When NASA astronaut Scott Kelly spent a year in the inky, star-filled skies of the International Space Station in 2015, it was the vivid azure waters of the Bahamas that he called “the most beautiful place from space.” And believe me: With 700 islands teeming with endlessly soft, empty beaches, plus towns filled with brightly-colored clapboard cottages, swaying palms, and creeping bougainvillea, it’s even better when you’re dipping your toes directly in it.
The turquoise shallows and barrier reef make the Bahamas one of the best countries in the Caribbean for snorkeling and diving, and the powdery sands are dying to be plopped down on with a beach chair. If you’re planning a trip, just know that there’s a dizzying amount of hotels on offer, from postcard-pretty cottages on celeb-favorite Harbour Island to the entertainment-focused, family-friendly resorts in the capital city of Nassau. No matter what kind of stay you’re after, there’s something for you on this list of the best hotels in the Bahamas.
How we choose the best hotels in the Bahamas
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and/or has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
