White Sands

The Bahamas is home to several resorts, a few of which also have the so-called “all-inclusive” vacations.

Before going into the resorts themselves I think the term “all-inclusive” should be defined because most people think this means one thing, when in reality it means something else all together.

All-inclusive is a term to mean that three major meals and some soft-drinks during the day, are included in the hotel charge. It does NOT automatically mean that everything there is to do at the resort is free of charge (though some things are).

European is a term to describe hotels where you are paying for the hotel room, but drinks and meals are extra. It does NOT automatically mean that other amenities/ “things to do” will also come with a charge.

DO NOT make the mistake of automatically assuming that one of the above is automatically going to be less expensive or have more things to do than a hotel/resort that operates under a different one.

There are numerous pros and cons, and VAST differences from one hotel/resort to the next.

The major resorts are:

Atlantis Paradise Island

*European Plan* The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas hardly needs an introduction. With its 2,300+ guest rooms divided amongst 3 tower sections, this 4 star, family friendly resort offers more to do than many major theme parks.

This is one of the most popular destinations for first-timers to the Bahamas for a very good reason.

However, due to its size, you can’t really “get away” at this resort.

Breezes Bahamas

*All Inclusive* Here, beside the crystal clear waters, you can listen to the gentle call of the sea bird and feel your worries drift away with the tide. At night, a short stroll along the beach takes you to the excitement of Nassau’s glittering casino.

This is one of the few resorts where “all-inclusive” almost really does mean that. Food and drinks whenever you want them are included and there is A LOT to do right here in the resort. Somehow, this resort does a FANTASTIC job of never seeming crowed or over busy.

While there isn’t as much to do as at the Atlantis, this may be one of my favorite resorts for a short getaway.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island

*European Plan* Comfort Suites Paradise Island Bahamas is located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas adjacent to the Atlantis Resort. 5 minutes from Paradise Island International Airport. 10 minutes from downtown Nassau.

If you’re on a budget, and money is tight but you still want a vacation in the Bahamas, this “resort” is the ticket. While it is little more than a glorified hotel with virtually zero on-site amenities, the price of this one is right. Further, it is close to just about everything and they do an admirable job of keeping the feeling still up-scale enough to make it a worthy vacation destination.

Nassau Beach Hotel

*European Plan* A 3 star budget hotel located amidst the hustle and bustle of the other Cable Beach facilities, Nassau Beach Hotel owns 750 feet of beachfront property and offers complimentary watersports to guests, who can also sign up to take advantage of the amenities of its companion hotels the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino, which it neighbors.

This is another hotel for the budget conscious, and many people prefer this hotel over the Comfort Suites thanks to the fact that this hotel is RIGHT on the beach. I will say that I’m partial to the Comfort Suites, but if you’re going to the Bahamas to spend most of your time relaxing on the beach then this is the hotel for you.

Pelican Bay

*European Plan* Nestled at water’s edge, the 90-room Pelican Bay at Lucaya is a Caribbean hotel with a distinct European architecture and a spectacular location on Lucaya Bay. For our more discerning guests, we offer The Pelican Bay Suites.

When it comes to the budget 3 star resorts, those that are Paradise Island, or within the city of Nassau itself, are typically just a little better in my opinion. This one however is an ENORMOUS exception. Part of its appeal is that it isn’t on the main island where almost every “newbie” to the Bahamas goes. It is well maintained, in expensive, and thanks to being on the Grand Bahama island isn’t quite as crowded. The hotel is well maintained, and one of my personal favorites for the short getaway when I’m not planning on spending much.

RIU Paradise Island

*All Inclusive* Located right next door to the expansive Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, RIU offers an endless variety of activities for every traveler. Watersports on the fabulous beach, daily activities for adults six days a week, and nightly entertainment are offered.

Seriously, for the money, I don’t think this one is worth it. I know lots of people however that absolutely love this resort … I don’t. It isn’t that there’s anything “wrong”; it’s just that for the money you can do better.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa Quote or Book Online Here

*All Inclusive* Voted the Caribbean’s Leading Resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa is the ultimate getaway for travelers. Absolutely nothing compares to this Four Diamond All Inclusive resort. Nestled on Nassau’s famed Cable Beach.

If you’ve got the money, this is THE location to go to (and honestly, if you’re going to RIU you can probably afford this). Easily my single most favorite resort in the Bahamas PERIOD. If you’re going to be taking a week or more in the Bahamas and can afford a little extra, then I highly recommend this over th much more crowded Atlatis.

Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach

*All Inclusive* Among the many amenities, the property offers two delicious restaurants, three bars, a disco, an invigorating activities program, a kid’s club, and gymnasium. Often referred to as vacation paradise,

Some of the best golfing in the Bahamas can be had right here at this resort. I’ve only stayed once and it was pleasurable, but my time actually IN this hotel was quite brief so unfortunately I can’t say any more about it.

Wyndham Nassau Resort Quote or Book Online Here

*European Plan* This 3 star resort on the banks of Cable Beach features a Las Vegas style casino, a 75-yard swimming lagoon and 200 yards of private crystal sand beachfront. Along with its own amenities, guests staying at the Wyndham Nassau Resort can enjoy the comforts of its neighboring resort, the Nassau Beach Hotel.

Little more than a glorified Wyndham you can stay in anywhere else in the states. Its one saving grace is some fantastic activities for kids.

The bottom line:

I do want to point out a couple of things real quick. First, there are other smaller hotels that are in quite a large number of ways BETTER than these that you can stay in for less money. There are also beach cabanas you can stay in (think small beach cottage) for about the same price as some of the more pricey resorts.

If you haven’t been very many times to the Bahamas, then these popular resorts/hotels are definitely the places to stay, and which one you choose should be determined by your budget and planned activities.

If you have plenty of money for your vacation, and if you have not been to the Bahamas often, then the Atlantis, Sandals Royal are the places I most recommend.

If you’ve got a budget and plan to spend time out and around town in Bahamas, then go for the Comfort Suites.

If you’re on a budget and you plan on spending most of your time at the beach, then the Nassau Beach Hotel is for you.

However, if you’ve been to the Bahamas more than three or four times and want to stay away from Paradise, then shoot for Pelican Bay (no matter what your budget).

Those are my recommendations anyway.

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Bahamas resorts are the playgrounds for sunbathers, golfers, divers, sailors, anglers, nature lovers – not to mention their world-class casinos, shopping, and historical sites. With over seven hundred beautiful islands and over two thousand limestone and coral outcroppings, the Bahamas is unique in the Caribbean because of its prosperity and wealth, its political stability and its proximity to the U.S.

Bahamas was the first Caribbean island discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it was a lair of pirates, including Blackbeard Teach and the notorious female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Only thirty islands are populated, with New Providence Island containing 60% of the population and the capital, Nassau, with its Victorian buildings and fortresses. Nassau is the starting place for fully crewed and catered cruises, day and sunset cruises, sailboating, motorboating, and jet skiing. The all inclusive Bahamas professionally guided charter boat fishing is some of the best in the Caribbean. At night it is traditional to sit in a Nassau bar and watch the spectacular Bahamian sunset; then repair to a gourmet supper. During the day there is shopping at the straw market on Nassau’s Bay Street – or you can take a horse-drawn surrey tour of the town. The city has retained much of its colonial architecture, and in front of the pastel colored buildings at Parliament Square the statue of Queen Victoria looks down over Nassau. Fort Fincastle features the Water Tower – the highest point on the island. Climb the 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase (one for each year of Queen Victoria’s reign). Nassau’s Junakanoo Festival is a New Year’s celebration of gaily costumed paraders dancing to the sounds of whistles, cowbells, and goatskin drums. Besides Nassau, Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is also famous for its night life and glitz. The Bahamas’ lively casinos dazzle with music, color, and the thrill of chance, offering blackjack, craps, slot machines, baccarat, and sports betting.

The water of the Bahamas has the clearest visibility in the world (over 200 feet), which makes for great diving and snorkeling adventures – and barefoot picnicking on remote Bahamas all inclusive beaches. Andros Island – the largest Bahamian island- sits at the edge of the fathomless depths called “Tongue of the Ocean”. The Andros Barrier Reef offers an impressive underwater adventure. Andros also features rare orchids in its tropical forests and hunters find duck, partridge, and pigeon there too. Eleuthera island is famous for its magnificent white beaches, and private coves for swimming in the dark, blue-green waters. You can swim at Paradise lagoon through shimmering and cascading water, watching shoals of exotic, multi-colored fish, then plunge into a free-form pool. You can splash under a symphony of forty waterfalls or float on a rubber tube down a lazy river. Or walk through a 100-foot long transparent underwater tunnel to watch sting rays, sharks, and barracudas up close, and make eye-to-eye contact with hundreds of species of tropical fish.

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The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands, most of which have been overlooked by tourists. Although the big islands offer the usual paradisaical amenities, many of the smaller islands are uninhabited and are just waiting to be discovered. With their clear, warm waters and vast stretches of sand beaches, Bahamas resorts are paradise regained for the discriminating fun lover, offering a world of sunbathing, fishing, boating and diving.

A visit to the Bahamas starts in Nassau, the island capital, located on New Providence Island. Nassau boasts a cornucopia of attractions well worth a visit, including the bustling straw market where local artisans make unique straw and other crafts for sale. More sophisticated shopping is available at Bay Street’s upscale boutique scene. Fort Charlotte, an 18th century fort with moat, battlements, and dungeons affords a magnificent vista of Nassau harbor. Nearby, the Ardastra Gardens overflow with pink flamingos and tropical flowers. At the top of Elizabeth Avenue is the hundred foot high Queen’s Staircase, carved by slaves into the sheer limestone rock and leading up to Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower. Fort Fincastle was built in the late 18th century and is shaped like the prow of a ship. The Water Tower is the tallest point on New Providence Island and has an observation deck offering panoramic views. Cable Beach, just outside Nassau, has over two miles of golden sands and is world famous for its gourmet restaurants, bars, and discos. Nearby Paradise Island is also justly famous for its beaches as well as a fourteen acre aquarium, beautifully landscaped gardens, and the largest gambling casino in the Caribbean.

After New Providence Island the most popular tourist destination in Bahamas is Grand Bahama Island, located just fifty miles from Florida. It has eight acres of gorgeous white beaches and hosts many all inclusive Bahamas resorts. The natural wonders in the Peterson Cay National Park and the Lucayan National Park make them both well worth a visit. Rand Memorial Nature Center has terrific nature trails and don’t miss the colorful birds, exotic flowers, and waterfalls at the Garden of the Groves. Dolphin lovers will thrill watching these semi-wild beasts soar and glide in Sanctuary Bay. The island’s main towns are Freeport – Lucaya and West End. Grand Bahama Island possesses some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, as well as two major casinos and Port Lucaya and the International Bazaar offer world-class shops, gourmet restaurants, and entertainment.

The Bahamas out islands stretch across an enormous area of ocean and are justly famous for their hundreds of miles of white sand beaches sprinkled with local native fishing villages. This huge archipelago contains numerous Bahamas all inclusive resorts which are ideal for a secluded, relaxing holiday with no thoughts of money or tipping. The largest of the out islands is Andros, a densely forested paradise with numerous creeks. The interior of Andros is largely untouched and natural, and just off its eastern shore is the 150 mile long coral barrier reef, the third longest in the world. Beyond this reef lies a steep drop known as the Tongue of the Ocean, with some of the world’s finest deep water fishing. Another major island chain is Abacos, a 120 mile long necklace of sandy islands where the local towns specialize in shipbuilding and are reminiscent of fishing villages in New England. Golfers flock to Treasure Cay’s championship course, and there are myriad opportunities for scuba diving and boating.

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Suppose you set out to create the perfect paradise, where would you begin? You might start with a tropical island – or better yet, seven hundred tropical islands; and surround them with pristine, silver sandy beaches lapped by crystalline turquoise surf. Now you’ve got the Bahamas. Spreading out over one hundred thousand square miles starting sixty miles east of Florida, Bahamas resorts are famous for having the clearest waters in the world. With its many hidden bays and small islets, the paradise of Bahamas found favor with Caribbean pirates who preyed on the gold, silver and other precious cargo brought from the New World. One sunken Spanish treasure ship yielded three million pounds in treasure to the divers who recovered it.

Moreover, each inhabited island in the Bahamas archipelago has its own rich customs and culture. New Providence Island is the center of the action, with the capital Nassau, Paradise Island, and Cable Beach all inclusive Bahamas resort areas. Here you can savor luxurious gourmet dining, enjoy world class entertainment; play craps, blackjack, baccarat, or slot machines in colorful casinos; and enjoy fun sports facilities (including a championship golf course). Nassau itself has a quaint English colonial atmosphere, with its pink Rawson Square government buildings, small restaurants and pubs dotting its picturesque side streets, and even horse-drawn carriage rides through the town. Near the wharf there is a new museum which highlights the Junkanoo (Bahamas Carnival, celebrated at New Years) tradition. The busy straw market features hundreds of sellers happy to bargain for souvenir treasures; and the international boutiques of Bay Street offer fashionable and elegant shopping.

Besides guided tours of the attractions of Nassau town, Bahamas resorts offer a vast selection of boat rentals and charters, from fully catered and crewed sailing trips to motorboats, small sailboats, and jet skis. You can snorkel, scuba dive, enjoy a barefoot picnic on a remote beach – even take a submarine ride! Bahamas all inclusive resorts are themselves paradise regained: everything you do, eat, or drink is covered in one upfront price so you don’t have to think about money, ever.

Besides the delights of Nassau town, you can kayak, water ski, rock climb, or swing on a flying trapeze. Bask on Bahamas powdery sands at Cable Beach, or take a relaxing dip in the pool and unwind in a bubbling Jacuzzi. You can savor exquisite gourmet meals with unlimited wine and drinks, great snacks and hors d’oeuvres, and premium umbrella drinks whenever the spirit moves you – no tipping allowed! When night falls the fun really begins with live entertainment and disco dancing – even karaoke contests. All inclusive Bahamas resorts are the ideal way to enjoy your piece of paradise under the sun!