By Beth Weitzman

Photography (except for guest rooms) by John Russo

The newly opened SLS Baha Mar is the ultimate luxury destination—a celebration of style and sophistication for those at the top of their game.

Located on Nassau’s famous 3,000-foot-stretch known as Cable Beach, the resort features endless white sand and crystal-clear turquoise blue waters, alluring design, an award-winning collection of culinary adventures and exciting nightlife venues. It caters to adults, but families are welcome, too.

Seating Area in Lobby at SLS Baha Mar

With 299 rooms and suites, the SLS resort tower is one of three luxury hotels within the $4.2 billion Baha Mar master-planned oceanfront resort development, which also includes the Grand Hyatt (1,800 rooms) and the Rosewood Baha Mar (238 rooms). While each hotel has its own pools, restaurants and lounges, certain amenities are shared, including a host of water activities (stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, clear bottom kayaks, Hobie Cat sailboats and snorkel equipment), as well as The Sanctuary, an aquatic preserve that is home to stingrays, starfish, nurse sharks and other indigenous creatures of the deep. You’ll also find the largest casino in the Caribbean, with more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and Golf Club, the Caribbean’s first ESPA flagship spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center that rivals the likes of Equinox (sans group fitness rooms). Plus, there are more than 30 luxury retail outlets, 40 restaurants and lounges, an 82,000-square-foot convention center, and the Explorer’s Club at Baha Mar for children between 3 and 12 years old.

 

Privilege Pool SLS Baha Mar

Designed by international Avenue Interior Design, the SLS Baha Mar lobby welcomes guests with high ceilings, warm natural light, plenty of luxurious seating and, in true SLS style, a large centerpiece bar. Situated under a cluster of circular pendant lighting, Monkey Bar serves up handcrafted creative cocktails and offers a hand-selected wine list and craft brews, as well as bites and light fare.

Monkey Bar SLS Baha Mar

Right off the lobby and adjacent to Monkey Bar is Cleo restaurant, which may sound familiar from its line of award-winning locations around L.A., New York, Miami and Las Vegas. Open for breakfast and dinner, its bright white atmosphere is enhanced by oversized lighting and artwork. In this dramatic modern setting, Moroccan, Mediterranean and Asian flavors merge into one delicious culinary style under the watch of Executive Chef Danny Elmaleh, whose Japanese-Israeli background is reflected in a menu of shareable plates and mezzes. Indulge in a handcrafted cocktail (my personal fave: the Mediterranean Margarita, made with Avion, house-made fig almond syrup and fresh lime) and assorted dips (crispy artichoke hummus and lebneh with feta) that pair perfectly with irresistible naan. Sharing family style is best here. The Spicy Cigars with brik pastry and spiced beef, and grilled octopus are to die for. Tandoori chicken kabobs and meatball shakshouka with soft egg, tomato, squash and piquillo peppers are also must-haves. While meat options abound, vegetarians will also find plenty of choice delicacies, including vegetable tagine, Brussels sprouts, several salads and more.

 

Cleo Resaurant SLS Baha Mar

Beyond the lobby, Monkey Bar and Cleo are beautiful outdoor seating areas, adjacent to stairs that lead down to the pool and beach. The popular Bungalow Pool features chic black-and-white striped cabanas and candy-colored chaise lounges peppered underneath towering palm trees, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Ambient house music sets the tone with a relaxing, cool vibe. A dedicated pool concierge and valet is on hand to assist; and whether soaking up the rays or socializing in the lounge, pool-goers can sip and enjoy signature cocktails and light fare served by Bungalow Pool Bar & Grill.

Cabana at SLS Baha Mar

Continue down the walkway and you’ll find the exclusive Privilege Pool, an adults-only pool with oversized cabanas and food and beverage service, which makes for a perfect all-day perch. DJs spin every Thursday to Sunday, and it’s not uncommon to find world-class DJs spinning at VIP, invitation-only events here. Soon to open is Skybar, a 20th-floor open-air rooftop lounge with incredible views. This no doubt will be the place to be in Baha Mar.

Late-night Vegas-style partying takes place at Bond, a plush, 10,000-square-foot venue with a state-of-the-art sound system, DJ booth and LED lighting, that stays open until the early morning hours. Bottle and VIP service, and private booths are, of course, all part of the scene.

Katsuya by Starck at SLS Baha Mar

Adjacent to the SLS tower, right off the Baha Mar Casino floor, are two SBE-managed restaurants, both featuring indoor/outdoor spaces: Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz, an Italian offering from the James Beard Award-winning chef; and Katsuya by Starck, where modern Japanese cuisine is on offer. The Italian meal at Fi’lia begins with a perfectly crusty bread loaf served with olive oil and oregano freshly snipped at the table. Handmade pasta, a table-side preparation of Caesar salad and authentic rustic pizza hot from the wood-burning oven are superb. Katsuya’s chic modern design and jaw-dropping artwork set the stage for its super fresh sushi and Japanese dishes, such as the not-to-miss Conch-Oyaki (local conch, prepared in traditional Japanese style), A5 Wagyu fried rice, miso-marinated black cod, and for dessert, banana sticky rice (bananas Foster with jackfruit, sesame seed brittle and coconut ice cream).

Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz at SLS Baha Mar

All 18 room categories boast sleek design, a balcony, signature bedding, Bahamian-designed furniture, wall-mounted HD TVs and a single-serve coffee maker. Also included, full in-room technology connectivity with USB ports and tablets from which room service and other services can be ordered, mini bar curated with SLS signature items, walk-in rainfall shower, plush SLS signature robes and slippers and custom Ciel Reserve bath amenities. Predominately white decor is complemented by splashes of turquoise, and whimsical wallpaper adds a touch of personality. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring the beauty of the outdoors in and lead to the balconies perfect for sunset viewing. The entry-level room is a 358-square-foot standard king room with step-out balcony, while upscale rooms are two-bedroom, 1,790-square-foot residences which sleep up to six guests and feature breathtaking panoramic ocean views, full balconies, two living room areas, 55-inch HD TVs and designer kitchenettes with high-end appliances, including washer and dryer.

One of the newest—and poshest—additions to the Bahamas, the SLS Baha Mar is the place to be. slsbahamar.com

Rooms at SLS Baha Mar