Seven Ways to Stay Cool in The Bahamas

Soothing ocean breezes, shady palm trees, and plenty of options for chilling out: staying cool and comfortable during a summer vacation in Nassau & Paradise Island is easy! Once you’ve soaked up the sun lounging on the beach or had a fun-filled day exploring, there are many ways to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Here are seven of our favourite ways to stay cool during a vacation in The Bahamas.

Grab a Frosty Treat

Our islands are home to a celebrated culinary community with a very big sweet tooth – and when you visit during the summer months, the most delicious way to stay cool is with some sweet treats flavoured with local ingredients. At Sun & Ice in the Coral Lobby Lounge at Atlantis Paradise Island, you’ll find a variety of ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. This ice cream parlor serves seasonal and handcrafted batches that spotlight locally grown fruits, teas, seeds, and spices. Sample unique options like Caramelized Sugar Banana, Allspice Potato Bread, and Coconut Candy.

For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out Sugar Factory at Baha Mar. This location is famous for its picture-perfect creations, such as old-fashioned sundaes and over-the-top iced coffees. You can also order refreshing cocktails infused with island ingredients like coconut, guava, and pineapple. Their Ocean Blue Margarita is a tropical drink worth sipping on by the tranquil turquoise waters.

Last but not least, check out Mudda Freeze for some irresistible scoops. Choose from an ever-changing menu including classics, vegan options, pup-friendly flavors, and outside-the-box combinations. Mudda Freeze is home to friendly staff, great portions, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, providing the perfect opportunity to beat the heat.

Cool Down Poolside

Luckily, in The Bahamas, there is always a pool nearby! Whether you want to jump in for a quick cool-down or spend the day lounging poolside, there’s a variety of options to choose from that will keep you cool, relaxed, and even fuel your adventurous side. The Paradise Island Beach Club has two freshwater pools surrounded by sculpted gardens and features comfortable lounge chairs, a swim-up bar, and close proximity to the Reef Bar and Grill for some good food, cold drinks, and Caribbean vibes.

At Sandals Royal Bahamian All-Inclusive, you’ll be set for the day. They have seven luxurious pools, six whirlpools, and two swim-up bars, so you will never be without water or a cold drink. At night, you can linger by one of the poolside fire pits and wind down after a day in the sun.

The Fins Up Waterpark at Margaritaville Beach Resort is the place to unwind or enjoy a little bit of everything. Guests can catch a wave in the SurfStream simulator, grab a lounger by the lush landscaped pool areas, or lay back and rest in a comfy cabana with a refreshing cocktail and a great book. Waterslides and a climbing wall are also here for the adventure seekers, as well as a lazy river for those who want to be in the water and still have a laid-back experience.

Take an Ocean Dip 

The Bahamas is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Not only will you be able to stay cool, but you’ll also cherish some of the most serene, peaceful views. Go for a swim or experience the water by paddling, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Cove Beach at Paradise Island is a stunning beach marked by palm trees and calm, clear waters—a great place to enjoy a swim or kick back under the swaying palm trees.

At Cable Beach, you’ll find a perfect stretch of beautiful beach complemented by the surrounding resorts. It's a great spot for a beach day with many amenities and opportunities to cool off at a restaurant or find a fun activity in the water.

If you’re someone who likes to be in the water and not on the sand, Paradise Beach on Paradise Island is the beach for you. This mile-long, white sandy beach with turquoise waters is perfect for snorkeling and other water activities, as well as just relaxing and taking in the sunshine.

Head to a Museum

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Nassau & Paradise Island enjoying a break from the sun, check out some of the great museums the island has to offer. Discover, explore, and celebrate the spirit of The Bahamas at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum in Downtown Nassau. You’ll learn about the history of the island, including costume pieces, traditional fabrics, music, and much more.

The Heritage Museum of The Bahamas is a great spot for history buffs. Guests can browse the collection of Hamilton White, a well-known British antiques collector, which includes treasures spanning the centuries—from the days of Columbus to the piracy era, life during the early 1900s, the days of the Duke of Windsor, and much more.

Make a splash at the Pirates of Nassau museum! From Blackbeard to Calico Jack and the notorious female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read, The Bahamas hosted the greatest concentration of pirates ever seen in the New World. At this museum, you’ll be transported back to the life and times of the world's most dangerous criminals. This interactive adventure is not one to miss!

Enjoy a Spa Day 

Taking some time for yourself to relax and refresh while on vacation is essential. Be sure to book a spa day for your favourite treatment or schedule a full day out of the heat for pampering at one of the many luxurious spas on the island.

Try the Éminence After Sun Body Treatment at the St. Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville Beach Resort. This treatment is perfect after a day by the pool or at the beach and features products packed full of organic healing ingredients, each specially chosen to soothe skin after exposure to the elements.

The Mandara Spa at Atlantis Paradise Island offers a Fire & Ice Massage, a customized heated stone massage complemented by ice-cool gels to gently detoxify the body and address any areas of concern. This can also help with alleviating stress and easing aching muscles. Your body will be in a pure state of relaxation during this contrast therapy!

If you’re searching for a way to beat the heat in luxury, a visit to ESPA at Baha Mar is essential. The 30,000-square-foot spa space has ocean views, a chill atmosphere, and rejuvenating treatments where there’s something for everyone. Enjoy saunas, steam rooms, relaxation zones, and social lounges. With an array of body treatments, facials, and massages, you won’t want to leave!

Say “Cheers” to Refreshment

When it's hot out, stopping for a drink and staying hydrated is an essential and quick way to cool down. Since you’re on island time and The Bahamas has delicious ingredients to match your vacation vibe, there are a few drinks we recommend you cool off with. Try Sky Juice at Sip Sip at The Cove Atlantis, a cocktail that combines gin, coconut water, sweet milk, and spice. This island favourite is sweet yet packs a punch.

If you’re having too much fun in the sun but still want something refreshing to sip on, check out Daqs at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar where you’ll find an array of fresh, fruity daiquiris by the pool. You can create your own custom-blended daiquiris from an assortment of Bahamian fruits, then blend them with rum and fresh herbs to create your dream poolside beverages. There’s no better way to cool down than with an icy daiquiri.

Another great spot to check out by the pool is Elixir at Baha Mar. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a frozen cocktail and other island specialties such as Caribbean rums and a selection of ice-cold Bahamian and imported beers. Choose your refreshment of choice and de-stress in the shade under one of the umbrellas, or find a spot by the pool where you can soak up the sun.

Pair Dinner with a Patio Breeze

Want to be outside while enjoying a nice meal, drink, and the ocean breeze? There are a variety of patios waiting for you in The Bahamas. Catch a sunset at Marcus Up Top, a beautiful rooftop bar that offers an elevated setting where you can experience gourmet food and drinks in an unforgettable atmosphere. This venue features a refreshing raw bar menu designed by a six-time James Beard Award-winning chef.

Step back in time for a retro experience at Out Island Bar at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, a place that evokes the charm of the 1950s. The open-air beachside bar is the perfect spot to cool off after a day at the beach, where you can relax and sip on classic Caribbean rum-based cocktails, including frozen daiquiris, mojitos, and more. Admire the cool and casual atmosphere while taking in the beach views.

At Dune by Chef Jean-Georges at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, you’ll find a patio perched on a white sand bluff with incredible ocean views and the perfect amount of breeze. This spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing you to rejuvenate by the ocean no matter the time of day. Their menu features a fusion of international cuisine enhanced with seafood and a touch of Bahamian spice for some island flair.

The best part about The Bahamas is that there's no shortage of ways to cool down. You can enjoy the heat while staying cool throughout your vacation, whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation. A mix of indoor and outdoor activities, restaurants, and bars is waiting for you. Start planning your next vacation today.