One & Only Ocean Club is quite simply the most luxurious resort in the Bahamas -- and one of the most exclusive in all of the Caribbean. From the moment you arrive and walk through the airy French plantation house to catch a glimpse of the azure Caribbean past manicured green lawns, it's clear you've happened on a little snatch of Paradise. And that's before you stroll the grounds, which require a staff of 200 gardeners to maintain, and are capped by a luxurious terraced flower garden inspired by the gardens at Versailles and topped by the ruins of a 12 century cloister, imported piece-by-piece from France in the 1920s and assembled here in the 1960s.

That's when supermarket heir Huntington Hartford first purchased the small, uninhabited island off of Nassau, dubbed it Paradise, and set about building his manor house and estate that eventually became the resort. Over the years, the island has changed hands several times, once owned by TV personality Merv Griffin, and currently owned by hotel magnate Sol Kerzner, who is also responsible for constructing the theme park style Atlantis resort next door. Guests at Ocean Club enjoy access and signing privileges to all of the attractions at Atlantis -- a plus when traveling with kids -- but the attitude of the two resorts could not be more different. At Atlantis, it's easy to feel like one in a crowd of thousands of guests all jockeying for space on the waterslides and restaurant tables. At Ocean Club, each guest is made to feel like the experience is created specifically for him or her, with a dedicated butler assigned to every room, champagne and strawberries delivered at dusk (milk and cookies of kids), and sumptuous accommodations that put the luxe in luxury.

The overriding atmosphere at the resort is one of pampered relaxation, with coconut palms swaying in the breeze and adults lounging on daybed by the garden pool while uniformed staff bring them champagne and cocktails. Despite the element of peace and quiet, however, Ocean Club is actually an excellent choice for families, with a stellar kids club that is full of activities for young ones, and daily field trips to Atlantis or other parts of the island for water sport activities to keep kids of all ages happy. The only downside, of course, is that with exclusivity comes price -- if you are the type to balk at a $25 hamburger by the pool (to say nothing of the room rates!) this spot may not be for you. Additionally, despite the promise of individual service, there is a range of attentiveness among staff, who are all friendly, but vary in punctuality and helpfulness -- not something that might be noticed at a regular resort, but something that becomes glaring at a resort that touts an air of exceptional service, with prices to match. That's a minor criticism, however, for an experience to stay at one of the most lavish properties in the Caribbean. If you can afford it, the experience is not one you are liable to soon forget.

More Information

Family Activities

Rooms

Map

Family Dining

Planning & Tips

Reviews