Bahama Bliss: Our Rosewood Baha Mar Escape
From the moment we touched down in Nassau, we knew this trip would be something special. As the founders of Guru Travel, we spent five incredible nights at the Rosewood Baha Mar in late October 2024. This was a much-needed escape for the two of us, and we couldn’t have chosen a more luxurious Caribbean hideaway.
The Journey Begins in Style
We started our journey from London Heathrow, flying Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic. As always, Virgin’s Clubhouse at Terminal 3 was exceptional—one of the best business class lounges in the world. From stylish interiors to à la carte dining and pre-flight spa treatments, it set the tone perfectly for the luxury escape ahead.
Sadly, Virgin Atlantic have since discontinued their direct route to Nassau, but British Airways continue to fly daily from Terminal 5 at Heathrow, offering a premium experience with a consistent schedule. For clients looking to recreate our journey, BA now offers the most convenient option from the UK.
The Baha Mar Experience
Our Rosewood experience began the moment we arrived at Nassau airport, where we were greeted by a chauffeured SUV, courtesy of the hotel. The transfer was quick and seamless—just 10 to 15 minutes from the airport, which is a real bonus after a long-haul flight.
Though Rosewood is nestled within the wider Baha Mar complex, it operates like a boutique hotel, with its own dedicated entrance and reception. The arrival experience was serene and sophisticated, with a warm welcome and thoughtfully designed space that instantly made us feel at ease. In fact, the décor and architectural touches throughout the property were so inspiring that we’ve brought some of the design ideas home with us—a little slice of Rosewood now lives in our own home.
Set along the white sands of Cable Beach, Baha Mar is a sprawling, high-end resort complex made up of three hotels: the Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood. Together, they form a world of their own—with a vast casino, more than 40 dining venues, boutique shops, and even a wildlife sanctuary.
Each hotel has its own personality:
Grand Hyatt is the largest of the three, perfect for families with its central location and easy access to everything.
SLS brings the party, with a cool, adult-focused vibe, daily entertainment, and poolside DJ sets that draw a younger, energetic crowd.
And then there’s Rosewood—our home for the week—offering elegance, privacy, and tranquillity. It’s where the pace slows, the service shines, and every detail is just that little bit more refined.
By staying at Rosewood, we had access to the entire resort, but always had the luxury of retreating to our own peaceful corner when we needed it.
Dining Highlights
One of the best parts of staying at Baha Mar is the food—and we absolutely made the most of it. During our stay, we dined at some of the resort’s best restaurants:
Café Boulud – A standout for fine dining. The service was flawless, and the French-inspired cuisine was genuinely world-class.
Carna by Dario Cecchini – A meat-lover’s dream. The steak was among the best we’ve ever had, and the atmosphere was vibrant and stylish.
Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House – This place had a fantastic buzz and offered a unique blend of Bahamian flavours and upscale flair.
Shuang Ba – Beautifully designed and a real gem if you enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.
Fi’lia – A lovely Italian spot located within the SLS. The food was simple, fresh, and delicious—and we were really impressed by the value for money, especially considering the generous portion sizes.
Costa – One of the best meals of the trip. This authentic Mexican restaurant is tucked away in the Rosewood, set around a tranquil koi pond. The food was incredibly fresh and flavourful, and the ambience was just perfect—peaceful, stylish, and beautifully designed.
When it comes to breakfast, Baha Mar caters to every style of traveller. You can enjoy an elegant à la carte start to the day at Café Boulud, head to one of the resort’s lavish buffets, or simply grab something quick from Starbucks or other casual cafés. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed morning or a quick bite before heading out to explore, the options are incredibly flexible.
Lunch was just as impressive. In addition to the sit-down restaurants, there are food carts scattered along the beach—a thoughtful and convenient option for those who don’t want to leave their lounger. Offering everything from tacos and sliders to fresh fruit and smoothies, the food carts add a relaxed, fun touch to midday dining without ever compromising on quality.
One spot we didn’t get a chance to dine at—but absolutely must mention—is the famous Café Madeleine. Tucked within the resort, it’s known for its charming French café vibe and elegant patisserie-style breakfasts and lunches. Though we didn’t manage to visit personally, we spoke to several guests who had, and the reviews were glowing. From the fresh pastries and artisan coffees to the beautiful setting, it’s a place with a bit of a cult following, and one we’ll definitely prioritise next time.
And while food is a major highlight, it’s the charming little extras that make Baha Mar stand out. One of our favourite surprises was the flamingo walk, which takes place daily. The resort’s resident flamingos strut gracefully through the grounds, delighting guests of all ages—it’s the kind of whimsical experience that stays with you long after your holiday ends.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Baha Mar delivers an exceptional culinary journey with endless choice and consistently high standards.
A Splash of Fun at Baha Bay
It wasn’t all dining and downtime—Baha Bay, the resort’s private water park, added a whole other dimension to our trip. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just fancy a bit of fun yourself, it’s a brilliant addition. The park features everything from relaxing lazy rivers to adrenaline-fuelled slides, and it’s all impeccably maintained. Best of all, it’s exclusive to Baha Mar guests and just steps away from the beach.
Why Rosewood Was the Right Choice for Us
We loved being able to dip into the action—be it dinner at SLS, a quick flutter in the casino, or a walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds—but we always came back to the calm of Rosewood.
Although Rosewood is a room-only hotel, it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. Around the pool and beach, service was impeccable. There were complimentary daily snacks, an ice cream cart offering free treats, and even a cocktail of the day, delivered to your lounger. These little touches made every day feel that bit more special, and really set Rosewood apart in terms of hospitality.
Our suite was elegant and spacious, with a balcony that offered incredible views and the kind of bed you never want to leave. Every detail—right down to the welcome drink and turndown treats—felt considered and personal.
Evening Entertainment
When the sun sets at Baha Mar, the atmosphere comes alive in a whole new way. Our personal highlight was without a doubt the casino—the largest in the Caribbean—surrounded by vibrant bars and buzzing with energy. It’s elegant, exciting, and effortlessly glamorous.
A new addition since our visit is the jazz bar, located right in the heart of the casino. Designed to be the soul of the resort’s nightlife, this stylish venue brings a touch of timeless class to the evenings and is quickly becoming a must-visit for guests who enjoy live music in a sophisticated setting.
Over at SLS, the vibe shifts to something more distinctly Caribbean. One of the loveliest touches was the evening steel pan performances—a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture, cocktail in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon.
And if you’re looking for the perfect sunset spot, the SLS Rooftop Bar is the place to be. With panoramic views, chic surroundings, and a laid-back evening vibe, it’s ideal for pre-dinner drinks or winding down in style.
Whether you’re after a relaxed drink with live music or the buzz of the casino floor, Baha Mar has something to suit every evening mood.
A Luxury Escape Worth Repeating
For couples seeking a refined Caribbean retreat, or luxury travellers wanting the best of both worlds—exclusivity and variety—Rosewood Baha Mar delivers on every front. It’s a rare find—a resort that caters to a wide range of tastes and energies, without ever diluting its premium appeal.
At Guru Travel, we specialise in these kinds of elevated experiences. We know how to pair you with the perfect hotel for your travel style—whether that’s the family-friendly fun of the Grand Hyatt, the social buzz of SLS, or the serene sophistication of Rosewood.
Ready to plan your own Bahamian escape? We’d love to help tailor something unforgettable.