HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS NASSAU DESTINATIONS RIGHT:
Conch fritters FAR RIGHT:
John Watling’s Distillery
BELOW: Baha Mar
ASK THE EXPERT
Ashley Pilkington, assistant product manager for Americas & Caribbean, Gold Medal “We have seen great demand for the Bahamas recently, showing a 30% rise in passengers for 2018, and early growth for 2019, with an 80% rise in passengers, predominantly staying in the Nassau Paradise Island region. The long stretches of white sandy beaches alongside calm turquoise waters are amazing. There are hotels to cater for all budgets and demographics, with some amazing places to eat at, from the local fish fry to fine-dining restaurants.”
took great delight in posting a job earlier this year for a CFO, or chief flamingo officer. Murals and paintings by local artists can also be seen across the site. The Rosewood Baha Mar has a 3,000sq ft mural in its Living Room that draws on the islands’ lush landscapes, while Baha Mar is also home to a full-time studio, with 2,500 works of art. It holds workshops for crafts, painting and ceramics, and fosters engagement with the local community.
w PARADISE ISLAND With a mouth full of saltwater, I reluctantly fed Naia the dolphin a fish, despite the fact that just five seconds earlier she had flicked her nose up and drenched my face – on purpose. Wiping the water out of my eyes, it was hard not to love her nonetheless. Naia was one of 17 dolphins rescued after Hurricane Katrina and brought to Dolphin Cay at Atlantis Paradise Island, just minutes away by road bridge from downtown Nassau. A shallow water interaction let us get up close to learn some of her behaviours, though the cay also offers a deepwater swim for those keen to view the dolphins under the surface. Marine conservation is a focus at
Atlantis Paradise Island, home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, containing more than 250 species of marine life. During our stay, one of the resort’s best-known residents, Leyley the manta ray, was released back into the wild as part of its release and research programme. The Dig is one of the best places to spot sea life. Walking through the
lost city of Atlantis, guests can see lionfish, lobsters, seahorses and more. Alternatively, they can embrace their inner water baby by diving in at the 141- acre on-site water park, Aquaventure. Start off with a drift through the river rapids – the easiest way to get a view of the entire park – and decide which water slides you want to try next. It’s a world away from the tranquillity
of The Cove, the most luxurious of the five hotels that make up Atlantis Paradise Island, which also boasts a villa retreat. It’s home to an adult-only pool with a bar area, gaming pavilion and private cabanas (at extra cost) – the perfect place to sit at the edge of a private beach, Kalik beer in hand, to wind down after an action-packed afternoon.
And if you think the kids might miss out, think again. Atlantis has Crush nightclub for teenagers, with a live DJ, stadium equipped with games consoles and private gaming cabanas, while Atlantis Kids Adventures caters to those aged three to 12. The facilities at Atlantis are enviable,
but for those who wish to stay off-site, the neighbouring Comfort Suites offers guests access to all amenities at the resort. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast – a big plus for families – and easy access to the row of boutique shops at Marina Village, at the edge of the resort. Luckily, I made just enough room
in my suitcase to squash in a box of rum cake, to bring a little taste of the Bahamas back home.
Sample product
Seven nights at Sandals Royal Bahamian, staying all-inclusive in a Balmoral Oceanview Luxury Room, starts at £2,199 per person, departing August 27, including flights from Heathrow and resort transfers. Valid for bookings madeby July 31.
sellingsandals.co.uk
Gold Medal offers seven nights at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar on a room-only basis from £1,459 per person, including economy flights with BA from Heathrow, for travel between September 13 and 27.
goldmedal.co.uk
19 July 2018
travelweekly.co.uk 45
PICTURE: DENNISWELCH; TRU BAHAMIAN FOOD TOURS
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