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.
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.
Culinary Offerings and Kosher Options
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, gluten-free, and kosher 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.
A Relaxing and Elegant Atmosphere
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. Its popularity is evident in the long lines that form, especially for its coffee and breakfast offerings. “Sometimes the line stretches all the way down to Tory Burch,” Alleyne remarked with pride.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Café Madeleine is also an integral part of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s sustainability initiatives. Marketing Manager Dwynette Sawyer highlighted how the café contributes by donating unused food to a local pig farm, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. 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,” 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 “kosherized” on-site to meet strict dietary standards.
Beyond sustainability, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is deeply involved in giving back to the local community through the Baha Mar Foundation. Sawyer noted that the foundation supports various charities, including homes for the elderly, children’s shelters, the local Red Cross, and hurricane relief efforts. “Our owners and the company are big on giving back,” she emphasized, showcasing the resort’s commitment to fostering a sense of care and connection within the community.
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.
For more information:
Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide
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.
Hotel Information & Inquiries: bahamar.grand@hyatt.com | Tel: +1 844 709 3850
Café Madeleine at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Contact Information Tel: +1 242 788 7363
Reservations: ipoolside.com
