Located on New Providence's Love Beach, this resort is 15 miles from the hub of downtown Nassau and eight from the glittery high-rise resorts of Cable Beach. Chris Blackwell (founder of Island Records) captured a laid-back island style when he opened this resort in 1994, and musicians like U2 and Lenny Kravitz helped put this small boutique-hotel on the map. When Hurricane Frances damaged the resort in 2004, it closed down and stood vacant until new owners acquired it in 2006. The property has undergone an extensive renovation and sports a vibrant palette of colors inspired by the Bahamian Junkanoo festival.
Although the parking lot could use upgrading, the hotel's entrance is welcoming. The front desk staff is friendly, reserved and courteous. The small lobby and reception area houses a small gift shop selling essentials, T-shirts and hats.
The upscale restaurant serves all meals both indoors and alfresco. Its dining room has a warm, cozy ambience, with a burnt orange decor that complements dark wood floors and subdued lighting. A deck extending over the ocean offers picturesque views. Highlights of the menu are Bahamian and international choices like Nassau grouper, and lamb and steaks. At inspection,
the staff was very attentive. This restaurant attracts clientele from the prosperous communities nearby. The bar serves local specialties and proffers an impressive wine list. Restaurant and bar are open 8 am to 10 pm.
The resort's large pool and small whirlpool are outfitted with chaise longues, umbrellas and guest towels. Massages can be arranged through the front desk staff. The one-and-a-half-acre property has a mostly rocky shoreline and its small beach disappears at high tide. Guests enjoy access to the adjacent Love Beach, one of the best on the island. Surprisingly, no watersports are offered. The hotel's pier is a good place to read or watch marine life.
The covered cabana and restaurant areas can be used for informal meetings. For groups and weddings, the resort can be booked in its entirety, and management is available to coordinate. For guests in search of nightlife, shopping, multiple dining options or gambling, this hotel's location may be a drawback. Local jitney (bus) service runs to Cable Beach and downtown Nassau for a reasonable fare ($2), but the service ends at 6 pm weeknights and is unreliable on weekends. Taxi fare runs about $40 each way to Paradise Island. Rental cars are probably 
the best option for guests who want to get around the island.
The accommodations can be accessed through the restaurant or along a coral stone pathway that winds through the property. None of the units is numbered, which could lead to some confusion on a dark night. Lodging choices are Seaview Studios, Seafront Huts, and elevated one- and two-bedroom units. The cottages and cabanas are painted in whimsical colors. With the exception of the Seaview Studios, they are freestanding and give guests plenty of privacy.
Although exteriors are rustic, interiors are well-appointed with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, phones, coffeemakers, room safes and microwave ovens. Wireless Internet access is available throughout. Studios have queen beds; all other units have kings. Appointments run to ceiling fans and Androsia batik fabrics (handmade on Andros Island). Jalousie windows let in the ocean breezes and surf sounds, but air conditioning is available, too. Baths come with roomy showers, guest robes and Aveda toiletries. All rooms boast balconies or porches with sea views, but the best vantage points are from the elevated units (unit 15 is the most popular). An interesting feature of each room is a compass inlaid 
in the wood floor which gives bearings and distances to major world cities.
The elevated units come with an outdoor kitchenette, including a minifridge, two-burner hotplate, sink, toaster oven, cookware and tableware. The rustic covered picnic area is a bit like camping. A barbecue grill would be a welcome addition.
Although none of the guest rooms is designated smoke-free, guests are encouraged to smoke outside. None of the rooms has wheelchair access. A no-pets policy is in place. Room service operates during restaurant hours. Even though security doesn't seem to be much of an issue, cameras and a nightly security guard keep an eye on the public areas.
Compass Point accepts children, but is better suited to couples and those looking for a relaxing respite. Its laid-back atmosphere sets it apart from other properties on New Providence. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in spectacular views and personalized service.
