There’s something quietly powerful about being invited onto the first flight to somewhere.
At the gate at Miami International Airport, journalists traded notes, cameras slung low, executives offered remarks that marked a beginning rather than a pitch. American Airlines and American Eagle were launching a direct route to Bimini, and we were boarding it together.
Thirty minutes.
That’s all it took to shift from Florida’s familiar coastline to an island that has always been close, just not always this accessible.
My husband, Sebastian, sat beside me, watching the water appear beneath the wing as we descended, and it was a beautiful sparkling turquoise blue, and it felt like it was literally luring us to paradise.
Arriving at Resorts World Bimini
After landing and a short ferry ride across South Bimini, Resorts World Bimini came into view, expansive and marina-facing, and unmistakably positioned as the island’s modern anchor.
The resort doesn’t hide its scale. It leans into it. Towers rise above the marina, yachts drift in and out, and everything feels oriented toward movement, from the water taxis and golf carts to the people transitioning from pool to beach to dinner without urgency.
Check-in happened at the Lobby Bar, and they made sure that we had drinks in hand, which immediately set the tone. No rushing to rooms. No forced formality. Just a gentle feeling that we were being eased into island time.
Our room opened with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a balcony overlooking the marina. The design was clean and contemporary, with neutral tones, soft textures, nothing competing with the view. At night, the sound of the Bahamian breeze while I sat on the balcony was soothing. In the morning, light filled the room before alarms could go off. It was the perfect spot to relax. It was comfortable without being showy—a place meant for staying in just as much as heading out.
A Resort with Layers
What stood out most about Resorts World Bimini was how many different versions of the day you could have without ever leaving the property.
The pools alone tell that story. At ground level, lagoon-style pools felt social and relaxed, with people drifting in and out, music low, and easy conversation. Oasis, the swim-up bar, quickly became a favorite. The bartender was warm, telling us fun stories about life on the island, and recommended the best drinks, and as an additional bonus, made an amazing Rum Punch. It was balanced, smooth, and deceptively strong. The kind of drink you sip slowly because there’s nowhere else you need to be.
Then there’s Monkey Business. The rooftop pool sits above the resort, offering sweeping views of the marina and the open water beyond. It feels elevated—it’s quieter, breezier, reflective. The sunset up there unfolds; it doesn’t rush you.
One evening, fresh conch was served island-style as the sky shifted from soft pink to deep blue, and we watched expert chefs at the resort prepare conch salad right in front of our eyes as we were educated on the history of the conch in the Bahamas and the different types of ways that the traditional dish is prepared.
And beyond the pools, the resort continues to open outward to Bimini Beach with its white sand and red umbrellas, the marina promenade glowing at night, and Fisherman’s Village just steps away for additional shops and restaurant to explore.
Fisherman’s Village & The Marina
Fisherman’s Village is compact and colorful, a small shopping and dining area that feels easy to wander around. Boutique shops, casual eateries, and open walkways make it less about buying and more about lingering.
The marina itself is a character in the story. Boats coming in at dusk. Water reflecting lights. People strolling without phones in hand, which my husband and I did once, just to disconnect. The vibe in the area feels relaxed, and it forces you to take everything in, meditate and to simply make time for yourself.
And it’s something that we all need, and at times, forget to do.
Food That Matches the Mood
Breakfast at The Tides was oceanfront and unpretentious, featuring fresh fruit, Bahamian-inspired plates, eggs and pastries done well, and coffee that grounded the morning.
Lunch at Bimini Beach at the nearby Beach Club brought everyone together. It was relaxed, breezy, communal, and the burgers, the rice, the salmon, and drinks set the mood for a great afternoon.
Dinner at The Sushi Bar surprised me most. Clean, fresh sashimi. Spicy tuna rolls with real heat. Shrimp tempura crisp and light, and the perfect and classy miso soup. We could tell that the chefs there take pride preparing each dish at the resort’s diverse eateries.
The Experience Beyond the Resort
Ernest Hemingway once found inspiration here. Fishermen still do. The island carries its history lightly, and you notice it if you’re paying attention. It’s the type of place where you truly learn something new every day about the island, its people and its history.
Saturday’s Sapona and stingray excursion added context.
The S.S. Sapona shipwreck, a concrete-hulled vessel tied to World War I and later Prohibition-era rum running, rises from the water like a quiet reminder that history exists even in paradise. Swimming near it is a true adventure, one that my husband truly enjoyed as he explored the water, even spotting some stingrays.
Sunday’s golf cart tour through the island offered contrast, as we were whisked through residential streets, felt the local rhythms, and really sensed that Bimini is more than a resort backdrop. As a Caribbean girl myself, I love supporting local merchants at the straw markets, where many offer handcrafted goods and items that are relevant to the island, such as bracelets, shirts and other fun souvenirs.
One local artist was selling the most beautiful floppy beach hat, where she had sewn in a flamingo and the word “Bahamas” with colorful straw details and pieces. We were frustrated at the lack of internet service and her credit card machine, but we made it happen, and she smiled as I said I was excited to wear the hat. To me, supporting these locals—who are warm, friendly and work hard every day to make sure people smile—is one of my number one priorities. And I’m so happy that I had the chance to make her smile myself.
The Casino & Nightfall
Resorts World Bimini is home to one of the island’s only full casinos, and it’s woven naturally into the resort experience. It’s bright but not overwhelming. Active without being chaotic. Some guests leaned into the Valentine’s slot tournament energy. Others watched. Either way, it added a layer of nightlife without pressure.
Later evenings were quieter, and included marina walks, rooftop views, and conversations that didn’t need documenting, as we connected and explored the inviting resort for one more night. We all felt not only refreshed, but thankful to have the chance to share our stories about theses experiences to others.
Leaving
Monday arrived quickly.
Breakfast. Packing. One last look at the water. Ferry. Flight.
Thirty minutes later, we were back in Florida, and back to traffic, text notifications, and all the realities that come with living in a big city. And that’s what makes this story land.
Bimini isn’t far. It doesn’t require a production. With this new route, it becomes an easy yes, a place you can reach before burnout sets in. Resorts World Bimini doesn’t demand that you do everything. It gives you the space to choose.
We went as journalists covering a launch. We left feeling rested.
And sometimes, that balance is the best takeaway of all.
Resorts World Bimini is located at North Bimini, The Bahamas. Call 888/930-8688 or visit rwbimini.com.
