"Set the scene. Waterfalls over swimming pools. Stingrays in the aquarium. Daily flamingo parades. With hand-painted walls, an intimate bar and library, Rosewood is part of Baha Mar, a massive three-hotel complex on the northern shore of Providence Island (with the Grand Hyatt and SLS virtually undetectable). While there is no denying the size of the place overall, it all comes together to feel intimate in the way Rosewoods tend to be. Plus in a fashion that can be unusual for a Bahamian hotel, the resort leans in and celebrates its location through local art and a strong vibe of recaptured travel glamor. What’s the story? This is one of few Rosewood hotels in the region (there's the newly re-opened , Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the BVIs, and one upcoming on Antigua in 2022) and the group tends to focus on the destination without compromising the creature comforts that come with the price tag. Baha Mar lies outside Nassau in the Bahamas, with three hotels, acres of pools, a golf course and private coastline with a huge stash of water toys (kayaks, paddleboard, overwater trampolines). It is the kind of place you would think would have a swim-up bar. And all-inclusive wristbands. But Rosewood Baha Mar is more considered than that. What can we expect from our room? Balconies overlooking two pools that lead to the ocean, the sound of swaying palms and surf come gratis. Non-offensive. Not game-changing. Rooms are hi-tech and comfortable and designed so they are a place you might spend the least amount of conscious hours in. Those in the West Wing of the low-rise, horse-shoe-shaped building receive ample sunshine from dawn-through-past-Noon. East Wing rooms are shaded, and those on both ground levels have a very private garden patio or two. How about the food and drink? With dozens of restaurants and bars in the complex there’s everything from burgers and pizza by the pool to artful Italian plates. But reserve tables in advance. If you decide to just try your luck and nab a table at, say, Dario Checchini 's surf-and-turf-centric Carna you might require a gentle helping nudge from butler or concierge. Some restaurants, such as Costa, which serves delicious Mexican seafood (ask for an outdoor table inside the gazebo over the koi pond), are guest only for Rosewood. Note that Commonwealth restaurant has recently converted to Malam—presenting a modern take on Indian food (go for the charred octopus). The wood-paneled bar, inspired by that at Rosewood London , mixes excellent before and after cocktails. Newcomer Tingum is a barefoot-casual joint for lunch and dinner along Rosewood's quiet slice of Cable Beach. Anything to say about the service? The staff mean very, very well and dedicated butlers are helpful, efficient, and creative. Likes and dislikes are registered immediately and shared with all involved. Who comes here? A mix of well-to-do families and Rosewood loyalists (a tribe in itself). It is not unlikely that you will fall into conversation about how the coffee-table book collection in Rosewood's library compares to the one over at Puebla, Mexico. How does it fit into the region? Baha Mar is large in stature, sure—and Rosewood is part of a three-hotel complex across the bay from Atlantis, which looms large and brooding over its own end of the water as everything Baha Mar does not want to be—dated, dark, and reminiscent of Spring Break Past. Entry to the hotel, from its private driveway or casino below the Grand Hyatt is thoughtfully discreet. The meet-and-greet lounge at Nassau airport and 10-minute Tesla Model X transfers are well worth pre-booking. Is there anything you'd change? Sharpen the service with a quick in-room tutorial on lights, a/c, curtains, and handy bedside tablet. Anything we missed? The library serves a Bahamian take on an English high tea, with a collection of glass jars filled with local herbs and bush leaves to brew (also available during breakfast hours with a pared-down menu of bites). Decor includes everything from old atlases to globes to hardcover books of Vogue and a very well-curated art collection. Worth it? Why? It's sophisticated, calm, and manages to retain some taste in a place where that’s generally lacking. For someone that just wants a luxury holiday with no fuss, quick flights from mainland U.S.A., and lots of beach and good food this is your go-to." - Erin Florio, David Jefferys
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