“Family friendly, not family focused” is the mantra at Baha Mar in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. While traditional resorts typically entail waterslides, arcades, and children by the hundreds, Baha Mar is giving new meaning to resort destinations.
The luxury resort is nestled at the water’s edge in Bahamas’ capital city, Nassau, located on the island of New Providence. After having a record-breaking 6.6 million visitors in 2018, New Providence is on track to reach 7 million visitors by the end of 2019. Not to mention, Bahamas is one of three countries in the Caribbean that offers preclearance prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights, allowing for quick and convenient travel from the U.S., especially for those with a connecting flight.
Baha Mar is comprised of three international luxury hotel brands: Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS. Since opening in April 2017, Baha Mar has achieved significant successes and accomplishments and now employs more than 5,000 associates. “After introducing world-class dining and entertainment concepts in Nassau, creating long-term opportunities for the community and shaping a place to highlight the arts and cultural importance of The Bahamas on the global stage, Baha Mar is now recognized as the leading integrated resort destination in the Caribbean and one of the most sought after vacation experiences in the world. The resort destination is continuing the commitment to redefine the Caribbean vacation experience for contemporary travelers,” adds Baha Mar’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Karin Salinas.
Baha Mar is also highlighting Bahamian artists with its art gallery, The Current. Home to the largest collection of Bahamian art and a world class artist-in-residency program, The Current provides an opportunity for local and international artists to display and sell their artwork, instruct classes and workshops, and deliver lectures to Baha Mar guests, island residents and other visitors.
For the foodies in your group, Baha Mar will not disappoint. Baha Mar is home to international restaurants driven by leading culinary personalities including Carna, a sophisticated Italian steakhouse form master butcher, Dario Cecchini; Cleo a Mediterranean staple using local Bahamian influences; Shuang Ba, a haute Chinese restaurant with elegant décor and traditional Chinese cooking technique, along with various other restaurants offering authentic flavors from around the world.
Baha Mar’s busiest time of year begins in mid-November as temperatures in the U.S. drop and visitors begin Thanksgiving and holiday travel. Bahamas’ busy period continues through the holidays and cold weather months into April/May as visitors travel for spring break and Easter.
“The ideal time of year for meetings in the Bahamas is off-peak leisure travel periods, avoiding holiday weekends, festive season and spring break, when occupancy is high, and the resort has less flexibility to accommodate large groups. For the most flexibility including inventory and rates, meeting planners should look to need periods in terms of leisure travel,” Salinas says. “Bahamas has tropical weather all year long, so heading to the islands even in the summer is the perfect getaway. Planners looking to pull off large scale events on a budget will prefer summer, a more budget-friendly time period to experience The Bahamas.”
And what about the meeting attendees who are traveling with children? No problem! Baha Mar is a paradise for adults first and foremost, but it’s also an oasis for kids. Children are welcome to join the Explorers Club, a kids-only club designed for ages 3 to 12 and staffed with fun-loving Explorer Counselors offering an array of exciting “edu-tainment” activities, wildlife encounters and games. Sessions are available daily and nightly. The brand-new Explorers Club will debut in December 2019, with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, movie theater and more.
Kids are also invited to partake in kids-focused art classes at The Current Gallery and Art Center, wildlife encounters at The Exploration Center & Animal Sanctuary and flamingo parades at Flamingo Cay, Salinas adds.
Whether you’re hosting an adults-only retreat or a family friendly function, Baha Mar undoubtedly has something for everyone in your group.
