CARIBBEAN NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND DESTINATIONS
I
t’s one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, capital of the 700-plus islands of the Bahamas, and just a stone’s throw from the Florida coast – but if you think that’s all there is to Nassau, you’ve barely scratched the surface. Perched on the 21-mile-long
New Providence, and connected by bridge to Paradise Island – home to the mega-resort of Atlantis Paradise Island – it’s one of 30 inhabited islands that made up this one-time British colony from 1718 to 1973. That legacy – along with
swashbuckling piracy – has shaped much of what visitors see today. A statue of Queen Victoria looks out imperiously from the front of the pastel-pink buildings of Parliament Square, islanders drive on the left, red letterboxes line the pavements and police officers in white uniforms and
pith helmets stand happily posing for photos. Most cruise passengers don’t
make it beyond the souvenir- filled Straw Market and blingy tax-free jewellery shops lining Bay Street, but there’s more to it than that, as Travel Weekly and a host of UK agents discovered on this fam trip.
◗ COLONIAL CHARM With its beautiful beaches and impossibly blue waters, it’s no surprise this sunny destination has been used as the backdrop for several James Bond films – including the iconic scene in Casino Royale where Daniel Craig emerged from the sea. The beaches are undoubtedly
key attractions. To tempt clients further there are several new accommodation options, such as sophisticated Albany in southern Nassau, where the blue trunk
When a hotel is used as a backdrop to a James Bond film, you know you won’t be disappointed!
Bond scene was shot. Beyond the beach, visitors can
discover old colonial architecture and museums charting the history of piracy and the colourful annual Junkanoo festival. Foodies will enjoy sampling the multi-cultural cuisine, which features many a dish centred on the ubiquitous conch (pronounced conk). As an added extra, the large pink shells that the sea snails make their homes are great souvenirs. Robbie Megson, assistant
store manager at Kuoni Solihull, says: “It really surprised and impressed me. I loved that modern, impressive hotels and resorts combine with historic and authentic charms and flavours of the colonial Caribbean past. “From fun-packed water parks
to the unashamed luxury of five-star celebrity favourites, it’s perfect for everyone.” The variety of accommodation
was a hit with Travel Counsellors’ Lizzie Adamson-Brown too. She says: “I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of accommodation on offer. My favourite has to be the One&Only Ocean Club, it really took my breath away. When a hotel is used as a backdrop to a James Bond film, you know you won’t be disappointed!” As for the practicalities, British
Airways flies four times a week from Heathrow on one of its new 777-300s, offering greater levels
24 November 2016
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