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The Retreat Garden

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Animal habitat
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The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)

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The Retreat Garden in Nassau is an eleven-acre botanical sanctuary renowned for housing one of the world's largest private collections of palms. Originally the private estate of the Newbold family, it was designated as the first national park on New Providence island in 1977 and is currently managed by the Bahamas National Trust. The garden features over 170 species of palms from across the globe, including rare and exotic specimens thriving in a carefully curated woodland setting. Beyond its botanical diversity, The Retreat serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and indigenous wildlife amidst the urban expansion of Nassau. The historic residence on the grounds is a superb example of Bahamian colonial architecture and now serves as the administrative headquarters for the National Trust. The site plays a pivotal role in environmental education and scientific research regarding tropical plant conservation. Visitors can traverse winding trails that lead through dense palm groves and past native orchids and bromeliads.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323252628292929282524
Rain mm383340611271621301541641196840

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The Retreat Garden is open year-round, but the best time for birdwatching is from December to April, when many migratory birds visit. During the summer months, resident birds and butterflies are active.
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Best time of day
Early morning is when birds are most active, especially after rainfall. Late afternoon also has good observation opportunities as temperatures drop.
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Etiquette
Stay on paths and avoid loud noises to avoid disturbing wildlife. Picking plants and feeding animals are not allowed.
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What to bring
Binoculars are helpful for spotting birds in the dense foliage. Comfortable walking shoes and a notebook for observations are recommended.
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Getting there
The Retreat Garden is located on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, near Nassau. It is easily accessible by car or taxi and has parking.
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What to expect
Many birds are well hidden in the lush vegetation - take your time to discover different species. The garden itself is a peaceful place that invites lingering.

Geography

Coordinates
25.04900, -77.31900

Facts

  • The garden spans exactly eleven acres in the city of Nassau.
  • Home to a diverse collection of over 170 palm species.
  • Established in 1977 as the first national park on New Providence.
  • Serves as the headquarters for the Bahamas National Trust.
  • The estate was originally developed by the Newbolds in 1925.
  • Acts as a major sanctuary for migratory birds from North America.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Nassau Water TowerNassau Water Tower2 km · SExplore →
Sea Lions at Blue Lagoon IslandSea Lions at Blue Lagoon Island4 km · NEExplore →
Arawak Cay Fish PortArawak Cay Fish Port4 km · SExplore →
Cowpen Road Industrial StripCowpen Road Industrial Strip6 km · SExplore →
Blue Lagoon IslandBlue Lagoon Island6 km · NExplore →
Baha Mar ResortBaha Mar Resort9 km · SExplore →
Wade's Green PlantationWade's Green Plantation9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town The Retreat Garden (3)

Kingsway Academy, Nassau📍 landmark

A school in Nassau that provides academic education to students.

St. Augustine's College (Bahamas)📍 landmark

A Catholic school in the Bahamas with a long history of education.

Queen's College, Nassau📍 landmark

A secondary school in Nassau offering academic programs.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Retreat Garden?
It houses one of the world's largest private palm collections.
Where is the garden located?
On Village Road in Nassau.
Who owns the garden?
It is managed by the Bahamas National Trust.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, tours can be booked in advance to learn more about the plants.
Can you go bird watching there?
Yes, the garden is a popular retreat for many local bird species.
The Retreat Garden: where is it located?
The Retreat Garden is located in Bahamas.
The Retreat Garden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kingsway Academy, Nassau, St. Augustine's College (Bahamas), Queen's College, Nassau.
The Retreat Garden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
The Retreat Garden: why is it worth visiting?
The Retreat Garden in Nassau is an eleven-acre botanical sanctuary renowned for housing one of the world's largest private collections of palms.
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History & landmarks

Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge
A bridge connecting Paradise Island to the main island of New Providence.
Saint Matthew&#39;s Anglican Church — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Saint Matthew's Anglican Church
The oldest surviving church building in the city of Nassau.
Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts
A distinctive building that serves as the heart for theater and culture in the Bahamas.
Fort Fincastle — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Fort Fincastle
A historic fort on Bennet's Hill, shaped like a paddle-wheel steamer.
Queen&#39;s Staircase — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Queen's Staircase
A historic staircase in Nassau, carved out of solid limestone and featuring 66 steps.
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins
The remains of the Bahamas' first luxury hotel, built during the American Civil War.
Shirley Street Post Office — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Shirley Street Post Office
A prominent government building that provided postal services for the downtown area.
Supreme Court of the Bahamas — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Supreme Court of the Bahamas
A classic colonial building serving as the highest judicial center of the Bahamas.

More places

Blackbeard&#39;s Tower — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Blackbeard's Tower
The ruins of a watchtower reputedly used by the pirate Blackbeard.
Gun Hill Lighthouse — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Gun Hill Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the island.
Aquaventure at Atlantis — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Aquaventure at Atlantis
A massive water park on Paradise Island featuring high-speed slides, a lazy river, and over 20 swimming areas.
Marine Habitat at Atlantis — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Marine Habitat at Atlantis
One of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, home to over 50,000 marine animals from over 250 species.
Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park
A massive water park on Paradise Island with thrilling slides and rides.
Fort Montagu — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Fort Montagu
The oldest surviving fort on New Providence.
Cabbage Beach Fort Ruin — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Cabbage Beach Fort Ruin
The small ruins of an old Spanish or British fortification at the eastern end of Paradise Island.
Nassau Water Tower — The Retreat Garden (Bahamas)
Nassau Water Tower
A historic water tower adjacent to Fort Fincastle that once supplied water to the city.