CARIB 6-9 30/6/09 17:19 Page 46
knowledge caribbean
ttglive.com
NASSAU, BAHAMAS.
The city of Nassau is on New Providence
island, the most populated in the Bahamas.
Nassau has one of the richest pirate histories
in the Caribbean, and “Pirates of Nassau” is
a great place to learn about it.
The city has various forts and a national
gallery but the Queen’s Steps, 65 steps
carved from limestone, are one of the
most-visited attractions.
Restaurant-wise, choices range from the
elegant Graycliff, which has the largest wine
cellar in the Caribbean and its own cigar
factory, to more affordable local options
such as the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay or ourism Organisation
roadside stalls like Rita’s Van.
“My favourite restaurant would have to Caribbean T
be Poop Deck West,” says Kim Valente, Vintage American cars are a common sight in Havana
director of tour operator Bahamas Flavour.
“It specialises in seafood. This place is Paradise Island is just about walkable too but Havana has some excellent restaurants.
brilliant for any meal of the day.” – the views of Atlantis as you cross the Sam Hodgson, Virgin Holidays destination
The glitzy Atlantis Paradise Island resort bridge are worth the effort. manager for Cuba, recommends two in
is now a Nassau icon, and I enjoyed its excel- ■ bahamas.co.uk particular: “La Guarida is quirky and cosy. It
lent Aquaventure waterpark and the aquar- ■ bahamasflavour.co.uk was used for filming in the famous Cuban
ium more than I expected to. Atlantis also film Fresa y Chocolate. And El Templete, near
has top-class restaurants including Nobu, HAVANA, CUBA. the port, has a great selection of wines and
and a swanky new nightclub, Aura. The To holiday in Cuba and not visit Havana cheesecake to die for.”
resort draws big names for concerts too would be to miss out on one of the Salsa and bossa nova trios will serenade
– Miley Cyrus has just performed there. Caribbean’s most intriguing cities. All the you wherever you go, but for a more
In downtown Nassau, Cheeky Monkey and cliches are true – vintage American cars, authentic experience, Hodgson suggests La
Senor Frogs are lively, casual drinking spots. Havana Club rum, Cohiba cigars, and Che Casa de La Musica in Miramar: “It has a good
Clients in Nassau on Boxing Day, New Guevara’s image daubed on every surface. mix of tourists and Cubans. It’s the top place
Year’s Day or over the summer Despite some restoration to go for the salsa scene.”
can experience Junkanoo (carni- work, many of the city’s elegant Hotel Nacional de Cuba is by far the city’s
val), or, at other times of the old buildings are crumbling most famous hotel, and clients should at
year, the Junkanoo Workshop, away; Habaneros cross the road least visit for dinner or a show. With walls
run by EducultureTours, lets visi- rather than walk below particu- covered in photos of stars who’ve stayed
tors learn about carnival and larly dodgy-looking balconies. here, from Frank Sinatra to John Wayne, it’s
make their own masks. Key sites of interest are the a great place to get a feel for pre-revolution
To pick up authentic handi- four main squares, plus the Cuba, when Havana rivalled Miami in terms
crafts, head to the Straw Market excellent Revolution Museum of bars, clubs and casinos.
on Bay Street, which also has the – recommend a guided tour, Cuba’s main beach resort, Varadero, is a
Bacardi Rum Shop and other especially if your clients don’t two-hour drive away so visiting just on a
duty-free opportunities. speak Spanish. day-trip is hard work. A three or four-day
For hotels, both Graycliff and Cuba is not known for its food extension to the beach holiday will do
the British Colonial Hilton are (I had enough rice and beans in Havana much more justice.
very centrally located and Stall-seller in Nassau two weeks to last me a lifetime) ■ vhols4agents.com
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64