The Bahamas is weird. Not bad-weird, just... specific. You land at Lynden Pindling International, the humidity hits your face like a warm, wet towel, and suddenly you’re in a world where the water is bluer than a Gatorade bottle. Most people heading to Paradise Island have one thing on their mind: Atlantis. But tucked right next to that massive, pink sprawling metropolis of a resort sits the Riu Palace Nassau Paradise Island. It’s an adults-only, all-inclusive tower that feels like the rebellious younger sibling of the more corporate hotels nearby.
Honestly, it’s not for everyone.
If you want silent hallways and a library-like atmosphere, you’re going to be miserable here. But if you want a 24-hour bar, a steakhouse that actually knows how to sear a ribeye, and a view of Cabbage Beach that looks like a desktop wallpaper, this might be the spot. Let's get into the weeds of what actually happens once you check in.
Why Riu Palace Nassau Paradise Island Is Different Post-Renovation
A few years back, this place went through a massive overhaul. It used to be a bit "grandma’s Florida condo," but they’ve since flipped the script. They leaned hard into the "Palace" branding, which in Riu-speak means more marble, faster Wi-Fi, and better booze. They shifted to an Adults-Only model, which changed the entire energy of the property.
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No screaming toddlers at the buffet. No splash contests in the pool that end in tears.
The design is now "modern-clinical-chic." Think lots of white, purple LED lighting at night, and glass balconies. It’s sleek. Some people find it a bit cold compared to the colonial charm of the British Colonial or the whimsy of Atlantis, but it works if you like feeling like you’re in a high-end Miami club.
The location is the real flex here. You’re on Cabbage Beach. This isn't one of those rocky, "wear your water shoes" kind of beaches. It’s powder. However, the Atlantic side of the island can get choppy. You’ll see red flags fly quite often, meaning the current is strong enough to pull your swimsuit off if you aren't careful.
The Food Situation: Beyond the Buffet
Most all-inclusives serve "mystery protein" in lukewarm chafing dishes. Riu tries harder. They have the main buffet, Atlantic, which is fine for breakfast—honestly, the omelet station is the only way to go—but the specialty restaurants are where you should spend your nights.
- Krystal: This is their "fusion" spot. It’s fancy. You need long pants (guys, don't forget this, they will turn you away). It’s probably the best meal on the property.
- Tengoku: Japanese. Is it authentic Tokyo? No. Is it good for a resort in the Bahamas? Surprisingly, yes.
- Chutney: Indian food. This is a rarity in Caribbean all-inclusives. It’s bold and actually uses spices that haven't been dampened down for the masses.
- The Steakhouse: It’s called Bahamas. Stick to the basics here. Get the steak, skip the over-complicated appetizers.
The best part? You don't have to wake up at 7:00 AM to stand in a line to book these. Most Rius have moved toward a first-come, first-served or app-based system. It’s much less stressful than the old-school way.
The "All-Inclusive" Reality Check
Let's talk about the liquor.
Every room has a liquor dispenser. It’s a Riu staple. You’ve got rum, vodka, gin, and brandy literally hanging on the wall. It sounds like a dream until you realize you’re drinking brands you might not recognize. If you’re a snob for top-shelf bourbon, you might be disappointed, but the bartenders at the lobby bar (which is open 24 hours, by the way) usually have a few "hidden" bottles of the good stuff if you’re friendly and tip a few bucks.
Tipping is a grey area in the Bahamas. Technically, it’s included in your package. But here is the truth: a $5 bill to your regular bartender on day one will ensure your drink is never empty and your pour is never weak.
The Wi-Fi is actually good. That’s a sentence I rarely get to write about Caribbean resorts. You can stream Netflix. You can take a Zoom call (though why would you?). You get coverage even down by the pool, which is essential for the "look at me, I'm in the Bahamas" Instagram stories everyone inevitably posts.
The Cabbage Beach Hustle
The beach is public. This is the biggest shock for people staying at Riu Palace Nassau Paradise Island. While the resort has its own roped-off area with loungers, the sand itself is open to everyone. This means you will be approached by locals selling:
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- Jet ski rides.
- Coco Locos (rum in a coconut).
- Hair braiding.
- Snorkeling trips.
They are generally nice people just making a living, but they are persistent. A simple "No thanks, I'm good" usually works. If you're looking for total seclusion where no one speaks to you, Paradise Island isn't it. You’d need to head to an Out Island like Exuma or Eleuthera for that.
But there’s a trade-off. Being on this beach means you’re a five-minute walk from the Atlantis Casino. You can walk over there, gamble away your souvenir money, look at the giant aquarium, and then walk back to the Riu where your food and drinks are already paid for. It’s the ultimate travel hack for Nassau. You get the Atlantis perks without the $600-a-night price tag and the $20 hamburgers.
Is the Room Worth the Upgrade?
If you book a "Standard Room," you’re probably looking at the parking lot or the side of the neighboring building. Don't do that.
The Ocean Front suites are the entire point of staying here. The building is shaped like a giant "U" facing the water. The higher you go, the better it gets. Watching the cruise ships pull into Nassau Harbor from your balcony at 6:00 AM while the sun comes up is a core memory kind of moment.
The bathrooms are open-concept. This is a weird design trend Riu loves. There isn't always a lot of privacy between the shower and the bed. If you’re traveling with a brand-new partner, things might get a little "get to know you better" than you planned. Just a heads-up.
Common Misconceptions and Nuances
People often complain that the pool is "too small."
Compared to the massive water parks at neighboring resorts, yeah, it’s smaller. But it has a swim-up bar, and that’s the gravity center of the whole hotel. By 2:00 PM, that pool is a party. If you want quiet, head to the beach.
Another thing: the "Dress Code."
Riu is weirdly strict about dinner. Men must wear shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) and usually long trousers for the themed restaurants. I’ve seen grown men get into heated arguments with hostesses over their cargo shorts. Just pack a pair of lightweight chinos. It’ll save you the headache.
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The Logistics of Getting There
Don't take the first taxi you see at the airport if they try to quote you $80. The standard rate to Paradise Island is usually around $40-$50 for two people, plus a small fee for the bridge toll.
The Bridge: There is a $2 toll to get onto Paradise Island. Taxis will tack this onto your fare. It’s normal.
Safety: Nassau has a reputation in some circles for being "dodgy." On Paradise Island, you are in a bubble. It is very safe. Walking between the Riu, Atlantis, and the Marina Village at night is perfectly fine. If you go "over the hill" in Nassau proper, just be street-smart like you would in any major city.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger and book a stay at the Riu Palace Nassau Paradise Island, keep these specific tips in mind to actually enjoy it:
- Download the Riu App immediately. You use it to check restaurant opening times and, more importantly, to request things like extra towels or a restocked minibar without having to call the front desk and wait on hold.
- The "Quiet" Pool exists. There are actually two pools. Most people congregate at the one with the bar. If you walk just a bit further, there is a second, infinity-style pool that is usually 50% less crowded.
- Walk to the Cloisters. About 10 minutes away are the remains of a 14th-century French monastery brought over by Huntington Hartford. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s a great break from the "resort" feel.
- Avoid the Cruise Ship Rush. When 5+ ships are in port, Cabbage Beach gets crowded. That’s the day to stay by the hotel pool or go on a private excursion to Rose Island.
- The Coffee Shop: There’s a "Capuchino" patisserie in the lobby. Their iced coffee is significantly better than the stuff at the buffet. Go there in the morning instead.
The Riu Palace Nassau Paradise Island isn't trying to be the most luxurious hotel in the world. It’s trying to be the most fun, mid-range, adults-only spot in the Bahamas. It hits that mark. You get the sun, the sand, and an endless supply of Bahama Mamas without having to check your bank account every time you order a snack. Just bring your long pants and a sense of humor for the pool aerobics, and you’ll be fine.