Hotel Spotlight: Rosewood at Baha Mar
Like clockwork, February rolls around and the cold, dreary days can almost be heard screaming, “It’s time for the beach”. With sunshine on my mind, I began researching where we could get away and relax for a long weekend in March. My bucket list of tropical destinations is not lacking, but the main criteria for this trip was ease of travel (Sophie was just four months old at the time), knocking most places right off the list. The other criteria was that I wanted it to be somewhere out of the country, and while short flights and international destinations don’t typically go hand-in-hand, there are a handful of locations you can get to relatively quickly from the South, with the Bahamas being at the top of that list. Last summer I became familiar with Nassau’s new mega-resort Baha Mar, as the island is one of only a few in the Caribbean that’s Zika free, making it a top babymoon destination! Since we didn’t go during our babymoon, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to checkout the Rosewood at Baha Mar, the property’s luxury boutique hotel.
While I’ll discuss Baha Mar as a whole in depth in a later post, I want to paint a quick picture of the complex to help you understand why the Rosewood is so special. Stretching across the pristine white sands of Nassau’s Cable Beach, Baha Mar slowly began opening its doors in 2017 and today offers three oceanfront hotels - a modern Grand Hyatt, the hip SLS, and the refined Rosewood - all connected by the Caribbean’s largest casino and a vast selection of pools, restaurants and amenities. The place truly offers something for everyone and is great whether you’re wanting an unforgettable family vacation or romantic getaway. In my heart of hearts I love mega-resorts! I love the endless possibilities they give you, and the fact that you aren’t stuck eating at the same restaurant for every meal. But there’s another part of me that feels the need to avoid them, instead opting for a secluded hidden gem that no one has heard of (but will soon). Due to this tug-of-war in my mind, I was hesitant to book a room, but the Rosewood’s refined design and new-to-the-scene appeal kept pulling at me, and I’m so glad it did! It is heavenly!
Rosewood hotels are known for creating a "Sense of Place” for their guests and this is no exception at Baha Mar. Stepping inside the lobby, we were welcomed by the friendly staff who instantly put a glass of Sky Juice - the island’s signature drink - in our hands. As we waited to be escorted to our room, I wandered around the common spaces adjacent the lobby taking in the hotel’s design - a perfect blend of timeless charm and luxurious touches creating a modern, oceanfront Bahamian estate. It was a terrific first impression leaving me anxious to explore the rest of the property! A nondescript door separates the corridor of guest rooms and elevators from the lobby, creating privacy and quietness for guests, two themes that were evident throughout our stay. When we walked into our room, I was taken aback, first by how spacious it was, then by the stylish interior, and finally by the views. We somehow lucked out with a corner room which provided stunning views of both the ocean and the hotel’s lush grounds and pools. The suite was well thought out, with a sitting room separated from the main sleeping area, a spacious bathroom decked out with Aerin bath products, and nice features like a washer and dryer (great for wet swim gear). It was such a peaceful space that it made us want to spend time in the room, which was great given our slower pace with the baby.
The most important thing on a tropical vacation is relaxing in the sun, and no matter what type of environment you prefer, the Rosewood has you covered. The hotel boasts two large pools and a private beach, and Rosewood guests also have access to the other 9 pools in the Baha Mar complex. While the Rosewood is the most expensive of the three hotels, it comes with perks such as this one, and since SLS and Grand Hyatt guests do not have access to the Rosewood’s beachfront or pools, it provides a sanctuary of sorts from the non-stop action next door. We visited during peak spring break season and never had an issue finding chaises by the pool, even though the hotel was booked to capacity, and the pools at the hotels next door were jam-packed chaos every time we ventured by. It truly felt as though we hit an invisible wall and stepped into a cone of peace and tranquility whenever we approached the Rosewood’s grounds. Night and day difference! We quickly discovered our favorite place to be was lounging by the Lagoon Pool - which was perfect for families and close to the beach - while enjoying the complimentary juices and cocktails between dips. It was exactly what we had hoped for!
The second most important item on my vacation checklist is the food! One of the things that I was most excited about was Baha Mar’s extensive dining options. With over thirty restaurants running the gamut from a beachside burger shack to a high-end steakhouse, you’re able to satisfy any craving! Hands down our favorite meal was at Katsuya, a popular sushi restaurant located just off the casino floor - if you like sushi, I highly recommend it. Though places like Katsuya are literally just steps from the Rosewood lobby, the Rosewood is home to two great restaurants, as well as Manor Bar and The Library, two spots perfect for after-dinner drinks. While we did not get to Costa (which serves Latin American flavors for a twist on seafood dishes), we did enjoy a lovely dinner at Commonwealth, whose menu is inspired by traditional dishes from countries that once made up the Commonwealth of Great Britain, the Bahamas being one of them. It was a gorgeous space, and we heard the Sunday Brunch is a must-do. And while I love the ambience nicer restaurants provide, some of the meals we enjoyed most were grab-and-go by the pool. Just off the beach is a row of colorful food trucks cooking up just as vibrant flavors. Everything from BBQ to street tacos were on the menus and it was all delicious!
As to be expected, our long weekend was not long enough. Before we knew it we were packing up our bags and boarding the quick 90 minute flight back to Atlanta. Let me just say, I love the Bahamas! This was my fourth time there, having made some great memories over the years, and Greg and I agreed our time at the Rosewood was one of our favorite trips in awhile. There was an automatic specialness to the trip being it was our first vacation just the three of us, but so much of what made our time great were the endless possibilities. Fifty steps in one direction, we were transported to Las Vegas. Fifty steps in the other direction, our toes were digging into the sand. Whether you’re wanting to take a babymoon, girls’ trip or a family spring break, Baha Mar has you covered. And for that extra touch of luxury and top-notch service, book a room at the Rosewood. We hope to visit again one day, ideally with a large group, so if you’re interested just let me know!
