Consider a honeymoon or romantic getaway on Paradise Island, one of the Bahamas’ most exciting and popular islands.
Blessed with stunning white-sand beaches, high-octane water sports and a nightlife that comes complete with Vegas-style gaming action, revues, nightclubs and fine dining restaurants, Paradise Island offers all the ingredients you need for the perfect Caribbean honeymoon – all just a 35-minute flight from Miami.
The northern shore of Paradise Island is essentially one 5km-long white-sand beach indented with the odd headland and secluded cove – perfect for honeymoon couples.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on this 3km-long stretch of pristine powder-white sand that shelves into clear turquoise waters.
Sunbathe on a sun lounger or find a less-crowded section by simply walking further along the beach, doing some beachcombing along the way.
Other than sunbathing and swimming, Paradise Beach is also perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, with offshore coral gardens, wrecks and caves. You can also enjoy sports above the water, including jet skiing and parasailing.
Facilities include umbrellas, sun loungers and a range of creature comforts at the beachside resorts, which are free for guests and available for non-guests for a small fee.
Come for the day or stay at one of the beachfront resorts, such as Club Mediteranee, Cove Atlantis hotel or the legendary Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and fringed by groves of casuarina pine and palm trees, Paradise Beach is perfect for leisurely strolls north to Hog Point, west to the lighthouse or east to Pirate's Cove and nearby Cabbage Beach.
Further east sit Snorkeller's Cove and Honeymoon Cove, both ideal spots, especially if you’re looking for seclusion and some quiet time.
Paradise Beach is accessible only by boat or on foot and stretches along the northwest tip of Paradise Island, around 10km from Lynden Pindling International Airport and about five minutes by car from the toll bridge.
Unwind on this 3km-long, pristine pink-hued and white-sand beach that stretches east of the Atlantis Lagoon to Snorkeller's Cove.
Flanked by casuarinas, coconut palms and sea grape, Cabbage Beach offers jet skis, pedal boats and parasailing at its eastern end. To find a more secluded spot to sunbathe and swim, keep walking eastwards.
There are no public facilities on the beach, however you can use the public restrooms if you patronise one of the handful of bars and restaurants nearby.
Come for a day or enjoy the creature comforts if the Atlantis Beach Tower, the Sheraton Grand Resort or the exclusive One&Only Ocean Club.
Sunbathe on the pristine casuarina-fringed, powder-white and often pink-hued sands of Paradise Beach, swim in the calm turquoise waters and snorkel the offshore coral gardens.
Then check out the thrilling waterslides, high-intensity rapids and outdoor aquarium at Aquaventure at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino, a towering 2900-room Vegas-style resort.
This 14ha playground features an entertainment centre, restaurant complex, casino, luxury hotel and theme park that includes an underwater snorkelling trail called Paradise Lagoon, a five-storey replica of a Mayan temple, a Lazy River Ride for tubing and 11 lagoons and pools that are home to 200 marine species.
At touch tanks, handle starfish, conch and sea urchins and watch sharks, stingrays, lionfish, lobsters and piranhas gliding through glassed-in underwater viewing tunnels.
The Atlantis also offers the 2323m² Mandara Spa, a Zen-inspired enclave of calm and serenity where you can be pampered with a choice of exotic body scrubs and wrap treatments.
For the best views of the island visit Fort Charlotte or Fort Fincastle, at just 60m above sea level on nearby New Providence Island.
Then check out the magical pink and mauve sunsets from the Cloister, a reassembled 12th century French monastery surrounded by manicured gardens of tropical flowers and classical statues.
The monastery is located at the exclusive 5-star One&Only Ocean Club resort on Paradise Drive.
After dark, head to the vast Atlantis Casino, a nightlife mecca boasting a choice of gaming tables, Vegas-type revues and several fine dining options that include the unforgettable Café Martinique, where you can dine on French gourmet cuisine in a classic setting – perfect for couples on honeymoon.
Or check out the Dune restaurant, a creation of culinary legend Jean-Georges Vongerichten, at the One&Only Ocean Club, which is also great for breakfast and lunch (and less expensive).
Explore further afield with an excursion to the Blue Lagoon on uninhabited Salt Cay, just a half-hour ferry ride from Nassau. Here you can snorkel, swim with dolphins (in captivity), hike nature trails, parasail and play volleyball – or simply relax in a hammock slung between two palm trees and do nothing at all.
Paradise Island offers an excellent choice of resorts to suit most honeymoon budgets.
High flyers can splash out in style at several luxurious 5-star resorts, including the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino, the One&Only Ocean Club, The Cove or The Reef.
Budget conscious holidaymakers may wish, instead, to try the Comfort Suites, Best Western Bay View Suites or the Paradise Harbour Club and Marina.
Yoga lovers may want to try the Sivananda Yoga Retreat, a one-time favourite of Beatle George Harrison, with mandatory 5am yoga classes and vegetarian meals facing a private white-sand beach.
One&Only Ocean Club
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1299 per room
Description: Be pampered at Paradise Island's most exclusive address – the renowned One&Only Ocean Club – set above an uncrowded white-sand beach that stretches for 5km along the island's north shore. The resort offers 105 elegantly furnished rooms, with king-size beds, gilt-framed mirrors and dark-wood armoires. The resort nestles amid 35 lush acres complete with a 12th-century cloister and gardens inspired by Versailles. Complimentary amenities includes 24-hour Butler service, strawberries and Champagne delivered to room every afternoon, fresh fruit presentation and High-speed Internet. The One&Only Ocean Club offers a pillow menu, bottled mineral water, and a daily newspaper. Guests can also expect an unpacking and packing luggage service and a nightly turndown service. Facilities incl.: 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 outdoor pools, concierge, health club & spa, room service, 24-hour butler service, 18-hole golf course, 6 tennis courts (lit for night play) and water sports.
The Reef Atlantis, Autograph Collection
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD833 per room
Description: Located directly on Paradise Beach, this luxurious residential resort boasts a large casino, a 141-acre water park and a marine habitat. Each spacious accommodation includes kitchen facilities and private furnished balcony. Every accommodation features garden, harbor or Atlantic Ocean views. The warmly decorated suites offer satellite TV and an iPod docking station. A minibar, fridge and 24 hours room service are also provided. On-site dining includes 21 restaurants and 19 bars. Fine dining is available at Nobu and Café Martinique. Bimini Road serves Caribbean dishes. Other amenities are included such as access to the Atlantic Movie Theatre, Fitness Centre, unlimited local phone calls, casino lessons and two 12 oz bottles of water daily. The 10,000-square-foot gym offers yoga and Pilates classes. Rock climbing, tennis courts and golf courses are also on site.The property features world-class duty free shopping boutiques including Cartier, Gucci, Michael Kors and Versace. Dolphin Cove at The Reef Paradise Beach allows guests to swim with the dolphins and sea lions. Guests can relax on the lazy river which floats through the tropical foliage. Snorkeling in the ruins of Atlantis and scuba diving are also available.
The Cove Atlantis, Autograph Collection
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD877 per room
Description: Featuring luxury oceanfront suites, this Atlantis resort area includes its own large outdoor pool facility just for adults and a private beach area. A selection of dining and gaming options is also available. The bright, spacious suites of The Cove Atlantis feature a private balcony with views of the ocean. A marble bathroom, flat-screen cable TV and iPod docking station are included. Free unlimited local calls are also granted. Cain at The Cove provides 3 beautiful pools with an outdoor gaming pavilion, private cabanas and poolside bar. Dolphin Cay, Aquaventure water park and golfing are also offered. Guests will enjoy free access to the Atlantis Movie Theatre and casino lessons. Guests can enjoy casual to fine dining at any of the 21 restaurants at Atlantis. Guests can also play casino games while relaxing with cocktails at the Seaglass lounge or one of the 19 bars. The Atlantis Cove is 28 km from Nassau International Airport. The Antiquities Museum is a 5-minute walk away.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Location: Cable Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD800 per room
Description: Sandals Royal Bahamian All Inclusive Resort - Couples Only is minutes away from excellent duty-free shopping in Downtown Nassau and world class gambling on Paradise Island. The resort has spa services, 7 pools, 10 gourmet dining options, and 8 bars. Nightly entertainment, a fitness facility, and water sports equipment are enjoyed in a relaxed beachfront setting. Guestrooms, villas, and suites with sumptuous 4-poster mahogany beds are perfect refuges for relaxation and privacy. Air conditioning and ceiling fans add tropical flair. Complimentary wireless (high-speed) Internet access is also available.
Riu Palace Paradise Island
Location: Paradise Island
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD528 per room
Description: The Riu Palace Paradise Island resort faces an ivory-sand beach stretching 5km along the Atlantic Ocean; a casino is adjacent and the Paradise Shopping Centre is a short walk away. Meals at resort restaurants, all-day snacks, drinks at a swim-up bar, 24 hour room service, a daily activity program, and evening entertainment are a few amenities included in the room rate at this all-inclusive resort. A sand-colored tower houses 379 guestrooms. Balconies feature ocean views; decor includes cream walls with framed pastel prints and brightly patterned bedspreads. Facilities incl.: 5 restaurants, 4 bars, outdoor pool, concierge, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness gym, beach volleyball court, entertainment program, room service and water sports.
The best time to visit Paradise Island is from November to April, when temperatures average a balmy 24°C (75°F) with cooling trade winds.
Temperatures average 28°C (82°F) during the rest of the year, with the temperature dropping about 5°C after dark.
Summer, from June to October, is the hot, rainy season, although the rain is often limited to periodic showers. Temperatures average 28°C (82°F) but can climb to 32°C (90°F).
June through to November marks the official hurricane season (probably best avoided).
For more climate info see our Bahamas Weather Guide…
Paradise Island is an island in the Bahamas, located 180m (196yd) off the north shore of New Providence Island.
At just 6.5km (4mi) long by 800m-wide, Paradise Island is connected to New Providence Island by two bridges that cross Nassau Harbour.
New Providence Island is the most populated island in the Bahamas, located less than 320km (200mi) from Miami, Florida.
The most convenient route to Paradise Island is by air to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) on New Providence Island, followed by a taxi to your hotel.
A regular ferry service also links Nassau to Paradise Island.
The Bahamas comprise a chain of more than 700 islands and 2000 cays (small islands), stretching for 96km (60mi) in the Atlantic, southeast of Florida.
More information on how to get to Paradise Island…
Latest update: Paradise Island Bahamas: 8 May, 2022
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