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Caribbean QUEEN NASSAU’S BAHA MAR CHAMPIONS THE EVOLUTION OF MEGARESORT CHIC BY PAUL RUBIO
When the $4.2 billion excess that is Baha Mar debuted on Nassau’s Cable Beach in 2017, it revolutionized the concept of a megaresort. Despite its ambitious size, the property shined for its top-notch service, quality brands, and world-class experiences. Five years later, Baha Mar continues to wow with new activations, eateries, and events, plus an array of posh accommodations. Baha Mar boasts numerous room and suite structures across its three hotel brands: Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood. Chief among these offerings are the 6,200-square-foot oceanside six-bedroom villas at Rosewood Baha Mar, which are the resort’s most lavish accommodations to date. When venturing outside, consider spending ample time at the new 15-acre Baha Bay, home to a sprawling “luxury waterpark” that speaks to Baha Mar’s larger-than-life allure. Sure, there are plenty of thrilling slides—don’t miss the high-speed Dueling Riptide
Clockwise from right: The FlowRider at Baha Bay’s waterpark; Flamingo Yoga; the Baha Mar complex in its entirety; the Baha Bay Beach Club; Baha Mar’s casino, the largest in the Caribbean. 36
Coaster—plus a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a lazy river, and a surf simulator. But throw in some gourmet food options, an outdoor casino, and a beach club (equipped with full-service private cabanas, hammocks, and two infinity-edge swimming pools) and discover exactly how a waterpark garners elite status. Augmenting an already impressive collection of more than 45 restaurants and bars are two of the biggest names in the industry. Chef Marcus Samuelsson puts a Southern spin on Bahamian cuisine with Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, featuring crave-worthy dishes such as conch croquettes and spicy prawns complemented by juicy fried chicken and marshmallow-crusted sweet potato mash. A second outpost by Samuelsson, the more casual Streetbird on the Beach, serves the likes of crispy chicken sandwiches (slathered in hot pepper mayo) and calypso fritters (a conch–salt fish hybrid) from a food truck anchored in the sand. Icon Daniel Boulud imports a taste of France with Café Boulud, The Bahamas. Here, the marquee chef peppers a menu of French classics and signature dishes
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