailors), the Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina is a collection of just 14 one- and two-bed villas (which sleep up to six) on a jut of white sand between a bright blue harbour and the bright blue sea. Complete with kitchens and living space, these villas have sea views in almost every direction, plus access to three beaches. The resort has fantastic watersports facilities, and their restaurant will happily cook anything you catch in the water!
For Luxury
- The Ocean Club is a luxurious Four Seasons resort in Nassau, and our Gurus think this is the property that’s really nailed Bahamian style. There’s a lot of beautiful hardwoods and incredible landscaped gardens. The restaurant is a showstopper too. This resort is spacious enough for us to recommend to both families and honeymooners, because there’s plenty of privacy and purpose-made facilities for each.
For Rest and Relaxation
- Paradise Bay Bahamas is a collection of pastel-painted one and two bedroom bungalows on a white, sandy beach on the island of Exuma. The pointed roofs and beach-hut furnishings give them a relaxed vibe, and the huge terraces on top of the sand lend themselves to relaxation. There are two pools, a restaurant and bar, and no one else on the beach. The larger bungalows have self catering facilities, and there are opportunities to dive, snorkel, sail, or try other watersports.
- The Landing is a 13 room hotel converted from an elegant, 19th century plantation mansion, and benefits from old world elegance and spaciousness combined with contemporary facilities and Caribbean chic. The family suites are large and comfortable and you’re right on the beach. There’s also a pool and one of the best restaurants on the island.
- The French Leave Resort on Eleuthera is ideal if you’re seeking peace and relaxation. Its 20 plantation-style villas are all different sizes, the largest has four bedrooms and a private pool, and all have luxurious decor and huge balconies and terraces. Beyond your private villa the beach is everything you could imagine, and there’s a beautiful, sunset-facing infinity pool and restaurant with sea views. And you’re a relaxed stroll from more restaurants and bars.
For Great Value
- The Orange Hill Beach Inn has been charmingly converted from an old orange plantation, and is now a pastel-coloured, beachfront inn with 33 rooms, suites and studios. The best choice for families are the studios, which have small kitchens. There’s a pool, terrace and a Bahamian restaurant — and direct beach access!
Still not sure where to book?