Two standout resorts often come to mind when planning a luxury getaway to the Bahamas: Rosewood Baha Mar and the Four Seasons Ocean Club. While both are incredible properties, they cater to distinct audiences, making the choice largely dependent on the type of vacation you’re seeking. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
Four Seasons Ocean Club: The Luxury Escape for Couples
The Four Seasons Ocean Club on Paradise Island delivers a high-caliber luxury experience, making it ideal for couples and those seeking an upscale retreat.
- Intimate Luxury: The Ocean Club has a boutique feel, with fewer rooms than Rosewood Baha Mar. Its lush, old-school Caribbean grounds and luxurious suites and villas (complete with butler service) offer unmatched privacy.
- Aesthetic & Ambiance: With a sleek, coastal-inspired design, the resort exudes understated elegance reminiscent of Four Seasons Ft. Lauderdale. It’s refined but less vibrant than the playful charm of Four Seasons Palm Beach.
- Perfect for Couples: While families are welcome, the resort’s serene vibe and exclusivity attract honeymooners, babymooners, and middle-aged couples. There’s a mix of families with younger children, but it’s not a hub for kids. If you decide to bring the kids, you can enjoy complimentary access to the nearby Atlantis.
- Dining & History: The iconic Dune Restaurant by Jean-Georges offers elevated dining that attracts non-hotel guests. The resort also boasts a rich celebrity history, with photos of notable visitors displayed throughout. One villa even made an appearance in a James Bond film.
- Proximity: Located 40 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport, the Ocean Club is farther than Baha Mar but offers complimentary access to nearby Atlantis, a shuttle service, and car transfers.
- Notable Highlights:
- Crescent Wing rooms feature light blues but need bathroom updates. Hartford Wing rooms are more modern and centrally located.
- Ocean views are available from all floors due to the elevated position.
- Unique touches like a welcome bell ring in the lobby enhance the guest experience.
- Complimentary SUV transfers to Atlantis
- Ocean Club Golf Course
Rosewood Baha Mar: A Family Paradise
Part of the expansive Baha Mar Complex, Rosewood Baha Mar is a dream for families, offering a livelier and more family-oriented atmosphere.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: With a kids’ water park, endless activities, and easy access to the Grand Hyatt and SLS, the complex is a top choice for families with younger children and teens.
- Energy & Atmosphere: The property has a bustling vibe, with lots of children and families creating a lively, sometimes chaotic environment. Guests at Rosewood can access the entire Baha Mar complex, but non-Rosewood guests cannot use Rosewood facilities, ensuring some exclusivity.
- Teen Appeal: The resort’s size and independence make it a hit with teens, offering plenty of safe space to explore.
- Dining & Activities: Throughout the complex, guests can enjoy diverse dining options, a casino, and vibrant pool scenes. During peak travel months, you are encouraged to book all dinner reservations in advance.
- Proximity: Located just 20 minutes from the airport, Rosewood Baha Mar is conveniently accessible. A kiosk at the terminal assists arriving guests.
- Notable Highlights:
- Rosewood stands out as the most luxurious property within the complex but still lacks the Ocean Club’s exclusivity.
- Staff are friendly and personable, offering genuine hospitality despite the high guest turnover.
Key Differences
- Target Audience:
- Four Seasons Ocean Club: Couples, honeymooners, and those seeking exclusivity and high-end luxury.
- Rosewood Baha Mar: Families with young kids, teenagers, or those looking for a vibrant, activity-filled vacation.
- Ambiance:
- Ocean Club: Quiet, sophisticated, boutique-like.
- Baha Mar: Energetic, family-oriented, resort complex vibes.
- Location & Accessibility:
- Ocean Club: 40 minutes from the airport, located on Paradise Island.
- Rosewood Baha Mar: 20 minutes from the airport, part of the Baha Mar complex.
- Cost: Four Seasons Ocean Club is significantly more expensive, with starting room rates currently around $1,800 per night, compared to $900 per night at Rosewood Baha Mar for the same date.
Final Verdict
- For Couples: While families are welcome, Four Seasons Ocean Clubs serene vibe and exclusivity attract honeymooners, babymooners, and middle-aged couples. There’s a mix of families with younger children, but it’s not a hub for kids.
- For Families: Rosewood Baha Mar shines as a family-friendly destination, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained and a vibrant energy that makes it one of the best choices in the Caribbean for families with young children.
Your choice ultimately depends on your vacation goals: serene luxury or vibrant family fun.
Booking through Ourisman Travel means more than just a reservation — it’s a VIP experience. All clients enjoy:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Hotel credits: $100+ for guest rooms
- Complimentary upgrades (subject to availability)
- Ultimate VIP treatment: Your reservation is flagged for priority upgrades and personalized service.
Ourisman Travel is part of nearly every major preferred partner program, and specifically with Four Seasons and Rosewood, we are ranked among their top partners year over year. These invitation-only programs reward agencies that deliver high-quality clientele at honorable volumes. The upgrades through Preferred Partner and Rosewood Elite are also prioritized over upgrades through other programs, so you’ll want to use Preferred Partner and Rosewood Elite over a program like Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. As a result, you’ll enjoy priority for room upgrades and VIP benefits, ensuring you’re treated as a valued client from the moment you book.
If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and Hotel Reviews. Let us use our expertise to craft your perfect escape to The Bahamas today!
