The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

....However, since the Four Seasons took it over in 2017, it's shocking how many babies, adolescents and teenagers are here as their parents have no issues spending $35 for a pizza, $36 for a fish sandwich and $75 for breakfast. Founded in 1962 by Huntington Hartford, he had the grand vision to open a property focused on British lifestyle and built 52 rooms (now called the Hartford wing), 18-hole golf course and signature restaurant, Cafe Martinique. Ownership changed several times as Trump acquired it in 1987, Merv Griffin in 1988, then One & Only and finally, Access Industries (Sir Leonard Blavatnik founder) which also owns the amazing Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, FAENA in Miami Beach and the newly opened The Belgrove in West Palm Beach. We've been coming here for more than 30 years and there are still many employees still working here, some in fact have been here more than 50 years. Hartford not only built one of the all-time classic resorts in the world, but had the vision to build the Versailles Garden and Temple which to this day, is worth staying here to enjoy. It was best when owned by One & Only (Sol Kerzner also opened The Atlantis) as Sol focused on customer experiences including champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries at 6:00PM nightly, Godiva chocolates at turndown and weekly manager's reception. Alas, Four Seasons removed all of those amenities and didn't create any of their own and along the way, doubled the room rates. With only 107 rooms and suites along with a few villas, you know you entered a magical paradise when your private car takes you through the entry gate. Employees are dressed in formal outfits and on this visit, they were the most friendly we have ever experienced. The grounds are still immaculate from plenty of green grass, gardens and direct access to Cabbage Beach. Their signature restaurant is Dune managed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten since 2000 and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. They recently opened Ocean Blu by the family pool which now serves lunch and dinner in a casual setting. The adult pool also offers a restaurant open for lunch. In fact, the adult pool is the only oasis left on the property away from all the kiddos. They recently updated the small gym to include three Peloton bikes, new free weights along with updating the small locker rooms. Tennis remains a huge draw for guests and there are bikes available to use around the resort and island. Rooms are very expensive, expect to spend more than $3000 nightly with taxes (20% plus $125 daily service charge) and they are decent, all with patios or balconies that overlook the Caribbean. There is a small spa with the reception area occupying what was the original entrance to the hotel. Overall, The Ocean Club, kiddos and all, is still a very special place. We have been here more than 20 times and yet, it is still pure luxury in paradise. Note: They recently broke ground on their new 4-building condo project that features 67 residences starting at $7.8M for a 2+ bedroom unit to $14M for a 3+ bedroom unit to more than $25M+ for the 5 bedroom units. In all, this more than $1B investment will take 3 years to build with expected completion in 2028. Since it is right next door to the Crescent Wing, I am not sure the noise level once construction starts.

When booking the hotel I called and was told the rooms had been renovated two years ago. They did not look like it. Both blocks of rooms looked the same. The food in the Jean-George restaurant was terrible. There was no breakfast buffet, no place mats, non matching coffee cups, spotty service. I was told this was being addressed but honestly the worst Four Seasons I have ever stayed in. Lots of other odd details but I do not want to spread negativity, I was just very excited to visit and very let down.

Best of both worlds . Grounds beautiful and quiet with whatever you want 5 min away. Hotel is classic and service was good. Helen in spa gave strong deep tissue massage and beach quiet and peaceful . Only issue was beach service , when we approached staff for chairs / towels I was not greeted but asked if I was staying at hotel even through I walked down hotel stairs . Fair enough but pointing to chairs and waiting for another person to walk by to ask for towels and menu was unnecessary. Dune restaurant is average at best . Service was sparse and food blah. Plenty of great places to eat around but make resos before you arrive

I’m a Four Seasons fan and enjoy level of service. Nice place with access to everything around us. Helen in the Spa did a great job and everyone was helpful.Only dislike was Dune. Not first time eating there and food,service blah.2 suggestions for mgmt .Rooms need to have type-c with outlets instead of or with usb as apple etc switched over. Need an option to purchase a hoodie,windbreaker for cool nights. Store on site doesn’t have and all the other FS resorts usually have a simple branded item to buy just in case. Had a great time,will be back

Returned for the first time since management switched over to four seasons and we were very impressed.  Upon arrival one of the housekeepers was very attentive helping us with whatever we needed as we settled into the room with our family.  I mentioned the mattress on our bed was very lumpy and they switched it out right away which resolved the issue.  The director of food and beverage, Tarek, was always around the restaurants and very attentive to guest needs and managed to remember guests by name very quickly.  The process of obtaining wrist bands for Atlantis water park was more difficult than I remember this time, I would suggest ocean club guests receive clear written instructions (pamphlet with map maybe?) of where you need to go for wrist bands as the Atlantis is a sprawling and confusing place.  Look forward to returning in the future!