In the 2006 Bond film Casino Royale, Daniel Craig emerged from the turquoise waters of Paradise Island, his footsteps leading across the sand and into legend. That unforgettable scene was filmed at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, a setting so iconic it needed no introduction. It was here that Bond ordered his first Vesper, setting the tone for a new era of sophistication and allure.
Today, that spirit lingers in the resort’s Martini Bar, where Keith Cash has been behind the counter for thirty-five years. The world seems to slow as he stirs and strains, recreating the same Vesper that once shimmered on screen or shaking his signature Passionfruit Chili Martini. The bar still hums with that cinematic energy, a place where glamour meets ease and every sip feels like a scene in progress.
Long before it became Bond’s playground, The Ocean Club had already defined Bahamian glamour. That single cinematic moment simply revealed what insiders always knew: this is where timeless grace meets tropical allure.
For more than sixty years, The Ocean Club has been the crown jewel of Paradise Island, Nassau. It sits quietly on thirty-five acres of manicured gardens and pristine shoreline, with just 107 rooms, suites, and villas that promise total privacy. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, white sands stretch endlessly in both directions, and the water is the color of glass-blown aquamarine.
The first impression is sensory. The air carries hints of jasmine and salt. Wooden shutters open to reveal views that dissolve into horizon. Service is instinctive and deeply personal, yet never intrusive. The resort’s story spans decades of royalty, celebrities, and global icons, yet the spirit here remains rooted in serenity and soul.
The centerpiece of the property is its Versailles-inspired garden, a living work of art. Tiered lawns lead to a centuries-old French cloister, marble statues glint in the sunlight, and the air feels still in the most luxurious way. Guests wander slowly here, many barefoot, drawn by the sound of fountains and the promise of ocean beyond.
The dining experience is as legendary as the view. DUNE by Jean-Georges is the culinary heart of the resort, perched atop a natural bluff overlooking the Atlantic. Bahamian Executive Chef Lester Dean brings a sense of place to Michelin-caliber cuisine, merging French technique with island ingredients. Fresh snapper ceviche, spiny lobster scented with chili and lime, and slow-roasted lamb wrapped in banana leaf feel as indulgent as they do artful.
For something casual yet refined, Ocean Blu offers elegant open-air dining with a Mediterranean twist, while the Pool Terrace Café serves light bites and handcrafted cocktails beside the infinity pool.
The pools are pure poetry. The Ocean Pool unfolds toward the horizon, its infinity edge blending seamlessly into the sea beyond. Guests lounge beneath palm fronds with chilled cocktails in hand as waves whisper just below. The adults-only Versailles Pool sits tucked within the gardens, a sanctuary framed by statuary and stone. Families gravitate to the Lagoon Pool, where zero-entry shallows and cascading waterfalls create a space that feels both playful and serene.
Beyond the water, active travelers find their rhythm. Tennis players have access to three Har-Tru courts with lessons available, while golfers can tee off at the adjacent Ocean Club Golf Course, an eighteen-hole championship layout designed by Tom Weiskopf. The fairways unfold like green ribbons along the sea, offering views so stunning they almost distract from the game.
Adventure extends beyond the resort as well. Diving and snorkeling excursions reveal vibrant coral reefs. Luxury yacht charters and deep-sea fishing trips offer open-water thrills. Boutique shopping and entertainment are nearby, yet The Ocean Club always feels worlds away.
Families are beautifully woven into the experience. The complimentary Kids For All Seasons program invites children ages four to twelve to explore island life through art projects, nature walks, and hands-on adventures that spark imagination. It is a space of discovery and joy, where young guests connect with the natural world while adults rediscover the art of slowing down.
Guests of The Ocean Club also enjoy complimentary access to the neighboring Atlantis Resort, just a few minutes away by car with private Four Seasons transportation included. Families can spend the day racing down waterslides, floating through lazy rivers, and exploring one of the world’s largest marine habitats. After a fun-filled day, families can return to the calm embrace of The Ocean Club, where seclusion and stillness wait beneath the palms. It is the best of both worlds, a day of adventure followed by an evening of peace.
The rooms and suites reflect the hues of the island itself, soft coral, sun-washed sand, and pale aqua. The recently refreshed Crescent Wing features sweeping ocean views from private terraces, while the Hartford Wing offers a serene garden escape centered around a fountain courtyard. For the ultimate stay, the resort’s beachfront villas and bungalows feature private plunge pools and pathways that lead directly to the sand. Hammocks line the lawns, swaying gently in the breeze and inviting guests to linger between sea and sky.
fourseasons.com/oceanclub
Born Free Charters
If The Ocean Club is the crown jewel of Paradise Island, Born Free Charters is the gateway to adventure beyond it. Cruise through turquoise waters on a private speedboat, exploring hidden cays, snorkeling coral reefs, and swimming with the world-famous pigs. Each journey blends luxury, island spirit, and pure Bahamian magic.
bornfreecharters.com