What to expect: Welcoming singles, couples, and families, this resort is spacious enough to offer room for rest and relaxation plus plenty of opportunities for active vacations. At the resort’s heart is a seven-acre beachfront and waterscape section featuring tropical gardens, palm trees, expansive sundecks, swimming pools (including a zero-entry pool), and swim-up bar. Basketball, pool, and Ping-Pong can all be played and children have their own outdoor playground.

Amenity highlights: Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort fronts 305 meters (1,000 feet) of white-sand beach. Three pools and surrounding sundecks provide freshwater swimming and sunning alternatives to floating in the turquoise sea. One pool surrounds a rock-garden island featuring a waterfall grotto and a waterwall and includes shallow areas for toddlers and children plus a deeper area for older children and adults. An adjacent spa accommodates 12. A second large pool provides open swimming space. The third zero-entry pool is vast, meandering over three levels with waterfalls, rock rapids, coconut-grove promontories, and a grotto waterfall.

Insider tip: The Sheraton's shopping arcade leads directly to the 24-hour Crystal Palace Casino located in the Wyndham Nassau Resort next door.

What to expect: The Breezes Bahamas Resort attracts couples, singles, and small groups of friends seeking an adult tropical beach vacation, with guests ranging in age from their 20s to their 50s. (Guests must be at least 14 years of age.) Activities run day and night and include scrambling up an 8.5-meter (28-foot) rock-climbing wall, and facing the fear of flying on an elaborate circus trapeze set up on the beach (trapeze lessons are available). After-dark entertainment includes nightly shows, disco dancing until nearly sun-up, and weekly pajama and toga parties.

Amenity highlights: The resort’s long beach of nearly white sand is dotted with thatched shades perfect for snoozing. Next to the beach is the resort's pool complex which features a large spa tub, a shallow "misting" pool containing a fountain, an activity pool, a main pool with swim-up bar, and lounge chairs for sunbathing. Complimentary recreational opportunities include waterskiing, and use of sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers, three lighted tennis courts, and bicycles. Tennis pros are on hand to help out with techniques and tips.

Insider tip: This all-inclusive Bahama resort provides complimentary wedding cakes, champagne, flowers, and a non-denominational marriage official for weddings. A minimum three-night stay is required. (Government and administrative fees are charged.) Bookings must be made at least three weeks prior or a late fee is incurred and availability is not guaranteed.