Family-friendly travel: 5 reasons to pack your bags + visit the Bahamas, mama

1. White sand beaches + pristine pools

The soft white sand beaches and turquoise waters will give you all the heart eye emojis. With access to SLS Baha Mar ‘s stretch of the famed Cable Beach, as well as to several beautifully-designed pools, your kids will never want to leave the water (and neither will you!). The grotto pool is not to be missed, your kids will be talking about swimming next to sea turtles and sharks for years to come.

Pro tip: Use the hotel’s complimentary water rentals to sea-kayak, paddle board, and snorkel gear to make your time at the beach extra fun!

2. Location, location, location!

Under a three hour flight from NYC, paradise is not as far away as you might think! Convenience can be key when traveling with little ones. Regular shuttle service from the airport to the hotel will help you get you where you need to go before everyone gets tired out.

SLS Baha Mar offers ocean view one-bedroom or two-bedroom Residence suites that are the perfect family accommodations (you can put the little ones to sleep in the other room while you have some parent alone time.) Residences feature one King or two Queen beds in bedrooms with a large couch in the living room and a full kitchen (great for preparing snacks or saving unfinished meals for later).

Pro tip: Pack-n-plays, rollaway bed/cot or crib can be requested for your tiny travelers.

3. Explorers club

The Explorers Club is Baha Mar’s answer to daycare, and it really was next level in the service they provided. My daughter didn’t want to leave my side upon our arrival, but after just a few minutes of feeding the koi fish with her Explorer Counselors, she couldn’t say goodbye to me quick enough.

Take the chance to explore and relax on your own while the kids play games, do crafts and have wildlife encounters. The Club is focused on supplying its guests with “Edu-tainment” and is designed to immerse kids in nature and foster creative growth. So sneak off to the ESPA and get that massage you’ve been needing, and plan your parent’s-only date night, mama.

4. The food

Friends don’t let friends travel hangry. From exciting food by James Beard-Award–winning chefs to chic retro air streamers on the beach, you won’t go hungry on your trip to the Bahamas. Whether you take a family pizza making class at Fi’lia, or treat yourself to a night out at Carna by Dario Cecchini for to-die-for steaks, you’re sure to leave the Bahamas full and happy.

Pro tip: Kids under 5 eat free all summer at the SLS Baha Mar !

5. Next level adventures

If you’re looking for unforgettable adventures to go along with your relaxation time, the Bahamas won’t let you down. Take a turn feeding the sharks, swimming with the dolphins, or take a dip with the famed pigs of the Exumas . You’re just a short boat ride away from a family adventure you will never forget.

So pack your bags mama, fun in the sun is waiting for you!