Cloisters | Nassau

The Cloisters is a historic and beautiful site located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, striking architecture, and lush gardens, The Cloisters is an important landmark that blends history with natural beauty. It is particularly notable for its medieval-style architecture, offering visitors a serene and reflective space in the heart of the island's luxury resort area.

Overview

• Location: Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas, located near the One&Only Ocean Club resort.
• Type: Historical site and garden, featuring medieval-style architecture.
• Significance: Known for its unique structure, historical relevance, and role in Bahamian tourism.
• Access: The Cloisters is open to the public and is often visited by guests staying at the One&Only Ocean Club. However, visitors are welcome to explore the site and enjoy its ambiance.

History and Architecture

Medieval Influence

• The Cloisters' architecture is modeled after the medieval European monasteries, featuring Gothic arches and stone columns that evoke the feeling of a bygone era.
• The ruins were originally part of a 15th-century French monastery in France, which was dismantled and transported to the Bahamas in the 1920s.
• The One&Only Ocean Club commissioned the reconstruction of the cloisters in the 1960s, carefully restoring and integrating the original stones to create the serene space seen today.

Architectural Features

• The Cloisters consists of a series of arches, pillars, and stone walkways that surround a tranquil garden. The design encourages peaceful reflection and adds a sense of timeless beauty to the space.
• The architectural style is inspired by French Gothic and includes several distinctive features such as stone carvings and medieval sculptures.

Key Attractions and Features

The Garden

• The gardens surrounding The Cloisters are lush and beautifully maintained, with native Bahamian plants and flowers creating a colorful, serene environment.
• The space is ideal for walking or simply relaxing while taking in the natural beauty of the area.
• Many visitors come here for the tranquility and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, often with a backdrop of tropical greenery and the sound of the ocean in the distance.

Historical Significance

• The Cloisters’ historical connection to medieval Europe, combined with its relocation to the Bahamas, gives it a unique position as a fusion of European history and Bahamian culture.
• The site also has ties to the One&Only Ocean Club, which has long been associated with luxury and elegance, attracting famous personalities over the years.

Religious Connections

• The Cloisters also have some religious significance, as the original monastery from which the ruins came was a Christian monastery.
• The space continues to be a place of quiet reflection for visitors, and some religious services and events are held there occasionally.

Nearby Attractions

One&Only Ocean Club

• The Cloisters is part of the One&Only Ocean Club, an ultra-luxury resort that features five-star accommodations, fine dining, and wellness amenities.
• Visitors to The Cloisters often take the opportunity to explore the resort's other offerings, such as its beaches, spa, and golf course.

Paradise Island Beach

• Located just steps away from The Cloisters, the Paradise Island Beach offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful white sand and turquoise waters.
• This beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the idyllic surroundings.

Atlantis Paradise Island

• A short distance from The Cloisters is the Atlantis Resort, one of the most famous luxury resorts in the Caribbean, offering world-class amenities like aquatic parks, casinos, dining options, and marine habitats.

Why Visit The Cloisters?

The Cloisters provide a unique and peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling, luxury atmosphere of Paradise Island. Its historic connection to medieval Europe, combined with its serene gardens and architectural beauty, make it an ideal spot for quiet reflection, photography, or simply enjoying a tranquil escape. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or natural beauty, The Cloisters offer a rare and picturesque glimpse into both the past and present of the Bahamas.