DAY 2 NASSAU

Yesterday was a very long day between an early first flight and a delayed second flight.  Our Flight at 7:00 PM close to two hours late.  We had to  go through immigration, collect luggage, followed by customs, and meet up with our driver who would take us to the hotel.

The entire process was excellent. There was no line for immigration, our luggage arrived quickly, and it was a breeze going through customs.  The key was having everything filled out correctly and know the answers to the questions.  Easy Peasy.  After customs in 20 seconds we were to a kiosk area for Baha Mar where gave the person our last name and another person confirmed the vehicle was waiting to take us to the Hotel.  We were escorted with our luggage to the parking area where we met our driver.
 
The vehicle was a Tesla and our first time in one.

Everyone was very friendly and helpful from all the people I've mentioned to the driver to the hotel personnel.

We learned that our hotel is the only one with access to the pools and amenities at the other Baha Mar Hotels.

As we neared the hotel the driver pointed out the  Sandals which had closed due to the Pandemic and was being renovated.  Another hotel had been renovated just prior to the Pandemic and having to close was too much of a financial impact and they went out of business.

​We are staying at the Rosewood Hotel at Baha Mar. Baha Mar contains other hotels including the Hyatt Baha Mar and the Baha Mar SLS which Crystal Cruises is using for its pre/post Hotel Program.  Crystal has also secured a room on the property which will be used for check in this Saturday including where we will take a COVID-19 test which is a prerequisite for joining the ship.

This is only our second stay at a Rosewood Hotel.  Many years ago we stayed over at the iconic one in Dallas which  is the Mansion At Turtle Creek to celebrate a milestone birthday while dear friends watched our children.  We dined at the Mansion Restaurant with the renowned chef Dean Fearing.  Back in the day getting a reservation on the weekend often took a couple of months to secure  Service and Cuisine were outstanding.  It was their Keith had Ostrich for the first time.  The tables we're set beautifully.  The only downside was if you wanted to have a conversation which we always do just be aware the closeness of the tables (the restaurant would probably say the intimacy of the tables) meant the person next to you would hear every word said.  

This is our first hotel stay in Nassau.  Many years ago when the children were in grade school we had considered staying at the Atlantis resort, but in the end decided to cruise instead.  

Check in at the hotel was relatively quick as a couple of days before arrival the hotel provided an e-mail which asked for information to expedite check in and make it as they said more of a contactless check-in.  

The room is beautiful with magnificent views and includes a kitchen, living area, full and half baths, bedroom, makeup area and even a washer and dryer.  

We  ordered room service for dinner and got unpacked and by the time we went to sleep we had been up for 20+ hours.

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We slept well and being exhausted may have added to getting a good sleep but it was very quiet, never heard anyone outside our room and a very comfortable bed.  It's wonderful to have the first day of traveling behind us.  

After breakfast, Keith explored the Hotel and the adjoining facilities.  It was raining so he did this from the inside.  From inside you can get to the other hotels by going through the casino.  We guess this design might temp someone to check out the casino.  There are lots of stores and restaurants and also a spa and fitness center.

Where we live, when they give examples of Social Distancing they recommend it in feet and show shoes or people on a sign.  This one was cute.

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We both walked all around the property for mid to late morning.  Almost all of the walk was a outside.  We passed by many beautiful areas of landscape and all of the various sports courts including a full size basketball court.  

We had lunch outside at a restaurant called Costa.  This worked perfectly being outside but with a roof overhead and we were properly social distanced.  

Anne Marie suggested to Keith about shooting baskets as Keith loved playing basketball so after lunch he went out and shot for close to an hour.  He was rusty the first 15 minutes but in no time he was making baskets.  Not bad for a very old man.  LOL.  While his basketball days are long gone other than possibly some one-on-one with his son, it was fun for him.

We will close now.  

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We could see the fish from our room and they are near thee outdoor restaurant we had lunch at.

Cheers,

​Keith & Anne Marie