IT’S BETTER IN THE BAHAMAS

BAHAMAS,"700 ISLANDS"

BY CLAY LARROY

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in the Caribbean. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The quiet coves and crowd-free beaches of the Bahamas offer visitors the intimacy of a secluded retreat within a paradisiacal expanse of some 700 palm-fringed isles.

Christened baja mar (meaning 'shallow sea') by Columbus, these islands with their astonishing hues of sand and sea spanning the colour spectrum from twinkling turquoise to rose pink, the Bahamas is the Caribbean personified. Crystal clear waters secrete ancient shipwrecks and a rainbow of coral reefs, whilst pastel-coloured seashells and vibrant clapboard houses perch atop a tropical landscape laced with unspoilt coast and resonant with exotic birdsong. There’s the over-riding feeling the Bahamas has got tourism just right, too: lavish resorts cater to the world’s wealthy, but don’t infringe on the island’s natural beauty.

The full gauntlet of world-class watersports beckon, from diving and snorkelling to parasailing. Then there are the glitzy golf courses, designed by the game’s best, or simply exploring the clutch of beaches, caves and nature reserves, to keep the pulses racing.

Come sundown, Bahamian bars and clubs pulsate with island rhythms; discover riotous dance festivals that mix African slave-trade rituals with Bahamian tempo and American hip-hop twists, or head to one of the islands' bustling straw markets to haggle over spices, and ceramics. If it all gets too much, recharge your batteries at one of the wonderful seafood restaurants or with an infamous rum cocktail. Whatever you do, the vividness of the Bahamas never ceases to assault your senses.

Where to stay in Bahamas

Hotels

There are luxury hotels offering full porter, bell and room service, planned activities, sports, shops and beauty salons, swimming pools and entertainment; some have a private beach, golf course and tennis courts. The small hotels are more informal and while activities are less extensive, they usually offer a dining room and bar.

Honeymoon Hotels: Fulfilling its role as a romantic destination, there are ample honeymooning hotspots. Hotel chains like Sandals Luxury Included ® offer a wide variety of options for couples, including facilities for lavish and small-scale weddings, privacy and seclusion and often special rates and offers.

Boutique Hotels: Boutique is big on the Bahamas and several of the middle to top-end hotels have garnered a stylish reputation for themselves due to their cutting-edge design, with names as famed as Versace (who designed the Bridge Suite at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort) being involved. Boutique hotels have a particular exclusivity factor on the Bahamas, with many offering only limited rooms (1-30) although many of the larger hotel facilities are still available.

Apartment Hotels: These consist of apartment units with complete kitchen and maid service. Other hotel facilities (ie swimming pool, sporting activities, restaurant and bar, etc) are normally available on the premises.

Bed And Breakfast

Bahamian guest houses are less expensive than hotels, and offer better opportunities for getting to know Bahamians themselves. Many offer room-only board, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. The Out Islands' hotels are small with a casual atmosphere. About 50 small hotels and guest houses are promoted as Small Treasures of the Bahamas by the Ministry of Tourism and are regularly inspected.

Camping Caravaning

Camping is not permitted on any of the islands of The Bahamas.

Other

Apartments: Apartment/cottage units have complete kitchen facilities and some have maid service. Generally, there are no restaurant facilities and guests are required to prepare their own meals. A few are situated in landscaped estates with their own beach, much like the cottage colonies but without the main clubhouse.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/blog/index.php/destination-guides/

I'm tanned from head to toe, and it looks like I've been in The Bahamas. 

Ian Ziering

 

Live Well, Laugh Often, and Travel Much!