Our escape to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar was pure paradise. According to the Wall Street Journal, “skip-gen” vacations are the latest family travel trend with grandparents leaving parents behind to take their grandchildren on adventures. Come along with me on my luxury “gramping” experience at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, which blended fun, relaxation, and many unique experiences for our 9-year-old grandson.
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, located in Nassau, Bahamas, is an elegant, luxury resort boasting a Las Vegas vibe set amidst the Caribbean backdrop. This family-friendly resort felt comfortable and welcoming amidst the many kids around. It’s acclaimed for its Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf course, a world-class racquet club including pickleball courts, an extravagant casino, a full-service ESPA spa, luxury shopping, an art gallery, and a mini-golf course, alongside a plethora of activities. For ease of planning, downloading the Baha Mar App is highly recommended for reservations and navigating the resort.
A Choice of Luxury Accommodations
This sprawling complex is home to three world-class beachfront hotels – Rosewood, SLS, and Grand Hyatt, which boasts 1,800 rooms spread across East and West Towers. We chose to stay in The Reserve at the Grand Hyatt, a luxurious retreat complete with butler service. Our two-bedroom suite provided breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Each morning, we enjoyed the sunrise from our balcony, setting a magical tone for our day.
Our suite was well-equipped with a kitchen featuring a mini-fridge and microwave, adding convenience to our stay. The Reserve’s dedicated team of three butlers provided impeccable service that truly enhanced our visit, assisting with dinner reservations, ensuring our drinks were always full, handling transportation arrangements, and even guiding us around the expansive resort. Their expertise was invaluable, making everything seamless and enjoyable.
The offerings within The Reserve were also generous, presenting complimentary food and beverages throughout the day. Mornings started with fruits and pastries, including delightful chocolate muffins, alongside fresh lattes for me. In the afternoons, there were cookies for a quick snack and in the evenings, a selection of cheeses and mini-desserts was served, making each day feel special.
Splash Away at Baha Mar’s Unique Aquatic Experiences
One of the standout features of the resort is its collection of six stunning pools, including an adults-only Quiet Pool for relaxation. The new 15-acre waterpark, Baha Bay Club, is a wonderland for kids, complete with a lazy river, wave pool, and 24 exhilarating water slides. We chose to indulge with a cabana rental, which was equipped with a TV, mini-fridge, and lounge chairs, plus fresh fruit and a bottle of Rosé to sip while soaking in the sun. For lunch, we enjoyed the casual dining at Da Poke Bar and El Jefe, relishing fresh flavors and lively atmospheres.
A unique experience awaits at Dean’s Blue Hole Pool, inspired by the breathtaking underwater sinkhole found in the Bahamas. Here, guests can swim among captivating waterfalls and rock walls, with the added thrill of a secluded grotto featuring a window to observe sea turtles and sharks swimming by.
Kids Explorers Club Gives Kids New Experiences
Baha Mar’s Explorers Club is tailored for children aged 3-12, providing exciting activities such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and wildlife encounters. While our grandson initially expressed interest in joining the kids’ activities, he ultimately decided to spend time with us, although knowing the Kids Club was an option was reassuring.
Dining Options Ideal for “Gramping” Families
With over 40 diverse dining options, Baha Mar spans experiences from food trucks to fine dining. There’s something to satisfy every craving. Notably, the Kosher food truck, Knosh, is conveniently located near the beach. Almost every place we dined offered a kids’ menu, tailoring the dining experience to younger guests. A highlight was the delicious offerings at The Pizza Lab, featuring irresistible pizzas, gourmet gelato, and refreshing salads.
The resort’s premier dining experience, Fish & Chop House, helmed by celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson, presents a culinary journey through Ethiopian and soul food. Our grandson enjoyed a classic steak with French fries, while I savored the Colorado Lamb Chops, rich and savory, paired with crispy potatoes and his famed cornbread with rum butter—a true standout.
Each morning, we were greeted at the Regatta Buffet with a delightful array of options, including made-to-order omelets, a carving station, and an abundance of homemade desserts, setting off our days right. Lunches were equally satisfying, with hearty meals at Sam’s Crispy Chicken and delightful rainbow sliders at Sugar Factory, which also houses a candy store worth exploring.
Go Wild at The Sanctuary
One of the most captivating aspects of our stay at Baha Mar was the opportunity for unique wildlife experiences for our grandson. The resort emphasizes conservation education and offers interactive programs. At the Flamingo Meet & Greet, we delved into their feeding habits and the fascinating journey they undertake to develop their iconic pink hue, primarily from beta-carotene in their diet. We also visited the Aldabra Tortoises, getting an up-close experience with their gentle nature, and younger guests can participate in programs like ‘Junior Marine Biologist’ and ‘Meet the Macaws.’
Explore Historic Nassau
Nassau, founded in 1670, is the capital and largest city of The Bahamas, rich in history and culture. Its landmarks include old forts, Parliament Square, and Blackbeard’s Tower. We visited the 18th-century Graycliff Castle, built by the notorious pirate John Graysmith. The castle boasts the first five-star restaurant in the Bahamas as well as the third-largest wine cellar globally. Dining at Graycliff Restaurant was a treat, highlighted by a Caesar salad, a prime beef filet paired with bearnaise sauce, and a sumptuous salmon entrée. We couldn’t resist pre-ordering their famous chocolate soufflé, which we enjoyed with abandon. The next day, eager to learn more, we took a tour at Graycliff Chocolatier, where we tried our hand at chocolate-making.
To taste authentic local cuisine, a visit to Arawak Cay is a must. This area, known as “Fish Fry,” offers a plethora of casual dining options where you can savor seafood delicacies, listen to live music, and sip on a piña colada while enjoying conch fritters.
Our wildlife adventures continued at the Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre, focused on bird rescue and rehabilitation. Here, our grandson witnessed the famed flamingos parading, touched a snake, and enjoyed a fun tree swing.
The popular Queen’s Staircase, a walkway of 66 steps built by slaves between 1793 and 1794, is a serene space adorned with a cascading waterfall. Named in honor of Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery in 1837, it is free to access and is notably easier to walk down than up.
For shopping enthusiasts, the famous Straw Market offers t-shirts, handcrafted straw baskets, wood carvings, and an array of local delicacies, ensuring you leave with some unique souvenirs.
As our “gramping” vacation came to a close and we headed to the airport laden with rum cakes and t-shirts, I asked our grandson what his favorite part of the trip was among all the memorable experiences. His simple response—“Just being with you”— was a heartfelt reminder that the true joy of our journey was in spending quality time together.