JUST BACK FROM THE BAHAMAS?
Whether you've been beach-bumming in Bimini, holed up on Harbour Island or noshed your way around Nassau, share your tallest tales and top tips for a Bahama break...
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| Dine in Nassau |
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Comments
Cat Island, Bahamas
White sand, water clear as SKY Vodka, fantastic beaches, wonderful people. No large resorts or casinos, no restaurant or rental car chains (just locally owned), no one with a hand out......the Bahamas of the 50's and 60's.
With its pristine virgin beaches, Cat Island is one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas, and it is so little visited that it's inexpensive and still feels undiscovered.
There are a few small private beach houses for rent by the week which I have stayed in that I can recommend: for a romantic getaway with a very private beach for a couple (two adults max) try the Boathouse on Cat Island. It is a new house on a couple of acres, with an absolutely killer beach. The Boathouse also has a new tiki hut built right at the waters edge which provides privacy and an escape from the sun.
For 4 people I would try ShangriLa, which is also on a very nice beach and is well maintained. The house is well equipped and is in a beautiful setting.
Since we live in the Orlando, Florida area, we love to hop over to the Bahamas for an easy long weekend. Short flights mean we are on the beach by noon. One of our favorite places is the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach all-inclusive resort near Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. This property is not mixed up with all the touristy hubbub of the Lucaya area, and seems private and secluded. It's also quite affordable, we usually book through CheapCaribbean.com, and it's generally around $1200 for the two of us for four nights including air, and all meals and alcoholic beverages. Great deal! The beach is one the best we have ever stayed on, and if you're lucky you can get one of the few rooms that really opens up right on the beach. Amazing! Walking along Fortuna Beach to the right (west?) you'll come across The Sand Bar, a very cool little bar with a sand floor. If you venture the other direction, it's a longer walk, and just incredibly beautiful, and after a while you will come to Bahama Bay. Right on the beach it's a perfect little restaurant with fabulous conch fritters and other local fare. Viva Wyndham has activities galore, including a trapeze where they give guests lessons. There are water sports, and archery, and a childrens camp. This is not a fancy place, but it is a great value. The rooms are clean and well enough equipped. We generally take a cab into Lucaya (about $20) for dinner out one night (Pisces is great!), and to check out the action at the casino. Other than that I don't know what more you could ask for.
I've been working in the yachting industry for the past 4 years- mainly in the beautiful Bahamas. I absolutely love the Exumas, and can say with certainty that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The gorgeous sunset over the turquoise water takes my breath away every night without fail. The snorkeling is superb, and the sight of a beautiful spotted eagle ray or a sea turtle gliding by are moments I can replay in my mind and smile. It is quiet and peaceful island life at its best, and I hope it stays that way forever. I love the beautiful beach on Shroud Cay, playing with the nurse sharks at Compass, and having a rum punch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club... and I'll be back this summer with my parents to show them the beauty of the the spectacular Exuma Cays!