Winter has finally descended on Denver. Okay, it’s not terrible, but it’s definitely cold. And the days are still really short. Which makes my Seasonal Affective Disorder activate and I get down and just want to hibernate. That’s when I know it’s time to travel somewhere warm and rejuvenate with a much needed dose of Vitamin C (& Sea). Something the Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive delivered.
Just a quick one-stop flight via Atlanta from my home base in Denver to Nassau, which on the way home lets you clear U.S. immigration and customs at the same time as you leave the Bahamas, thus eliminating the international hassle, the Melia Nassau Beach is easy to access. The only affiliated property in the hot new Baha Mar development, which includes a Rosewood, Grand Hyatt and SLS hotel, with direct private beach access, The Melia looks right at the Atlantic Ocean’s multi-hued blue sparkle beyond the powdery white sand cushion that is Nassau’s beautiful Cable Beach.
The Melia is very family friendly and offers a children’s pool as well as a Kids’ Club with daily activities. The property boasts airy, modern rooms and suites with private balconies and either pool or ocean views. There are also three swimming pools with waterfalls fronting the ocean, one of which is adults only, as well as two hot tubs.
When booking, there is an option for THE LEVEL, which is the property’s elevated services and amenities package, and guests have access to an exclusive beach area, private lounge, premium top shelf liquors and preferential dining bookings.
There are seven restaurants and four bars here, and I was seriously impressed by the quality of food at the Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive. It’s often the low-point of an all-inclusive experience, but this wasn’t the case at this spot, where there was plenty of variety, and a lot of fresh and healthy choices. Okay it wasn’t the quality of food you’d find in say a Michelin-starred restaurant, but that’s not realistic cooking for this many people and providing as many dishes as they do. But for their business model and price point, The Melia Nassau Beach is shining. Another highlight were the strong drinks, which were not watered down as often happens at all-inclusive resorts.
And the restaurants here have you dining around the planet: Nikkei serves Japanese and Peruvian fare, including show cooking on Teppanyaki tables and a fresh sushi bar; Cilantro is focused on fresh Mexican and tequila (note some of the speciality cocktails do have extra cost associated with them, but it’s clearly noted in the menu); and O’Grille, which is an American grill. There are also multiple bar options and different entertainment – try the karaoke – depending on the night of the week.
Right on Cable Beach, the location is fabulous and The Melia Nassau Beach – All Inclusive offers guests free floats, SUP boards and kayaks. Should you tire of the vitamin sea, you can hop on the free shuttle to the afore mentioned Baha Mar development, home to a casino, 18-hole, par-72 golf course, dining venues and shopping.
