Checking In: Melia Nassau Beach Hotel

It’s 6am and I suddenly wake up to the wind blowing lightly on my face. Then I hear the ocean waves lapping against the shore and I start smiling. I am not sure if it’s a dream or it’s really happening because it is just that awesome. I look to my left and see my son Noah sleeping soundly wrapped in a white comforter in the big cozy bed next to mine. I sleepily look to my right and immediately freeze. It’s definitely real! I am in paradise, otherwise known as the Melia Nassau Beach. I reach for my camera. The sun is rising over the Atlantic and the orange, yellow, pink and blue hues above the pure white sand and palm trees are indeed more stunningly beautiful than anything I could possibly dream up.

I slept with our balcony door open all night because it seemed like the next best thing to sleeping on the beach. I only have time to take a few photos before the sun magically floats away. This is a sign to get an early start. I wake up the little guy and tell him breakfast is being served. We are both dressed and ready to go earlier than we would be on a school day because it’s just that exciting to be in Nassau.

Location, Location:

Located on Cable Beach on the central north coast of the island of Nassau and less than 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport. The Melia is situated on seven-acres with a 1,000-foot stretch of stunning white sandy beach. It is clear why this destination is a paradise.

Dining:

Mornings begin with a scrumptious meal downstairs at The Market Place– a seriously massive buffet with every breakfast food you can think of. We eat on the outdoor patio with a view of the ocean and eagerly devour fresh pineapple, strawberries, figs and melon. Noah and I follow a vegan diet and are thrilled to find out the Melia provides delicious dairy-free almond milk upon request. I fill up my fresh brewed coffee and Noah pours it over his yummy oatmeal. We enjoy an early breakfast at the buffet every morning of our trip.

But there are several restaurants to choose from, such as:

Cilantro: Foods from Mexico such as tacos, chips and guacamole! There is even a margarita trolley!

Nikkei: The spring rolls are delicious and kid approved (We have them without the spicy sauce) and we love the fresh veggie rolls wrapped in seaweed!

Aqua: Delicious Italian cuisine a la carte such as pasta, salad and pizza. The staff happily accommodates menu changes and we enjoy our pizza without cheese and load on extra veggies. Not only is our pizza healthy, it’s super tasty!

Insiders Tip: Make dinner reservations for each night of your stay upon arrival to ensure you get the time you want, restaurants book up quickly!

Rooms:

There are 694 rooms and 32 suites with either ocean views or of the resort itself. The luxurious rooms have a 32” flat screen TV, desk with chair, coffee maker, Internet WIFI, electronic safe, telephone with voice mail, a private balcony or terrace, large bathroom, hairdryer and their travel size toiletries are actually really big and smell great!

Amenities:

Two words – Aqua Cycle. If you never rode a bike on water now is your chance. Picture a kid’s tricycle for a giant. Noah and I sit by side each with our own set of pedals. There are three massive floating wheels and we attempt to ride our bike in the ocean. Within minutes we are in hysterics since it’s not easy to peddle against the rushing waves and wind and we get quite the workout trying to get anywhere. But not to worry, this magical boat can’t sink!

Another day Noah decides he wants to play Volleyball and bravely joins a group of adults on the sandy makeshift court. I cheer him on sipping my pina colada. Later on he challenges me to a game of Ping-Pong and then we take a straw-weaving workshop in the Kid’s Club.

Other activities for guests to choose from: Swimming in multiple pools, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Bingo, Caribbean Dance, Scuba Diving Lesson, Stand Up Paddle board, Pedal Boat, plus more!

This is an Ideal Hotel For:

Families, couples, large or small groups, and even wedding parties. During our four-night stay at the Melia we see three happy brides about to tie the knot with their husbands to be. Tons of happy couples roam the beach, hotel lobby and restaurants hand in hand and there id a large group of 60 people from New York that are visiting with their company colleagues on a work trip.

What We Loved:

The friendly and accommodating staff are always helpful, kind, and smiling. And of course our balcony with a view of the ocean – so we can watch the sunrise every morning at 6am.

Fast Facts:

All-inclusive resort includes drinks and meals – so come hungry!
Swim up bar
3 outdoor swimming pools with waterfalls surrounding lush gardens
Towel Service
Fully equipped 24 hour fitness center
Kids Club with various activities for ages 5 – 12
Starbucks in the lobby, need I say more?

The Details:

Nassau West Bay Street, Bahamas
Tel: (1) 242 3276000 or 1-855-269-5374
Email: melia.nassau.beach@melia.com
Website here.

The writer was a guest of the Bahamas Tourist Board. The hotel and the tourism board did not review or approve this article.