Barefoot Bahamian bliss: inside Nassau’s newest beach resort

Experience Nassau like never before at Goldwynn Resort, New Providence Island’s relaxed yet refined newcomer

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Florida’s coastline, the Bahamas have long drawn Miami’s beach-going crowd to its 700 islands, scattered across impossibly blue waters which lap pink-tinged sandy shores. With winter days setting in, many of us across the pond are on the lookout for a ‘straight from a postcard’ setting, and can soon enjoy daily, direct flights from London to Nassau – putting a spell of winter sun within relatively easy reach. On the quieter, eastern edge of the iconic Cable Beach on New Providence’s exclusive north coast, Goldwynn Resort & Residences will be bringing laidback luxury to Goodman’s Bay from February 2023 – a sleek, low-rise collection of beachfront studios and suites which are redefining ‘Bahamian boutique’.

Set the scene…

A few miles west of downtown Nassau, Goldwynn Resort takes up a prime yet private position on the much-loved Cable Beach – a two-and-a-half mile stretch of powder white sand which has been nicknamed ‘the Riviera’ of the Bahamas. Awash with luxury amenities, from stylish sun loungers and parasols, to watersport centres, buzzing bars, and upscale eateries, this Bahamian beach is popular for a reason. Goldwynn Resort puts you within striking distance of the action, but also has an ‘away from it all’ feeling.

Wake up here…

The restful and refined residences are light-filled, luxurious spaces which either overlook the beautiful golfing green or the shimmering sea. Sleek kitchens and elegant lounge areas create the atmosphere of an elevated beach house, encouraging guests to make themselves at home. If you have the keys to one of the three light-drenched Edge Suites or the wow-factor Goldwynn Suite, enjoy the feeling of floating above the shoreline – with sweeping outdoor living space, showstopping vistas and personal attendants.

What’s on the menu?

With curved lines and palms dotted throughout, there are art deco influences subtly woven into OIA, the resort’s signature restaurant which offers indoor-outdoor dining and menus that major on Mediterranean flavours – with a dash of Asian flair. In between meals, enjoy nourishing smoothies from Atria, light bites, poolside, from Amara – and delicious cocktails at Bar Paul. Resident chef, Bak, takes great care in the provenance and preparation of his dishes, sourcing many ingredients from local farmers and fishermen with a ‘fresh out of the sea’ ethos.

It’s also worth venturing outside the resort for Mama B’s conch salad at The Pink Shack, a colour-popping local hangout where just-caught seafood is cooked on outdoor grills.

Things to do…

Balmy days at Goldwynn can be as active or as horizontal as you like. Unwind in the Mangrove Spa where ancient rituals meet modern wellness technologies, or with a sunrise yoga session with the sand between your toes. For a small resort fee, Goldwynn guests can make a splash with an unlimited use of kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment, for the ultimate ‘steps from the sea’ experience.

A stone’s throw from the resort, stock up on handcrafted Bahamian souvenirs at the Craft Cottage, an artist-run creative space selling beautiful basket bags, jewellery, painted glass, and other seaside trinkets. History lovers should make time for Fort Montagu, a striking site on the waterfront and the island’s oldest fort. Take a walk on the wild side to Big Pond, an undiscovered red mangrove wetland where colourful birds flit along the palm-fringed shoreline, before knocking back some small-batch rum at John Watling’s Distillery, an 18^th century estate overlooking the harbour which offers expert-led tastings and ‘label your own’ workshops.

You’ll be writing home about…

The expansive, heated infinity pool makes a memorable setting for oceanfront dips. Its crystal clear waters seemingly spill onto the sand just feet below, lined with ‘sink into’ loungers which give guests the best seat on the island to watch those magical Bahamian sunsets. Did we mention that the six coastal cabanas boast butler-attended service?

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