So, I just got back from a quick weekend getaway at Baha Mar (Nassau Cable Beach).

Access: You can enter the Bahamas without a PCR test as long as you are fully Vaccinated. You must purchase a Health Visa ($40) and submit proof of vaccination or test results prior to going there. If you go, do this about a week ahead. You do need a Negative PCR test to come back into the US, and our hotel did it for us onsite at no cost. They converted a suite into a testing center and they did a gentle swab of my nose instead of jamming it up into my head like they do it here in Miami.

For those of you old enough to remember, this resort sits on the property that was the old Crystal Place Casino and resort. This property was 10 years in the making (due to a bankruptcy and other delays). The resort has 3 main hotels, Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood. The Casino is kind of like the hub and each hotel and other shops and restaurants are the spokes. The SLS is a younger crowd, with a nightclub up top on the roof. The Grand Hyatt is great for families, and the Rosewood is a high end resort. 1 week prior they just opened up a water park, featuring all different variations of waterslides (easy to scary) a lazy river, various shops and restaurants, and of course, another casino.

I was offered comped rooms at the Grand Hyatt, but my wife and the other couple we traveled with this time) like the Rosewood property. Each of our two previous visits here were at the Rosewood, and stupid me for agreeing to pay $1200 a night instead of free comp rooms. There definitely is a difference between the properties as you can see it in the beach amenities and service, the room appointments and the service in general.

Casino: Has many table games including Black Jack,Craps, and other table games. Slots are plentiful and fun including the Monty Python and the Holy Grail themed machines. The video poker sucks. In the high limit room, you see pay lines of 7-5 on Double Double Bonus - really? I couldn't play that, under any circumstances. There was a Supertimes machine out on the main floor that had 8-5 for Double Double Bonus, and that is still unplayable. We have better pay lines back in South Florida. The black jack was decent and I won some $$$ as well. Black Jack paid 3-2 and Dealer hit the soft 17 out on the main floor. I Didn't see any of those sucker 6-5 black jack like I saw the last time I was in Vegas on the Strip. Anyone who plays on a 6-5 table is an idiot. Drinks were free. Out on the main floor the selection was decent. In the high limit room they were giving me Flor de Cana 25 yr.

Restaurants: Cleo- a mediterranean place with GREAT food. This is located in the Lobby of the SLS. We have eaten here each of the three times we visited. Simply Solid.
Carna - a steakhouse with Very good meat selections and sides. This is located off the Casino floor near the Sportsbook.
Costa - a Mexican themed place that is Great for lunch. This is located off the pool are at the Rosewood. The tables are situated in little huts that sit atop Koi fish ponds. We've eaten here each time we arrive and it is always awesome.
Lobster tacos are amazing!
Manor Bar - This is a Proper Mixology bar located in the Rosewood. The have everything including smokers to make your drink perfect.


Sportsbook: They get their lines from William Hill, but wouldn't talk my friend's Degenerate Total bets on the Women's Wimbledon Final. He had to bet with his offshore book. But, we did hit a small parlay. We bet the Men's and Women's final.

The Beach: The beach is nice, the water is clear. All of the properties have beach areas, but once again the Rosewood is much nicer. From the nicer lounges and cushions, to the free drinks and snacks they bring you, to the scented cold towels they bring you, to the free buckets of ice and water, which they replenish the as needed to keep you water cold. It's the experience you come to expect when you stay at a Rosewood Resort.

Masks: When we got thee on Friday, they were asking people who weren't wearing masks to put them on. On Friday night through Saturday night, they stopped doing that. Then again on Sunday, they started asking people to wear masks again. Technically, you are supposed to wear it at all times in common areas (except on the beach or water park.) But they did ask us to wear masks in the Casino inside the water park when at the tables. They gave us them,

Anyways, anyone looking to get away to a place without hassles, you might want to consider this place. Living in South Florida, we are spoiled with easy access to the Caribbean, and usually go a few times each year. This place is quick an easy to get to. It's a 35 minute flight from Fort Lauderdale on Jet Blue, a a 10 minute cab ride from the airport. And Yes, bring your kids, they will have a blast.