
(Credit: New York Jewish Travel Guide)
Café Madeleine at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar exudes a sophisticated yet relaxed Parisian charm, seamlessly infused with the laid-back elegance of a tropical resort. The café’s décor is a harmonious blend of classic French bistro style and Bahamian island influences. Soft hues of cream and pastel blues dominate the space, complemented by warm wooden accents and marble countertops. Delicate chandeliers add a touch of refinement, while the lush potted plants and floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, bathing the room in natural sunlight.
The outdoor seating area offers a peaceful retreat where guests can enjoy the island’s fresh air. Inside, the décor is sleek but comfortable, with cozy banquette seating, café tables, and an open layout that invites guests to linger over freshly baked pastries or artisanal coffee. The ambiance is at once intimate and welcoming, perfect for everything from a casual breakfast to a relaxing afternoon break.
Located on the west side of the property in the lobby, Café Madeleine is a perfect stop for a leisurely meal or quick snack. All kosher food served at Café Madeleine, whether in the café or through in-room dining, is under the strict supervision of Chabad of the Bahamas, ensuring the highest standards of kashrut are maintained.
Desmond Alleyne, the food and beverage manager, shared with the New York Jewish Travel Guide the café’s story, ambiance and culinary highlights, emphasizing its unique ability to transport guests to France while embracing the warmth of Bahamian hospitality.
With over three decades of hospitality experience, Alleyne explained the inspiration behind Café Madeleine. “There are a lot of little cafés in France, and they do things in a nice, slow, elegant way. We brought a little bit of France to Baha Mar,” he shared. Since opening more than seven years ago, the café has focused on breakfast and lunch offerings but is set to expand to include dinner service. This addition will provide guests with a sophisticated yet quick dining experience, ideal for those seeking high-quality meals without the formality of a lengthy dining process.
The café’s décor reflects its fusion of French elegance and tropical relaxation. Outside, a serene patio surrounded by lush tropical greenery invites guests to enjoy leisurely meals or romantic evenings under the stars. The setting feels tranquil, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling activity of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
Café Madeleine’s breakfast and lunch menus are celebrated for their diverse and fresh options. Highlights include freshly baked pastries, New York-style bagels, savory quiches, French-style sandwiches, crisp salads, and indulgent desserts such as macarons and house-made gelato. Popular dishes include breakfast sandwiches and smoked salmon specialties, all crafted with ingredients sourced both locally and internationally to ensure the highest quality.
The café takes pride in accommodating various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Recently, Café Madeleine introduced a kosher cooler stocked with pre-packaged Cholov Yisroel and Pas Yisroel items, including smoked salmon sandwiches, egg sandwiches, yogurt and a selection of beverages. “It’s perfect for guests who want a kosher grab-and-go experience,” Alleyne noted. All kosher items are prepared under the strict supervision of Chabad of the Bahamas to ensure adherence to kashrut guidelines.
Guest feedback is a cornerstone of Café Madeleine’s evolution. “Our feedback is what helps us grow,” Alleyne explained. “We look at it, see where we need to make tweaks, and incorporate changes to meet guest needs.” In addition to menu enhancements, the café plans to reintroduce room service, allowing guests to order directly from in-room tablets for easy pick-up.
The café also offers tailored experiences for special occasions. From birthdays to anniversaries, Café Madeleine provides customizable menus and elegant spaces, both indoors and on the patio, to create memorable celebrations. Alleyne emphasized the versatility of the café, noting its ability to cater to various guest needs, whether a casual meal or an intimate event.
One of Café Madeleine’s standout features is its ambiance, which balances tranquility and sophistication. “It’s nice and quiet, away from the noise of the hotel. You can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of the park and the café,” Alleyne described. In the evenings, the café’s romantic setting appeals to families and couples alike.
Café Madeleine is also an integral part of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s sustainability initiatives. The resort currently has on-site beehives that will soon be used to produce honey for its restaurants. “The idea is to have fresh honey produced right here on property,” Marketing Manager Dwynette Sawyer shared. Guests will be able to identify dishes made with this honey through a special farm-to-table menu stamp.
The resort also sources seafood from local fishermen, ensuring the freshest ingredients while supporting the local economy. This sustainable practice extends to kosher seafood used at Cinkō, which is kashered on-site to meet strict dietary standards.
Café Madeleine stands as a shining example of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s dedication to excellence, sustainability and community engagement. With its French-inspired charm, diverse culinary offerings, and commitment to guest satisfaction, the café provides an unforgettable experience.
Whether savoring a freshly baked pastry on the patio, grabbing a kosher snack on the go, or enjoying a romantic evening meal, guests can expect impeccable service in a setting that combines the best of Parisian elegance and Bahamian warmth.
Hotel information and inquiries: bahamar.grand@hyatt.com; +1 844 709 3850
Café Madeleine at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar contact information: +1 242 788 7363
Reservations: ipoolside.com
This press trip was generously sponsored by Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, with special thanks to Kia Guilford, senior marketing communications manager, and Dwynette Sawyer, marketing communications manager.