Why the Bahamas in January
After a cold New York winter, we needed a quick warm getaway. Nassau is a three-hour direct flight from New York, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar was bookable with Hyatt points, and we could swim with pigs. That was enough.
Baha Mar Resort
Baha Mar is a massive resort complex on Cable Beach in Nassau. It has three hotels — the Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood — plus a casino, golf course, and a long stretch of white sand beach. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt, which was the best value option and still felt high-end.
The resort is self-contained enough that you could spend your entire trip without leaving, and honestly, most people do. The pools are spread across different levels with swim-up bars, the beach is gorgeous, and there are enough restaurants to eat somewhere different every meal.
The Flamingos
Baha Mar has a flamingo sanctuary right on the resort grounds. You can walk up and watch them from just a few feet away — no fence, no glass. Early morning is the best time to visit when the light is soft and the birds are most active. It is one of those experiences that feels surreal, standing next to wild flamingos with the ocean in the background.
Swimming with the Pigs
This was the highlight of the trip. We booked a full-day boat excursion that included the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay in the Exumas, plus snorkeling stops and a beach lunch.
The pigs are exactly as advertised — they swim right up to your boat looking for food. They are surprisingly big and enthusiastic. The guides make sure everyone gets time in the water with them and the photos are unlike anything else.
Tips for the pig swim:
- Book well in advance, especially for January and February
- It is a full day trip — you leave early and get back in the late afternoon
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof phone case
- Motion sickness medication if you are sensitive — the boat ride to the Exumas can be choppy
- The pigs can be pushy about food. Keep your hands empty when you are not feeding them
Where We Ate
Baha Mar has an impressive dining lineup:
- Cafe Madeleine: French bistro with excellent pastries and a solid brunch. We ate here our first night and went back for breakfast
- Marcus: By Marcus Samuelsson. Caribbean-influenced dishes with bold flavors. The jerk chicken and rum cocktails were standouts
- Fi’lia: Italian by Michael White. Great pasta and seafood. Reserve a table on the terrace for sunset views
- Carna: Steakhouse with an impressive meat program. On the pricier side but worth it for a special dinner
- El Jefe: Casual beachfront taco spot. Perfect for lunch between pool sessions
The Casino
Baha Mar’s casino is the largest in the Caribbean. We spent one evening there after dinner. The floor is massive with all the usual table games and slots. Even if you are not a gambler, the architecture and energy are worth walking through.
Practical Tips
- Getting there: Direct flights from JFK and LGA to Nassau are about 3 hours. Delta, JetBlue, and United all fly the route
- Transport: Taxi from the airport to Baha Mar is about $30. You do not need a car if you are staying at the resort
- Currency: Bahamian dollars are pegged 1:1 to US dollars, and USD is accepted everywhere
- Points: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is bookable with World of Hyatt points. We used 25,000 points per night, which is excellent value for a luxury beachfront hotel
- Best time to visit: December through April for the best weather. January is peak season but the resort is big enough that it never feels crowded
What It Cost (Two People, 3 Nights)
- Flights: ~$400 round trip from NYC (Delta Comfort+)
- Hotel: 75,000 Hyatt points (3 nights)
- Pig swim excursion: ~$380 total
- Food and drinks: ~$800 total
- Total cash spent for two: ~$1,580 (plus points)
Would We Go Back?
For a quick tropical escape from the East Coast, it is hard to beat. Three hours on a plane and you are on a white sand beach with flamingos. The pig swim alone makes the trip memorable, and using Hyatt points for the hotel keeps costs reasonable for what is otherwise a luxury destination.