Whether you’ve never been before, or you’ve visited many times over, one thing is for sure; today’s Nassau Paradise Island is not the same destination it was 365 days ago. It’s still incredibly beautiful, with warm sunshine throughout the year, warm turquoise waters, fun things to do, unique cultural experiences, and memorable places to stay, and now it’s all that…but better, of course.

There have been so many exciting new things and fun events happening in Nassau Paradise Island, it’s hard to keep track! We thought we’d round out 2018 with a look back at all that’s happened this year.

Dine

The year started off rather deliciously with the opening of some exceptional dining experiences. Not only that, the culinary culture in Nassau Paradise Island got some major star power this year with many of these new restaurants being helmed by celebrity chefs.

Fi’lia  is a Miami staple you can now find at SLS Baha Mar. Look for signature pasta and Italian dishes as well as unique twists on Bahamian classics like conch fritters.

Sushi master Katsuya Uechi’s creative cuisine is a perfect pairing with the sleek décor Philippe Starck designed for Katsuya, the restaurant that opened at Baha Mar this year. With memorable cocktails, inventive dishes, and stunning Bahamas views, Katsuya is a feast for the senses.

Chef Danny Elmaleh’s unique take on Mediterranean cuisine has landed him on Best Restaurant lists for years. He’s one of sbe’s top chefs and Cleo Mediterráneo, his award-winning restaurant, opened at SLS Baha Mar this year.

Shuang Ba whisks you away to the heart of China with its sumptuous décor and scintillating flavors. The 88-seat restaurant features 88 incredible menu items like Peking duck, braised abalone, Chaozhou-style dumplings, and more! Why 88? It’s what Shuang Ba translates to.

Chef Julie Lightbourn’s Sip Sip restaurant is an institution on Harbour Island in The Bahamas, so imagine our excitement when we heard it was opening its first outpost at the newly renovated The Cove at Atlantis! Featuring quintessentially Bahamian dishes with a Sip Sip twist—like lobster quesadillas and conch chili—and a breathtaking view of The Cove’s pristine white sand beach, Sip Sip has quickly become a favorite of Atlantis guests.

World famous chef José Andrés has arrived in The Bahamas. His restaurant Fish open at The Cove at Atlantis in June to deliciously delightful acclaim. Andrés is known for his work with sustainable cooking and conservation, which is evident on Fish’s exciting menu. Lionfish, an invasive species in The Bahamas, is sea-speared locally and served whole, fried with a side of tartar sauce.

Stay

This year, a number of new direct flights were added to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport, making it even easier for cities like Houston, Chicago, and New York to get to Paradise! What could be better than that?

The Cove at Atlantis started off 2018 with a new look that we can’t get enough of! Rich blues, opulent interiors, gorgeous grounds, inspired artworks, and decadent dining. It’s one of Atlantis Paradise Island’s most luxurious experiences made better.

On May 22, the ribbon was officially cut at Rosewood Baha Mar, completing the opening of the luxurious and much anticipated Baha Mar Resort. Rosewood is known for its sophisticated opulence and guests have been enjoying the swimming pools, beachfront views, and decadent dining options ever since.

Play

Dolphin Cay has always been a memorable experience, but thanks to this year’s amazing new programs, it’s better than ever! In keeping with the conservational approach Dolphin Cay is known for, exciting activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling were added, each allowing guests unparalleled access to these incredible marine mammals without disrupting them.

The 8^th Annual Battle4Atlantis was another nail-biting weekend of elite basketball competition, with the Virginia Cavaliers battling their way to the top with a 53–46 win in the championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Speaking of basketball, one of the sport’s biggest (and we mean biggest) names hosted Shark Week from The Bahamas this year. Shaquille O’Neal may have mistaken Shark Week for “Shaq Week”, but either way, he had a wonderful time in Nassau Paradise Island!

Sip

With Rosewood’s opening came two delightfully refined new drinking experiences on Nassau’s Cable Beach. Manor Bar is a classic cocktail bar that harkens back to a time of Hollywood glamor and red carpet decadence. The Library’s elegant afternoon tea is a nod to The Bahamas’ colonial roots and a serene setting to taste handmade pastries next to the Bahamian seashore.

The first day of spring wasn’t the only first thing in March this year! The Bahamas first winery opened its doors in Nassau. Bahama Barrels blends wines from some of the world’s most well-known varietals. Stop by for wine education classes, tastings, tours, or even to blend your own personalized wine!

What an incredible year it’s been! We can’t wait to welcome you to Nassau Paradise Island to try all of these new experiences in person and we can’t wait to see what excitement 2019 brings.