Surprisingly, West End was formerly the capital of Grand Bahama Island but is now a quiet village at the far end of the island with calm breezes and beautiful sunsets. We reach the Old Bahama Bay resort driving through pine forests and fishing villages to find pretty landscaped grounds with cottages painted pink, blue and yellow facing the ocean. Several yachts are bouncing on the water at the marina, creating a picture which sets the scene for this picturesque peaceful vacation spot.
Old Bahama Bay is the ultimate Caribbean beach-front resort with a lovely pool, lively beach bar and grill and relaxed restaurant. We divide time between walks on the beach, swimming, tennis and watching the sunset. More active visitors were enjoying complimentary kayaks, paddle boarding or fishing. There is even an option to catch and cook your own fish dinner! We picked up a complimentary bike for a spin around the harbour and down to the West End village to buy supplies.
Accommodation is in 75 rooms all housed in pretty sea or pool facing units. Choose from 550 sq. ft. junior suites with a choice of queen or king beds or 1,200 sq. ft. two-bedroom suites which can sleep up to six guests. Furnished in a traditional colonial Caribbean style, all have comfortable furnishings, balconies, marble baths, kitchens and sitting areas. Wi-Fi is free throughout and there are fragrant toiletries in the bathrooms. All rooms have their own fully equipped kitchens, so guests can prepare their own meals.
The Dockside Bar & Grille serves local cuisine including conch chowder and fresh snapper. The bar serves a top rum punch as well as cold local beers such as Sands whilst Teaser’s Tiki Bar serves drinks and snacks next to the pool and the Beach. Open for breakfast as well as lunch, Teasers is an ideal spot for cocktails and also serves a children’s menu. Happy Hour is a great time for comparing notes after a hard day’s sun worshipping. And don’t miss the Gully Wash – a local mix of gin, coconut water and cream. The service here is excellent with attention to detail and a quick response to requests.
The beach has calm waters, hammocks and loungers and guests can enjoy complimentary snorkelling, kayaks and children’s beach toys. There is a tennis court, basketball court and lawn games on offer. In-room spa and massage services are available and a fitness centre for the health conscious. Nature lovers will enjoy the eco tours arranged by the resort which include stingray feeding, dolphin and turtle watching. Sightseeing tours around the island take the visitor to Lucayan National Park or duty free and folk-art shopping at Port Lucaya Marketplace.
The Details
Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, Bayshore Road, West End, Grand Bahama Island, The Islands Of The Bahamas 42546
Tel: 001 888 983-6188
Website: www.oldbahamabay.com
Email: sales@oldbahamabay.com
Old Bahama Bay is in the village of West End, Grand Bahama Island; 26 miles west of Freeport and Grand Bahama Island International Airport. The airport has international flights to the USA and domestic flights to the capital Nassau which has several direct flights weekly to London Heathrow. West End Airport is a private airport for Old Bahama Bay guests. Old Bahama Bay offers a full-service marina and the hotel can also be accessed by sea direct to the marina’s deep-water entry.
Type of Hotel: Luxury beachfront boutique resort with its own marina
Number of Rooms: 75 rooms, some inter-connecting for families and Junior Suites with an ocean view. There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Price Band: Medium
Insider Tip Book a taxi on a Wednesday night to the Fish Fry at Smiths Point for delicious local food and live music at a great price!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Judith Baker is a London-based freelance travel writer.
Photographs courtesy of Old Bahama Bay Resort
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