Hotel or Private Island? What Should I Book For My Stay!

by Alicia Wallace

When you’re on Bahamian time, the living is easy.

We don’t ask much of you as our welcome guest, except when we present the most difficult of options.

How do you choose between a day trip to a private island and a day at a resort?

You’re in luck, because we’ve done it all, and we’ll share our experience to help guide you.

Private island excursions and hotel day passes are easy, affordable ways to taste and see. No matter which option you choose, you can spend a few hours on site without worrying about anything.

Meals and drinks are included, the staff is always ready to fulfill your needs, and there are photo ops everywhere you turn.

Which way you go depends on your vacation style.

Let’s look at the private island excursions first.

Reasons to go for it!

• Become an island hopper!

Nassau is not The Bahamas.

Locals probably tell you this all the time. We love our little 21x7 rock, but there are so many other islands to explore.

When you’re on a short vacation, day trips are a great way to add to your island count. Both of our days trips — to Pearl Island and to Sandy Toes — depart from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, so getting on your way is a breeze!

• Two-in-one.

Not only do you get to enjoy beautiful beaches and delicious meals on another Bahamian island, but there are two scenic boat rides to enjoy.

Be sure to have you camera to capture it all. The photos won’t quite do the turquoise, emerald, and powder blue gradations of our waters justice, but your friends will definitely be impressed.

• Add-ons available.

Think you may want to snorkel, but don’t have any gear? You can rent everything you need at Sandy Toes.

Need a place to store your treasure while you hunt for more? Pearl Island rents lockers to keep it all safe.

A few things to think about

• No extensions.

You’ll have a few hours to fall in love with another gem in the Bahamian archipelago, but when it’s over, it’s over.

There are no overnights, so you’ll have to make the most of the time you have there. This isn’t the time for a nap.

• Sleep sneaks up.

The combination of boat ride, tropical weather, and saltwater is enough to wear anyone out. At the end of the day, you’ll want nothing but a shower and sleep.

You shouldn’t plan on doing anything after a private island excursion. The deep, sweet sleep that awaits won’t let you go until morning.

• Once you’re there, you’re there.

You won’t have much room to change your mind, and we can’t imagine why you would anyway! The boats leave the private islands at specific times, so there’ll be no on-demand departure.

Be sure to pack whatever you’ll need throughout the day so you can soak up all those hours in the sun with no worries. You deserve it.

If you think this is the way you want to go, get more information on the SuperClubs Breezes and Melia Nassau day pass options.

Want to get more information on the private islands options before you make a decision?

Let’s talk hotel passes.

Reasons to go for it!

• All inclusive!

This is one of our favorite phrases. Everything you do, see, eat, and drink is included in the hotel day pass price.

Bahamian fare, signature drinks, and activities to suit every personality are all in one place. Take advantage of this one-day experience that fully caters to you.

• WiFi.

Let’s face it. Your friends are at home waiting to see your next Instagram post. Don’t make them wait.

Make them jealous!

Melia and Breezes both give you access to emails (which you should not, under any circumstances, check when you should be in a pool or paddle boat) and the social media platforms you love.

• Excellent service.

Hotel staff know how to treat you like royalty.

Maybe they want to turn day visitors into overnight guests, but we think it’s because they’re committing to showing everyone a great time.

From entertainment to your most basic needs, they’ve got everything covered.

A few things to think about

• Age restrictions.

While Breezes doesn’t allow anyone under the age of 14, Melia is family-friendly.

Are you traveling with children?

Do you want to be a in an adult-only atmosphere (or close to it)? Close your eyes and picture your perfect day at a hotel rich with amenities.

Who’s there?

• The tease.

While you get access to pools, water sports, food, and drinks, there are some hotel amenities that you won’t be able to enjoy as a day guest.

Fitness centers, VIP lounges, and spas are not included in the package.

• Money, honey.

While they’re not sky high, the prices of hotel day passes are a bit higher than private island excursions.

Getting bang for your buck really depends on what you want to experience.

If you want a bit of luxury and relaxation, this is the way to go, but if you want to see more, this may not be the best option for you.

Check out our Sandy Toes and Pearl Island day trip options if island hopping is on your list of things to do.

Whether you choose to spend a day at one of our beautiful resorts or a private island like no other, you are sure to enjoy it. It’s a difficult decision to make, but can you really go wrong?

Not if you take our recommendations and have the most honest conversation with yourself and your travel buddies.

Be clear on your vision for your vacation, and it’ll be a breeze.

Take a minute to think about it, then making your booking with us! We’re looking forward to hearing all about your perfect day.