Bahamas bliss: A review of the Rosewood Baha Mar

Part of the burgeoning Rosewood luxury chain of hotels, the Rosewood Baha Mar is one of three hotels — the others being a Grand Hyatt and an SLS — that comprise the sprawling Baha Mar complex. The complex also includes dozens of restaurants and bars, a water park, art galleries, fashion and jewelry boutiques, and a casino.

After spending several nights at the much larger next-door Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, I was eager to check in for my first Rosewood experience this past summer. Here’s what it was like staying at the Rosewood Baha Mar for two nights and what other visitors can expect.

What is the Rosewood Baha Mar?

At the eastern end of the enormous Baha Mar resort complex, the 226-room Rosewood Baha Mar attracts beachgoers seeking a bit of pampering around the pool and on the sand. It’s the spot for those looking to take advantage of the leisure destination’s many dining, shopping and activity options while also being able to retire to a secluded haven.

While Rosewood guests can use the other two hotels’ amenities, those staying at the Grand Hyatt and the SLS are restricted from enjoying the Rosewood’s two gorgeous, quieter pools or its spa, which offers locally inspired treatments. (Non-Rosewood guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurants, though.) There’s even a special section of Cable Beach reserved exclusively for Rosewood guests.

In short, this is the place to stay if you want the conveniences of a larger resort but the exclusivity of a smaller property — and you’ll pay for the privilege of all that extravagance.

How to book the Rosewood Baha Mar

Unfortunately, Rosewood hotels (including the Baha Mar location) don’t participate in any major points programs, and the upscale nature of the properties means prices are generally quite high. However, there are lower rates on some dates.

During the offseason — the most active part of hurricane season, from late summer to late fall — prices dip to $715 per night for an entry-level room. Know, though, that that doesn’t include the 21% service fee and a daily resort fee of 16.5% (which covers amenities like Wi-Fi, bottled water and some nonmotorized water sports). So, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars more than the listed price per night.

For some extra benefits during your stay, consider booking through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. Making a reservation through this program — which is available to cardholders with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — unlocks some elite-like perks such as space-available upgrades, daily breakfast for two and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.

Related: 12 hotels where you can nearly stay for free with your Amex Platinum credit

The location in Nassau’s amenity-packed Baha Mar complex can’t be beat

The Rosewood is part of the 1,000-acre Baha Mar resort complex on the northern shore of Providence Island near Cable Beach.

It’s about 15 minutes northeast of Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) and roughly 15 minutes southwest of the massive cruise ship terminal in downtown Nassau. You’ll pass the driveway to the Grand Hyatt after entering the roundabout and continue on until you reach the Rosewood. Taxis to and from the airport cost about $40 each way.

Although the hotel is a bit removed from downtown Nassau’s main tourist sights, including the Queen’s Staircase and the Straw Market, its location at the end of the Baha Mar complex makes it ideal for travelers who prefer to stay put while on vacation. It’s just far enough from the casino — separated by a short hallway on the main level — to create a quieter atmosphere without making it too difficult to enjoy all Baha Mar has to offer.

Related: A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Rooms provide an elegant update on Caribbean decor

The Rosewood Baha Mar is home to 226 rooms, suites and villas spread across the property’s two main towers, which are divided into east and west wings. For my two-night stay, I was in a standard resort-view room at the end of a long hallway in the hotel’s east wing.

The spacious standard room measured 485 square feet and had contemporary decor with tropical elements. Richly carved wood doors and dark colonial-style hardwood floors perfectly complemented the otherwise neutral color palette; design elements in various shades of blue, coral and lavender created a sort of visual representation of the Bahamas.

The furnishings included a giant four-poster bed dressed in crisp white Rivolta Carmignani linens; a cozy L-shaped sectional facing a white cabinet with a Nespresso machine and premium minibar products such as Bombay Sapphire gin and Plantation XO 20th Anniversary rum; and a narrow work desk with a chair made of wood and wicker.

While the latter was uncomfortable and not an ideal place to work, odds are you’re not coming to the Bahamas to spend your time indoors on a computer. Thus, the desk design is ultimately a minor inconvenience.

I particularly enjoyed my 60-square-foot private balcony, where I could plop down at night and look at the lights of the west side of the hotel and the stars in the sky. Even the most basic rooms are positioned so your neighbors won’t distract from your view of the resort grounds.

As for the in-room bathroom, it was stunning to take in. The immaculate space featured marble just about everywhere you turned, including on the floor, behind the stand-alone tub, inside the rain shower and on the vanity.

Two marble basin sinks, frosted doors concealing the separate shower and toilet, two fluffy Sierra robes and scented bath products by Maison Caulieres complete the refined ambience.

The restaurants and bars are varied and distinct

There are dozens of bars and restaurants available throughout the Baha Mar complex, but the Rosewood property features several on its designated part of the property. In total, you’ll find three eateries, plus a bar, room service and options for dining poolside and on the beach.

Cafe Boulud The Bahamas

Cafe Boulud The Bahamas opened in March 2021 and is part of French chef Daniel Boulud’s growing restaurant empire. You’ll find traditional French dishes made with seasonal local ingredients, such as a two-person portion of cote de boeuf (beef rib) with bearnaise sauce for $185 and roasted chicken with leeks and polenta for $52.

During my stay, my family and I had a delicious dinner here. I ordered the tournedos Rossini — a beef tenderloin dish served with foie gras, spinach, crispy mashed potatoes and black truffle sauce ($98). I soon understood why this item was touted as one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, as the meat practically melted in my mouth.

Cafe Boulud also serves breakfast every morning. Guests will find a robust selection of morning staples, including vanilla waffles ($23), eggs Benedict ($29) and a French omelet with various vegetables ($28).

Costa

Costa is a coastal Mexican restaurant featuring a twist on traditional seafood dishes. It may have the best location of any restaurant on the property since it’s built around a koi pond (where you can feed various koi fish) and offers views of the gardens and pool areas.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try Costa during my visit since reservations are hard to come by, so be sure to book in advance for your stay.

The Library

The Library was my favorite spot for breakfast and snacks during my time at the Rosewood Baha Mar. One wall in the elegant space features a blue-and-white marble mantle with an extensive collection of books. The rest of the space has comfortable chairs and sofas in various seating configurations and colors accented with lots of throw pillows.

It’s open daily for a la carte morning fare and a buffet-style continental breakfast; sandwiches and other dishes in the afternoon; and afternoon tea on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The space serves an impressive mix of items.

For breakfast, I enjoyed a selection of pastries, cheeses, fruit and yogurt from the buffet. The continental breakfast spread costs $27 per person, though other items such as avocado toast ($20) and ricotta pancakes ($22) are also available to order by the dish.

My family and I also visited later one day to try the lounge options. My croque monsieur with ham and cheese ($22) was delicious and full of flavor, and the cappuccino I ordered was the ideal complement to my sandwich.

Perhaps my favorite detail from the venue was the beautiful china by Rosenthal from the Brillance Fleurs Sauvages collection. The intricate floral design fits the vibe of the space, especially during afternoon tea — which will set you back $70 per person.

Manor Bar

Designed to resemble an early 20th-century salon, Manor Bar has a cool, retro feel. It features velvet sofas, dark wood flooring and paneling, and white-jacketed waiters and bartenders who provide an easygoing, friendly vibe.

The adults-only bar slings signature handcrafted cocktails (served with giant cubes of ice in crystal tumblers) like the Manor Punch with cognac, rum and lemon juice for $21 and the Jungle Bird with Plantation rum, Campari and lime juice for $21. Light bite menu items include beef sliders ($18) and a Bahamian lobster fritter ($26).

Tingum on the Sand

Tingum on the Sand is a casual dining spot near Rosewood’s quiet slice of Cable Beach. It’s open for breakfast and lunch every day.

Overall, the food here is delicious (albeit pricey). I paid $22 for avocado toast, and a two-egg breakfast will set you back $29.

Related: Why I love hotel bars, especially when I travel solo

The property’s pools and beach are ideal for spending a relaxed day

As you might expect, the jungly grounds at the Rosewood Baha Mar — landscaped to provide an excellent balance of privacy and public spaces — are stunning. They draw you outdoors to spend the bulk of your time soaking up some Bahamian sun by a pool or the ocean.

The hotel has two exclusive pools: the serene, three-level, fan-shaped Cabana Pool and the larger Lagoon Pool, which is a free-form option closer to the beach. Both are surrounded by tropical foliage and plenty of loungers. You can rent cabanas and daybeds for a fee as well.

Hidden away in the dense gardens of the hotel is an oversized hot tub with additional seating around it. At the northern edge of the property lies Cable Beach, where an exclusive area with seating is reserved just for Rosewood guests.

Since Rosewood’s stretch of sand is not open to other Baha Mar visitors, it never felt crowded. While there are plenty of loungers for guests, you can also reserve a beachside daybed for $220 if you wish to add extras like free snacks and beverages to your beach day.

The daily resort fee covers various nonmotorized water sports at the Rosewood and the rest of the Baha Mar campus, including stand-up paddleboards, and single and double kayaks. Guests also have access to water hammocks, floating lounges and personal floats. For a fee, you can rent motorized water sports equipment like jet skis from outside vendors.

Related: 10 of the best hotel pools in the US

The Sense Spa is the place for pampering yourself

As is the case with many Rosewood hotels, the Rosewood Baha Mar is home to a fabulous spa.

Sense, A Rosewood Spa offers a wide array of treatments inspired by Bahamian flora and fauna, with local ingredients such as broom flowers and oil from cascarilla bark incorporated in select services. There’s even a menu of “Lost Remedies.” These treatments pay homage to the traditional healing practices used by members of the Indigenous communities who inhabited the island before Christopher Columbus’ arrival as well as the enslaved West Africans who were forcibly brought here in the centuries that followed.

Although I didn’t get to experience a treatment during my stay, the spa was buzzing with activity when I checked on availability for a massage. Lost Remedies services start at $190 for a 60-minute Lucayan Relief body treatment that aims to improve inflammation and relieve joint stiffness and muscle pain. Traditional massages and facials will set you back at least $175.

A salon is also available at the spa, should you wish to partake in various hair services from professional stylists.

Fitness buffs can take advantage of the on-site gym

The Rosewood Baha Mar’s fairly large fitness center is outfitted with Technogym-branded cardio as well as weight training and stretching equipment. It overlooks the resort’s gardens and is open to guests 24 hours a day.

In addition to breaking a sweat in the fitness center, guests can also request one of two curated running maps from the staff to get in a workout outdoors.

Animal lovers will appreciate the various wildlife exhibits and events

Animal sightings are common at the Rosewood Baha Mar (and the larger Baha Mar complex in general) thanks to the property’s outdoor aquarium and multiple wildlife exhibits. During the day, you can catch a free flamingo parade and feed koi fish by Costa, the Mexican restaurant. Additionally, you can enjoy more of an immersive experience with the animals, though there are fees for these kinds of activities.

At the outdoor aquarium, you can participate in an animal feeding and touch tank experience that’s available three times daily. It involves getting up close and personal with sea turtles and other sea life for $50 per person. There’s also the on-site Flamingo Cay, where visitors can interact with the resident flock of flamingos for $20 per person.

Other Baha Mar animal encounters include a tortoise experience, aviary bird feedings and even flamingo yoga.

The larger Baha Mar complex sits within reach

One of the best parts of staying at the Rosewood is getting access to the entire Baha Mar area and its amenities. From numerous restaurants to the largest casino in the Caribbean, the entire complex provides just about everything you could need within walking distance.

My family and I were particularly fond of the 15-acre Baha Bay water park. Hotel guests enjoy free entry, and it’s worth the trip to the Bahamas all on its own.

Inside, you’ll find Stingray Cove, a small water park for the little ones. There’s also plenty for older kids and adults to enjoy, including giant waterslides like Thunderball and the Dueling Riptide Coaster, a lazy river and a wave pool. You can even get a surfing lesson at The Surf, a giant surf simulator where you can ride (or at least try to ride) an artificial wave.

Other amenities beyond the water park include an 18-hole golf course and courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball.

If you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out the miniature golf course and The Current Gallery and Art Center, which hosts fee-based art classes for kids 13 and up.

Reasons the Rosewood Baha Mar may not be for you

While the Rosewood Baha Mar is a fantastic property overall, a few things may not appeal to you.

• Prices here are considerably higher than those at the neighboring SLS Baha Mar or the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The exorbitant taxes and fees make the stay even more expensive.
• The service — including a hurried and lukewarm front desk receptionist and multiple lackluster interactions with other staffers throughout my stay — left something to be desired. If you value friendly interactions and extras like welcome refreshments (which were on hand but not offered to me), this may not be the property for you.
• If you favor staying put while on vacation, you’ll love the hotel’s location in the Baha Mar complex. If you prefer to get out and experience the destination you’re in, you may be disappointed by the property’s distance from Nassau’s main attractions.
• There is no butler service for nonsuite rooms despite paying close to (if not more than) $1,000 per night.
• Because the hotel is part of a smaller brand without a loyalty program, you won’t have the chance to earn many points or credit toward elite status for your pricey stay.

 Accessibility

The Rosewood Baha Mar has two fully accessible accommodations — both are resort-view king rooms. The rooms have handlebars for the toilets and showers, plus wide doorways. Sink vanities and controls for the lights and air conditioning are lowered to make them accessible for those in wheelchairs. Visual and auditory alarm systems to signal for help are also available on request.

Outside the rooms, you’ll find wide, smooth paths, elevators large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other amenities like beach wheelchairs. While there are pool lifts, some of the pools have no-step ramp entries that might make it easier to enter and exit.

Related: How to make sure you get an accessible hotel room if you need 1

Alternatives to the Rosewood Baha Mar

There are plenty of luxurious hotels in the Bahamas, including the nearby Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Also in the Baha Mar complex, the upscale property is more affordable and offers the ability to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points.

If you want to experience a whole different vibe in a similar resort complex, check out the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. About a 20-minute drive from Baha Mar, Atlantis has several properties within its nearly 4,000-room complex, including The Coral at Atlantis, The Cove at Atlantis and The Royal at Atlantis. Best of all, they’re all part of Marriott Bonvoy, so you can use points to book a stay.

To dial up the wow factor even more, reserve a villa at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. Also on Paradise Island, this swanky property features multiple dining venues (including one from acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten), three stunning pools, an oceanfront golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf and six tennis courts where you can practice your swing with the resort’s resident pro.

For a more affordable option, consider the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nassau. While it has far fewer amenities than the Rosewood, its rates are significantly less, starting at $160 a night. Another plus: Since the property is part of the IHG family of hotels, you can earn and use IHG One Rewards points for your stay.

Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes

Checking out

The Rosewood Baha Mar ticks nearly all the boxes for a luxury resort. It has a scenic beach, tranquil swimming pools, beautiful rooms full of high-end amenities and a top-notch spa. Not to mention, you can enjoy all the giant Baha Mar complex has to offer while still avoiding the crowds. While the service wasn’t perfect, my recent stay was otherwise fantastic.

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