Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas is a three-pearl resort located on Cable Beach. The resort’s 391 guest rooms are big and bright, although decor is a bit bland and dated. The hotel has three appealing pools, five restaurants, a fantastic beach, as well as more unusual features such as a trapeze and a rock-climbing wall. Add to that a full schedule of land and water activities, along with four bars where the party often continues late into the night, and there’s more than enough here to keep guests entertained. For those who like all-inclusive resorts, it’s among the best value options on the island -- but it gets plenty of spring breakers in season. Kids under 14 are not allowed, so travelers seeking a more family-friendly option might want to check out Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

What was once known as the famous Balmoral Club back in the 1940s later became the 408-room Sandals Resort in 1995, where the motto is "Love is all you need." This resort has everything designed for couples and manages to impress upon arrival with Roman columns, statues, fountains, three levels of elegant accommodations, 10 distinct restaurants, and eight bars. Guests receive a slew of information at onset, including a schedule of both land and water activities and daily events, but many choose to relax at the beach or make use of one of two main pool bars to drink and mingle. Head to the offshore island for an easy excursion -– a boat leaves every hour and there’s a Jamaican restaurant (included) and cabanas for napping. It’s not all romance though; the resort does attract its fair share of partiers -– hence the rowdy Piano Bar and English Cricketeer Pub which are both open till the wee hours.

An upscale, sprawling resort, Melia Nassau Beach is located on beautiful and serene Cable Beach. It's a 15-minute drive from the airport, but it's not in walking distance to other attractions. The 694 rooms and 32 suites are tastefully decorated, if a little generic, but they have wonderful views from private furnished balconies. A stylish lobby, three pools, daily activities, and entertainment add to the Melia's appeal. Six on-site restaurants serve better-than-expected food, and there's an on-site Starbucks. There are some tradeoffs for a resort this size: an impersonal feel, long waits for check-in, and long walks from the elevators to some rooms. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with Riu Palace Paradise Island.