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 Old Bahama Bay has great potential. Visited: August 2004 |
| Posted by birgit_feldmann |
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We chose Old Bahama Bay for a short, relaxing getaway as the traveling from Miami was very convenient and we had not much time available.
We stayed here for five nights, and decided to go for a package (including all meals they offered), which was worth the price. The meals were really good (espcecially at the Aqua restaurant in the evening).
About the wonderful rooms and the beach - I do agree with the other reviewers. Don't forget to bring your bathing shoes, because of the sea urchins!
But we were disappointed in some areas. For example, in the evening there was no place to stay in the open and enjoy an after-dinner-drink in company with other guests.
One evening, some guests staying at their yachts (the restaurant was at the Marina) used the landing for their private party and disturbed the dinner people with noise and light.
It was also disturbing to dress for dinner fomally and to be surrounded by half-naked people next door in the bar and the other restaurant. They should have had a separate, more romantic place to eat for the resort's guests.
Also, the snorkeling they recommended at another beach was - in my opinion - not available. There was no way to walk safe in the water as the beach was very rocky.
Nevertheless, we would return for a short escape. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Old Bahama Bay was beautiful and quiet. Visited: August 2004 |
| Posted by mtj_01 |
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We stayed here for a four-day weekend and agreed that this resort was quiet and luxurious. If you visit their website you might be suspicious that they exaggerated the appearance. However, it really did look that good. The resort was an upscale combination marina / condo complex.
Most of the rooms were ocean facing, and ours was furnished beautifully. The bathroom had two sinks, a large tub, and plenty of space. The maid service was twice a day, and they were generous with the nice towels. They even provided mosquito spray - something we recommend you still bring just in case.
This resort followed a slow tempo, and it was excellent for relaxing or reading. We were here in August during the low season, and we frequently had the beautiful beach all to ourselves. The downside was that the Strawbar was only open on the weekends. So, if you wanted a piña colada on the beach during the week, you were out of luck. (But there was an all-day bar up at the dock.)
They explained this was only during the low season, but we were still annoyed that no one was around on Monday afternoon to let us take out a kayak (the equipment was free). The snorkeling here was limited. The waters were beautiful from the beach, but murky below, and not many fish to see.
The restaurant, Aqua, was open for dinner and offered a varied menu of excellent gourmet dishes. Dress code was business casual (no jackets), and entrée prices were $30 to $40. The Dockside Grill was open for all meals and offered quality casual fare ($12 to $25 entrees). They had meal plans, but I don’t recommend them. We ended up paying $94 per person for breakfast and dinner (they said $80). And if you do the math, it comes out to about the same as a la cart. You then feel discouraged from eating dinner at the Grill, because you won’t get your money’s worth.
The meal vouchers also had a coupon quality that I didn’t like. In my opinion, they need another place to eat, even if it’s just off the resort. We ate in Aqua every night and it got a little tedious – though as mentioned, the food there was good.
The west end of the island did not have much to see. You can do more touring in Freeport with a $12 bus, or a $60 taxi. It was a 45 minute ride, but the locals were all pleasant and helpful. (Rental cars were available.) In Eight Mile Rock and Freeport, you will be able to buy fairly priced trinkets and supplies (the resort gift shop had inflated prices).
Despite these caveats, we feel it’s a charming and well managed resort. Provided your goal is 3 or 4 nights of luxurious relaxation, then I would absolutely recommend Old Bahama Bay. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 It was complete paradise. Visited: May 2004 |
| Posted by danayoung04 |
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My husband and I got married here on May 1, 2004. I planned the wedding based on reviews and the web site, and I couldn't have been more pleased.
The staff here is to be commended on just about everything. The straw bar was the perfect spot to relax with an amazing Bahama Mama and just gaze at the perfectly blue water.
The rooms were glorious and luxurious, every one of our guests (30) said they were the nicest rooms they have ever stayed in. This was not a large resort overrun with people and that was how we wanted it.
Want to waterski? There was no sign up sheet, just ask. Want to escape to a private island and sunbath? Just ask, and one of the staff will take you.
We are going back this May for our one-year anniversary...it is just a spot that is not to be missed. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This is a fabulous place to relax. Visited: February 2004 |
| Posted by pcromwell |
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This resort was fantastic. It was a great combination of casual and classy.
The rooms were large, gorgeous and clean. The view to the beach from the balcony was like a postcard. Service was uniformly great--professional, and very friendly yet unobtrusive.
The restaurant, Aqua, was a pleasant surpise with very fresh and imaginative dishes. The pool was a great hang-out spot. It wasn't crowded when we were here. The beach bar was fun and convenient.
The beach and resort were actually how they appeared on the web site. The only drawback was the seaweedy water, though it didn't seem like a big deal.
There is no reason to stay anywhere else. It is family friendly yet quiet. It is not a jet ski place, but that's not what we were looking for. We've never felt more relaxed, after just a five-night stay, and we'll be back. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We enjoyed a laid-back getaway. Visited: November 2003 |
| Posted by kahemmes |
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What a tranquil-relaxing place to get away from it all! We loved the villa. It was spacious, with a great deck overlooking the beach, and a large bathroom with nice amenities.
The staff was hit or miss--some couldn't do enough for us while others couldn't care less-. We loved the small beach bar for cocktails and lunch. The new restaurant was a pleasant surprise--with a diverse menu that kept us well fed all week! The staff in the restaurant was gracious and professional.
Room service breakfast is highly recommended-why would you want to leave your view since the main restaurants overlooked the dock.
Be prepared for not much action-this was a place to read a few books/magazines, cat nap, hang in a hammock, etc. The bikes were nice to ride over to the other beach-snorkel spot-just be aware of it being very rocky--nice to ride over for the amazing sunset.
Renting a car is a nice diversion if you are here for more than a long weekend-the front desk will make the arrangements for you.
It was nice to get away and we will hurry back to the civilized lifestyle of Old Bahama Bay. I would also recommend the half trip over to the private island-the resort will provide you with a picnic lunch, cocktails, etc. I was very Robinson Curuso-like even though it's within view of the resort.
Overall, we had a pleasant and relaxing getaway. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A woman's view of Old Bahama Bay Resort. Visited: March 2003 |
| Posted by kari_behling |
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After reading the review my guy (Jeff) wrote about Old Bahama Bay, I thought it deserved a female perspective. Everything he said was accurate, but perhaps not all-inclusive.
He forgot to mention how incredibly quiet it was, being such a small resort. The privacy was very important to us, and we felt totally alone as we sat on our own little patio and watched the sun rise.
Up and down the beach were several hammocks (big enough for two) where we rested, read, drank, and watched the stars... incredibly romantic. The pool was small but nice, complete with colored lights at night and a waterfall.
It took only a day before the staff recognized us and opened up. They were, as Jeff said, working at a different pace than us city dwellers, but what stood out more was having them crack open coconuts for us to try or pointing out the best places to snorkel.
On Saturday night we were surprised with a local band down by the beach, adding to the already charming atmosphere.
I loved not having to go to the restaurant for most meals...conch just seemed to taste better with sand between your toes. And those pina coladas...look out!
You can't be looking to be entertained at Old Bahama Bay. You'll be disappointed. We were looking for some quiet, some sun, and some romance, and we scored.
The entire time I was here, I felt relaxed, peaceful, and happy. Kudos to my guy and Old Bahama Bay. I can't wait to return! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a slice of Heaven. Visited: March 2003 |
| Posted by jteter53211 |
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After researching islands and resorts on WhereToStay.com, my girlfriend and I decided to head off to Grand Bahama Island and the Old Bahama Bay Resort for a long weekend. We were seeking a quiet, remote, upscale place to swim, sun, read and relax. We found it in here.
We took a direct flight to Freeport from Milwaukee and in four short hours, went from shoveling snow to sipping pina coladas at an oceanside hut.
Upon arriving, we were welcomed at the airport by a representative from the resort who drove us 25 miles to the island’s west end and the resort. Beyond the front gate, we were greeted by the sweeping grounds, lush plantings and colorful buildings.
With only four residential structures and 24 oceanview rooms, Old Bahama Bay Resort was small and private – they were in the process of adding an additional four structures and 24 rooms. It was an all-suite resort. Each suite included a kitchenette and had a secluded patio or balcony. Our beachside room came with a small refrigerator, DVD player, air conditioning, cable, locking safe, and two queen size beds. The bathroom was huge and well appointed.
Call ahead to make dinner reservations at the Dockside Restaurant - with 10 tables, it was quite small. Although the pace was slower in the Caribbean, the wait staff was friendly and responsive. The menu varied slightly each night and featured entrees with a local influence. We stuck with fish and were very pleased with the way our food tasted. Try the lobster over garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, it was tremendous! They also served a fantastic fresh grouper. The Dockside maintained a decent wine list with about 40 offerings from around the world.
For $10 per person, you could get an in-room continental breakfast of breads, jams, fruits, cereal, juices and coffee. We had lunch brought to us at the beach. After a morning of snorkeling, the Conch Burger, Fresh Fish Sandwich and Creamy Cole Slaw really hit the spot! Each went well an icy cold bottle of the local brew, Kalik - and even better with two.
Located nearby was an exercise center with all the equipment you’d want to handle while on vacation. Next door was the library (take a book, leave a book) and game room with board games, pool and ping pong tables. Other activities included sailing, bike riding and tennis. There was a large free form swimming pool adjacent to a new outdoor lunch grill. High-speed internet access was available on a lobby computer.
With high season rates of about $500 per night, it isn’t cheap, but there was value for what we received. We’re making plans to stay here again this spring.
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| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 This resort has great potential. Visited: October 2002 |
| Posted by swimmom62 |
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We selected Old Bahama Bay as there was a direct flight from our home in Atlanta to Freeport. We brought our three children (all under the age of 5) and valued a quick journey.
The resort was fairly new and as such seemed to be still working out the kinks. The rooms themselves were lovely, tastefully decorated and very spacious. We had adjoining rooms and with 5 people, we did not feel at all cramped.
The beach was lovely. Trees provided shade and contributed to one of the best breezes you could find. There was a very nice pool adjacent to the beach which was also delightful.
However, the food service left a great deal to be desired. The service staff was inconsistent. We often waited 45 -60 minutes for a first course to be presented. Naturally, 5 minutes later your entree arrives.
The food itself was okay- good lamb chops and local lobster. The kitchen was just disorganized. One morning, they had no bacon at breakfast and the next morning they had no milk! We had to call for the manager and request a trip to the local grocer. Imagine a resort with no milk and full knowledge that there were three children staying .
The location at the West End of the island was remote. There were virtually no other restaurants in a 5 plus mile vicinity. There was a large harbour attached to the resort full of posh boats of all shapes and sizes yet there was no provisioning store on the premises. It would be nice to have a place to buy cokes, juice etc... as the restaurant was only open at certain times.
The place has potential but needs to work out some kinks. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a great deal for remote peace and quiet. Visited: September 2002 |
| Posted by tyler |
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My wife and I have traveled all over the Caribbean. We have stayed in high-end resorts (Spice Island Inn was wonderful), rented villas and even stayed in a humble dive or two. We do not like to stay in ritzy resorts with casinos and high rises. For this reason we seek out smaller, established and more remote locations. But when we choose these types of retreats, we pay for it.
We did not have the funds or time to travel to Anquilla, Grenada or Antigua. And, because Old Bahama Bay was close and inexpensive, we tried it. I give it high marks.
The food was not awe inspiring, but truthfully, few Caribbean restaurants are worth writing home about. I enjoyed every meal thoroughly. Hand delivered fish sandwiches on the beach were always welcome. Their restaurant was not huge, but for those seeking a romantic get away, room service was included. We had every meal sent to our room or to the beach.
The rooms were comparable and even nicer than many much more expensive Caribbean locations. They were very well done. The sunsets from our porch were beautiful.
The beach was quiet. The beach bar was wonderful. Each day we had breakfast on our porch and then promptly walked about 250 feet to the ocean. We saw some lovely manta rays and went on a snorkel trip.
The resort was not finished as the old Jack Tar golf course was being resurrected. But, for an all-inclusive price of around $260 a night, I'd call it a value. I'm sure when the golf course and all the new houses are in, you will pay far more money for much less peace and quiet. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
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| Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer is the ultimate getaway for tranquility, relaxation and pampered service. Combining Bahamian charm and luxury, Old Bahama Bay features spacious beachfront suites - each with luxurious touches, such as Frette linens, whirlpool tubs, marble bathrooms, custom designed furnishings, oceanfront terraces and more. ... |
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