Planning a vacation with small children can be daunting, especially for first-time parents. We partnered with lifestyle blogger Katie Gomes, also known as @katiesbliss on Instagram, and took the reins on planning her first vacation as a family of three to ease the headache of choosing a destination, finding a resort, and planning transfers and activities.
We landed on the gorgeous Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, for its family-friendly appeal and luxurious charm. It has plenty of activities for children of all ages and dozens of adult-approved amenities (including 26 restaurants, 16 bars, and the largest casino in the Caribbean). If you need some family vacation inspiration, we’re here to share all the details of Katie’s BeachBound experience!
Getting to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
All transfers were coordinated by BeachBound for a smooth and seamless travel experience, so upon arrival, Katie and her family were picked up at the airport by Majestic Tours. A car seat was provided for her toddler, Nate, for the short 10-minute ride over to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Once there, they checked into their one-bedroom Villa Suite, which included a separate living space – a major plus for Katie and her husband. It meant Nate would have his own quiet space to sleep aside from their bedroom. Another plus? The hotel provided him with a crib!
Things to do
Katie and her husband, Nick, were looking for a balance of fun for their toddler and relaxation for the two of them. And while a waterpark might not scream relaxation, the Baha Bay Water Park is about as luxurious as it gets.
The 15-acre complex is free to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar guests and only a five-minute walk from the main pool. It’s built for fun for all ages–even adults love this place! Nate and Katie hung out at Turtle Beach, the toddler-sized area with little slides and splash pads, while Nick took a spin down the towering tube slides. There is also a wave pool, a surf simulator, and an epic lazy river to check out while you splash around.
The Gomes family spent most of their days at the Dean’s Blue Hole pool. It was the closest one to the beach, steps away from the pool bar, and very kid-friendly. There was even a built-in grotto where you could look through glass windows and see into the wildlife sanctuary.
The extensive on-site wildlife sanctuary features all types of marine life, including stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles. Katie and her family also fed birds at the Aviary and went to the Flamingo Parade–yep, a flamingo parade. Twice a day, at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., you can walk by and check out a parade of flamingos strutting around their enclosed habitat.
Where to eat
With 26 restaurants spread throughout the Baha Mar complex, you’ll truly get a variety of flavors and cuisines as well as sit-down and grab-and-go options. Katie raved about Katsuya, an upscale Japanese restaurant, for its fresh sashimi and delicious spicy margaritas. Other favorites include the beachfront Bahamian-inspired Marcus Fish + Chop House, the Swimming Pig Pub, and the El Jefe taco truck right by the beach. Plus, kids under five eat free at select restaurants when ordering off the kids' menu.
All in all, the Bahamas are an incredible island escape for families and couples alike. Check out top trending deals to the Bahamas and beyond at BeachBound.com.
