AOctober, 2009
10 Bahamas Honeymoon Destinations
Here are 10 destinations you should consider visiting for your honeymoon in the Bahamas…
1. Exuma.
If you happen to be staying at Atlantis, or on New Providence Island, there are day trips available to Exuma. However, you can choose this as your sole Bahamas destination.
2. Abacos.
This tends to be the most popular of the out-islands. Abacos is called the sailing capital of the world, so if you enjoy boating, this is the island for you. There are miles of secluded beaches so you can escape from it all. This island is depicted by a New-England style architecture and small villages with an old-style Bahamian feel. This island offers tourist areas and secluded areas, depending on which beat you hit.
3. Andros.
Andros is the largest out-island, but the least explored. If you like discovering new territory, this is the island for you. It is, however, the bonefishing capital of the world. Andros is known for its underwater caves, blue holes, and huge barrier reef. There are a good number of resorts on this island.
4. Eleuthera.
Eleuthera is one of the most laid-back out-islands. It is divided into the north and south. You can visit a cave where early pilgrims once stayed. The theme of this island is British Colonial, evident in the famous Gregory Town. One other interesting attraction is the pineapple fields. This island also has a 100 fathom deep inland “Ocean Hole, where you can swim!
5. Harbor Island.
Harbor Island Beach sits at the North End of Eleuthera. This beach is famous for its pink and peach colored sands.
6. Cat Islands.
Cat Islands are the least frequented of the Bahamas out-islands. If you are looking for true peace and unchartered territory, this is where you want to be. This island is considered one of the most beautiful in the Bahamas. Here you can find the eight-mile Pink Sand Beach.
7. Bimini.
Bimini is a great fishing spot, so if you love fishing, choose this out-island. The island is only 7 miles wide and 700 feet long. The island is actually comprised of three smaller islands, north, south and east. North Bimini has a straw market and museum; and south Bimini has a marshland and salt water bay. Bimini is the closest island to Florida- only 50 miles East of Miami!
8. Acklins.
This small island has only 400 residents. If you want to find solitude and secluded beaches, choose this destination. You will find odd rock formations and beautiful plants here. One great plus to this island is the 1,000 miles of shallow water.
9. Long Island.
This island is on the Tropic of Cancer. There are rocky cliffs and caves, as well as miles of white sandy beaches. This out-island was visited by Christopher Columbus! After this, Loyalists came to the island and built the famous plantations. The island also offers many historical churches and other historical sites.
10. Berry Islands.
This is a stretch of 30 cays, many of which are uninhabited. There is an island-hopping tour you can take of the Berry Islands. The Berry Islands are also known for some incredible dive sites. The name came from the abundance of berry trees found here. Fishing here includes mackeral, sailfish, and marlin. Two of the cays found here, Bonds and Frazier’s Hog, actually raise livestock! Finally, this area is well-known for the number of millionaires living here.
written by: Christi Bowers
A Guide to the Beaches of the Bahamas
While many countries around the world boast of gorgeous beaches with all the trimmings, islands tend to have that special je ne sais quoi. The islands of the Bahamas call to romantics, sun worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
Paradise Island is where the action is, out on a pristine beach stretching for three miles-Cabbage Beach. The areas near the huge, uber popular resorts are often teaming with life or covered with party animals catching up on their rest after a wild night of partying. On the northwestern side, Paradise Beach, which can only be accessed by boat or on foot, is far more isolated. The beach is lined with swaying palm trees, casuarinas and sea grapes, as well as charming thatched huts. This is also a good place for celebrity spotting; however, this sometimes impedes access for the general public unless you, too, are a guest of the Atlantis Resort.
Cable Beach, out on New Providence Island, is also a vibrant, lively beach in close proximity to shops, casinos, restaurants and bars. Beachcombers can opt to participate in water sports off the shore of this four mile stretch. Grand Bahama Island offers up to 60 miles of sand and surf for the intrepid beach explorer. Here, Xanadu Beach is very popular for its proximity to resort hotels that often provide a shuttle service to the beach.
For those who would prefer to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet ocean view sunset with their sweethearts or picnic in privacy with their families, Tahiti Beach provides the perfect backdrop. Located at the end of Elbow Cay Island, the isolated beach can only be reached on foot, by chartered boat, or by riding a rented bike through sand and gravel pathways.
Saddle Cay in the Exumas can only be reached by boat. It is completely untouched by modern amenities and features many interesting cays and islets.
For a break away from the endless stretches of white sand, take a trek down the Pink Sands Beach on the east side of Harbour Island. The three mile long beach is dotted by small hotels and private villas and has a lovely coral reef, making the waters very safe for swimming.
Snorkellers and divers should head out to Stocking Island in the Exumas. Located near George Town, it offers a fair amount of privacy and has a number of ‘blue holes’, coral gardens and undersea caves that can be explored.
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Bahamas vacation accommodation and Vacation Rentals.
Why the Bahamas is an Economical Travel Option
Is the economy taking its toll on you? Are you now forced to do the work of many since your company has now downsized? Are you looking for a warm retreat that will not break the bank? This is the best time to visit the Bahamas in recent memory for a Caribbean Island vacation.
For you Bahamas vacation you will not require a passport at the Bahamas is a group of 700 islands located just 50 miles off the state of Florida – but a world away in terms of climate an culture. There’s nothing like the Caribbean islands of the Bahamas. In the Bahamas you will experience warm breezes and tropical beaches that will make your worries melt away. After a few days on one of the islands of the Bahamas you’ll come back refreshed and ready to go.
Air Carriers are now running promotions that offer deals at near historic lows, which is making now a great time to make your escape. In addition, there are many activity deals once you make your way to the Bahamas. Everything from Shark Diving with Stuart Core or enjoying an outer island excursion to Abaco can now be enjoyed at a rate that will be easy on your pocket book. When you make travel arrangements, check all the major travel sites which offer deals and all the carriers and activity providers.
Great deals can also be found on tropical vacations if you have the ability to leave home quickly when an opportunity arises. You can call any of the major cruise and hotels operators for last minute deals.Another great money saving idea is to try and get off the beaten path when traveling to the Caribbean. With more than 700 tropical islands in the Bahamas, you don’t have to go to Nassau with everyone on the plant. Research some of the smaller islands where you’ll find smaller boutique hotels that will be void of crowds. For more Bahama vacation ideas please visit the Bahama Vacation resource section of our website. There has never been a more economical time to start planning your Caribbean getaway so you best get started now. There may never be another time where travel to the Caribbean is so affordable.
Chris Johnson is one of the staff writers for http://www.warmislands.com and is considered to be one of the World’s leading authorities on Caribbean Vacations.
Best Family Vacation In The Bahamas, Sheraton Lucaya in Grand Bahama – For Summer Or Spring Break
I live in Florida, but my family enjoys vacationing in the Bahamas because it is not quite as hot as in Florida and it is a better value. Generally, the hotels are much nicer in the Bahamas and also a better value.
I’ve stayed in many hotels in the Bahamas, but the Sheraton Lucaya is by far my favorite. I have two children (boys, now ages six and ten, but they have been traveling since they were babies) and my criteria for a good family hotel in the Bahamas is as follows:
1. The hotel must be clean. I am very particular of where my family sleeps and eats. I suppose I am a bit of a perfectionist, but my family really looks forward to and anticipates our family vacations. We deserve to feel comfortable and pampered and not worry if it’s safe or savory to sleep, bathe or be comfortable. I am most particular about the cleanliness of hotel bathrooms, hot tubs and pools.
2. It must be family friendly. I do not want dirty looks from other patrons if my children are having fun in the hotel pool or restaurant. But, I want the hotel to still be classy and not lacking because of all of the kids and families. Disney really has the family friendly atmosphere perfected and I want whatever hotel I stay in to embrace and welcome my family as much as possible.
3. The staff must be energetic, mature, and loving. Most family friendly hotels today have a kids club or some sort of camp or babysitting to entertain children. This is a nice idea, but not all hotels really excel at this. In order for me to feel comfortable leaving my children and in order for my children to want to participate in the camp, the staff really has to have a magic way with children (and with parents). You have to trust the employees and know they welcome your children.
4. The hotel has to be both relaxing and entertaining. I want to be able to relax in the hotel, but I don’t want it to be boring with nothing to do.
5. The hotel has to be reasonably priced. There are many hotels in the Bahamas which are wonderful but cost way too much. Atlantis is the gold standard, but if I stayed there, I could only afford to stay a few days. I need a clean, luxurious hotel with all the bells and whistles that is reasonably priced so I can afford to stay several days.
The Sheraton Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island fits the bill beautifully. I have gone here time and time again because it is a beautiful, clean, relaxing yet exciting resort that offers something for all members of my family. There are a lot of fun family activities and there are also opportunities for parents to be alone while the kids are entertained in the kids club. The staff is wonderful at engaging the kids.
My boys look forward to kids club as there is a different activity everyday. There is also a huge variety of outdoor activities as well as the relaxation of the beach. This resort is full of families so we feel very comfortable here. It has a Disney like atmosphere without the obnoxiousness that Disney sometimes has.
Price wise, the Sheraton Lucaya is very competitive. There are always deals on the resort and it is much cheaper than Florida or other sunny destinations
The best way to evaluate the Sheraton Lucaya is by viewing video footage, reviews, and photos. Visit the Sheraton Lucaya Family Vacation Review Website by clicking here to see videos, close up photos, and rock botton comparison prices on this very family friendly Bahamas vacation.
Written by Susane Dean, an internet researcher and writer. http://bestfamilyvacation.blogspot.com
Dining on New Providence Island, Bahamas
The Bahamian Kitchen, in Nassau, right next to the Trinity Church on Trinity Place, offers authentic Bahamian cuisine. It is the place to go if you’re interested in experiencing “real” Bahamian food. Specialties include such dishes as stewed fish, curried chicken, fried red snapper, okra soup, corned beef and grits, pea soup with dumplings, all served with the traditional johnnycake. Food is also available for take-out. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 10pm.
For luxury dining at its Bahama best, Chez Willie is the place to be. At these coveted tables, Fine French and Bahamian cuisine are served. Reservations are definitely required. The seafood is divine, prepared careful and delicately seasoned with fresh herbs. Other superb dishes include Beef Wellington, and grouper in puff pastry with crabmeat, served with a coconut cream sauce. This establishment strives for and easily achieves elegance. It is suggested that gentlemen dress for the occasion, jackets are considered a must at this West Bay Street restaurant. One of the best dining places in Nassau, the hours are from 6:30pm to 10pm daily.
Excellent North Indian cuisine is available at Gaylord’s on Dowdeswell Street at Bay Street, in Nassau. Offering a full array of traditional Indian favorites, including Punjabi dishes, tandoori dishes, kormas, curries as well as fine vegetarian options. This restaurant will satisfy Indian food lovers and convert the uninitiated. Open Monday through Friday, from 12pm to 3pm and every day from 6:30pm to 11pm.
The Double Dragon Restaurant, located on Mackey Street in Nassau, presents Cantonese and Sczechwan cuisines at reasonable prices. The best dishes are those of seafood, and the orange flavored shrimp are a local favorite. The hours are 12pm to 10pm on Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the hours are from 4pm to 11pm and on Sundays, the hours are from 5pm to 10pm.
The Europe, located in the Ocean Spray Hotel on South Bay Street in Nassau, serves wonderful German food, and also has a variety of international selections. A host of traditional German foods, of excellent quality and reasonable price, are made available. Among these are pepper steak cognac, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and wiener schnitzel. And, of course, the dessert menu includes a fabulous, classic German chocolate cake. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 11pm, this is definitely a culinary experience to try.
Capriccio offers fine Italian and international cuisine, at West bay Street, in Nassau. They serve an excellent pesto sauce, fragrant and rich, over perfect pasta. Other entrees include a delicious chicken breast creation, served with a sage and wine sauce and an array of fresh seafood. Reservations are strongly suggested, the eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 5pm to 10pm.
New Providence Island is a place where you can experience the cuisines of the world under a big Bahamian sky. Dining on this island is a true culinary adventure.
Randy Besosa for Caribbean In Style – Caribbean luxury vacation
Snorkeling in the Bahamas – The Underwater Treasures of Abaco
Abaco, which is located in the Northeastern Bahamas, offers several great spots for discovering the world beneath the waves. The sites vary in depth, sea life, accessibility, and difficulty, opening up the world of snorkeling to everyone.
Just off the mainland lies Mermaid’s reef. This small reef is great for beginners, and can be reached from land or water. Under the water, several large ball-shaped reefs are home to many colourful species of fish. Parrot fish are the most interesting, as their beaks are reminiscent of teeth. Those who listen carefully will be able to hear the crunch from the Parrot fish munching on the reef.
When the waters are calm on the Atlantic side of Fowl Cay, the underwater world is spectacular. Protected by the Bahamas National Trust, Fowl Cay’s marine life is abundant. It is not uncommon to see fish of all sizes, sting rays, and even sharks! This is a popular spot for many day trips that are offered by local dive centers.
For a more relaxing excursion, the reef behind Elbow Cay is a great place to snorkel. The reef, which peaks above the water at low tide, is accessible by foot from the beach. Although this location is shallower than the others, it is inhabited by many species of coral and small fish. A similar reef is also located behind Great Guana Cay. These locations are great for those who love the beach, as the day can be spent soaking up the sun, and cooling off while studying the underwater world.
Similar to Fowl Cay, the site at Sandy Cay can also be troublesome with its current, and the large rollers that move towards the reef. The reef is located on the backside of a small cay, and is technically located in the Sea of Abaco, although one side is open to the Atlantic Ocean. Elkhorn coral is popular at this site, as are the number of large creatures. Eagle rays, Barracudas, and sharks are often seen cruising by the area. Smaller fish tend to get comfortable swimming beneath the snorkelers, following their every move.
These are only a few of the many sites to visit throughout the waters of Abaco. These places are great for snorkeling, although Fowl Cay and Sandy Cay are just as great for diving. For those wishing to see these underwater havens on their own, it is important to pay close attention to the weather. The waters often have strong currents, and can often be dangerous — even for the most experienced swimmer. It is also imperative to tie up to a mooring, and avoid using an anchor. Anchors can cause deadly damage to the reefs, which destroy the homes of many sea creatures. Another option is to join a local dive company on one of their scheduled excursions. Excursions vary in length, and are a great way to discover the local secrets.
The underwater worlds of Abaco are waiting to be discovered, so grab those masks and fins, and jump right in!
Hope Town, Elbow Cay and Great Guana Cay are within proximity to many underwater reefs in the Abacos. Both islands are small, charming, and welcoming to visitors. Great for families, couples, friends, and large groups, the islands are a great place to stay while snorkeling, diving, or just hanging out on the water.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in the Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas is a must-see tropical vacation spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.
Just as every travel destination is different, every traveler is different as well. The various interests you have will depend on the various activities you want to embark in on a vacation. Nassau, Bahamas is a tropical paradise. The vacation spot offers a wide range of outdoor activities for its visitors. The beautiful crystal-clear waters of Nassau, Bahamas will have most travelers wanting to hit the waves. Whether you want a hands-on experience or not is beside the point. Various scuba diving or snorkeling packages are available for newcomers even to experience this hands-on ocean experience.
After signing up for scuba diving lessons or guided tours, various certified professionals will provide you the proper dive gear and equipment to experience this safely. They will guide you on the what not to do’s and will be right by you as you are experience this water activity. If you prefer, you can go snorkeling instead. Both of these various vacation activities allow travelers to be hands-on in the water with the large variety of fish in the Nassau Harbour. Snorkeling is a great activity for kids and those don’t feel comfortable with scuba diving.
When you are scuba diving or snorkeling, you may want to partake in underwater photography. These photographs will remain lasting memories of your exciting water adventure in the Bahamas Island. Many dive shops sell or rent underwater cameras. Bahamas scuba diving & snorkeling are just two of the many exciting activities you can do while on vacation in beautiful Nassau.
Planning a trip to The Bahamas? Whether it’s a scuba diving vacation or a sport fishing trip we can help you book your flight, find the right hotel and schedule tours and rentals.
The Junkanoo Festival is a Must See in the Bahamas
If you are planning to travel to the Bahamas in late December or early January, there is something that you simply have to see. Every year on December 26th and New Year’s Day, the Junkanoo festival gets underway in many towns across the Bahamas. The largest Junkanoo celebration takes place in Nassau, the capital. So book your all inclusive Bahamas vacation now and get ready to party!
Junkanoo is a Bahamian parade that features the local music and costumes. This festival has been compared to Mardi Gras with the way that everyone celebrates with much enthusiasm. The residents of the island come together as one large group to celebrate their freedom, their past and their culture. Several larger groups compete for cash prizes each year in their costumes made from cardboard covered in tiny pieces of colorful crepe paper. The parade participants dance in the streets to the sounds of cowbells. This parade usually begins with a shotgun start at 2 a.m. on Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year’s Day. The party continues until about 9 a.m., when the results of the parade are declared in Rawson Square. Your all inclusive resorts Bahamas concierge will be able to point you in the direction of the Square.
The stories that tell the origins of the Junkanoo festival are many. The most widely accepted version gives credit to an African prince and slave trader by the name of John Canoe. It is said that in the 17th century while he had control of Fort Brandenbury, the Dutch and English feared him. The African slaves viewed him as a hero and idolized him. When the slaves were brought to the Bahamas, they continued to worship him. The slaves were allowed three days off each year, January 1st, December 25th and December 26th. This is why Junkanoo takes place on those particular two days. In 1938, December 26th was declared a public holiday and became known as Boxing Day due to the boxing and exchanging of gifts. If you are visiting the Bahamas during this exciting time of year, make sure that you bring plenty of presents that you can open on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day at your Bahamas vacation rentals.
There is no doubting that Junkanoo is an exciting time to witness. At no other time of the year do the people of the Bahamas come together to celebrate as a whole. Experiencing Junkanoo is a once in a lifetime experience that you will be talking about for years to come.
If you are interested in learning more about traveling to the Bahamas during Junkanoo, SuperClubs can help. SuperClubs also has lots of information about Bahamas vacation rentals. Junkanoo is a festival that is definitely a sight to see. Book your all inclusive Bahamas vacation at SuperClubs today. Your exciting all inclusive resorts Bahamas vacation is just one easy click away.
Save Up To 65% at Sandals Royal Bahamian!
You can now save up to 65% at Sandals Royal Bahamian, plus get a $250 Spa Credit for suites.
Below are the list of suites…
>>> Save up to 65% and get a $250 Spa Credit:
- - Royal Windsor Beachfront One Bedroom Suite – WS
- Royal Bahamian Oceanview One Bedroom Suite – RS
- Royal Village Honeymoon Villa Suite – BV
Lavish, romantic retreat set back from the hustle of the resort’s main activity areas. Luxuriously furnished suites feature either a patio or balcony and offers spacious, elegant accommodations. 24-hour room service and VIP Rolls Royce or Mercedes Benz airport service and exclusive dining at Gordon’s on the Pier.
Room View: View of lush gardens and pools
- Manor Beachfront Patio Walkout Concierge Room – GP
- St. James Grande Luxe Oceanview Suite – PJ
- Royal Honeymoon Oceanview Suite – JS
Imposing suites with impressive four-poster king size beds, large sitting area and full bath. All suites have balcony or patio. First through sixth floors of Windsor Block.
Room View: View of ocean, gardens or pool
- Balmoral Honeymoon Grande Luxe Suite – HG
Imposing suites with impressive four-poster king size beds, large sitting area and full bath. All suites have a patio or balcony with a view of the pool and or garden. Suites are located in the Windsor building on floors one through three.
Room View: Pool and/or Gardens
>>> Save up to 60%:
- - Manor Luxury Oceanfront Concierge Room – GO
- Windsor Grande Luxe Oceanview Concierge Room – GH
- Honeymoon Oceanview Concierge Room – OC
Luxurious rooms featuring old-world colonial furnishings and it has a balcony or patio with a view to the Pool and Ocean. Suite concierge service. Located on the first through sixth floors of the Manor building.
Room View: View of Pool and Ocean
>>> Save up to 55%:
- Honeymoon Royal Windsor Grande Luxe Regency Room – WR
Luxurious rooms featuring old-world colonial furnishings and a balcony or a patio with a garden view. Rooms are located on the first and second floors of the Royal Windsor Suite Tower.
Room View: Garden
- Bahamian Honeymoon Oceanview Luxury Room – BO
Rooms boast rich Old-World colonial furnishings, king size bed, warm Caribbean-inspired décor and a stunning ocean view. Rooms are located on the third through sixth floors of the Manor Building.
Room View: Ocean View
- Honeymoon Grande Luxe Regency Manor Tower Room – HR
Luxurious rooms featuring old-world colonial furnishings and a balcony or patio with a garden or partial ocean view. Rooms are located on the first through fourth floors of the Bahamian Manor Tower.
Room View: View of resort gardens
- Royal Village Luxury – RL
- Manor House Luxury – LX
- Honeymoon Manor House Luxury – HL
Luxurious rooms featuring old-world colonial furnishings with a view of the Manor Pool and resort gardens ( a few have ocean view). Located in the Manor building.
Room View: View of Manor Pool and Resort Gardens
- Manor House Premium – PR
- Honeymoon Royal Village Deluxe – HD
Rooms located in the Royal Village with resort garden view. Rooms do not have a patio or balcony.
Room View: View of Resort Gardens
- Royal Village Deluxe Room – DL
For honeymooners, we have highlighted several suites and rooms available. For more information and bookings, we suggest you visit the official website of Sandals Royal Bahamian.
35% Off at The Sandals Resorts for UK Citizens!
Save up to 35% in all Concierge and butler rooms and suites, and 30% in all other categories. Plus, your 7th night is free in selected rooms or suites. But you must hurry, because you must book by 7th October 2009, for travel up to December 2010!
For Sandals Royal Bahamian, normally it costs £2344 per person for the Royal Village Deluxe Room and during this offer you can grab it only for £1415.
Free Flights From Regional Airports
If you live in these areas below, then you don’t have to drive all the way to a London Airport for your international flight. Because if you book your holiday directly with Sandals UK, your connecting flight is free.
You’ll fly with British Midland or Fly-Be to London and connect with your International Flight. Here’s just a selection of where you can fly from when you book by 7th October 2009:
* Aberdeen
* Belfast
* Edinburgh
* Glasgow
* Jersey
* Manchester
* Newcastle
* Guernsey
* Inverness
* Isle of Man
To get price quote, reserve rooms and air flights, we suggest you visit their official UK website at www.sandals.co.uk









