Hotel at a Glance: Melia Nassau Beach

The Melia Nassau Beach resort, which opened in December 2013, sits on a 1,000-foot stretch of white sand on the world-famous Cable Beach. Frommer’s named it one of the best beaches in the Bahamas for its access to shops and restaurants. You’ll also find fun in the sun at the property’s three swimming pools, which feature waterfalls and a swim-up bar.

• Island and Ocean view rooms: Island view rooms feature private patios or balconies, while ocean view rooms sit on the top floor and offer views of Nassau and Paradise Island
• An expansive estate: the resort sits on seven landscaped acres and contains 694 rooms and 32 suites.
Nearby attractions: The Botanical Gardens with more than 600 species of flowering trees and shrubs, and the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre, home to the famous marching flamingos

Nassau, Bahamas: Rich Cultural History and Underwater Adventures

Jet setters have been going to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, since before jets even existed. It was a haven for boozing pirates in the 17th century, and European royals vacationed to the city in the years leading up to World War II. Today, Nassau remains a top Caribbean destination thanks to its mix of culture, tropical bliss, and cosmopolitan bustle. And you can still see the capital’s storied history in its colonial architecture. The Bahamas’ 1815 Parliament building is impossible to miss—it’s painted pale pink, reflecting the color of the flamingo on the country’s coat of arms. Another popular attraction is the 18th-century Queen’s Staircase, a 100-foot carved limestone staircase that leads up to the island’s highest point and the remains of a centuries-old fort.

Take a guided snorkeling or diving tour if you want to explore the surrounding reefs, shipwrecks, and coral walls that lurk beneath the surface of the Atlantic. Stuart Cove is one of the most popular watersports operations in the area with activities such as the Shark Adventure program, which safely brings divers up close with Caribbean sharks. You can also ride a SUB, a sort of underwater scooter, to navigate depths of up to 20 feet with an easy-to-use steering console.

Nassau’s urban vibes really come through on the city’s main thoroughfare, Bay Street, where duty-free shops hawk everything from jewelry to rum cakes. This is also where you’ll find most of the nightlife, with a mix of techno, salsa, and rock ‘n’ roll dance clubs as well as more laid-back sports bars.

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