Five reasons to make Nassau Paradise Island your next trip
Looking for paradise for your next trip? Then Nassau Paradise Island — made up of Nassau, capital of The Bahamas, and the idyllic Paradise Island nearby — makes an ideal pick, no matter what you’re after. Here are five reasons to convince you.
The beaches
Think of The Bahamas and the chances are that you’ll think of beaches – and for good reason. The miles of unspoilt, powdery-soft sand that run around the sheltered north-eastern part of the island of New Providence are justly famed for their warm, clear waters. Whether you head across the causeway from Nassau itself to Paradise Island, with its huge sandy spaces, or head instead for the Baha Mar, the 1,000-acre Luxury resort on the stunning Cable Beach — you’re in for a treat. Looking for a change of pace and some diving? Love Beach is 20 minutes or so from Nassau, and as well as pristine sand and a laid-back vibe, has a protected coral reef in the waters off shore.
The nightlife
No matter how clear and blue the skies, when the sun comes down we all want something a little different when it comes to our holiday, and Nassau Paradise Island delivers all sorts of attractions. There are casinos, nightclubs and bars that are among the very best in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for the thrill of the roulette wheel or the card table, there are casinos at both Baha Mar and Atlantis Paradise Island; the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has one of the finest and most beautiful jazz bars you’ll ever see; and if you just want an incredible setting to sit back and enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, then the Dune Bar at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, is the place to be, perched above the sand and looking out across the turquoise waters. It's second to none.
The beautiful places to stay
Are you after a sprawling resort packed with things to do? A charming and traditional boutique hotel? An elegant, sophisticated and breathtakingly chic hotel? A place with endless pools and its own water park? The beauty of Nassau Paradise Island is that it offers all these options and more. You could choose one of the five hotels at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort, with its glitzy facilities and enormous water park, while those looking for a truly special, top-end experience should consider Rosewood Baha Mar and The Cove at Atlantis (below) or To soak up the atmosphere of Nassau itself you might prefer to head for the delightful Graycliff, home to the best wine cellar in the Caribbean. And then there’s the hottest new place to stay on the island of New Providence: the exquisite Goldwynn Resort & Residences, with fine dining, infinity pools, spa and personal butler service in some of the suites. Everyone from honeymooning couples to multi-gen groups will find the right blend for them.
The outdoor lifestyle
Fancy swimming with the pigs in the sea off Rose Island? Climbing the walls of an ancient and historic colonial fort? Getting up close with the dolphins at Blue Lagoon Island? Touring the island of New Providence in a 4x4 or on a quad-bike? Or how about a game of golf at The Ocean Club or Royal Blue Golf Club, both listed among the top-rated courses in the Caribbean. All these and more are on the doorstep for those who want to get beyond the beach and the poolside at Nassau Paradise Island.
The way of life
“It’s Better in The Bahamas” is the phrase they use in these parts, and frankly it’s not hard to see why: the sumptuous food, music and art all around you and vibrant atmosphere are intoxicating. Don’t miss signing up for a ‘Junkanoo’ experience at one of the hotels; it’s The Bahamas’ answer to carnival in Rio, and even stood in for the latter in the James Bond film Thunderball. Live out your Jack Sparrow fantasies at the Pirate Museum in Downtown Nassau, then head down to the legendary Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, a street full of totally authentic seafood restaurants that are just as popular with the locals as they are with tourists. And for those who love a tipple, don't miss out on a rum tasting session; the traditional Caribbean spirit is made on New Providence with real flair, not least at John Watling’s Distillery in the heart of Nassau itself.
What's more, The Bahamas is the simplest of places to get to these days. British Airways flies direct from Heathrow on a daily basis, and Virgin also operates two direct flights a week. See ba.com/bahamas or www.nassauparadiseisland.com to find out more.
