Frommer's Review
The easternmost resort on Grand Bahama Island has some visitors arguing that the beachfront here is even better than the more extensively developed strands at Port Lucaya. The swimming pool, however, packs a lot less drama than those at the Westin and Sheraton at Our Lucaya. This place has made a name for itself by surviving more than one destructive hurricane. During the midsummer months, the staff welcomes an almost exclusively Italian clientele, the result of an exclusive arrangement with a tour operator. Because of that arrangement, you might have difficulty getting a room here between May and September. Throughout the rest of the year, a mostly North American clientele vacations here, and the property is an all-inclusive venue where all meals, drinks, lodgings, and most watersports are included in your price.
The setting is a sprawling compound of 10 hectares (25 acres) of remote and breezy beachfront property, loaded with sports activities that are covered by the price. Established in 1993, Viva Fortuna lies 9.5km (6 miles) east of the International Bazaar along the island's southern coast, amid an isolated landscape of casuarinas and scrubland. Comfortably furnished, stylish, midsize bedrooms lie in a colorful group of two-story outbuildings, some of which are technically classified as timeshares but are added to the resort's rental pool whenever they're not occupied. About three-quarters have ocean views; the others overlook the surrounding scrublands. Most have a private balcony and two queen-size beds; a small bathroom offers a shower stall but no tub in almost every unit.
All meals, which are included in the rates, are served buffet-style in three restaurants. In addition to an ongoing series of all-you-can-eat feasts, you'll find an Italian restaurant and an Asian restaurant, the latter centered around an appealing Buddha statue. Know in advance that if you stay here, you'll be far from Port Lucaya (though a shuttle bus brings guests to the International Bazaar in downtown Freeport twice each day). For clients who appreciate the all-inclusive format where there's not a lot of incentive for straying very far from the property, it's a worthwhile choice. Note, however, that singles pay 40% more than the per-person double-occupancy rate.
Facilities:
3 restaurants; 3 bars; disco; pool; 2 tennis courts; gym; Jacuzzi; sauna; watersports equipment/rentals; kids' club; babysitting; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
