Hotel Review

Grand Bahama Island

Doubloon Road & Churchill Drive 242-373-4000 • www.vivawyndham.com

Secluded among the tall shelter of Grand Bahama’s Caribbean pines lies the all-inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, a perfect island getaway for the family. The package provides an escape from lugging around a wallet or purse, so when it comes to food, drink and nearly everything else, it’s included—all day and all night.

On entering, the Wyndham’s ever-flowing fountain of local flavors takes over. Manager Roberto Presce ensures no one ever goes hungry or thirsty during his or her stay, and it all starts with that first step inside. While burgers from the beach stand aren’t gourmet, the majority of the food is made to order. Bambu, an on-site Asian-inspired restaurant, treats diners to tender Peking duck. Another true find is the local cooked pig, found in the popular Junkanoo.

Each of the hotel’s 276 rooms is spacious, with a balcony to access the island’s natural beauty—both flowering gardens and sunny south coast beaches. It is hard not to be swept away by the open-air design of the architecture.

When the kids are looking for some fun, and parents are in need of some relaxation, the free Kids’ Club provides island activities—and a chance to treasure quiet time out by the pool or on the beach. Plus, there are yoga and meditation classes that provide an opportunity to fully unwind.

Guests can also take a more active approach while staying at the resort, including free rentals for kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling. For a nominal fee, you can even pull out some skijets. Even more daring? Plan an adventure at the on-site scuba center, and, after mastering some skills, search a sunken ship.

After a day of soaking in the sun, you just might be ready for the nightlife. Stay at the resort and take in a fun show, followed by a turn on the dance floor at one of the two discos. Or, rent a car from the lobby, and check out Lucaya, 15 minutes away, where you can shop the Port Lucaya Marketplace or have some fun at the Isle of Capri Casino.

With two internet terminals decorating the lobby and some areas that can be used as meeting spaces, the resort is quietly expanding with a new conference center on the way. In the meantime, revel in how the Viva Wyndham makes enjoying the endless supply of sun so satisfying. —Shane Luitjens