By Kevin
Quick answer
- The best Bahamas all-inclusive resorts for couples are Sandals Royal Bahamian on Cable Beach (private offshore island, 10 restaurants) and the adults-only Riu Palace Paradise Island and Warwick Paradise Island.
- For families, Melia Nassau Beach (kids' club ages 4–12), Viva Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama and Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador are the main all-inclusive choices; Breezes on Cable Beach takes guests 14 and older.
- Atlantis is not all-inclusive: it sells dining plans with packages, and its official FAQ lists a 21% tax-and-levy charge, a daily resort fee of $77 to $82.50 and mandatory gratuities of up to $14 to $52 per person per night depending on the tower.
- Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood at Baha Mar are sold room-only, and Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma closed on August 15, 2024 to be rebuilt as a family Beaches resort, with no reopening date published as of October 2026.
- The Bahamas is in the hurricane belt: the season runs June through November, Nassau's wettest months are June, August and September, and Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco and Grand Bahama in September 2019.
- Nassau has U.S. Customs preclearance, so you clear U.S. immigration before you fly home, and nonstops reach Nassau from more than 15 U.S. cities.
Our verdict
Our verdict: Sandals for couples, Riu or Warwick for adults on a budget, Club Med or Melia for families
For a no-surprises couples' all-inclusive, we would book Sandals Royal Bahamian. It bundles 10 restaurants, eight bars, seven pools, an offshore island, scuba for certified divers, airport transfers, taxes and tips, and holds 4.0 on Tripadvisor from nearly 14,000 reviews. Reviewers warn about small beaches and some tired rooms, so book a renovated or butler category.
Adults who want Paradise Island for less should compare Riu Palace Paradise Island, with 24-hour all-inclusive and 379 units on the beach next to Atlantis, and the smaller, harbour-side Warwick Paradise Island, which scores 8.1 on Trip.com.
Families have fewer good choices than in Mexico. Club Med Columbus Isle on remote San Salvador is the best-reviewed all-inclusive in the country we found (4.4 on Tripadvisor) but suits active families who want quiet, not water parks. On Cable Beach, Melia Nassau Beach has the kids' club but very mixed reviews. Breezes is our pick for a cheap, sociable Cable Beach week if everyone is 14 or older.
- Best for couplesSandals Royal Bahamian
- Best adults-only valueHotel Riu Palace Paradise Island
- Best small adults-onlyWarwick Paradise Island Bahamas
- Best-reviewed overallClub Med Columbus Isle
- Best budget Cable BeachBreezes Resort & Spa Bahamas
- Best on Grand BahamaViva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham
Picks are based on guest ratings, recent review patterns and official resort information, not hosted stays. Our method.
Dec–Apr
Best months
Dry season; Nassau gets under 3 in of rain a month
Jun–Nov
Hurricane season
In the hurricane belt; peak Aug–Oct
79–91°F
Average high
Nassau, 1991–2020 normals
NAS, U.S. preclearance
Airport
About 10–25 min to Cable Beach and Paradise Island
15+
Nonstop U.S. cities
Including Miami, Atlanta, NYC, Chicago, Dallas
$400–1,200/night
Typical all-inclusive
Per room, 2 adults, mid-range to Sandals
Passport
Entry
U.S. citizens flying in need a valid passport
Bahamian dollar
Currency
Pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar; USD accepted
At a glance
Our 7 picks at a glance
Listed by trip type, with our top all-round pick first. Scores show how they compare on food, beach, rooms, service, activities and value.
- 1Our score8.4Guests7.8
- 2Our score7.6Guests7.7
- 3
Best small adults-only resort
Warwick Paradise Island BahamasParadise Island (harbour side) · Adults-only · $$$
Our score7.7Guests8.1 - 4Our score7.5Guests7.6
- 5Our score6.6Guests6.5
- 6Our score8.5Guests8.8
- 7
Only all-inclusive on Grand Bahama
Viva Fortuna Beach by WyndhamFreeport, Grand Bahama · All ages · $
Our score6.5Guests6.8
“Guests” is the average of the guest ratings shown for each resort (Tripadvisor, Kayak and booking sites), converted to a 10-point scale.
Live prices
Check all-inclusive prices in Bahamas
Compare the same dates across booking sites — rates for identical rooms often differ by 10–20%.
Bahamas all-inclusive resorts: what's actually open in 2026
The Bahamas has fewer true all-inclusives than Jamaica, Mexico or the Dominican Republic, and the list changed in 2024. Here is the honest picture as of October 2026.
| Resort | Island / area | Style | Age policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandals Royal Bahamian | Nassau, Cable Beach | Full all-inclusive, offshore island | Couples only |
| Breezes Resort & Spa | Nassau, Cable Beach | Full all-inclusive, taxes included | 14 and older |
| Melia Nassau Beach | Nassau, Cable Beach | Full all-inclusive, kids' club | All ages |
| Riu Palace Paradise Island | Paradise Island | 24-hour all-inclusive | Adults only |
| Warwick Paradise Island | Paradise Island, harbour side | Full all-inclusive | Adults only |
| Club Med Columbus Isle | San Salvador | Full all-inclusive, sailing and diving | All ages |
| Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham | Grand Bahama | Full all-inclusive | All ages |
What changed
- Sandals Emerald Bay (Great Exuma) closed on August 15, 2024 to be rebuilt as a family-friendly Beaches resort, according to Sandals. Sandals had not published a reopening date as of October 2026, so Exuma currently has no big-brand all-inclusive.
- Grand Bahama: Viva Resorts by Wyndham describes Viva Fortuna Beach as the sole all-inclusive resort on the island.
Not all-inclusive
Atlantis and the Baha Mar hotels are not all-inclusive. WestJet Vacations, for example, sells Grand Hyatt and SLS Baha Mar packages on a European Plan, meaning no meals are included. Most Out Island hotels on Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Bimini are small properties where you eat out.
Map
Where our Bahamas picks are
Numbers match the ranking below. Tap a pin for the review.
Reviews
The 7 resorts, reviewed
Each review combines guest ratings from several sites, recurring themes in recent reviews and forum threads, and our own judgement of who it suits.
1Best for couples
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Cable Beach, Nassau
$876–$1,149 per night for two · Kayak 12-month average nightly rates per room, September (cheapest) to March (priciest), viewed October 2026
Our take
Sandals Royal Bahamian is the most complete couples' all-inclusive in the Bahamas, and the one we would book for a honeymoon in Nassau. Sandals lists 10 restaurants, two food trucks, eight bars including three swim-up bars, seven pools and five whirlpools, plus a private offshore island reached by water taxi with two beaches, a spa and some of the area's best snorkeling. Scuba for certified divers, airport transfers, taxes and tips are included, and select suites get Rolls-Royce transfers. It is about ten minutes from the airport, which a recent reviewer counted as a big plus.
It rates 4.0 on Tripadvisor from nearly 14,000 reviews. Guests praise the butlers, views and private island; complaints focus on small beaches, butlers reserving the best loungers, mildew in some older West Bay rooms and patchy management. Our advice: book a renovated or butler-level room, and spend your beach time on the offshore island.
Skip it if You are traveling with kids, or you want a long natural beach outside your door.
Our category scores
Pros
- Private offshore island with two beaches and good snorkeling
- 10 restaurants, 8 bars, 7 pools
- Tips, taxes, transfers and scuba included
- About ten minutes from Nassau airport
Cons
- Small beaches on the main property
- Best loungers often reserved for butler guests
- Some older rooms smell of mildew, per reviews
- Expensive; value scores lowest on Tripadvisor
- Dining
- 10 restaurants, 2 food trucks
- Bars
- 8, including 3 swim-up bars
- Pools
- 7 pools, 5 whirlpools
- Island
- Private offshore island by water taxi
- Included
- Tips, taxes, airport transfers, scuba for certified divers
What guests say
The views are absolutely amazing. Resort is very beautiful and has a great private island.
The room at West Bay smelled horribly of mildew.
July 2026 reviewers loved the butlers and restaurants but found the beach beautiful yet small, with the best sunbeds reserved by butlers unless you arrive early.
2Best adults-only value
Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island
Paradise Island, Nassau
Our take
Riu Palace Paradise Island is the simplest way to stay on Paradise Island on one price. It is adults-only with 24-hour all-inclusive, 379 units, six restaurants, three bars including a swim-up bar, a spa and a 24-hour gym, on the beach a short walk from Atlantis's casino and marina. RIU showed junior suites from about €217 per person per night in October 2026, which is far below what Atlantis plus food would cost.
Guest scores are decent rather than great: 7.4 on Kayak from about 1,200 reviews and 8.0 on Hotels.com. Kayak's review summary praises friendly staff and a beautiful hotel and pool, and complains about on-site food, cheap house liquor and inconsistent service. A recent Travelocity reviewer found the buffet consistently good but the steakhouse disappointing. We would book it for an adults-only week where location matters more than gourmet dining, and plan a couple of dinners off-property.
Skip it if Food is the highlight of your vacation, or you want a quiet, intimate resort.
Our category scores
Pros
- Adults-only with 24-hour all-inclusive
- Beachfront on Paradise Island, next to Atlantis
- Swim-up bar, spa and 24-hour gym
- Usually much cheaper than Sandals
Cons
- On-site food gets mixed reviews
- House-brand liquor at the bars
- Service inconsistent, per reviewers
- Paradise Island taxes and cruise-day crowds
- Rooms
- 379 units (per Kayak's listing)
- Plan
- 24-hour all-inclusive
- Dining
- 6 restaurants including Japanese, steakhouse and Krystal; 3 bars
- Extras
- Spa, swim-up bar, 24-hour gym
- Address
- Casino Drive, Paradise Island
What guests say
Friendly staff, beautiful hotel & pool.
Food was poor at the restaurants on-site.
A recent verified reviewer liked the property and found the buffet consistently good, but said the steakhouse served an under-trimmed tenderloin and dry lobster.
3Best small adults-only resort
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas
Paradise Island (harbour side)
Our take
Warwick Paradise Island is the quieter, smaller adults-only alternative to the Riu. It sits on 16 beachfront acres on the south shore of Paradise Island, facing Nassau Harbour, with a lagoon-style main pool, a lap pool, the Amber Spa, five restaurants (Verandah, Abbiocco, Tings on a Stick, Chickcharnie's Pizzeria and Edgewater Grill) and two bars. The all-inclusive covers meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and activities, per Warwick.
Trip.com guests rate it 8.1 out of 10, and recent reviews are mostly warm about staff and service, with one calling it excellent in all aspects. Complaints include slow restaurant service, a few rude staff members and elevators that broke down during one stay. The harbour beach is small and you look across at Nassau rather than open ocean, so beach lovers should walk to Cabbage Beach or pick Sandals. For couples who want friendly service and a calmer scene than Atlantis or the Riu, it is good value.
Skip it if A big ocean-facing beach is your priority.
Our category scores
Pros
- Adults-only and smaller than the big Nassau resorts
- Strong service reviews on Trip.com
- Five restaurants and two bars
- Day passes available for friends staying elsewhere
Cons
- Small harbour beach, not open ocean
- Some reports of slow restaurant service
- Elevator outages mentioned by a reviewer
- Day-pass visitors can make the pool busy
- Grounds
- 16 beachfront acres on Paradise Island's harbour side
- Dining
- 5 restaurants, 2 bars (Hog Bar, Rum Cay Lobby Bar)
- Pools
- Lagoon-style main pool and lap pool
- Spa
- Amber Spa
- Day pass
- From $130 (10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.)
What guests say
The staff were absolutely amazing, we will definitely be back.
the restaurant service is inefficient.
A June 2026 guest said some staff were rude and that the elevator went out of service twice during the stay.
4Best budget Cable Beach stay
Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas
Cable Beach, Nassau
Guest ratings
Tripadvisor3.9/5 · 11,176Kayak7.3/10 · 617Trip.com7.8/10 · 113Checked Oct 2026; review counts in grey.
Our take
Breezes is the Bahamas' best budget all-inclusive in our view, as long as you can live with dated rooms. It has 395 rooms in two beachfront towers on about 1,000 feet of Cable Beach, and its rates include rooms, meals, unlimited drinks, activities, entertainment, Wi-Fi and all taxes with no resort fees, per Breezes. It accepts couples, singles, friends and families with children 14 and older, and it holds a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2025 award.
On Tripadvisor it scores 3.9 from more than 11,000 reviews, with rooms the weakest sub-score at 3.4 and location the strongest at 4.4. Reviewers love the entertainment team, the beach and the staff, and several call it the most bang for your buck. The recurring complaints are dated rooms without fridges or coffee makers, few planned activities and, on Trip.com, a resort that needs a facelift. Book Breezes for a social, sunny week on a budget, not for a design hotel.
Skip it if You want modern rooms, or you are traveling with children under 14.
Our category scores
Pros
- Taxes included and no resort fees
- About 1,000 feet of Cable Beach
- Lively entertainment team and friendly staff
- Good value for Nassau
Cons
- Dated rooms, often without a fridge or coffee maker
- Few planned activities
- Cruise day-pass visitors on some days
- No children under 14
- Rooms
- 395 in two beachfront towers
- Age policy
- Families with children 14 and older
- Included
- Meals, unlimited drinks, activities, Wi-Fi, all taxes, no resort fees
- Beach
- About 1,000 feet on Cable Beach
- Award
- Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2025
What guests say
With the best beach, friendliest staff and plentiful food options Breezes gets you the most bang for your buck.
the resort is dated and many of the rooms have no refrigerator, microwave or coffee maker, which is something I'm used to.
The hotel is extremely outdated and rundown, and needs a facelift horribly!
5Most kid-friendly on Cable Beach
Meliá Nassau Beach All Inclusive
Cable Beach, Nassau
Our take
Meliá Nassau Beach is the largest family all-inclusive on Cable Beach, with 694 rooms, seven restaurants, four bars and lounges, a swim-up bar, a children's pool and playground and the Melia Kids and Co club for ages 4 to 12, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The plan includes meals, domestic and select international drinks, non-motorized water sports, gratuities and taxes, per Costco Travel. Premium spirits, premium cuts and seafood, room service and the Black Angus steakhouse cost extra, and breakfast at O'Grille is reserved for guests in The Level, the resort's premium category with its own pool, check-in and room service.
Reviews are the problem. Kayak scores it just 6.5 out of 10 on a small sample, with its review summary citing unfriendly or inefficient staff, noise, cold food and limited variety, while praising the beach and location. One Trip.com guest loved the food, drinks and clean beachfront rooms, so experiences vary widely. We would only book Melia for a family that needs a kids' club in Nassau, and we would pay for The Level to sidestep the busiest areas.
Skip it if You are a couple; Sandals, the Riu or Breezes will suit you better.
Our category scores
Pros
- Kids' club for ages 4 to 12 with long hours
- Gratuities and taxes included
- Seven restaurants on Cable Beach
- The Level premium area with its own pool
Cons
- Very mixed reviews on service and food
- Steakhouse and premium drinks cost extra
- Large, busy resort with noise complaints
- Facilities need updating, per review summaries
- Rooms
- 694 (per Kayak's listing)
- Dining
- Aqua, O'Grille, The Marketplace, Cilantro, Nikkei, Estavida; Black Angus extra
- Kids' club
- Melia Kids and Co, ages 4–12, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Included
- Meals, domestic and select international drinks, tips, taxes, non-motorized water sports
- Premium area
- The Level: private check-in, pool, premium drinks, room service
What guests say
One guest praised the food and drinks, described the rooms as beautiful and clean with beachfront views, and called the staff super friendly.
Kayak's guest review summary cites unfriendly or inefficient staff, high noise levels, cold or unappetizing food and a lack of variety, while noting positive remarks about the beach and location.
6Best-reviewed all-inclusive
Club Med Columbus Isle
San Salvador
Our take
Club Med Columbus Isle is the hidden standout of this list. It sits on 89 acres on remote San Salvador, with less than 20% of the land built on, about five minutes from the island's airport, and it scores 4.4 on Tripadvisor from more than 9,700 reviews, with location rated 4.8. The package includes unlimited dining and drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and around 26 activities such as sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, wing foiling, beach volleyball and tennis, per Club Med. Scuba diving and excursions cost extra, and there is a diving-specialist doctor on site.
Recent Tripadvisor reviews call it a great quiet resort with exceptional water and one of the best beaches guests have seen; the mixed note is that the drinks and wine left a lot to be desired. It is not cheap to reach: you usually connect through Nassau, transfers are not included, and Nassau's hospital is about an hour's flight away. Book it if you sail, snorkel or dive and want peace; skip it if you want nightlife or a big water park.
Skip it if You want nightlife, casinos or a water park, or you dislike connecting flights.
Our category scores
Pros
- Highest Tripadvisor rating in this guide (4.4)
- Exceptional water and beach, rated 4.8 for location
- Sailing, kayaking and snorkeling included
- Quiet, low-density 89-acre site
Cons
- Remote: usually a connection via Nassau
- Scuba and excursions cost extra
- Drinks and wine get weaker reviews
- Rooms scored lowest among sub-scores
- Grounds
- 89 acres, less than 20% built
- Included
- Unlimited dining and drinks, about 26 activities including sailing and snorkeling
- Extra cost
- Scuba diving, excursions, transfers
- Kids
- Junior Club Med in July and August; programs for ages 11–13 and 14–17
- From airport
- About 5 minutes from San Salvador (ZSA)
What guests say
An August 2026 guest described a great quiet resort with excellent food and many choices.
The water is exceptional
Drinks and wine left a lot to be desired.
7Only all-inclusive on Grand Bahama
Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham
Freeport, Grand Bahama
Our take
Viva Fortuna Beach is the budget option and, per Viva, the only all-inclusive on Grand Bahama. It has 274 rooms in Victorian-style buildings, two pools, a kids' pool, a buffet, three à la carte restaurants, a beach snack bar and two bars with 24-hour fare, plus a Viva Kids Club for ages 4 to 12 and activities such as trapeze lessons, paddleboarding and pickleball. It is about 25 minutes from Freeport airport and can be reached by ferry from Florida, which makes it a low-cost long weekend for Floridians.
The reviews are modest: about 3.5 on Tripadvisor from roughly 7,700 reviews and 6.6 out of 10 on Expedia. Guests consistently like the beach and the kind staff, while Sunwing customers rate rooms and dining only 3.5 out of 5. Grand Bahama is quieter and less polished than Nassau and still recovering from Hurricane Dorian. Book it if price and an easy trip from Florida matter most, and keep expectations for rooms and food low.
Skip it if You want polished rooms, varied dining or a lively island scene.
Our category scores
Pros
- Usually the cheapest all-inclusive in the Bahamas
- Good beach, rated 4.4 out of 5 by Sunwing guests
- Kids' club for ages 4 to 12 and a trapeze
- Reachable by ferry from Florida
Cons
- Low Tripadvisor score (about 3.5)
- Rooms and dining rated only average
- Grand Bahama has fewer attractions than Nassau
- No U.S. preclearance at Freeport
- Rooms
- 274
- Dining
- Buffet, 3 à la carte restaurants, beach snack bar, 2 bars
- Pools
- 2 pools and a kids' pool
- Kids' club
- Viva Kids Club, ages 4–12
- From airport
- About 25 minutes from Freeport (FPO)
What guests say
Recent guests said the staff were very kind and that they really enjoyed the beachfront location.
Across more than 1,000 Sunwing guest reviews, the beach scores 4.4 out of 5, while rooms, dining and the pool score only 3.5.
Score card
How our picks compare, category by category
Scores out of 10. Darker means stronger; the top score in each column is ringed.
| Resort | Food | Beach | Rooms | Service | Activities | Value | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandals Royal Bahamian | 8.5 | 7 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 7.5 | 8.4 |
| Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island | 7 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas | 7.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7.7 |
| Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas | 7 | 8.5 | 6 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Meliá Nassau Beach All Inclusive | 6 | 8 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| Club Med Columbus Isle | 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |
| Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham | 6 | 8.5 | 5.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Decide
Which resort should you book?
If you want A honeymoon with everything included
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Couples-only with an offshore island, 10 restaurants, tips, taxes and transfers included.
If you want Adults-only on Paradise Island for less
Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island
24-hour all-inclusive on the beach next to Atlantis, from about €217 per person per night.
If you want A smaller, quieter adults-only stay
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas
16 harbour-side acres, five restaurants and strong service reviews.
If you want A social budget week on Cable Beach
Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas
Taxes included, no resort fees, lively entertainment, guests 14 and older.
If you want A kids' club in Nassau
Meliá Nassau Beach All Inclusive
Melia Kids and Co for ages 4 to 12, open until 9 p.m., on Cable Beach.
If you want Sailing, snorkeling and quiet
Club Med Columbus Isle
4.4 on Tripadvisor, exceptional water and included water sports on San Salvador.
If you want The cheapest all-inclusive trip from Florida
Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham
Grand Bahama's only all-inclusive, reachable by ferry, with a kids' club.
Compare
Side-by-side comparison
Bahamas all-inclusive resorts compared (ratings and plan details as of October 2026)
| Resort | Island / area | Adults-only | Price tier | Best for | Guest rating | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club Med Columbus Isle | San Salvador | No | $$$ | Water sports, quiet | 4.4/5 Tripadvisor | 8.5 |
| Sandals Royal Bahamian | Cable Beach | Couples-only | $$$$ | Honeymoons | 4.0/5 Tripadvisor | 8.4 |
| Warwick Paradise Island | Paradise Island | Yes | $$$ | Small adults-only | 8.1/10 Trip.com | 7.7 |
| Riu Palace Paradise Island | Paradise Island | Yes | $$$ | Adults-only value | 7.4/10 Kayak | 7.6 |
| Breezes Bahamas | Cable Beach | 14+ | $$ | Budget, social | 3.9/5 Tripadvisor | 7.5 |
| Meliá Nassau Beach | Cable Beach | No | $$ | Kids' club | 6.5/10 Kayak | 6.6 |
| Viva Fortuna Beach | Grand Bahama | No | $ | Budget from Florida | 3.5/5 Tripadvisor | 6.5 |
Pros & cons
The Bahamas for an all-inclusive trip: why go, why not
Reasons to go
- Short flights from the U.S. East Coast and nonstops from more than 15 U.S. cities
- U.S. preclearance in Nassau makes the trip home faster
- Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar
- Strong couples' options: Sandals, Riu and Warwick
- Easy add-ons: Atlantis water park, Exuma pig tours, snorkeling
- Club Med Columbus Isle is one of the region's best-rated all-inclusives
Reasons to think twice
- In the hurricane belt, with a wet June to October
- Winter can be cool and windy compared with the southern Caribbean
- Few true family all-inclusives; Atlantis and Baha Mar are room-only
- Exuma's only big all-inclusive closed in 2024
- High taxes, resort fees and restaurant prices
- Several resorts get dated-room complaints
Nassau all-inclusive resorts: Cable Beach vs Paradise Island
Almost every Bahamas all-inclusive is on New Providence, the island that holds Nassau, so the real choice is between two beach strips.
| Area | All-inclusives | Feel | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Beach | Sandals Royal Bahamian, Breezes, Melia | Long west-facing beach, Baha Mar casino next door, close to the airport | Seagrass and small beach sections at some resorts |
| Paradise Island | Riu Palace, Warwick | Across the bridge from downtown, Atlantis next door, Cabbage Beach | Higher taxes and cruise-day crowds |
| Out Islands | Club Med (San Salvador), Viva Fortuna (Grand Bahama) | Quiet, nature-first | Extra flights, fewer restaurants |
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is the closer and calmer of the two. A Sandals reviewer noted the resort is about ten minutes from the airport, and the Baha Mar complex brings a casino and dozens of restaurants within walking distance. Beaches here are pretty but narrow in places, and reviewers at Sandals mention small beaches and early lounger grabs.
Paradise Island
Paradise Island puts you next to Atlantis's casino, marina and water park and a short drive from downtown Nassau's cruise port. The Riu sits on the ocean side; the Warwick faces the harbour with its own small beach.
Is Atlantis all-inclusive? No, and here's what it costs instead
Atlantis Paradise Island is the Bahamas' most famous resort, and it is the question we get most: Atlantis is not an all-inclusive resort. You pay for rooms, then for food and drinks at its restaurants, bars and food outlets.
Dining plans and credits
Atlantis sells dining plans and prepaid Experience Credits (food and beverage, beverage, family fun and marine adventures) as add-ons to its Atlantis Paradise Vacation packages, according to the Atlantis FAQ. Dining plans become non-refundable within three days of arrival. These are prepaid meal allowances, not unlimited all-inclusive.
The fees on top of the room rate
The same FAQ lists charges added to every night:
| Charge | Amount (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| VAT and Paradise Island levies | 21% of the nightly room rate |
| Daily resort fee | $77 at The Coral and The Royal; $82.50 at The Cove and The Reef (including VAT) |
| Mandatory gratuities | Up to $14 per person at The Coral and The Royal, $30 at The Cove, $52 at The Reef (ages 12+) |
| Harborside utility fee | $20.52 per person per day |
The resort fee includes Aquaventure water park access. For a family of four in The Royal, gratuities and the resort fee alone can add well over $100 a night before you eat.
Should you book Atlantis or an all-inclusive?
Book Atlantis for the water park and marine habitats, and budget generously for food. If you want one predictable price, Riu Palace Paradise Island is next door, and Atlantis day passes let all-inclusive guests visit the water park without staying there.
Budget planner
Typical 7-night Bahamas all-inclusive trip for two (USD)
Adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas
The Bahamas has three adults-only all-inclusives, all on New Providence, plus one 14-and-over resort.
- Sandals Royal Bahamian (couples only) is the most complete package, with an offshore island, scuba for certified divers, 10 restaurants and Rolls-Royce transfers for select suites, per Sandals.
- Riu Palace Paradise Island (adults only) has 24-hour all-inclusive, six restaurants, three bars, a swim-up bar and a spa on Paradise Island's ocean side, per RIU.
- Warwick Paradise Island (adults only) is a smaller resort on 16 beachfront acres facing Nassau Harbour, with five restaurants and two bars, per Warwick Hotels.
Breezes Bahamas is not adults-only, but it only accepts families with children 14 and older, according to Breezes. That gives it a grown-up feel at a lower price than Sandals.
For a cheaper alternative to Sandals with a similar vibe, Breezes and the Riu are the obvious comparisons; for privacy and polish, nothing in the Bahamas all-inclusive market beats a Sandals butler suite.
Bahamas all-inclusive family resorts
This is where the Bahamas is weakest. The big family names are either not all-inclusive (Atlantis, Baha Mar) or closed (Sandals Emerald Bay, becoming Beaches Exuma). The real family all-inclusives are:
- Melia Nassau Beach on Cable Beach, with the Melia Kids and Co club for ages 4 to 12, a children's pool and playground, and seven restaurants, per Costco Travel. Reviews are mixed.
- Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham on Grand Bahama, with a Viva Kids Club for ages 4 to 12, two pools and a trapeze, a 25-minute transfer from Freeport airport.
- Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador, which runs teen programs in July and August and offers a kids-under-4-stay-free promotion, per Club Med. It is quiet and activity-led rather than a water-park resort.
If your children are under 14 and you want Nassau with a water park, the honest answer is Atlantis on a dining plan, or a flight to Turks and Caicos for Beaches.
Exuma, Eleuthera, Bimini and Grand Bahama: all-inclusive options beyond Nassau
Exuma
The Exumas are a chain of 365 islands, home to the famous swimming pigs on Big Major Cay, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma has direct flights from Nassau, Miami, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte and Toronto, per Wikipedia. With Sandals Emerald Bay closed for its Beaches conversion, Exuma all-inclusive options are essentially gone for now; most visitors book a room-only resort or villa and eat out in George Town.
Eleuthera and Harbour Island
Eleuthera and Harbour Island are known for pink-sand beaches and small boutique hotels. We did not find a resort-wide all-inclusive on either island.
Bimini
Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida and a fishing and diving base. We found no resort-wide all-inclusive there.
Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama is still rebuilding from Hurricane Dorian, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm on September 2, 2019, according to Wikipedia. Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, with 274 rooms, is its one all-inclusive, reachable by flight or by ferry from Florida.
San Salvador
Club Med Columbus Isle sits on 89 acres on San Salvador, about five minutes from the island's airport, and is one of the best-rated all-inclusives in the country.
Best time to visit the Bahamas, and the hurricane question
Nassau is noticeably cooler in winter than the southern Caribbean. Average highs run from about 79°F in January to 91°F in July and August, and lows dip to about 65°F in January, based on 1991–2020 normals from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology summarised on Wikipedia. Annual rainfall is about 56 inches.
- December to April is the dry season, with under 3 inches of rain a month, and the most expensive time to go.
- May to October is the wet season. June (8.7 inches), August (8.3) and September (7.7) are the wettest months.
- Late April, May and early December are the shoulder sweet spots for price and weather.
Hurricanes
Unlike Aruba or Curaçao, the Bahamas sits squarely in the Atlantic hurricane belt. The season runs June 1 to November 30, with the peak from August to October. Hurricane Dorian hit Abaco and Grand Bahama as a Category 5 storm on September 1 and 2, 2019, killing at least 74 people and causing about $3.4 billion in damage, the costliest disaster in Bahamian history. If you book in late summer or autumn, buy travel insurance and choose a flexible rate.
Best time to go
Bahamas: weather, prices & crowds by month
Average daily high (°F)
High 78.9°F · low 64.8°F
Rain 1.76 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 79.9°F · low 65.3°F
Rain 1.9 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 80.9°F · low 66.4°F
Rain 2.13 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 83.7°F · low 69.8°F
Rain 2.91 in · Prices peak · Busy
High 86.4°F · low 72.3°F
Rain 5.48 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 89.2°F · low 75.6°F
Rain 8.66 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 90.9°F · low 77°F
Rain 6.23 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 91°F · low 77°F
Rain 8.31 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 89.9°F · low 76.4°F
Rain 7.7 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 87°F · low 74.5°F
Rain 5.93 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 82.9°F · low 70.1°F
Rain 3.41 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 80.3°F · low 67.2°F
Rain 1.7 in · Prices peak · Packed
Average rainfall (inches)
High 78.9°F · low 64.8°F
Rain 1.76 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 79.9°F · low 65.3°F
Rain 1.9 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 80.9°F · low 66.4°F
Rain 2.13 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 83.7°F · low 69.8°F
Rain 2.91 in · Prices peak · Busy
High 86.4°F · low 72.3°F
Rain 5.48 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 89.2°F · low 75.6°F
Rain 8.66 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 90.9°F · low 77°F
Rain 6.23 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 91°F · low 77°F
Rain 8.31 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 89.9°F · low 76.4°F
Rain 7.7 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 87°F · low 74.5°F
Rain 5.93 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 82.9°F · low 70.1°F
Rain 3.41 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 80.3°F · low 67.2°F
Rain 1.7 in · Prices peak · Packed
Resort prices
High 78.9°F · low 64.8°F
Rain 1.76 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 79.9°F · low 65.3°F
Rain 1.9 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 80.9°F · low 66.4°F
Rain 2.13 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 83.7°F · low 69.8°F
Rain 2.91 in · Prices peak · Busy
High 86.4°F · low 72.3°F
Rain 5.48 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 89.2°F · low 75.6°F
Rain 8.66 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 90.9°F · low 77°F
Rain 6.23 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 91°F · low 77°F
Rain 8.31 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 89.9°F · low 76.4°F
Rain 7.7 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 87°F · low 74.5°F
Rain 5.93 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 82.9°F · low 70.1°F
Rain 3.41 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 80.3°F · low 67.2°F
Rain 1.7 in · Prices peak · Packed
Crowds
High 78.9°F · low 64.8°F
Rain 1.76 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 79.9°F · low 65.3°F
Rain 1.9 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 80.9°F · low 66.4°F
Rain 2.13 in · Prices peak · Packed
High 83.7°F · low 69.8°F
Rain 2.91 in · Prices peak · Busy
High 86.4°F · low 72.3°F
Rain 5.48 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 89.2°F · low 75.6°F
Rain 8.66 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 90.9°F · low 77°F
Rain 6.23 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 91°F · low 77°F
Rain 8.31 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 89.9°F · low 76.4°F
Rain 7.7 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 87°F · low 74.5°F
Rain 5.93 in · Prices low · Quiet
High 82.9°F · low 70.1°F
Rain 3.41 in · Prices mid · Busy
High 80.3°F · low 67.2°F
Rain 1.7 in · Prices peak · Packed
View as table ▾
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) | Prices | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 78.9 | 64.8 | 1.76 | Peak | Packed |
| Feb | 79.9 | 65.3 | 1.9 | Peak | Packed |
| Mar | 80.9 | 66.4 | 2.13 | Peak | Packed |
| Apr | 83.7 | 69.8 | 2.91 | Peak | Busy |
| May | 86.4 | 72.3 | 5.48 | Mid | Busy |
| Jun | 89.2 | 75.6 | 8.66 | Mid | Busy |
| Jul | 90.9 | 77 | 6.23 | Mid | Busy |
| Aug | 91 | 77 | 8.31 | Low | Quiet |
| Sep | 89.9 | 76.4 | 7.7 | Low | Quiet |
| Oct | 87 | 74.5 | 5.93 | Low | Quiet |
| Nov | 82.9 | 70.1 | 3.41 | Mid | Busy |
| Dec | 80.3 | 67.2 | 1.7 | Peak | Packed |
Getting there, entry and U.S. preclearance
Flights
Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) has nonstop service from Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, New York JFK and LaGuardia, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa and Washington, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. The country has 20 international airports in all.
Preclearance
Nassau is one of only 16 U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance sites worldwide, so on the way home you clear U.S. immigration and customs in Nassau and land in the U.S. as a domestic arrival. Freeport on Grand Bahama is not on CBP's preclearance list.
Entry
U.S. citizens flying to the Bahamas need a valid passport. If you are connecting from Nassau to an Out Island, the Ministry of Tourism advises allowing at least 90 minutes to clear immigration and customs.
How much a Bahamas all-inclusive costs
The Bahamas is pricier than Mexico or the Dominican Republic for the same level of resort, mostly because of taxes and fees and a small supply of all-inclusives.
- Taxes: the Atlantis FAQ shows how it adds up on Paradise Island: 10% VAT plus levies, 21% in total on the room rate.
- What's bundled matters: Sandals includes taxes, tips and airport transfers; Breezes says its rates include all taxes with no resort fees; Melia's plan includes gratuities and taxes but charges extra for premium spirits, premium cuts and its Black Angus steakhouse.
- Rates we saw: RIU showed junior suites at Riu Palace Paradise Island from about €217 per person per night in October 2026. Warwick sells day passes from $130.
Is all-inclusive worth it in the Bahamas?
Usually yes. Restaurant and bar prices in Nassau and on Paradise Island are high, and resort fees and mandatory gratuities at room-only resorts add up fast. An all-inclusive with taxes included is often the simplest way to know what a Nassau week will really cost.
Community
What travel-forum regulars say
Travel-forum consensus
Forum regulars on Cruise Critic, where many Nassau day-pass and pre-cruise stays are discussed, split the Nassau all-inclusives into clear roles. Riu Palace Paradise Island is recommended for a more upscale, pampered feel and for being walkable to Marina Village and the Atlantis shops, though some posters found it crowded with a plentiful but plain lunch buffet. Breezes gets repeated praise for having one of Nassau's calmest, softest beaches and lots of activities, with the usual caveat that rooms are dated and its 14-and-up policy matters for families. Melia is described as roughly a mile farther along Cable Beach than Breezes, with nicer pools but a more impersonal feel. Sandals is treated as the couples' splurge. This summary draws on the three Cruise Critic threads linked below, which date from 2017 to 2023, rather than on Reddit, so we weighted them below 2026 guest reviews.
In a 2023 thread comparing Nassau resort day passes, a poster called Breezes the best beach in Nassau for calm water and soft sand, and recommended the Riu on Paradise Island for an upscale, pampered resort day within walking distance of Marina Village.
A Melia vs Breezes thread weighs Breezes' beach and activities against Melia's pools and newer feel, noting Melia sits roughly a mile farther out on Cable Beach.
A Riu Palace Paradise Island thread describes a busy resort on the day of the visit, with a lunch buffet that was plentiful but not fancy.
Watch
Video tours worth watching
Independent walkthroughs help you judge room size, beach and crowd levels before you book.
Photos
Bahamas in pictures
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Atlantis in the Bahamas all-inclusive?
No. Atlantis Paradise Island is not an all-inclusive resort. It sells dining plans and prepaid food and beverage credits as add-ons to its vacation packages, but meals and drinks are otherwise paid separately. Its FAQ also lists a 21% VAT and levy charge on room rates, a daily resort fee of $77 to $82.50 and mandatory gratuities of up to $14 to $52 per person per night, depending on the tower.
What is the best all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas?
For couples, we think Sandals Royal Bahamian is the best all-inclusive in the Bahamas, because it bundles an offshore island, 10 restaurants, scuba for certified divers, tips, taxes and transfers. Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador has the highest guest rating we found, 4.4 on Tripadvisor, and suits active travelers who want quiet. Breezes is the best budget pick on Cable Beach.
Which Bahamas all-inclusive resorts are adults-only?
Sandals Royal Bahamian (couples only), Riu Palace Paradise Island and Warwick Paradise Island are the three adults-only all-inclusives, all on New Providence near Nassau. Breezes Bahamas is not strictly adults-only, but it only accepts children aged 14 and older, so it feels grown-up and costs less than Sandals.
What are the best all-inclusive family resorts in the Bahamas?
Options are limited. Meliá Nassau Beach on Cable Beach has a kids' club for ages 4 to 12, Viva Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama has a kids' club for the same ages, and Club Med Columbus Isle offers family programs, especially in July and August. Atlantis is the classic family resort but is not all-inclusive. Sandals Emerald Bay is being converted into a Beaches family resort in Exuma, with no reopening date announced as of October 2026.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in Exuma?
Not at the moment. Sandals Emerald Bay on Great Exuma closed on August 15, 2024 to be transformed into a Beaches family resort, and Sandals had not published a reopening date as of October 2026. Most Exuma visitors now stay at room-only hotels or villas and eat out, or visit the swimming pigs on a day trip from Nassau.
Is there an all-inclusive resort in Bimini?
We did not find a resort-wide all-inclusive on Bimini. Bimini is mainly a fishing, diving and day-trip island close to Florida, and visitors usually stay room-only and eat out. For an all-inclusive near Florida, look at Viva Fortuna Beach on Grand Bahama, which is reachable by flight or ferry, or the Nassau resorts.
When is the best time to go to the Bahamas?
December through April is the dry season, with less than 3 inches of rain a month in Nassau, but it is also the most expensive and can be cool, with January highs around 79°F. Late April, May and early December are good value. June through November is hurricane season, and June, August and September are the wettest months.
Do you need a passport for the Bahamas, and is there preclearance?
U.S. citizens flying to the Bahamas need a valid passport. Nassau's airport has U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance, so you clear U.S. immigration and customs before flying home and arrive in the U.S. as a domestic passenger. Freeport on Grand Bahama is not on CBP's preclearance list.
Sources
Sources and further reading
Every figure on this page was checked against these sources. Ratings and prices change — we note when each was checked.
- 1Sandals Emerald Bay will close to make way for Beaches Exuma — Sandals Resorts, accessed October 20, 2026
- 2Sandals Royal Bahamian — Sandals Resorts, accessed October 20, 2026
- 3Sandals Royal Bahamian reviews (Tripadvisor data) — WestJet, accessed October 20, 2026
- 4Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas — Breezes, accessed October 20, 2026
- 5Breezes Resort and Spa Bahamas reviews (Tripadvisor data) — WestJet, accessed October 20, 2026
- 6Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas — Warwick Hotels, accessed October 20, 2026
- 7Warwick Paradise Island guest reviews — Trip.com, accessed October 20, 2026
- 8Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island — RIU Hotels & Resorts, accessed October 20, 2026
- 9Riu Palace Paradise Island reviews — Kayak, accessed October 20, 2026
- 10Melia Nassau Beach All-Inclusive — Costco Travel, accessed October 20, 2026
Show all 24 sources
- 11Melia Nassau Beach reviews — Kayak, accessed October 20, 2026
- 12Club Med Columbus Isle — Club Med, accessed October 20, 2026
- 13Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham — Viva Resorts by Wyndham, accessed October 20, 2026
- 14Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham — Sunwing, accessed October 20, 2026
- 15Atlantis FAQ: fees, resort fee, gratuities and dining plans — Atlantis Paradise Island, accessed October 20, 2026
- 16The Exumas — The Islands of The Bahamas (Ministry of Tourism), accessed October 20, 2026
- 17Flying to The Bahamas — The Islands of The Bahamas (Ministry of Tourism), accessed October 20, 2026
- 18Preclearance locations — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, accessed October 20, 2026
- 19Nassau climate data (1991–2020 normals) — Wikipedia, accessed October 20, 2026
- 20Hurricane Dorian — Wikipedia, accessed October 20, 2026
- 21Great Exuma — Wikipedia, accessed October 20, 2026
- 22Baha Mar — Wikipedia, accessed October 20, 2026
- 23Resort for a day choice (Nassau) — Cruise Critic, accessed October 20, 2026
- 24Melia vs Breezes — Cruise Critic, accessed October 20, 2026
Written by
Kevin · Editor & lead researcher
Kevin researches and writes the guides on All Inclusive Resorts Deals, comparing guest ratings across review and booking sites and checking every figure against its source. This guide cites 24 sources and was last fact-checked on . We don't accept payment for placement.
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