Who better to get family travel advice from than a parent who has been there, done it. We ask travel-loving mums to give us the lowdown on a recent trip with their children; from where they stayed and shopped to their favourite restaurants and must-do activities.
Lauren de Graaf – mother-of-four and founder of luxury children’s brand Heidi Rose – tells us all about the Bahamas. Having grown up in there, Lauren regularly takes her family back to the islands. Here she shares her insider tips for the perfect family stay in this tropical paradise.
Why are the Bahamas a wonderful family destination?
Because of its stunning seas and consistently warm and sunny climate, and tthere is so much to explore between the main island and all the stunning outer islands. There is a direct flight from the UK to Nassau, and only a 45 minute flight from Miami, so it’s easily accessible. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a really memorable family holiday.
When is the best time to visit the the islands?
It’s a year round destination, but there are definitely more ideal times to visit. The spring is an incredible time as it’s warm during the days but tends to cool down a little in the evening. American ‘Spring Break’ can be a busy time but less so at Easter, which is a nice time to visit if your children have a longer break from school. You will be able to enjoy swimming all day long, but it’s generally not too hot and humid.
Which hotels should you check into for a family-friendly stay?
If you’re staying on the main island of Nassau, there is a new resort called Baha Mar which is very central and close to the airport. They have three hotels that are part of the resort so you can decide which option is best for your family. The fabulous Rosewood is the most high-end option but you may decide you want something a little more family-friendly and low key for your stay.
Alternatively, if you prefer to break away from the main island, Harbour Island is a charming little spot to visit with lots of cute, colourful cottages, pink sand beaches and a choice of lovely small boutique hotels. Glamorous yet family-friendly, The Dunmore is a very popular choice these days, decorated with vintage rattan throughout and offers a fabulous 1960’s resort glam vibe, and somewhere you’ll possibly spot a celebrity or two. The interiors are by Nassau-based interior designer Amanda Lindroth – the creative force behind Lindroth Design – and she has truly worked her magic once more at the Dunmore.
What are the best things to do with children?
There are so many fabulous little islands, secluded beaches and cays to explore. If you have the opportunity to jump on a boat, I would highly recommend it for a fun filled adventure and a great way to see the beauty of the Bahamas. There is a company called the Power Boat Adventures which takes its guests on an amazing Exuma excursion where you will visit the swimming pigs, iguanas and even swim with the sharks! Alternatively, you can do a private charter and visit the beautiful Berry Islands which are home to some incredible dive sites and an impressive 600 foot wide blue hole. If you are staying in Nassau you can take your little ones to visit the Aquarium at the Atlantis Hotel. You will find a vast variety of sea life, the stingray lagoon, and can even arrange a special visit to Dolphin Cay to swim with the dolphins.
Where can we take them to play?
A super fun place to play is Baha Bay Waterpark at the Baha Mar Resort. We took our children twice last summer and had such a fun time. I would suggest getting a cabana for the day so you have a base to leave your belongings, a quiet space for lunch or even a post lunch nap spot for your little one. The waterpark is built on 15 beachfront acres and offers something for all ages. My four children are aged between one to eight and everyone had a fabulous time. It was clean and felt very safe with lots of attentive life guards and life vests which was really appreciated. They have a lovely lazy river and a handful of fabulous slides which will surely put a huge smile on the entire family’s faces. Ardastra Gardens, in the heart of Nassau, are located on more than four acres of lush tropical gardens and are inhabited by a variety of animals including the Caribbean flamingo.
The insider place to know?
There are a number of private clubs on the islands and some do welcome visitors. We’re members of Lyford Cay Club which we absolutely love and spend a great deal of our time on-island there.
Your favourite family-friendly restaurants?
In terms of the outer islands, for Harbour Island, I would definitely recommend The Dunmore or The Landing. They are really special spots that deserve a visit and the food and staff are both fabulous. Both have kids’ menus and are very welcoming to young members of the family. In Nassau, if you feel like venturing out of your resort, I would definitely suggest a trip to the western end of the island, where a lot of the private clubs are located. There are a few great restaurants outside of the private communities frequented by locals. One of our favourite spots is Shima, which is located in the boutique hotel, The Island House. They do a great family friendly brunch on Sundays. That location also has an outside pizza kitchen which is very low key and easy for a quick and very relaxed dinner. Our other favourite spot is Island Brothers located in the Lyford Cay shopping plaza which has the most delicious French Mediterranean cuisine and a relaxed bistro vibe.
If mums have a few hours sans enfants where should they go?
I would always visit the spa if given the opportunity. A few hours of pampering is always such a treat. The Rosewood has a lovely spa if you’re enjoying a resort vacation with the family. With the addition of some shopping and maybe a cocktail in their Mano Bar, you could certainly steal a few spoiling hours to yourself or with your partner.
What are your favourite places to shop in the Bahamas?
A few of my favourite boutiques are located just outside of Lyford Cay. For some stunning resort pieces, swim and accessories you should visit Cole’s Of Nassau. They also have Morley for Men next door in case you take your husband along for the outing. Then there is the most gorgeous homewares shop called The Island Store. I could literally buy the entire shop! They also stock the Heidi Rose products and have a clothing boutique connected to it with some gorgeous resort pieces. Perfect for picking up a few island treats.
Any top tips for visiting the Bahamas with children?
Be organised: make sure you have everything booked in advance to avoid any disappointment. Pack well: I always use a checklist for our big trips away. It’s not easy to get certain products on the island so make sure you have your favourite sunscreen and first aid products and any medications with you so you don’t have to scramble once you have arrived.
What are your packing essentials for yourself?
A chic pair of wedges, perfect for a candle lit dinner on the lawn or beach. This will simplify your life so you don’t sink into the sand but will also help to elevate your evening look. Net-a-Porter and MatchesFashion are my go-to shopping platforms ahead of any special occasion or big trip!
I have a giant straw bag which carries absolutely everything for me and my children. Everything including sun cream, goggles, a waterproof swimsuit bag, a change of clothes for everyone, beach toys and sun hats! When travelling, you can either fill it with clothes and pop it in your suitcase or use it as hand luggage. If you want to get one locally, you should support the incredibly talented women in town at the Straw Market.
An oh-so-chic sun hat! I adore these Mummy & Me Sarah Bray Bermuda sunhats. They come with different coloured ribbons so you can match your outfit and they are incredibly chic whilst offering great sun protection. I also manage to carefully pack these in my suitcase for both my daughter and me and have never had any issues. You simply have to fill them with socks or smaller items and make sure the brim is carefully supported by clothing inside of a firm suitcase.
A lightweight nightie for those balmy evenings. We just launched our very first Mummy and Me night dresses, the Samantha and Catherine Nighties which are perfect for those warmer evenings. They are elegant, floaty and ultra-light weight, made from 100% organic cotton so will keep you so comfortable after a long day in the sun.
And what would you recommend packing for children?
Sun cream and plenty of it! I have a few different options to use. I love Alba Botanica SPF 50. It’s an easy spray-on biodegradable sunscreen. Great for the body and when dealing with wriggling little ones. A good waterproof shoe such as Native Shoes are a great option as they come in all different colour ways so you have plenty of options. They slip on easily and I find they look a bit smarter and are more practical than flip flops.
A UV kids sun hat. We at Heidi Rose are launching our very first resort and daywear collection this spring/summer which will include just this. A UPF 50, soft and comfy sunhat which comes in 3 different patterns.
An easy cover up is a must have. Our Bonnie and Augustus robe cover ups are a travel essential for our family. They are so lightweight and easy to pack. They are reversible, offering two different patterns and are made with 100% organic cotton muslin which makes them not only great looking but also easy to throw on post swim or bath, and can even be worn poolside when your littles are enjoying their lunch or some down-time.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?