Imagine the great escape to a paradise island setting-palm trees, white sand, misty greens and vibrant turquoise ocean. Add to that a hammock on the beach and life is mesmerizing and relaxing. This ambience setting is a draw for frequent tourists to Nassau, Bahamas, where the tourist industry is a key priority for the island. Raga music at local establishments, exotic drinks on the beach and local Bahamian cooking invites and lures the visitors. Add to that a dose of casinos where guests take their pick of options. The Bahamian islanders provide accommodating service at this beach resort community, where guests enjoy the sun drenched beach and activities.
Snorkeling and scuba diving in the beautiful aqua waters is a favorite activity. Other active island activities include: swimming, boating, water-skiing, and deep-sea fishing and golf.
Accommodations
The renowned Ocean Club on Paradise Island, is an Asian spa and has 35 lush acres and gardens. The Atlantis-Paradise Island Coral Towers includes water-park and marine-life; the resort is situated on Paradise Island. The Red Carpet Inn in Nassau is a five-minute walk to Montagu Bay. The British Colonial Hilton-Nassau, is a historic downtown hotel ideally located on a beautiful private beach. The British Colonial Hilton is situated within 5 minutes' walk of Nassau's shopping and financial centre. It was built on the site of what was previously Old Fort Nassau. The hotel offers guests a luxurious blend of facilities.
Some of the other top rated hotels include: The Radisson Bavle Beach & Golf Resort, the Sandyport Beach Resort, and the Orange Hill Beach Inn.
Restaurants
Charming local restaurants give the traveler many choices. A popular choice is one of the open-air rooftop restaurants that provide varying perspectives of the island, its streets and the ocean. Culinary food in a tropical foliage of elegance is the setting for the Continental Bahamian-a colonial mansion set on 5 acres. Right in the heart of Nassau is the Goin’ Local, where coconut gin & a fish fry is served. Locals refer to it a Arawak Cay (Fish Fry).
Chez Willie, is known for its French Bahamian dining and displays style in a romantic setting. Diners have said the restaurant recaptures some of the grandeur of Nassau in its cafe society times. Graycliff, an antiques-filled colonial mansion, serves up Bahamian products.
Shopping
Nassau's’ New Providence Island is a commercial district, and is Nassau's busiest street providing a venue of interesting shops and restaurants.
Jewelers and fashion scenes are part of the shopping mix. The Straw Market at Bay and Market Streets seems to be the top of the list for seeing the island’s true craft and creativity. The Bahamian craftspeople weave and pleat straw hats, placemats, handbags, dolls and other favored objects.
The popular t-shirts are available with various quotes about the Bahamas, and many tourists leave with a memorable t-shirt. The Bahamas Post Office Philatelic Bureau, in the General Post Office, offers beautiful collector’s items.
The $1.8 million complex: The Nassau International Bazaar, consists of some 30 shops selling international goods in this arcade, where goods from around the world are sold. The development of cobbled alleyways and designed storefronts causes the area to look like a European village. The Prince George Plaza, Bay Street, is a favorite stop for cruise-ship passengers.
Major Attractions
The Blue Lagoon Island has dolphins who display playful friendliness as the trained dolphins offer rides as they push you through the water with their snout. The Ardastra Gardens and Zoo features wildlife animals and is an excellent nature garden. Exotic wildlife, like the South American honeybear and the rare Caribbean flamingo are at home in these gardens.
History is celebrated where the Caribbean comes alive at the theatrical exhibits of the Pirates of Nassau. The commercial district in Nassau is full of activity as visitors find interesting ships and restaurants. An authentic pirate adventure in downtown Nassau is at the Kennedy Gallery.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
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