The Perfect Getaway: Four Seasons The Ocean Club

Ahh The Bahamas, a slice of Caribbean paradise so close to home. I couldn’t think of a better destination to travel to for my first family vacation than to the sparkling shores of the Bahamian islands. Having craved a peaceful and relaxing escape for my husband and I to enjoy with our new baby, I couldn’t think of a better place to spend our first family vacation than with the Four Seasons Ocean Club.

Located on the turquoise shores of the aptly named Paradise Island, the Four Seasons Ocean Club is an exquisite property combining Caribbean charm with refined luxury. The resort has a quaint plantation-style feel with immaculately manicured gardens throughout, while nestled on the most pristine coastline on the island.

The Ocean Club

The property is vast with 100+ rooms and three great restaurants, including Jean Georges’ Dune. Some on-site amenities include a full service spa, tennis, golf and three unique pools catering to all types of guests. Guests of the Ocean Club also enjoy a complimentary SUV shuttle to and from Atlantis. This service seamlessly provides an abundance of restaurant and entertainment options at your disposal.

As with all Four Seasons properties, the service throughout is outstanding. Within a few hours of arriving, we had already made some new friends. The staff immediately gave us the true Bahamian experience making us feel right at home on their friendly little island.

Accommodations

The rooms are quite spacious and comfortably accommodated the three of us (plus all the baby accessories we had in tow). When we arrived to the room, a crib had already been set up for our daughter which came as no surprise, as the FS staff are always on point.

We stayed in the Crescent Wing of the resort, where each room features a view of the ocean accompanied by a private terrace. With a main level room, we enjoyed walk-out access to a tropical garden of tall palm trees strewn throughout the grassy path to the ocean. With several hammocks and Adirondack chairs throughout the garden, it became the perfect place for us to relax while listening to the ocean waves.

For anyone requiring more space, we noticed several villas and interior cottages on the property. With up to three bedrooms options, larger groups or families can get the necessary space they need while staying within the resort.

Room View: Crescent Wing

Dining

Dining on the resort is fantastic and turned out to be the best meals we had during our time on the island.

There are three restaurant to choose from while dining on the resort. Dune, next to the beach, features a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner at Dune by Jean Georges is spectacular. The menu has an outstanding selection of dishes with many local seafood options and an expansive wine list to pair with your meal.

For lunch, additional options include their Ocean Grill with seating poolside as well. And lastly, Versailles Terrace next to the stunning Versailles Gardens (which I will highlight below).

On the night we arrived, the hotel was hosting a benefit dinner in support of the neighbouring islands impacted by Hurricane Dorian the month prior. We were lucky to be able to dine for their event which featured a special menu curated by Jean Georges who happened to be on-site for the evening. The dinner was fantastic and truly highlighted the talent of the Michelin-star chef.

With access to Atlantis, restaurant options are endless. While we dined at Dune most evenings, we did take the opportunity to eat off the resort at both Nobu and Carmine’s at Atlantis. Just a short 5 minute drive from the hotel.

Resort Highlights

I worried that traveling with my baby would prevent me from enjoying the resort but to our favor, our baby turned out to be a fantastic traveler. She made it easier for us to explore the resort and enjoy some of the wonderful amenities. It is also helpful to note that the hotel did offer a babysitting service should we have wanted some time to ourselves.

Infinity Pool

Perched in the middle of the resort, on the edge of the bluff is the main infinity pool. It was definitely the place to be for the afternoon, offering uninterrupted sunshine all day. The views are striking and the service is friendly.

On most afternoons, we were able to hang out by the pool while our daughter napped next to us in the shade. While the pool was family friendly, it certainly was not overwhelming with kids. It was the perfect place to post up for the day and enjoy the warm vibes and cold drinks.

Come sunset, the pool would wind down but the view developed spectacularly as the sunset reflected over the water. While not a direct sunset view, its the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view as the sun goes down.

Sunset View at the Infinity Pool

The Spa

Escaping to the spa was definitely a nice treat. With Balinese inspired decor and lavish treatment villas, it was just what I needed to completely unwind.

Tucked into a tranquil garden area of the resort, a visit to the spa feels like a retreat of its own. The rooms are spacious with their own day bed, bathtub and treatment area.Had I had the chance, I would have loved to enjoy a romantic couples massage sparing some extra time to enjoy the villa. Instead, my husband watched the baby while I was able to spend the morning at the spa. Bonus points for him. 🙂

Versailles Garden

Lastly, I want to note the spectacular Versailles garden which completely took me by surprise. Located just past the Versailles pool (adult pool), the Versailles Gardens is an impressively manicured stretch of land leading all the way to the adjacent side of the island. As you walk through the garden, you see a collection of beautiful stone statues, fountains and tropical flowers which  eventually lead you to dramatic marble pillars of a 12th Century Cloister.

Brought piece-by-piece to the Bahamas from France, the Cloisters are an incredible work of art and exclusive to guests at the Four Seasons. It is no surprise that many weddings and special events are held in this area.

Of course on my final day at the hotel, I came to learn about the option of enjoying a private picnic in the garden. If you are planning to visit the Ocean Club, I would highly recommend arranging for this.

Versailles Garden & 12th Century Cloisters from above

Overall, The Ocean Club proved to be the perfect escape for our relaxing family getaway. We had the best time soaking up the sun  and thoroughly enjoying the Four Seasons experience with our little girl. We couldn’t be more happy that we chose the Four Seasons Ocean Club as our first family destination and we will always have a special place in our hearts for the memories we made with our daughter.

Thank you, Four Seasons, for another wonderful stay!