Tucked away on Nassau’s famous Cable Beach, Rosewood Baha Mar is the dreamy, high-end standout of the sprawling Baha Mar resort complex – a mix of old-school charm and modern luxury, set against some of the most pristine white sands of the Bahamas.
Conceived in the early 2000s, the Baha Mar project was designed to bring Nassau’s tourism sector not only up to date but also up to a higher standard of luxury. After facing construction delays, the Baha Mar officially opened its doors in 2017, emerging as the Caribbean’s largest resort project. You’ll find two other properties on the grounds, but while Rosewood guests can use their amenities, those staying at the other hotels do not have access to the two quieter pools or the spa offering locally inspired treatments at Rosewood Baha Mar. There’s also a section of Cable Beach reserved exclusively for Rosewood guests, a not-so-egalitarian approach we could very much get behind during our stay.
Though big, Rosewood Baha Mar isn’t huge by resort standards – 237 rooms, suites, and beachfront villas – and that’s part of its appeal, with design leaning heavily into Bahamian heritage (think dark hardwood floors, island-inspired artwork, and classic furnishings). Our room was spacious, comfortable, and had one of those private terraces that demand you sit outside with a drink in hand, staring at the ocean like you’ve retired early and figured out life. It had all the modern luxuries you’d expect, from flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines to butler service.
Between Rosewood Baha Mar and across the larger Baha Mar complex, you could dine at a different restaurant for every meal for a week. The Commonwealth, within the hotel itself, offers a breakfast buffet and an à la carte dinner menu that blends international flavours with local ingredients. Costa is the casual, poolside spot serving coastal dishes with a Mexican twist (and as amateur global fish taco aficionados, we were very impressed).
Meanwhile, the Manor Bar is dark, moody, and great for cocktails. It was probably our favorite of the bunch, with a lively atmosphere in the evenings. The Library, finally, is a bright and elegant space offering tea, caviar, and champagne in a laid-back environment. While variety was not an issue due to the rest of sprawling Baha Mar’s many dining options, we still tended to stay within the luxe environs of Rosewood Baha Mar, which kept us more than happy.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | NAS | GMT -4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Get out of the complex and take yourself downtown. Avoid the area around the port, which is full of the usual touristy restaurants and knick-knack shops. Instead, head down to Junkanoo Beach and check out one of its many shack-style “fish fry” spots. Goldie’s Conch House, a recommendation from our driver, is a local institution and the conch salad, which we ate before knowing what conch is (it’s a sea snail), was absolutely delicious. |
The resort keeps things relatively peaceful compared to the rest of the Baha Mar complex. There are two pools – one with beach views and private cabanas, and another that’s quieter and more tucked away. The beach itself is as good as it looks in the photos, with easy access to water sports if you feel like being active, or just an excellent stretch of sand if you don’t.
For relaxation, there’s Sense, A Rosewood Spa, offering treatments that pull from local traditions, and a fitness centre with modern equipment and classes. The gym was rather busy during our stay, which was new for us: perhaps the mostly American clientele contains more gym bunnies than other countries, as we’re used to having these places to ourselves.
We’re not gamblers, but if it’s your thing, the massive Baha Mar Casino is accessible right through the lobby and you will indeed see people playing the slots at 7am. That said, the space is fairly unobtrusive unless you go looking for it. There’s also the Baha Bay Water Park, and plenty of bars and nightlife options. But for the most part, Rosewood Baha Mar is an oasis of calm and sophistication amid an otherwise bustling resort.
As such, the hotel has attracted a host of celebrities. Notable figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé and Brad Pitt have chosen this luxurious retreat for their Bahamian getaways (conveniently ensuring fellow guests can feel in glamorous company). In December 2024, tennis legend John McEnroe inaugurated the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Baha Mar. The event coincided with the fifth Baha Mar Cup, a fundraising tournament that drew tennis icons like Boris Becker, Victoria Azarenka, and Andy Roddick.
As you’d expect, service is friendly and professional, but don’t expect things to happen at the speed of light. The staff operate on a relaxed island pace, which you’ll come to accept as part of the charm. If you’re in a rush, you might need to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re in the Bahamas, not gobbling down a hurried lunch hour sandwich… Slowing down is part of the local experience.
Rosewood Baha Mar is a top-tier luxury resort that balances Bahamian authenticity with modern comfort. With beautiful and varied accommodations, delectable dining, and access to a huge range of amenities all set against an unbeatable beachfront backdrop, it’s a place to slow down and unwind – if that sounds like your kind of getaway, you’ll love it.
Photography courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
