The One & Only Ocean Club is laid-back luxury; it has all of the frills without any of the pretension. Ocean-front rooms, dedicated butlers for my every need and daily complimentary champagne and macaron delivery. Luxury is easy to achieve, but magic is not. (Take it from a magician’s assistant.) The One & Only Ocean Club is dedicated to making your stay magical. From the moment you arrive, you will feel like you are at your own beach-front mansion surrounded by your Bahamian family. I stayed there as the guest of my sister, courtesy of the One & Only Ocean Club but this is my honest review.

Getting There: Delta and Jetblue fly from JFK to the crystal blue waters of the Nassau, Bahamas in under three hours. That’s shorter than the train to Montauk, New York! The One & Only Ocean Club staff will meet you at the airport in an SUV that has cold water, and is equipped with WIFI.

Location: The resort is on the main island of the Bahamas, Paradise Island. It is only a ten-minute walk on the beach to Atlantis in case you want to attempt the Leap of Faith water slide. This resort is private, and tucked away from the noisy Spring-Breakers and crowds.

Check In: Local artist Jane Waterous created the artwork that hangs on the walls. While you sit in the bar sipping your welcome drink, a staff member will provide you with an orientation of the hotel.  Your butlers will also introduce themselves and you may even hear one of the butlers, Henry, tell you “it’s time to get lazy!”

The Room: Passing through a beautiful courtyard with checked-floors, palms, and fountains, you arrive at your room. The Hartford Wing offers a hammock set up for your use and the pool is only a few steps away. The decor is beach-chic, designed by Jeffrey Beers in neutral tones accented by printed pillows in creulean blues and sunny yellows.  A table inside and outside on the deck provide the perfect place to take breakfast in the room or enjoy your daily complimentary champagne and strawberry delivery (from 5-7pm.) There is also a Crescent Wing, Garden Cottages, and Villas for accommodation options to fit all party sizes.

Bathroom: The bathroom is very spacious, with a rain-head shower, Molton & Brown products, and a double sink. Soft, waffle-knit white robes and cozy slippers are provided for your use during the stay. The bathroom is open to the rest of the room, with a separate glass-enclosed toilet.

WIFI: Each room is equipped with free WIFI and it also works at the pool, restaurant, and down at the beach! You can be as connected (or disconnected) as you want here.

Water: Water bottles are always complimentary in the room, and as soon as you arrive at the pool or beach, a bucket of ice with cold water is setup for you to enjoy.

Coffee/Tea: Each room has an espresso machine, electric kettle, and a mini-bar full of delicious snacks and drinks. Fresh fruit is also in the room every day.

Power Plugs: The rooms are equipped with plugs and adapters by the table, by the nightside, and in the bathroom.

Pool: The pool is a stunning, L-shaped infinity pool that has built-in seating and a shallow area, perfect for laying in to stay cool and get a nice tan. Suntan lotion in every SPF from 15-85 is provided so you don’t have to worry about packing it! Drinks, snacks, and lunch are all available at the pool.

Beach: This is a beach-front resort with luxurious padded loungers and umbrellas that will be set up for you. There are also complimentary floats to take out into the ocean if you prefer to do your lounging in the waves.

Dining: There are several fancy places to eat in the area, but only at Dune can you dine al fresco on a white sand bluff and take in the sunset and ocean views. Dune is an acclaimed restaurant by world renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serving French-Asian cuisine with some island flare. There’s also a open-air bar attached if you want to get a cocktail before or after dinner. In the morning, Dune serves an incredible breakfast buffet with Bahamian favorites, like johnny cake with boiled white fish. (If you’ve never had johnny cake, it’s worth the trip alone just to try it.) Lunch is served pool-side with epic ocean views, and features a menu with lobster-kebobs, fresh coconut ice cream, and chunky guacamole and plantain chips.

Fitness: During the One & Only Ocean Club Summer Wellness Weekends in collaboration with Bandier (next up August 15th – 17th), celebrity fitness trainer Amanda Kloots teaches a daily class outside on a deck looking over the ocean! Her unique method will whip you into shape and help you return from your vacation still able to comfortably button your jean shorts. Complimentary yoga is daily on the beach for anyone who needs a little namaste. Bikes are complimentary for use if you want to explore the island. The resort also has a modern gym, offers private training sessions, a running path, and private yoga instruction.

The Verdict: This is the perfect resort to book if you want to escape, relax, and be pampered. Couples can have a romantic getaway, families can enjoy a leisurely holiday, and ladies looking for a fitness retreat will love their Summer Wellness Weekends. There’s something for everyone. On top of being all out luxury, it’s private, quiet, and oh so magical.

Style: Colonial Chic

Atmosphere: peaceful, laid-back luxury

Amenities: 

In-Room Check In

Complimentary Beach Bag

Complimentary Tea and Coffee making facilities

Complimentary Sunset Champagne and Strawberries between 5pm – 7pm daily

Lady Primrose amenities

Complimentary SUV transfers to Atlantis and The One & Only Ocean Club Golf Course

Full Spa

Game Room/Martini Lounge

Versailles – style Gardens

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