Nassau Paradise Island: A fun-filled Caribbean getaway that’s perfect for all ages

Junior takes a deep-dive into Nassau Paradise Island – The Bahamas’ most family-friendly luxury destination – to see why it’s worth dropping anchor for your next holiday.

Nassau Paradise Island: The lowdown for families

The Bahamas, just 50 miles southeast off the coast of Florida, was once considered an exclusive playground for the rich and famous – a place where everyone from Prince Edward to Beyoncé had checked in. But these days, you’ll find a more literal playground just waiting to be explored by kids and grown-ups alike.

This is particularly true of Nassau Paradise Island, known as the gateway to The Bahamas. The area’s many charms include powdery-soft beaches fringed with Casuarina trees gently swaying in the breeze, combined with a staggering range of fun-in-the-sun activities including world-class waterparks, thrilling marine habitats, and action-packed clubs to keep both youngsters and teens entertained.

The beauty of a family visit to Nassau Paradise Island is that there’s something for all ages. From child-focussed resorts featuring interconnecting rooms stocked with baby equipment, to a teens-only nightclub at the Atlantis Paradise Island, this island retreat ensures that all family members are well catered for.

You’ll want to have your cameras at the ready too, as Nassau Paradise Island’s inviting turquoise waters and pastel hued buildings are so picturesque, they’ve been the backdrops for countless movies, including three James Bond films.

Sun-seekers also flock here year-round, with The Bahamas boasting 300 days of glorious sunshine annually and long stretches of golden sands. In fact, Nassau Paradise Island offers families a slice of walkable barefoot luxury, even with the children – Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is 2 miles long, for example.

Nassau Paradise Island: What to do for families

Swashbuckling kids of all ages should head to the Pirates of Nassau museum to climb aboard a replica ship and brush up on the legend of Blackbeard, known to roam the neighbouring waters. There’s also a great exhibit paying tribute to the often-overlooked female pirates of the era, me hearties!

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping zoom down a high-speed waterslide or a more tranquil float along a lazy river, Nassau Paradise Island has you covered, with three brand new waterpark attractions. Take shade under an opulent poolside cabana or test your nerves on the legendary duelling riptide coaster at the Baha Bay beachfront waterpark (entry fee is included for guests staying at the ultra-luxe Rosewood Baha Mar resort) while the freshly unveiled Fins Up Water Park at the Margaritaville Beach Resort features an out-of-ocean surfing experience, perfect for adventurous tweens and teens.

Aquapark fans should also head to Aquaventure, where you’ll find 141 acres of water-based entertainment. Fledgling conservationists aged 6-10 can sign up for their educational junior trainee day, with hands-on activities including feeding sea turtles. It’s also worth noting that entrance to Aquaventure is complimentary to guests of Atlantis and Comfort Suites Paradise Island.

The Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is a wonderful spot for curious toddlers to make some feathered friends, while children aged 6+ can indulge in some scrumptious chocolate making with Graycliff Hotel’s master class, discovering the cocoa’s journey from bean to bar.

Nassau Paradise Island: Where to stay for families

Nassau Paradise Island is teeming with family-friendly accommodation, the latest of which is Margaritaville in Downtown Nassau, a super-stylish resort where every room features stunning ocean views. Onsite, you’ll find the wet and wild Fins Up Water Park, beach games and crafting galore at the Parakeets Kid’s Club (ages 4-12), and 11 eateries to choose from, including a child-pleasing pizzeria and ice cream parlour.

For dawn-to-dusk entertainment, head to The Cove at Atlantis or The Reef at Atlantis, both part of an exclusive complex created with families in mind. Children aged 3-12 can let their imaginations run wild at Atlantis Kids Adventures, which incorporates themed play spaces, alfresco games and cookery sessions, while the Crush nightclub is the place to be for teens aged 13-17. Glamorous date nights for parents are also a breeze, as the resort will arrange an in-room babysitter and book a table at the onsite Nobu restaurant.

Parents looking for some much-needed rest and relaxation should book into the Rosewood Baha Mar. This idyllic sanctuary with exclusive beach access is also home to a resident flock of flamboyant flamingos, which are fond of joining the guests for their daily yoga sessions! In fact, Baha Mar offers three unique hotel experiences in total, including the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar. Better still, when you stay at member resorts such as Baha Mar and Atlantis, you can enjoy added value with unlimited access to their incredible waterparks and kids’ clubs.

And for a truly decadent family break, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort offers secluded beachfront villas. It’s an ideal spot for multi-gen reunions, set against lush gardens and breath-taking coastal vistas.

Perched on a pristine stretch of Cable Beach is also Nassau’s newest luxury resort experience: Goldwynn Resort & Residences. This stunning resort harks back to the golden age of travel, with thoughtful, personalised touches for you to enjoy throughout your stay. Its secluded location ensures a private, restful retreat, while still being conveniently close to everything Nassau has to offer.

You can choose accommodation with up to three bedrooms and exquisite ocean views, and amenities include a wealth of fine dining options, an infinity pool and a full-service spa, plus an attentive butler service is offered with select suites. There are also exclusive ocean-side cabanas made for lounging, or if you’re feeling more active, paddleboards and kayaks are available to hire. The resort can provide water toys for children too, and guests get a discount on entry to the nearby Baha Bay waterpark.

2023 might just be the year to find out why, as the saying goes, It’s Better in The Bahamas!

Nassau Paradise Island: How to get there

Think of The Bahamas and images of a once-in-a-lifetime trip, planned years in advance, might crop up.

But thanks to new flight routes, The Bahamas has suddenly become a hassle-free holiday option, easy to squeeze into a weeklong gap in the family’s diary.

British Airways has 6 direct flights per week, while Virgin Atlantic has added increased to 4 weekly flights. All flights are direct, departing from Heathrow with a flight time of around 9hrs, 45 mins.

To find out more about Nassau Paradise Island in The Bahamas, visit nassauparadiseisland.com