How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in the Bahamas

If pristine beaches, azure waters, and warm island breezes top your honeymoon destination must-haves list, consider making the Bahamas your first post-nuptial trip. Located just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas are easily accessible from almost all corners of the U.S. Made up of 700 islands (30 inhabited), honeymooners can hop from the luxurious Nassau mainland to the quaint natural wonders that await along the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island, the Exumas, and Paradise Island. 

"The Bahamas has so many islands to visit—with their serene and picturesque shorelines and almost perfect weather year-round, gorgeous national parks, and scuba diving, why would it not be a fantastic getaway for a honeymoon?" says Kat Jamieson, creator of the travel app With Love from Kat.

A honeymoon in the Bahamas offers a tropical getaway without traveling that far. “The archipelago is the closest Caribbean destination to the U.S., welcoming many to our shores in under three hours,” Malcolm says. That leaves more time for activities, sightseeing, and relaxing on your trip, plus less money spent getting there. According to skyscanner.com, roundtrip tickets to the Bahamas fall in the $250-$450 range depending on where you're flying in from—a steal compared to many other island honeymoon hotspots. 

There's no shortage of luxury experiences and accommodations in the Bahamas, but rest assured, if you're worried about the atmosphere passing the vibe check, it most certainly does. "The low-key, laid-back vibe and beautiful setting, coupled with friendly locals, make it the perfect spot for a honeymoon," Crokos says.

Planning Your Bahamas Honeymoon

With the aforementioned low-key vibe but plenty of opportunities for luxury, the Bahamas can truly appeal to all kinds of honeymooners. Whether you're looking to kick back on the beach all day every day, take in the local culture, or spend time adventuring in the great outdoors, these beautiful islands are an idyllic honeymoon for couples who love sun, sand, and the ocean.

Freda Malcolm, the director of weddings and honeymoons at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, urges planners to keep in mind that some months are better than others, in terms of temperatures and weather. “Hottest temperatures occur during the months of July and August and are coolest between December through February,” Malcolm explains. And even though there's more risk of rain in the late summer and fall, temperatures still stay at an average of 89 degrees—plus you'll have the advantage of fewer crowds and better flight deals during summer and fall, with prices dipping under $500 round trip from most U.S. airports. “As with any Caribbean destination, honeymooners should be aware of hurricane season from August to early October and should be prepared to monitor the weather,” Malcolm recommends.

Here are our Bahamas basics:

Places to Stay During Your Bahamas Honeymoon

From all-inclusive, luxurious resorts to intimate beachside hotels, the Bahamas offers a wide variety of accommodations in hotel form—these are a few of our expert's favorites. (But keep in mind you can always have a look at Airbnb, VRBO, or a local rental company if you'd rather go the vacation rental route—if you do this, though, consider renting a car to ensure you can get around the islands with ease).

The Rosewood Baha Mar Resort

Once of Crokos' top picks on Nassau, Rosewood Baha Mar is situated on picturesque Cable Beach. The sprawling resort features curated experiences like flamingo parades, calming poolside waterfalls, and its own aquarium and stunning library, which serves a Bahamian version of high tea.

The Albany

This 600-acre oceanside luxury resort community features fantastic restaurants that are among Crokos' favorites on the island. Accommodations such as private villas and guest houses also allow newlyweds to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Bahamas without having to bump into other guests 24/7.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

Foodies have their pick of over 40 restaurants and bars at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The resort features galore swimming pools, golf courses, and the Caribbean’s largest casino.

SLS Baha Mar

SLS Baha Mar offers no shortage of fun and excitement for the couple who loves to party. Oceanfront suites, poolside cabanas, and a resident DJ set the scene for a fun day party. Dining options are plentiful and varied, featuring menus curated by award-winning chefs.

Pink Sands Resort

If you're planning to stay overnight on Harbour Island, Jamieson recommends the Pink Sands Resort. These five-star accommodations offer a serene escape along the island's 3-mile stretch of pink sand beaches, featuring top-rated Harbor Island eateries.

Bahama House

"Bahama House is a hotel that feels like your own private home for the week," Jamieson says. Located on Harbour Island, Jamieson favors its fabulous pool and proximity to everything you want to do in town like shopping and restaurant hopping.

The Dunmore

Another favorite of Jamieson's, The Dunmore is situated right on one of Harbour Island's pink sand beaches. The resort features charming, intimate cottages that feel intentionally designed for a newlywed couple.

Atlantis Bahamas

It's the Bahamas' most popular resort for good reason. If you're looking for opulent accommodations, proximity to picturesque beaches, and enthralling experiences, a night (or several) at Atlantis Bahamas on Paradise Island is worth the splurge.

Things to Do During Your Bahamas Honeymoon

While sipping a tropical drink beachside may be the most popular honeymoon activity when traveling to this Caribbean paradise, the Bahamas is flush with fun and romantic things to do as a couple, both on and off the beach. From exploring bustling Nassau (the mainland) to discovering the secluded, pink-sand beaches of Harbour Island, here are our expert's favorite things to do in the Bahamas.

Nassau

Whether you spend all or just some time on the mainland, consider adding these experiences to your itinerary. Make a toast to your future at Bahama Barrels, the Bahamas' first winery located in a church built in 1937. Take a tour of John Watling's Distillery while you sip on samples. Pirate Republic features local craft beers that are a must-try for an aspiring cicerone. Learn how to roll a cigar and taste the rums of the island at Graycliff. Wildlife lovers can see local aquatic life up close at the sea-life beach sanctuary, featuring tropical fish, stingrays, nurse sharks, and daily turtle feedings. Crokos recommends shopping at the world-famous Straw Market on beautiful Bay Street and checking out the latest exhibitions at The Current Gallery & Art Center. 

“For foodies staying in Nassau, organize an experience with Tru Tru Bahamian Food Tours where local guides take them on a tasting and cultural walking tour throughout the city,” Malcolm suggests. “When visiting the nation’s capital, I’d also recommend a fine-dining reservation at Cafe Matisse and Sapodilla.”

Harbour Island

Harbour Island is three miles of secluded natural wonder lined with pink sand beaches. “The combination of the charming pastel colors with the oceanside, relaxed vibe is always energizing and restorative," Jamieson says. 

Golf carts, or for the more stylish, mokes, are the preferred mode of transportation. "Rent a moke to get around for your trip—you will love seeing all of the colorful homes and island that way!" Jamieson recommends. For a uniquely romantic experience, Malcolm suggests trotting on horseback along Harbour Island’s iconic pink sand beaches.

Spend the day taking in the sights, sounds, and sips. For a casual cocktail with an incredible sunset view, Crokos says the Blue Bar is a must-visit. For dinner, Crokos suggests the island fare at Malcolm 51, located in the Pink Sands resort, or Dunmore Restaurant for chic beach dining. Jaimeson seconds this. "The Dunmore is a classic staple spot—the decor is to die for!"

Though shopping options are less plentiful on Harbour Island than on the mainland, Jamieson recommends visiting Miss Mae's. "It's a darling shop right in town with colorful kaftans, printed linens, and eclectic pieces," Jamieson says.

Paradise Island

Located off the mainland, Paradise Island is home to the renowned Atlantis resort. Try your luck at the Atlantis casino and dine at celebrity chef restaurants like Dune and Nobu. You can have an action-packed day at Aquaventure Water Park or take a leisurely swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay. For a more restorative Paradise Island experience, Crokos recommends the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat. She also suggests treating yourself to Paradise Island's shopping in the downtown area, offering various options from local craft shops to luxury global brands.

The Exumas

Swimming with the dolphins is a common island activity—but swimming with pigs? That's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Malcolm estimates that there are around 15-20 pigs and piglets who enjoy leisurely island life on the Exumas. Take a full or half-day excursion to visit them on Big Major Cay (aka Pig Beach) in the archipelago of the Exumas. If you want to encounter more island wildlife, check out the sunbathing iguanas at Allen’s Cay, swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel at Thunderball Grotto, made famous by the James Bond movie. Don't forget to take time to stroll along the Tropic of Cancer beach, one of the most picturesque in the Caribbean.

Where to Eat During Your Bahamas Honeymoon

Whether you're an all-out foodie in search of the best dining in the Bahamas, or you just want to pencil in a few romantic dinners during your stay, our experts assure us that there is truly no shortage of incredible cuisine in this collection of tropical islands. Seafood often holds the spotlight—think rock lobster, conch salad, and jerk fish sandwiches—but there are some non-seafood local Bahamian favorites that you simply can't miss, including Bahamian mac and cheese, grilled pork chops with peas and rice, and guava duff.

Dining In Nassau

Let’s just put it this way: You’ll never go hungry in Nassau, especially at the Baha Mar compound where there are 45 concept-driven restaurants that range from pool bars and seaside airstream trailers to fine dining venues ideal for romantic date nights. Our top picks would be Café Boulud at Rosewood Baha Mar for fancy French fare, Katsuya for epic sushi rolls and Japanese specialties (we see you, black miso cod), Fi’lia for Italian classics, and Cleo—Chef Danny Elmaleh’s love letter to Mediterranean food.

If you’re looking for culinary experiences outside of Baha Mar there are plenty of locals-loved spots like Café Matisse, Sapodilla, Twin Brothers, and the Poop Deck (trust us on this one), plus the uber-chic Dune by Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort. And whatever you do, do not miss The Fish Fry on Arawak Cay, which is essentially one long strip of vendors selling fried fish of all kinds. There are sit-down eateries. There are beachside shacks. There are whimsical food trucks and huts in between, but they are all delicious and definitely worth exploring during your vacation. Also worth checking out: Tru Bahamian Food Tours for the best bites in Nassau.

Dining In Harbour Island

Although Harbour Island's beloved Sip Sip is sadly no longer, Queen Conch is still alive and well—and serving up Caribbean favorites like conch fritters, chowder, stone crab claws, and the house specialty: smoked dolphin dip.

As for the other must-try spots in town, Malcolm 51 at Pink Sands Resort is lovely for dinner in the garden and Blue Bar & Kitchen churns out one of the best brunches on weekends with staples such as jerked fish sandwiches, chorizo and egg burritos, and a spiny lobster Benedict that can't be beaten. If you're staying at Pink Sands they'll even arrange a private toes-in-the-sand dinner on the beach for your honeymoon complete with candles, Champagne, and many more romantic extras.  The Clubhouse at The Dunmore is where everyone begins (or ends) their night in an iconic, '60s-inspired dining room with vintage photos outfitting the walls, but we also love The Landing, Da Vine Sushi & Wine Bar, and Rock House for dinner. Then there's The Ocean View Club, which is a total vibe and known for its laidback lunch menu (think grilled seafood, salads, and pasta) while dinner is a more upscale affair influenced by Bahamian flavors and the freshest local ingredients.

Dining In the Abacos

Abaco is the second largest island in The Bahamas and a yachtie’s paradise, in addition to a foodie’s. Many of the hotels have incredible oceanfront restaurants (like Abaco Beach Resort, Hopetown Inn & Marina, Bahama Beach Club, Green Turtle Club & Marina, and Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina), but we strongly suggest popping into Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar, The Abaco Inn Restaurant for the catch of the day, Pineapple Bar and Grill, Firefly Bar and Grill, and Pete's Pub & Gallery, which is not only a restaurant but the only working sculpture foundry in the Bahamas. Colors by the Sea is another mainstay in Marsh Harbour for lights-out Bahamian mac and cheese, fish tacos, and grilled pork chops with peas n' rice—an island staple. Live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday just adds to the list of reasons to go.

Budgeting for a Bahamas Honeymoon

“Accommodations in the Bahamas range in price point to meet the needs of varied budgets from the most luxe, a la carte experiences to options with more modest vacation bundles available,” says Malcolm. As previously mentioned, roundtrip airfare to the Bahamas is less costly than comparable tropical getaways, averaging around $250-$500, depending on where you're flying from (for those coming from the west coast, prices will naturally be a bit higher than those coming from the east coast). Accommodations can cost as little as $80-$100 per night for an Airbnb, around $250 per night for a standard hotel, or upwards of $1,000 per night at high-end resorts. All-inclusive Bahamas packages can range from $5,000 to $8,000 per week per couple.

“When looking into hotel accommodations, newlyweds should be encouraged to contact the properties as many offer honeymoon packages,” says Malcolm. “For example, Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay in Exuma is offering a Couples Getaway package inclusive of a swimming pig tour and a potential room upgrade to the honeymoon suite if available upon check-in.”