Planning Luxury Travel to Paradise Island, Bahamas
Just minutes from Nassau, Paradise Island delivers a polished Caribbean escape with world-class resorts, iconic beaches, and unusually seamless logistics.
Photo: Courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island
Paradise Island, just off Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, lives up to the promise of its name—and then some. Compact but unapologetically polished, the five-mile-long island has long been regarded locally as a playground for the wealthy.
Connected to Nassau by two bridges, Paradise Island feels both close to the action and pleasantly removed from it. The island’s footprint is dominated by landmark luxury resorts, manicured championship golf courses, and some of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. Along the Atlantic side, powder-soft stretches like Cabbage Beach and Paradise Beach deliver that classic turquoise-and-white postcard moment, while calmer coves elsewhere offer a more discreet escape.
For travel advisors, it remains a reliable crowd-pleaser—but one that rewards thoughtful planning. Whether clients are seeking high-energy resort living, discreet beachfront villas, or a polished base for yacht charters and island-hopping, the destination offers a surprisingly layered luxury landscape within minutes of Nassau and the broader The Bahamas.
Here’s a practical guide to experiencing Paradise Island at its most refined—and helping clients travel it well.
The Advisor’s Cheat Sheet
Region Overview
Paradise Island is easily connected to the Bahamas’ main island, New Providence, by a bridge. While the country’s more than 700 islands and cays are typically reached by boat or plane, Paradise Island stands out for its convenience, located just a 45-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport.
For travelers seeking the security and tranquility of an island escape without the hassle of additional transfers, Paradise Island is an excellent choice—especially given its wide range of attractions, most of which sit firmly within the luxury segment.
The island is home to the largest resort in the Caribbean, Atlantis, which set a new benchmark two decades ago with its innovative concept of interconnected towers, a sprawling water park, a casino, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Four Seasons also operates a hotel on Paradise Island; the two luxury properties work closely together, offering shuttle service that allows visitors to experience both resorts during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
The Bahamas is an excellent destination, thanks to its pleasant year-round weather. Winter is ideal for golfing, with average temperatures around 70 degrees F. Spring brings slightly warmer conditions in the mid-70s, while summers are hotter, averaging around 80 degrees F. From August to November, brief tropical thunderstorms may occur, but they are usually short-lived and quickly give way to sunshine. The Bahamas are known as a “safe” destination year-round, with 320 sunny days per year.
At-a-Glance Essentials
- Visa: No visa required for U.S. travelers
- Currency: The U.S. dollar is at parity with the Bahamian dollar and is accepted everywhere
- Language: English
- Safety: The touristic areas are very safe, while the rest of the island should be explored with a guide
Top Destinations & Must-Sell Experiences
Cultural & Exclusive Experiences
Nassau’s historic center is a must-visit for travelers eager to step back in time and experience the island’s rich heritage, and just across the bridge.
The Queen’s Staircase—commonly known as the 66 Steps—is well worth the detour. This major landmark, located within the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau, was carved out of solid limestone by enslaved people between 1793 and 1794. It is believed to have provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. The staircase was later named in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.
The first church ever built in the Bahamas, Christ Church Cathedral, still stands today. The current structure, completed in 1841, is the fifth church to occupy this site. In 1861, Nassau officially became a city, and Christ Church was elevated to cathedral status—marking a significant moment in Bahamian history.
Bay Street, the Bahamas’ main shopping avenue and one of Nassau’s oldest streets, is lined with pastel-colored buildings, local boutiques, and an open-air straw market, making it a lively stop for both shopping and sightseeing.
Nature & Outdoor Excursions
Paradise Island is a true haven for nature and ocean lovers. With three white-sand beaches—Paradise Beach, Cabbage Beach, and Cove Beach—it offers the perfect playground for water-based activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
Paradise Island is also a top destination for scuba diving, thanks to its proximity to the deep Tongue of the Ocean. This dramatic underwater trench features sheer walls, excellent visibility, and vibrant coral reefs, including some areas known for their dense schools of tropical fish.
Golfers will be equally pleased, as the island is home to a stunning Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course stretches over 7,100 yards across the Oceanside peninsula, where ocean crosswinds add an exciting challenge even for the most seasoned players.
Culinary Highlights
Paradise Island is truly a paradise for food lovers. Atlantis alone boasts more than 40 restaurants, including outposts from chefs who have received multiple Michelin stars and Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, is also home to a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.
Dune, the Jean-Georges restaurant at Ocean Club, is especially popular for its expansive oceanfront terrace, where guests can enjoy Michelin-caliber dining alongside breathtaking sea views. Designed in a British Colonial style by renowned interior designer Jeffrey Beers, the restaurant features a display kitchen and outdoor patios overlooking the beach, serving refined French-Asian cuisine.
Fish by José Andrés was a personal favorite. Located at The Cove, the adults-only luxury tower at Atlantis, this breathtaking restaurant is known for its impressive seafood tower, fresh seafood specialties, and beautifully prepared fish dishes, alongside select local meats.
The acclaimed Nobu brand also has a restaurant inside the Atlantis casino, offering its renowned menu of sushi, maki, and nigiri, as well as signature Chef Matsuhisa specialties such as miso black cod and beef toban yaki.
Pro tip: It’s never too early to make reservations at these in-demand restaurants, which are often fully booked. Plan ahead to avoid missing out.
Where to Stay
The two luxury hotels on Paradise Island—Four Seasons and Atlantis—are not competitors; in fact, they work closely together. Guests are welcome at both properties, with complimentary shuttles running in both directions.
Atlantis is the ultimate definition of fun for everyone. Home to a 20-million-gallon water park spread across 141 acres, it features high-speed slides, a rapid river, 14 swimming pools, two beaches, a world-class casino with more than 80 gaming tables, an indoor shopping mall, a marina, and a theater—ensuring there’s always something to do. Guests can choose from five distinct towers, each with its own style: adults-only, family-friendly, boutique-style, or residential. All towers are interconnected, and once there, the hardest decision becomes: What do we do today?
For travelers seeking a more laid-back experience, the Ocean Club offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere. While Atlantis delivers high-energy luxury, the Ocean Club is a true haven of tranquility. Originally opened in 1962, this intimate resort offers spacious rooms, bungalows, villas, and residences. Though thoughtfully renovated over the years, it has preserved the charm of traditional Caribbean low-rise architecture and its iconic Versailles-inspired gardens. It features one adult-only pool, one family pool, and one kids’ pool, a tennis court, two restaurants, and one bar.
Good to know: Both resorts welcome guests from the neighboring property, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. Given their close proximity, you won’t miss a thing—no matter which one you choose to call home.
What to Book
Booking a car service is highly recommended, and fortunately, both resorts offer this option.
Once on the island, getting around is easy thanks to complimentary shuttles, walkable paths, and bicycle-friendly routes.
If you choose to explore the main island, you can easily arrange guided tours that include transportation.
Pro tip: Renting a car is generally not recommended. The Bahamas is a former British colony, and driving is on the left side of the road—sometimes even with the steering wheel on the left—so it can be challenging.
Logistics & Access
Getting There
Clients typically fly into Nassau International Airport and arrange private transportation to Paradise Island, located approximately a 45-minute drive away.
Getting Around
Paradise Island is a very safe destination and easy to navigate. If you plan to stay on the island, little to no organization is required. Its sister island, New Providence, however, is much larger—approximately 21 miles long.
If you’re planning to explore the wider area, you’ll need a car or car service, which can be quite expensive. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking guided tours to visit key attractions and points of interest.
Booking Intel: Seasonality, Pricing Trends & Insider Tips
- Booking window: Many hotels offer last-minute deals and discounts, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for special offers. However, if you have something specific in mind, it’s best to book early before it’s gone. The Cove at Atlantis and the Crescent Wing rooms at the Four Seasons, for example, are almost always fully booked.
- Pricing: The highest rates are typically found during winter (December through March), while lower rates are offered during spring and fall.
- Tips: A perfect trip will involve visiting both resorts, regardless of which one you stay at.
