It’s my first time doing mat pilates – let alone with flamingos walking around me
A flash of pink and black emerges from behind the palm fronds – a pair of flamingos strutting across the lawn with high-kneed purpose. They pause only briefly to check us out, a small group of guests about to join a “Pilates with Flamingos” class.
Yoga mats are laid out on the lawn, each of us unsure what to expect. Will a sudden movement startle the birds? Will the sounds of stretching or groans from those of us less limber distract them? Not at all. These are the Rosewood Baha Mar’s resident flamingos. Their handler advises that if the birds approach for a sniff or a nudge, guests should stay calm and enjoy the moment.
It’s my first time doing mat pilates – let alone with flamingos walking around me – and it turns out to be surprisingly enjoyable. The instructor guides each move while offering alternatives for different fitness levels. The flamingos add a unique touch but don’t interfere, and they linger long enough for a few selfies.
After stretching, it’s time for the spa. At Sense, A Rosewood Spa, I booked the Arawak Body-Balance treatment, inspired by healing traditions of the island’s original Arawak peoples. This restorative ritual combines exfoliation, a body wrap, and a massage using native Bahamian ingredients known for their therapeutic properties. My therapist shares that her grandmother would use many of these herbs in healing teas – a long-lived tradition that adds authenticity to the experience.
View this post on Instagram
Whether it’s wellness activities on the lawn or spa rituals infused with local knowledge, Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau offers a truly immersive Bahamian escape for travellers seeking relaxation, wellness, and unique experiences on the islands.
Massage, and now martinis. Okay, it may not be “healing” in the traditional sense but it’s a different kind of reviving reward. The bar at Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Café Boulud at Rosewood, offers a unique happy hour: martinis paired with caviar bites. The salty little pearls complement the stiff, savoury cocktails, and if a classic martini is too spirit-forward, the bartender can create a personal twist. There are usually two or three variations on the menu. Variety, indeed.
Don’t miss Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club at Baha Mar – the New Orleans maestro sometimes performs live at his eponymous venue, adding rhythm and soul to your stay.
Whether it’s wellness activities on the lawn, spa rituals infused with local knowledge, or indulgent cocktails and live music, Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau offers a truly immersive Bahamian escape for travellers seeking relaxation, wellness, and unique island experiences.
Baha Mar’s Flamingo Yoga takes place on Sundays from 8 am to 9 am in the Rosewood Garden. Cost is $100 US per person.
