Content Summary:
From Family-Friendly Atlantis to Couples-Only Sandals
Tantalizingly close to Florida, the country of The Bahamas consists of a vast archipelago of 750 islands featuring beautiful white sand beaches and stunning turquoise waters. Fly into Nassau, the capital, which is less than three hours from most East Coast cities, and you will discover a wide range of choices for spa resorts. Across a bridge from Nassau lies Paradise Island, home to powder-white sand beaches that rank among the world’s most beautiful. The weather is at its finest between November and April. Here are some of your top choices for spas in Paradise Island and Nassau.
1. One&Only Spa at One&Only Ocean Club
This is an absolutely gorgeous boutique property on Paradise Island, and an ideal destination if you have a substantial budget. Originally the private estate of A&P heir Huntington Hartford II, the property features unique elements such as the terraced hillside garden with classical statuary and a 12th-century Cloister. With eight Balinese-style spa treatment rooms, all equipped for couples massage, you can enjoy the serene environment, including small outdoor gardens where couples can unwind on a daybed. Experience exquisite dining at Dune by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten or play a round on the 18-hole seaside golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. Contact: 888-865-6829 or 242-363-2501.
2. Red Lane Spa at Sandals Royal Bahamian
This couples-only, all-inclusive resort provides a variety of experiences, from intimate dinners on the pier to vibrant jerk barbecue parties with Carnival dancers and live entertainment. Guests can also dine at the elegant Art Nouveau restaurant traditionally frequented by Price Edward and Wallis Simpson. Among the 402 rooms, over half are suites featuring enhanced amenities, including private butlers and luxurious airport transfers in a Rolls Royce. The resort boasts three distinct Red Lane Spas, with the standout located on a private island accessible by ferry. Here, you can indulge in a massage within a thatched hut, accompanied by a stunning ocean view. This truly is a slice of paradise. Contact: 888-726-3257.
3. Mandara at Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas
The centerpiece of this remarkable family-friendly resort featuring 3,000 rooms is its extravagant 141-acre Water Park. Here, guests can soar down exhilarating slides, interact with dolphins, or relax by adult-only pools that offer gambling. My personal experience included a stay at the stylish Cove Atlantis, which was delightful, though there were some minor housekeeping concerns. The 30,000 square-foot Mandara Spa is particularly beautiful, and I highly suggest indulging in a deep tissue massage. Contact: 954-809-2713 or 800-285-2684.
4. Natural Mystic Spa at Marley Resort & Spa
This charming property originally served as a vacation home for the legendary Jamaican Reggae artist Bob Marley and his wife, Rita, who is still the owner. Now, it operates as a low-key hotel featuring 16 uniquely decorated rooms and suites located right on the beach. The spa has three treatment rooms and is aptly named Natural Mystic, inspired by one of Marley’s songs. Guests will appreciate the gallery of rarely seen black-and-white photos of Marley alongside some of his gold and platinum records when entering the inn. Contact: 1-242-702-2800 or 866-737-1766.
