On our recent press trip to Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas, we got a real treat. Figuratively and literally actually. We got to tour the historic Graycliff mansion and visit their cigar and chocolate factories that are located right on property and a short distance away from where the cruise ships dock in Nassau.
When you're on vacation with kids it can be a struggle to find activities that the whole family will enjoy. My dad, my 4 year old son and I traveled to Paradise Island a few weeks ago and spent an afternoon exploring Graycliff, a AAA-Four Diamond rated resort in Nassau, Bahamas. You might be thinking, "Why would a toddler want to visit an upscale boutique hotel?" Well, chocolate is the answer.. but I'll get to that in just a minute.
Graycliff Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas
We were greeted by a very friendly Graycliff staff member who told us the famous hotel's history stems back over 300 years. The Graycliff mansion was built in 1740 by Captain John Howard Graysmith, a famous pirate of the Caribbean who plundered treasure ships along the Spanish Main. When Captain Woodes Rogers, the first Royal Governor of The Bahama Islands, took charge, he brought an end to piracy and Graysmith had to go. Since then, the property has transformed into many things, including the historic landmark that it is today. Although it's evolved over the years, one things remains - Graycliff is absolutely gorgeous.
The hotel boasts 20 beautiful and unique guest rooms, 2 swimming pools, the five-star Graycliff restaurant and wine cellar, the Humidor Churrascaria Brazilian restaurant with Bahamian flair. Plus they have their own Heritage Museum, Cigar Company, and Chocolatier.
Cigars are rolled by hand right on property. You can tour the factory and purchase cigars there.
One of the family friendly activities that you can is tour the Graycliff Chocolatier. Visitors can book a guided, experiential tour to immerse themselves in all things chocolate. On our tour we learned about where the cacao beans came from, how they're processed, and how the chocolatiers turns them into delectable treats.
The experience it truly hands-on and we were able to taste some of their dark and milk chocolate while we talked with the guide. We were also able to make our own chocolate bars and hand roll our own truffles to take home in beautiful boxes as souvenirs. You can also purchase their gourmet chocolates and truffles at the the Graycliff Chocolatier Boutique.
My 4 year old really enjoyed this activity and thought it was so fun to dress up "like doctors" to make our own chocolate bars. Our guide also let all the kids have cacao bean sack races (think potato sack races) and they had a blast with those.
We had a great time visiting the Graycliff resort and touring their beautiful property and the chocolatier facility. This is definitely an activity that the whole family can enjoy together. If you are visiting Nassau with kids, after you check out the Graycliff property you can head right down the street to the Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum. You can get more information on the Nassau Paradise Island website.
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Cathy Jarolin says
Your Day at Graycliff Resort in Nassau Bahamas sounded like a lot of fun besides sounding so Delicious! lol.. I would love to Visit Gayclire!!Would love to take a tour of the chocolate factory..I would enjoy seeing the chocolate being made.into Bars and Truffled!! YThankyou for sharing your trip! I never knew that place existed!!
Rosie says
This is wonderful, it would be worth a trip just to make the chocolate. And they make it so much fun for the kids, and the crystal clear water and dolphins sure make you want to take a trip to the Bahamas!
Linda Manns says
This hotel sounds beautiful. I would love visiting there. So much to learn. I also love chocolate so this would be a great tour for me. I am so happy you got to do this. Thank you for sharing
Linda Manns Linneman says
It sounds like so much great history there. I would love to do this with my family. Sounds like fun. Thank you so much for sharing
Amber Ludwig says
Touring a chocolate factory?! Oh man it's like Willy Wonka!! 😮 I would've been just as excited as your kiddos!! Im a HUUUUUGE chocolate lover 🙂 Plus an amazing restaurant and wine cellar on site?! Oh talk about pure heaven!! Take me away!