The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas Review

Situated on the beautiful Paradise Island is the luxurious The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas retreat. Originally established in 1939 as Shangri-La by Swedish industrialist Axel Wenner-Gren, the Resort’s rich heritage is evident throughout. After extensive renovations in the early 2000s by Sol Kerzner, the Resort now features sophisticated accommodations, including the stylish and luxurious Crescent Wing and the acclaimed DUNE restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. 

As a preferred destination for celebrities and elite travellers, the Resort boasts connections to Hollywood and has been featured in films such as “Thunderball” and the 2006 version of “Casino Royale”. The Resort is synonymous with luxury and offers guests an elegant experience in a stunning setting. This timeless and opulent destination remains a prime choice for those seeking an exceptional Bahamian escape. 

Background and Concept

Since the early 1960s when the property was transformed by Huntington Hartford II, who reimagined it into a lavish hotel named Paradise Island, it has captivated discerning travellers and celebrities with its unrivalled luxury. The Ocean Club resort was designed and transformed by architect John Volk to combine modern luxury with timeless design elements, and to prevent ‘timeless’ and ‘aged’ from being interchangeable. 

Set along an idyllic eight-kilometre stretch of white sand beach on Paradise Island, this exclusive Resort features charming low-rise buildings within 35 acres of lush Versailles-inspired gardens.

Location

Located on the beautiful north shore of Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, The Ocean Club resort is surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in the world. With a wealth of water-sports activities, the Aquaventure waterpark, and The Ocean Club golf course just a shuttle ride away, and local off-site attractions available to visit, there are options to keep everyone entertained. It is conveniently situated just 40 minutes from Lynden Pindling Airport, making for a reasonable airport transfer time.

Food and Drink

The Resort has two distinct restaurants, three bars, and in-suite dining, offering guests an array of decadent dining options that blend luxury with Bahamian charm. Guests can enjoy an elegant meal at DUNE, carefully curated picnics at the iconic Versailles Gardens and upmarket beachside dining at Ocean Blu. The Four Seasons promises each meal will be a gastronomical adventure.

DUNE by Jean-Georges

Offering an international menu designed by Michelin-distinguished chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten; his signature dishes are inspired by his worldwide travels. The restaurant specialises in French-Asian fusion cuisine, with Bahamian elements. Their 

Sunday Brunch is an unmissable experience – hailed as ‘Nassau’s finest Sunday brunch’ – guests can indulge in the Resort’s iconic Bahamian brunch.

We had breakfast at Dune multiple times during our trip, and truly, it was one of the best breakfasts we’ve ever experienced. The food was not only fresh and delicious, but every plate was designed to be a work of art.

Ocean Blu

Aptly named, the beachside venue offered beautiful views of the stunning blue ocean, nestled in lush greenery, bringing a real sense of peace and tranquillity to this upscale restaurant. The perfect place for indulging in fresh culinary delights, serving Latin American cuisine, with a Western Caribbean twist.

Laidback and beach-chic by day, Ocean Blu transforms by night to a casually elegant venue where guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails and watch the sunset over the ocean. Guests can enjoy dinner at Ocean Blu from Wednesday to Sunday.

DUNE Bar

Overlooking the ocean, DUNE Bar serves handcrafted cocktails and casual cuisine by Jean-Georges.  With live music and beautiful ocean views, it’s the perfect location to unwind with a delicious drink as the sun goes down on a perfect day.

Martini Bar and Lounge

The sophisticated bar offers the perfect setting to dress up and embrace your inner James Bond. The expert mixologists will serve up signature cocktails and favourite cocktails from famous guests. My personal favourite was the Vesper Martini, shaken of course.

In-Room Dining

For guests who want to make the most out of their luxurious suite, or simply prefer their own company while dining, full-service in-room dining is available 24/7. 

We opted to experience the in-room dining and were blown away by how beautiful it was. The friendly team transformed our suite into an intimate restaurant space. The meals were delicious, and being able to dine in our plush bathrobes was certainly an experience we wouldn’t have had at one of the restaurants.

Destination Dining

With no request too big or small, The Ocean Club’s amazing team will do their utmost to make every wish come true for their guests. This extends to their decadent destination dining offers. Guests can enjoy curated picnics in the incredible Versailles gardens, and romantic candlelit beach dinners with private waiters, top-label champagnes, curated menus, fresh floral arrangements, and more. 

Rooms and Suites – Overview

With 105 guest rooms, suites, and villas located on the beautiful estate, the Resort offers luxurious accommodations to suit even the most discerning travellers.

The low-rise buildings blend seamlessly into the lush tropical landscape and overlook the beautiful azure ocean. This design allows for spacious accommodation that doesn’t compromise the views. The luxury rooms and suites provide guests with a haven of serenity, using the finest linens embossed with the iconic Four Seasons leaf on the plush pillows. Decorated with curated art pieces and stylish Bahamian decor, the rooms complement the rich and vibrant surroundings.

Hartford Wing

As the heart of the Resort, the Hartford Wing showcases modern design and vibrant Bahamian hues. Conveniently located near key amenities, guests can enjoy tranquil views of the lush gardens or the ocean from their private balcony or terrace.

Crescent Wing

The beachfront Crescent Wing offers serenity and seclusion to guests, with interiors that capture traditional Bahamian elegance. Every room and suite has a private terrace or balcony offering unobscured ocean views.

Plunge Pool Bungalows 

Set amidst tropical greenery, these intimate bungalows are ideal for romantic getaways, honeymoons, or family vacations. They feature two master suites with en-suite bathrooms and direct access to a private plunge pool courtyard. 

Guests at The Ocean Club are treated to a wealth of luxurious amenities in all rooms and suites that enhance their experience as part of the daily resort fee, including the beautifully refreshing Aqua di Parma toiletries. With a champagne welcome at the Martini Bar upon arrival, the tone is set for an indulgent stay. Delicious Lavazza coffee and premium teas are provided in every room, adding a touch of quiet refinement to each morning. The exclusive Ocean Club beach bag is perfect for the sun-soaked days by the sea.

Guests can immerse themselves in a world of activity with access to daily fitness classes and top-notch tennis courts. For those seeking family fun, the thrilling Aquaventure water park at Atlantis awaits, offering an exhilarating escape. Every aspect of your stay at The Ocean Club is designed to embody luxury and relaxation, creating unforgettable memories.

Our Suite

We enjoyed staying in one of the Resort’s Luxury Oceanfront Suites located in the Crescent Wing, perfect for our family getaway. 

The elegant suite was just steps away from the beach and captured the island’s spirit with tastefully vibrant, distinctive decor. The separate bedroom and living/dining areas opened onto a spraying balcony, furnished with sun loungers, a day bed, and an outdoor dining area. It was a really special place to spend our holiday together, everyone had their own space while still spending lots of time together, with family meals on the balcony being a true highlight for us as a family.

My personal highlight was the jetted bathtub, which was big enough for two, and provided the perfect sanctuary after a busy sun-filled day. 

The attention to details in the room was flawless, with ample amenities and a fully stocked personal bar offering everything you’d need to create your own Casino Royale moment. The twice-daily housekeeping and turndown service kept your room feeling fresh, clean, and restful. 

The Resort truly embraced the personal touch in every room, from handwritten welcome notes, and lovely gifts like the welcome bags from local business’ Bahama Handprints’. These touches made us instantly feel at home.

Other Facilities

Kids for All Seasons Kids Club

Little ones can take a break from the sun and join the Kids for All Seasons Kids Club. The complimentary kids club offers a daily schedule of engaging and fun activities for children ages 4-12. The dedicated and experienced teams will take great care of your children, meaning parents can soak up the sun and serenity, knowing the little ones are having a blast. 

Fitness Facilities

The Ocean Club embraces wellness as a top priority, providing a range of fitness activities and a fully equipped gym. Guests can explore the Resort on bike rides around the beautiful property, improve their tennis skills with private lessons, and relax with some poolside yoga. For guests wanting a more personalised fitness regime can work with personal trainers to help make the perfect individual fitness program.

Spa

The on-site spa is tranquil and peaceful and transports guests to a world of relaxation. The Resort features a vast treatment menu filled with wellness experiences and rituals. Guests can try the spa’s signature ritual, ‘Bahamas Rhythm Massage,’ which focuses on breathing techniques whilst listening to soothing instruments, before enjoying a deep tissue massage; your stresses will wash away like the ocean waves.

Dedicated Swimming Pools for Everyone

The Resort boasts 3 swimming pools, each in different locations; 

Ocean Pool 

Perched above the beach, offering the best ocean views, the Ocean Pool is the best place to lounge before and after a delicious lunch at Ocean Blu, which is located directly next to the pool. The plush daybeds provide the perfect setting for a day of R&R.

Family Lagoon Pool

The tropical lagoon pool, surrounded by lush foliage, is the perfect escape for families seeking fun in the sun. With a cascading waterfall and zero entry, ideal for the littlest of guests, the family pool is an excellent place to enjoy quality time together. 

Versailles Pool

The adults-only pool is arguably one of the most elegant locations on the island. It is the perfect sanctuary for adults, with direct views of the Versailles Gardens and the Cloisters and no children in sight! The Versailles Terrace Restaurant is nearby and perfect for a post-swim meal.

Unique Selling Points

• One of the most exclusive resorts in the Bahamas, it has a small and intimate feel, making it perfect for a couple’s getaway or family connection time.
• Complimentary access to the amenities at Atlantis Resort, including the Aquaventure Water Park. 
• The Resort has a rich and vibrant history, and its interior is palatial and stylish.
• The Ocean Club has all the staples of a Four Seasons Resort: impeccable service, attention to detail, and luxurious amenities.
• The Resort’s sustainability commitments are noticeable throughout. We were given a “Bahama Mama,” a little handcrafted doll representing the “Mothers of the Bahamian Society” known for their wisdom that holds the Bahamas together. Bed linens and towels will be changed every third night of your stay but will be replenished more often if required. Guests place their “Bahama Mama” on the bed to indicate their preferences for fresh towels. 

TLE Top Tips

• As the day winds down, embrace your inner Bond with the signature martinis at the Martini Bar and Lounge. 
• Enjoy breakfast on your private balcony at least once during your stay. The intimate experience with loved ones overlooking the ocean was one of our favourite experiences. 
• Use the complimentary shuttle to visit the Ocean Club Golf Course. You can enjoy the beautiful views during lunch even if you don’t play. 
• Spend time in the palatial Versailles gardens and soak up the rich history of the Resort and the island of Nassau. It really is a uniquely wonderful place to visit. 
• Have a beach day: soak in the sun and lap up the ocean waves as you enjoy a day at the beach with your loved ones. The Resort offers attentive beach service with buzzers and various non-motorised water-sports. Our boys enjoyed using the stand-up paddle boards, and we enjoyed relaxing on the opulent sun loungers as they played.

Final Thoughts

The Ocean Club is a mesmerising blend of elegance and tranquillity, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a sophisticated escape in the heart of paradise. 

We were made to feel so at home from the moment we arrived at the breathtaking Resort. Each meal was a treat, each meal more delicious than the last. The service and attention to detail was impeccable, and any requests were taken care of with ease. We shared many beautiful moments at The Ocean Club, all thanks to the amazing teams dedicated to ensuring every guest feels like royalty.