One of the few adults-only, all-inclusive beach resorts in the Bahamas, Riu Palace Paradise Island caters well to singles and couples with a lively party vibe and a great location next door to the massive Atlantis Paradise Island resort complex (which boasts the Caribbean’s best water park and the world’s largest open-air marine habitat with over 250 marine species; day passes can be purchased). The Riu food and overall service both get mixed to poor reviews, some rooms have two twin beds pushed together in lieu of kings, the beach and pool can be in the shade for part of the day due to the height of the hotel (usually in the morning), the restaurants can have lines of people waiting for tables, and the often-rowdy scene with loud music isn’t for everyone; but the property offers two swimming pools including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean with a trendy swim-up bar, a nice white-sand beach with turquoise water that’s calm and ideal for swimming, a modern fitness center with plenty of natural light, and an on-site spa. Rooms come with liquor dispensers, minibars, and balconies or terraces with nice ocean views (especially from the upper floors). Activities include jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, beach volleyball, and daily group fitness classes. The Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course down the street is one of the Caribbean’s top courses; it features alluring ocean vistas, numerous water hazards, challenging crosswinds, and an impressive seven holes that border the beach. The strong pool and beach areas here help the Overall Beach Resort Rating, upgrading it to the upper B range.
Everyone traveling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival. The day the test is taken is considered Day Zero. Test must return a negative result for entry into The Bahamas. Children 10 and under are not required to take a test. Negative PCR test results must be uploaded in order to complete a Bahamas Health Visa application, and must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.