They say “it’s better in the Bahamas,” no doubt referring to windswept beaches, underwater worlds of coral, sun-splashed straw markets and Junkanoo rhythms.
But it’s pretty great indoors, too, as the islands’ sense of tranquility and relaxation is carried inside to its many resort-based spas—just another thing to make the experience of meeting in the Bahamas so invigorating.
“Spas offer an excellent opportunity for attendees to wind down, relax and take a load off,” says George Brice, vice president, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. “In years gone by, everything was golf…but people like to be pampered now. A lot of gentlemen are taking advantage of spas, too.”
Following are a few of the retreats that promise to refresh and recharge attendees after, or even during, their busy meeting schedules.
The Island House, Nassau
Just over a year old, The Island House near Lyford Cay, New Providence was designed with wellness in mind, with a relaxing design that aims to be a sanctuary from the 9-to-5 world. Helping that along are 24 garden and oceanview rooms, six poolside suites and the Bamford Spa, which goes beyond traditional spa treatments to offer an innovative fitness regime, with daily yoga classes including anti-gravity yoga, barre and TRX. A Padel tennis court imported from Scotland, a lap pool, a fully equipped gym and squash courts round out the property’s wellness offerings.
Meanwhile, signature spa treatments reflect those of the Bamford Spa in the UK, with holistic programs built around their organic botanical products.
“We are an intimate property, but very flexible to the needs of meeting planners, with unique meeting and breakout space,” notes Kecia Taylor, meeting and events coordinator “We also have three restaurants on-property as well as some beautiful outdoor spaces where treatments and events are possible, so planners can let their imaginations roam.”
Atlantis, Paradise Island
Renowned for its 141-acre waterscape, which includes fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools, marine habitats and river rides, Atlantis, Paradise Island turns to water once again in the luxurious Mandara Spa. All treatments begin with the complimentary Taking of the Waters, which includes a hydrotherapy pool, cold plunge pool, steam, sauna and aromatherapy.
The traditions of Asia and Europe form the basis of a menu that includes body polishing, facials, body wraps, deep-tissue massages and hot-stone therapies. With an eye on accommodating groups, the spa can help coordinate in-room welcome gifts, pre-paid vouchers for treatments, appointment handling, mini-massage stations for group registration at check-in and other perks.
Grand Lucayan, Bahamas; Grand Bahama Island
At the Grand Lucayan, Bahamas on Grand Bahama Island, 90,000 square feet of meeting space takes care of the meeting, but the sumptuous Senses Spa & Fitness Center takes care of the attendees with bath and body treatments—including sweet algae hydro baths—expert salon care, wood saunas and other premium amenities.
“Rested minds often lead to productive, breakthrough ideas, and meeting planners can set a positive tone by incorporating balance and wellness into their events,” says Tom Anderson, the resort’s chief marketing officer. “Our treatment specialists and spa planners can customize a retreat designed specifically to address a group’s needs, ranging from island-inspired treatments to private group fitness classes.”
Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Exuma
Indulgence is grand at the SeaStar Spa, set in the Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Exuma, and featuring signature Elemis therapies along with Thalasso-therapy marine healing remedies. Targeting pressure points are lava shell treatments, designed to promote calm, while deep-tissue massages take care of stubborn knots. For that certain glow, exfoliations with lime and ginger salt leave skin deeply cleansed and moisturized.
Groups can gather on the spa’s outdoor patio overlooking Emerald Bay, relaxing with tropical juice before treatments begin. Or if time is short, spa therapies can come to them.
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa, Great Exuma
Set on Great Exuma, the all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Resort & Spa is inclusive of an amazing spa—Red Lane—where classic European methods meet Caribbean flair. Beyond that, wellness continues at a fitness center offering aerobic and aqua-fit classes.
“With spa and aerobic programs, groups can stay quite active, then go relax on the beach,” says Jean Gibson, manager of communications for the Bahamas Tourist Office.
If relaxing isn’t on the agenda just yet, they also can compete at beach volleyball and shuffleboard or take to the seas via canoe, kayak, Aquatrike or stand-up paddleboard. When it’s time to meet, Sandals boasts an on-site conference center with a number of meeting rooms.
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, North Bimini
New on the resort and spa scene is the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, whose Serenity Spa is in the business of pampering with traditional and locally influenced spa therapies utilizing organic and natural ingredients as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center, relaxing steam rooms and a prime spot overlooking turquoise waters. It is part of what is touted as the largest marina complex in the Bahamas. A lazy river pool, rooftop infinity pool, bicycle rentals and watersports allow groups to be as active or relaxed as they wish in their quest for wellness.
Also in the business of meetings, the Hilton boasts a variety of meeting and event spaces, including the 2,900-square-foot Mango Ballroom and 5,280-square-foot Glass Pavilion.
