Bahamas Hotels & Resorts
 Bahamas: Tourism Pictures

 

Bahamas > Articles

Resorts in the Bahamas

By Richard S. Kahn The Star-Ledger

Looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation that's only a short flight away? Look no further.

The Bahama Islands, conveniently located less than 100 miles off the Florida coast, are composed of 700 islands surrounded by miles of clear, pristine water filled with stunning vertical coral walls, historic shipwrecks, sea gardens, and countless species of dolphins and tropical fish.

Each of the islands has a unique flair, offering a dynamic vacation experience and catering to a multitude of interests. A visit to the main islands, like Grand Bahama and bustling Nassau / Paradise, may be what you desire. Or, if you really want to get away from the crowds, you might consider one (or more) of the many Out Islands, which include the Abacos, the Andros, the Biminis, Cat Island, the Eleuthera and the Exumas.

The following is a sampling of what the islands offer, as well as some value-added pricing for your next vacation. Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama Island is an ecological wonder that offers endless beaches, emerald-green water, charming fishing villages and enchanting marine life.

If you're seeking a fun-filled, multi-vacation experience, there's truly something for everyone on Grand Bahama Island from golfing, shopping, casinos and nightlife to hiking in a nature preserve.

Viva Fortuna Beach, an all-inclusive resort on Grand Bahama Island, is offering special all-inclusive nightly rates of about $115 per person, based on double occupancy, for travel from April 1 through May 31. Families will enjoy additional savings at Viva Fortuna, as children 12 years old and under are invited to stay, play and eat free when sharing a room with two adults (maximum of two children per room). Call (800) 898-9968. Nassau/Paradise Island

The jewel of the Bahamas is Nassau/Paradise Island. As the cultural, social, political and economic center of the Bahamas, it is the most visited of the islands. Nassau/Paradise Island has much to offer visitors: pristine beaches, duty-free shopping, posh resorts, dazzling casinos, exciting attractions, historical landmarks, and water and land sports of every kind.

The Radisson Cable Beach Resort in Nassau is offering all-inclusive Super Saver rates starting at $175 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, for travel through April 13. Affording additional savings for families, children's rates have been reduced recently to $45 per child 4 to 12 years old, and $75 for children 13 through 16 years old now through April 13. Kids can enroll in Camp Junkanoo, the resort's daily, supervised recreation program, as part of the resort's all-inclusive roster of activities. Children under the age of 4 sleep, eat and play free. Call (800) 333-3333. The Out Islands

If you're looking for a total escape from the crowds, something different from the routine of daily living and a full menu of the unexpected, you might want to become "a collector" of the Bahamas' extraordinary Out Islands.

The Abaco Islands are a sailing and boating universe. The major islands of this small archipelago are Great and Little Abaco, with the off-lying cays of Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Guana Cay, Stranger's Cay, Umbrella Cay and Walker's Cay completing the string.

As the largest and least-explored island of the Bahama Islands, Andros offers a wide range of activities. This 2,300-square-mile island paradise is not only known as the bonefishing capital of the world, but also boasts the second-largest reef in the northern hemisphere. In addition, it's home to the oldest dive resort in the world.

Small Hope Bay Lodge and Stella Maris Resort Club are working together to offer vacationers a chance to visit two premiere dive resorts on two Bahamian islands. The accommodations offered are three nights at Stella Maris on Long Island and four nights at Small Hope on Andros Island.

For about $1,695 per person, enjoy all meals, beverages (open bar at Small Hope; three drinks daily at Stella Maris), hotel taxes and service charges, diving (three to four dives a day at Small Hope; two to three dives a day at Stella Maris). This package is available through April 27. Call (800) 426-0466.

The Bimini Islands are a popular destination for American visitors. As the closest Bahamian island to the Florida coast, the Biminis are known worldwide for their big-game fishing.

Miles of glistening pink-and-white sand beaches, serene Colonial villages and rolling acres of pineapple plantations make Eleuthera an island of the most casual sophistication; and Harbour Island reminds many visitors of a miniature Bermuda with its Georgian architecture and fabulous pink beaches.

Cat Island features 150 square miles covered with rolling hills of lush green forests and countless miles of magnificent beaches. The highest point in the Bahamas can be found on Cat Island. With an elevation of some 206 feet, Mount Alvernia stands tall through a thick forest.

The Berry Islands lie just southeast of the Bimini Islands and are composed of a cluster of 30 islands and almost 100 cays that are dear to the hearts of sailors, yachtsmen and fishermen.

The Exuma Islands, a collection of some 365 cays and islands stretching over 120 miles, remain mostly undisturbed, though they are located in the middle of the Bahamas. The Exuma Islands are supported at the southern end by two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma. The main attractions for visitors to The Exumas are world-class sport fishing and boating.

Whatever island or hotel you choose during your Bahamas holiday, there are plenty of things to keep visitors busy: beautiful beaches, bicycling, dining, diving, eco-adventures, gaming, golf, nightlife, parasailing, boating, shopping, snorkeling, sport fishing, tennis, windsurfing and much more.