Idyllic escape for couples at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
By George Coyle
Since I’ve stayed at plenty of five-star beach resorts, you can trust me on this: Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the luxury at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort in The Bahamas. It’s an amazing property—truly exceptional and absolutely perfect for couples.
Fittingly, the address—One Ocean Drive— is on Paradise Island. In the sun-kissed Bahamas, a country of 700 islands that’s famous for its sand, surf, and balmy weather, there’s only one Paradise Island. Situated on an eight-kilometre stretch of white-sand beach on the island’s north shore, The Ocean Club is even more of a rare gem. This secluded, one-of-a-kind enclave has welcomed discriminating world travellers for more than half a century.
Set on 35 lush acres, with just 107 guest accommodations, it’s an intimate, ultra-luxe hideaway with a serene ambience, beautiful ocean views, and a sense of timeless exclusivity. Celebrated for its classic Bahamian charm, Versailles Gardens, and world-class service, The Ocean Club also has a whole host of amenities that are sure to please.
We stayed in a luxury oceanfront room in the Crescent Wing, steps from the beach, and it was a treat. Highlights included a premium king-sized bed, a spacious marble bathroom, an in-room bar, and tasteful décor in shades of sand-gold and aqua.
The real water colours are dazzling. You can take a dip in three different pools: the infinity-edged Ocean Pool with its sweeping views of the Atlantic, the lagoon-style Family Pool with its waterfall entry, and the adults-only Versailles Pool. A striking tropical sanctuary, the Versailles Pool is a perfect spot for you and your partner to enjoy some quality time.
The spa is another captivating retreat. Featured in Vogue’s Global Spa Guide, it encompasses eight Balinese-style treatment villas with private gardens and outdoor baths. Indulgent relaxation experiences, wellness therapies, restorative massages and beauty treatments are designed to nurture and pamper you. Popular choices include the Bahamas Rhythm Massage and the Coconut Poultice Massage.
There’s daily yoga at the Fitness Centre, which is also home to state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance machines. Fitness classes, jogging and biking routes through the verdant property and HarTru tennis courts ensure you can stay as active as you want. There’s a tennis pro on site, with private lessons available, and the resort will launch two new Padel courts this spring. If golf is more your thing, play a round at the Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole Ocean Club Golf Course.
The beach beckons, too. Uncrowded and private, the picturesque stretch of sand—often described as one of the best beaches in the country—invites you to relax and enjoy an elevated experience. Loungers, umbrellas, and towels are at the ready, and there’s attentive personal attention, including food and beverage service. Standup paddleboards are available for your use.
If you want to level up your beach experience, you can ask about a private beachside dinner or champagne service for sunset toasts. The soft, white sand and shimmery turquoise water are a memorable backdrop for romance and time away à deux.
The hospitality and dining at the estate-like resort only add to its appeal. My favourite spot was DUNE by Jean-Georges. Considered the best place to dine on Paradise Island, it more than lives up to all the hype. The setting is beautiful—overlooking the water, the service is superb, and the cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is outstanding. Do try the lobster. Sunday brunch is also highly touted.
Another hit, for us, was Ocean Blu, situated next to the Ocean Pool. A breezy outdoor setting, it serves fresh Western Caribbean fare and exotic cocktails.
At cocktail hour, you may also want to make your way to the Martini Bar, a cosmopolitan setting with a grand piano and a glam vibe that’s on the resort’s lobby level. The Martini Bar was actually featured in the 2006 James Bond movie Casino Royale, so you can channel your inner Daniel Craig or Eva Green and order a Vesper Martini.
It’s certainly worth toasting this Four Seasons property. A slice of tropical heaven, The Ocean Club has been a palm-fringed gathering spot for celebrities, jet setters, and savvy travellers since the 1960s. It’s elegant, indulgent, full of tropical charms, and anything but a vacation gamble. fourseasons.com/oceanclub
