DESTINATIONS THE BAHAMAS | WINTER SUN
rhapsody w
hen picturing a typical Bahamian scene, you might think of the island’s
famous turquoise waters shimmering in the Caribbean sun, or towering palm trees scattered on white sands. And you wouldn’t be wrong – for visitors to the Bahamas, such scenes aren’t hard to find. But this year, there’s something else defining the landscape. I notice the banners emblazoned with the Bahamian flag not long after I’ve stepped off the plane in Nassau, the country’s capital, before spotting the blue and gold bunting that adorns streets, buildings and even roundabouts across the city – all in celebration of the Bahamas’ 50th year of independence.
SUN-SOAKED GETAWAY Since the nation gained statehood in 1973, it has become one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for a sun-soaked
travelweekly.co.uk
As the Bahamas marks 50 years of independence, Isobel Turner heads to these sun-kissed isles to test two of the trade’s top-selling resorts
getaway. There’s a lot of investment going on too. Nassau’s cruise port has recently undergone a $300 million renovation, helping the Bahamas achieve its best tourism year yet – eight million visitors are expected by the end of 2023. The cruise port isn’t the only thing in Nassau that’s had a facelift, either. The British Colonial Hotel, built in 1900, is set to reopen before the end of the year after closing in February 2022. Nassau’s oldest hotel will retain some of its period features, including marble floors and a grand staircase.
British Colonial will join the impressive
roster of hotels in Nassau, set on New Providence island and home to the country’s largest airport as well as more than 70% of its population. Connected to the capital by a short road bridge is the aptly named Paradise Island, home to another clutch of luxurious hotels set on a series of immaculate sandy beaches. No wonder ²
7 DECEMBER 2023
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