Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all and enjoy a real holiday from the ups and downs of life. In my opinion, there is no better place than the Bahamas for the ultimate luxury getaway. Located off the south coast of Florida, these islands are a literal paradise on Earth filled with sunshine, good food and lots to keep you occupied. With year-round warm weather and a nation full of friendly people to meet, it’s the perfect vacation destination for summer, winter or fall. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a fun-filled adventure exploring the islands, the Bahamas has it all and always with a smile on its face.
PHOTO | Nadine Dorele / Public Domain | Tasty seafood platter
Whet Your Appetite
First things first: the food. The Bahamas is actually an archipelago comprising of 700 different islands and, because of this, it is an absolute haven for fresh seafood. The rich and varied ecology of the surrounding ocean is prized and protected by the Bahamian people, but it also makes up the staples of their diet. The national dish is the conch, which can be prepared and enjoyed in a variety of different ways, from a fresh salad, to conch fritters, to conch chowder. It’s a tasty, nutritious food high in protein and vitamin E so makes the perfect meal for any (or every!) day of your trip.
Head to the capital city of Nassau, located on Providence Island, for some fine dining with a local flavour, or simply stop by one of the many fresh conch shacks spread throughout the islands. In my opinion, this is the best way to experience the true taste of the Bahamas. Don’t forget to wash it down with one of the nation’s signature drinks! After a day spent exploring, nothing feels better than relaxing in the balmy evening air with a cocktail or two. The Bahamas is famous for its sun, sand and sea but also two drinks in particular: the Bahama Mama and Sky Juice. Both are widely available across the islands, but perhaps one of the best Sky Juices I have found is made at the exclusive Sip Sip bar located within the Atlantis Resort.
PHOTO | Forest Simon / Public Domain | One of the Exuma swimming pigs!
Get Your Blood Pumping
The Bahamas is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy long, lazy days lying on the miles of golden sand. However, I know that after a couple of days of this I am raring to go burn some energy and get that adrenaline pumping again. Well, the Bahamas caters well to those with a sense of adventure with activities ranging from a gentle swim with the Exuma pigs, to feeding sharks at Hawk’s Nest. Whether you fancy a hike through the breathtaking beauty of Long Island or a climb up Mt. Alvernia to visit the Bat Cave, there’s a different activity to get you going every day of the week.
Just because you’re on vacation, there’s no need to neglect your beloved fitness regime if you don’t want to - even if you're on your honeymoon! What could be better than a run along the beach as the sun sets over the Atlantic? Or a sun salutation amongst the lush greenery of the Exumas? After all, this is exercise in paradise and I can’t think of anything better.
PHOTO | Toa Heftiba / Public Domain | Relaxing after a day of exploring
Chill Out
After a hard day’s exploring, however, it is time to unwind and soak up the relaxed vibes of the island. The temperature drops by a few degrees in the night-time, making for a refreshing but still balmy evening. Perfect for strolling along the sand under the moon and perhaps enjoying a romantic bonfire on the beach. Or you could check out the nightlife and discover the traditional sights and sounds of Bahamian music: goombay, junkanoo and rake & scrape. The infamous Atlantis Resort is available for those who want to try their hand in the casino, and the nightclubs of Freeport keep playing all night long.
There are many reasons why the Bahamas attracts over 6 million visitors a year and they are all just waiting there for you to discover them. If you’ve been dreaming of the indulgent, exciting holiday of a lifetime then look no further than this unique island nation. It’s one of my favourite places in the world to spend some time away from the business of real life, and I hope that it becomes just as special to you too.
