When we finally got pregnant, we had coincidentally already planned a trip to Nassau, Bahamas for Thankgiving weekend in October. To our surprise and excitement, this existing trip was going to turn into our zika-free babymoon, with me being 29 weeks pregnant! This trip was perfect because it was a nice, short, 3.5 hour flight from Toronto and a much-needed trip of pure relaxation. We stayed at the new Baha Mar family of resorts and couldn’t have been happier with our decision!
When we were planning this trip, all we knew is that we were wanting quiet time by the beach and pool, yummy food & drinks, and most importantly, relaxation. We didn’t know too much about the Baha Mar when we first booked it, but I will be honest and say that the striped cabanas and bright, colourful island aesthetics I saw in photos sold me immediately (this resort is seriously “instagrammable“). The property is virtually brand new as it has been open for less than two years and it is very evident by the shiny, modern decor and lush landscaping.
There was so much to take in at the Baha Mar. When we first arrived, it reminded me of a mix of Las Vegas glam (seriously, the entryway at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar looks exactly like the Aria entrance and the hourly fountain show was very similar to the one at the Bellagio) and high-end Caribbean tropical resort vibes. For someone who appreciates both of these vibes so much, it was absolutely perfect.
Some of the highlights include: towel service and fruit-infused water by the pools, complimentary Sun Bum sunscreen (!!!), and an on-site casino and spa, and high-end shopping (think Cartier and Rolex!) for your post-dinner perusal.
The Baha Mar is a mega complex of 3 hotels (Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood) suitable for all different crowds, boasting over 30 restaurants, bars, and lounges, and almost a dozen unique pools spread out across the property. The pool complex offers several options so nothing ever feels crowded and everyone will find their own little home. Nestled amongst the pools and along the beach, you will find an array of food trucks, pool-side bars, and gift shops, so there was always something to do.
While we got a chance to check out all of the pools, we found ourselves constantly lounging at the SLS Bungalow Pool (it was super quiet and had the most plush, comfy loungers!) and the Sanctuary — a shaded, beautiful cave with a swim-up aquarium featuring sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays!
One of the allures of visiting the Baha Mar is the resort lifestyle that allows you to easily access everything you need – without leaving the property. Unfortunately, that also means that you’ll pay a premium, for everything! Whether you’re ordering from a food truck or restaurant, you’re subject to 15% service charge + 12% VAT, on top of the $32 USD daily resort fee… which really does add up! That being said, the food was always consistent and delicious, despite it being on the pricey end.
For poolside eats, our favourites were: Da’Poke Bowl Shack (for delicious poke bowls!), Umami Burger (truffle burgers and fries, anyone?), and The Palms (for the most delicious lobster grilled cheese, pictured above– it doesn’t look like much, but boy was it goood!)
For dinner, we enjoyed 3 Tides (fresh seafood), The Swimming Pig (casual bar eats), and Fi’lia (for award winning Italian). Pro tip: if you’re looking to save money and stay in one night, the local Dominos delivers!
It’s crazy to think this was our last trip as just the two of us for a long while! That said, we are so excited for the arrival of our little girl and can only hope that she will have the desire to travel the world as much as we do. Adventures will be very different, but in the most rewarding way and we are excited for the change!
This looks like it was an amazing trip! The poolside eats look so delicious and worth the price.
This looks like you had such an amazing time! I have never been to the Bahamas but I have always wanted to go! I’ll definitely have to try and get there someday, it looked so beautiful and relaxing. Thanks for sharing!
It looks like an awesome trip. I would love to visit the Bahamas on my next vacation. Thanks for sharing!
Wow this looks incredible!!
Wow I hope my trip is Zika free also. We land in about 2 hours and are staying at Atlantis. We’ll go to Baha Mar on Friday to catch a shuttle to the golf course.
That sounds like such an ideal vacation for being that far along! It sounds like it worked out better than you had even planned!
What a great trips and pics! It was a nice idea, too, to have a trip before baby comes. You’re making wonderful memories!
wow the bahamas is gorgeous. Ive always wanted to go, perhaps in 2020! Thanks for sharing your little babymoon trip!
I never had a babymoon! What a great idea! Your photos are stunning.
Wow. Nassau looks beautiful. I’m sure it’s great place to visit. I love to travel so maybe one day.
Looks like paradise! Great review, I can see myself staying there!
I haven’t been to Nassau since I went on a Disney Cruise in 3rd grade. Looks like I need to go back! It looks beautiful.
Oh wow, I’m so glad you took a babymoon! It’s a wonderful time. And this looks like the perfect location.
It looks like you had an amazing vacation! Looks like a gorgeous place to visit!
This looks like such a great trip!
I told my husband, baby number 2, we are definitely doing a babymoon! You look so amazing, glowing and relaxed! That place looks peaceful and gorgeous!
wow it is so pretty there, looks like a blast!
This sounds like an incredible getaway. I’m going to have to share this with my husband and see what he thinks about adding it to our ‘future trips’ list
This looks so beautiful place to visit and you look absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful post x
Laura
https://www.beautywithlala.com/
This looks like a peaceful, and relaxing trip perfect way to get ready for baby!
What a beautiful trip! It’s so wonderful you has this chance to babymoon. What a perfect destination!
Wow this looks like a fantastic trip! Congratulations on the baby! Babymoons are the best!
I want to go. Now. That looks absolutely amazing…and what a special “last” trip for you guys (there will be many more but with more fun!). So glad it was zika free too! 🙂
Baha Mar looks amazing! I had wondered about how Nassau fared after the storms, but it looks like your resort came through it with flying colors. That bungalow pool seems so inviting, and I can feel myself falling into the relaxed vibe just by looking at your photos.
These pictures are very beautiful and make me want to travel there now. And the food looks amazing!
Those pictures are absolutely stunning. I’ve never heard of a babymoon, but it’s such a sweet idea!
What a lovely baby moon.
Wow, it looks gorgeous there! Looks like you had a fabulous trip! I would love to visit there some day as well!
What an amazing resort. Having access to so many pools and places to eat in one easy location is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing your amazing photos.
awe looks awesome! Yeah I don’t think zika is as big of a thing as it was years ago?
Great trip for you both to relax before the baby comes! Bonus that you get some cute belly pics too!
Can I just say that I love that you did a babymoon?! I think that’s wonderful!
What a wonderful place to be and enjoy while carrying your baby. Hope you enjoyed the food and got some rest, too.
That’s one fun holiday and what a cute term “babymoon”, first time to encounter this word 🙂
This is absolutely gorgeous! I wish I’d went on a baby moon. Three little ones later and we haven’t had an alone trip in a while.
I love Baha Mar! We got a tour of it a few months ago. Can’t wait to go back.
I love the Bahama’s. The resort looks amazing…many blessings to you through your pregnancy!
What a fantastic way to celebrate your pregnancy! Looks like a lovely place to stay.
Sounds like a wonderful trip it looks so beautiful.
Your pictures are GORGEOUS!!! So jealous. And I’m sure that felt incredible going from Toronto to the Bahamas. I’ve been there once for spring break in college and have the best memories from that trip. The hotel looked super similar. CONGRATULATIONS! And yes, travel will be different but rewarding in a different way when you have a little to share it with 🙂
The food looks amazing and so do the sites! I love going to the tropics in the winter!
This looks like such a fun time! What a fun way to spend your babymoon!
What a perfect place for what turned out to be your baby moon! And that rocks that they even gave you free sunscreen!
It looks like you guys had a wonderful time! Sounds like an amazing trip. That’s great it was only 3.5 hrs from Toronto, too!
Sounds and looks like an absolute perfect babymoon
That place is absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure you guys had a wonderful time there. I totally love the photos and it’s blueish theme.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Happy to know that you enjoyed your vacation. It is definitely well deserved and the place is really beautiful. The great food is also a must and it’s cool that you enjoyed it. Now, I am craving for a lobster grilled cheese sandwich.