Freeport, Bahamas

Freeport, Bahamas, The Information by Rough Guides
With only about 40,000 residents, FREEPORT/LUCAYA's many roads often lead to nowhere, through undeveloped bush and grandly named but still-deserted subdivisions awaiting development. Even in the commercial centre of Freeport, the port-authority headquarters, banks and apartment complexes – large colonial confections in pink, blue and yellow – manage to poke out above the treetops, but are still separated by significant remaining stands of pine forest. A utilitarian town with no organic centre or street life – everyone lives in the suburbs – it's not a good place for strolling or sightseeing, though easy enough to navigate on foot for visiting shops and restaurants.

Freeport's main commercial district is centred on The Mall, located between Ranfurly Circus – named for a British royal governor who supported the city's development in the 1950s – and Churchill Square, about ten blocks north. Surrounding the city centre, The Mall is bound on one side by West Mall Drive, and on the other by East Mall Drive, where most of the hotels and restaurants are located. Tourist activity is focused on the south end of East Mall Drive, around Ranfurly Circus and the International Bazaar, a faded warren of tacky shops and cafes marked by red Japanese-style Torii gates. In addition to several serviceable but uninspired restaurants, a straw market and assorted souvenir stands, there are duty-free shops selling jewellery, perfume, Cuban cigars, rum, resort wear and crystal.

East from Ranfurly Circus on Sunrise Highway, and south on Seahorse Road, Port Lucaya and the beachfront hotels of Lucaya comprise a resort area with a more cheerful atmosphere than Freeport's, with carefully tended lawns and shrubbery, and tidy, candy-coloured shops and houses. A seaside suburb first developed in the 1960s, Lucaya is dominated by the brand-new and massive Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort, fronting Lucayan Beach, with two golf courses. Across the street from Our Lucaya is Port Lucaya Marketplace, a busy, colourful tourist market overlooking the boats at Port Lucaya Marina, with shops selling clothing, jewellery, perfume, crystal and china, open-air stalls displaying straw work and other souvenirs, and several lively restaurants and bars packed with vacationers.

Paradise Island

Home to over half of the Bahamian population, Nassau brings to mind many things to many people. To some, it is the fine sand that ribbons the coast—so pure that it makes some think of baby powder, how smooth and white it is. To others, gambling comes to the fore, as the Bahamas are known for their world-class casinos. Others dream of their retirement in a colonial island paradise whose government increasingly recognizes that its inherent beauty is its economic strength. Yet for others, thoughts turn back to the 1980s, the days of the illegal substance cowboys exemplified by Don Johnson, Phillip Michael Thomas and the TV show "Miami Vice,"—the modern-day smugglers in high-speed chases from the American mainland to The Bahamas, as well as romance on the high seas. All this makes for a plethora of water sports and activities, superb shopping, excellent historic sites and a hopping nighttime scene.

But of course, the island of Nassau is so much more, it is an antidote for people needing relief from the day-to-day hassles and stress of life in the "real world", where the concern is not which reef to visit but which bill to pay. So the question is, "where do you go to best enjoy all these things?"

Downtown

Downtown is the hub of activity in Nassau. Thousands of people visit daily, to shop, dine, sightsee and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this port city. While the busiest part of Downtown is the Bay Street thoroughfare and the Woodes-Rodgers Walk, located across the street from the port and parallel to Bay, the area actually extends for several blocks in each direction. It starts at West Bay, around the Junkanoo Beach area. A few hotels and restaurants are located on West Bay, most notably Compass Point , Holiday Inn and Chez Willie . The next landmark is the British Colonial Hotel , which marks the beginning of Bay Street proper. Pirates of Nassau Museum is just across from the British Colonial Hilton. Just across the street from Pirates lies a duty free shopper's paradise. The next few blocks of Bay Street are wall-to-wall boutiques, with a few restaurants and clubs interspersed throughout the retailers. Famous historical landmarks are all around, including Vendue House and the Christ Church Cathedral . Although the tourist part of Downtown peters out after about seven blocks, smaller, more local stores are found all the way down Bay Street, to the foot of the Paradise Island Bridge. At this point, Bay Street becomes East Bay. There used to be nothing here, but recently an enclave of decent restaurants has sprung up. The Red Carpet Inn , one of Nassau's best budget hotels, is located on East Bay.

The pace in this district is busy, so it is frantic at times. Without a doubt, it gets the most foot traffic on the entire island. This place is perfect for recreational shoppers, sightseers and first-time visitors.

Cable Beach

If Downtown Bay Street is known for its shopping, Cable Beach is the recognized hotel district. Five enormous hotels—two of them all-inclusive—are located on this strip. The area is also known for its dining options, the magnificent Crystal Palace Casino , and of course the golden sands of Cable Beach itself. Most of the area's restaurants are located either in the hotels or across the street. BBQ Beach , Androsia and Capriccio are three of the best dining options on Cable Beach, offering unique decor, a serene atmosphere, and distinctive cuisine. There is little to no nightlife. People frequent this place during the daytime hours, relaxing at hotel pools or on the beach. There is a bit of shopping; most of it located in the Marriott Crystal Palace . Two small arcades are in this hotel. One is above ground and one is in the walkway between the Marriott and the Radisson.

This is a quieter, calmer place then Downtown. It's harder to walk from one place to another, and no one really wants to bother. It's much nicer to relax at a pool bar or splash in the waves. If things get boring, it's easy to catch a cab or a Number 10 bus and go to Bay Street.

Paradise Island

Nothing can prepare one for the sight of the Atlantis, an enormous hotel/resort/aquarium/ water park modeled after the legendary sunken city. The rest of Paradise Island isn't at all shabby either. In fact, it is a veritable man-made oasis, built over what used to be a lackluster patch of ground known as Hog Island. The first resort to draw people to the island was the venerable Club Land'or. While this tiny club is very much in the shadow of the Atlantis, it still has many loyal fans. Golfers should check out the Clarion South Ocean Resort and Golf Club, while wealthy travelers desiring quiet will appreciate the Sheraton . Shopping on Paradise Island is either very expensive or not very interesting. The Crystal Court in the Atlantis features a dozen of the world's best and most expensive designer boutiques. On the other end of the spectrum, Paradise Plaza and Hurricane Hole have a number of shops that sell inexpensive beach gear and souvenirs. Fine dining is everywhere, most notably at the Blue Lagoon and at Fathoms . For a family dinner, Anthony's is a good choice. Choosing a daytime activity is easy: the beach is everywhere, and it's gorgeous. Many aquatic excursions depart from the Paradise Island Port instead of (or in addition to) Nassau Harbor.

Paradise Island is stunning in some parts, lovely in others, and in some...well, it's not finished yet. There is constant construction and even more constant renovation as hotels strive to match up to the world-famous Atlantis. This is easily the most expensive and tourist-oriented place in all of the Bahamas, but no one would deny that it's a lot of fun. There's no bus over the Bridge. Drive, or take a cab or bus to the foot and walk.

There are many other parts of Nassau, however, they are strictly for locals; so there's nothing in the way of attractions, and very little interesting shopping. Anyone looking for a stereo, a pair of jeans or some inexpensive groceries can hop on a number 18 bus from the transit center and head to the Marathon Mall .

However, for sheer energy, activity and entertainment, a visitor could remain in the main three districts of Nassau for an entire vacation without ever getting bored.

Nassau

Nassau, Bahamas, The Information by Rough Guides
Originally a harbour base named Charles Town, NASSAU is the modern-day face of the Bahamas, visited by most everyone who comes down this way, not least for its service as a transport hub. Though dingy in parts, enough historical flavour has been preserved to make such a stop here worthwhile. Much of this atmosphere comes from its development during the so-called Loyalist period from 1787 to 1834, when many of the city's finest colonial buildings were built. Before this build-up, Nassau had largely been a haven for pirates, privateers and wreckers, situated as it was on key shipping routes between Europe and the West Indies.

But it was really the development of the tourist industry here that put Nassau firmly on the map. After alternating periods of decline and prosperity in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, the spike in trade and construction that followed World War II led directly to Nassau's emergence as a global centre for tourism and finance. By the mid-1950s, with the dredging of the harbour and the construction of the international airport, Nassau began to host more than a million visitors a year, and a decade later, after the construction of the Paradise Island Bridge and the development of Cable Beach, the city was receiving twice as many more.

Superb Honeymoon

Four Seasons defines the essence of a superb honeymoon. As a destination setting, for just you two or for your whole party, we make weddings and honeymoons seamless and inspiring. For your first night, we offer a retreat of peace and comfort - with a smooth start for your trip to another Four Seasons honeymoon setting. Or, for your honeymoon with us, we can help you craft every unforgettable detail.

Romantic activities for two

• Romantic candlelight dinner for two in a private cabana at poolside.
• Spa treatment for two in the indoor or outdoor treatment rooms
• Sunset cruise
• Castaway for a day - In this romantic getaway for two, a guide picks you up at the Resort and transports you by boat to a secluded beach on an uninhabited island. There, your own tropical paradise will be set up, including a beach umbrella, two lounge chairs, beach mats and a cooler containing a gourmet picnic lunch, rum and drinks. Snorkel gear, a radio or cell phone and a 27-exposure disposable underwater camera are provided, and upon request the Resort will also provide you with a fish and reef chart. The food and small gear are packed in a keepsake straw beach bag from the Exuma Straw Market. The guide will instruct you on the use of the snorkel gear, show you the best snorkelling locales and take several photos of you before leaving you to yourselves. At an agreed-upon time, the boat will return to pick you up.
  

Ocean Sands, Bahamas

From afar, this could look like an abstract painting, however this spectacular satellite image is of the dunes of sand and seaweed, sculpted by the ocean currents. The fluted, underwater dunes are formed in much the same way as sand dunes in deserts.

Grand Bahama Islands

Located about 50 miles off the coast of Florida are the Grand Bahama Islands. The Grand Bahama Islands feature gorgeous white sand beaches and the popular tourist towns of Freeport and Lucaya. Tourists staying in the Grand Bahama Islands will have golfing, dolphin swims, boating, diving, eco-tours and more to choose from when planning their vacation. The Grand Bahamas are the second most popular tourist destination in the Bahamas (after Nassau), and thanks to its growing popularity looks to retain that popularity.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the Grand Bahamas is through golfing. Golfing in the Grand Bahamas is one the great experiences for any serious golfer. Some of the most beautiful and most difficult golf courses in the world are located on Grand Bahama Island. All-inclusive Grand Bahama Island packages just for golfers are offered by every resort with a golf course on their grounds, and even by many that don’t. All-inclusive Grand Bahama Island packages for golfing will include a preset number of rounds of golf in addition to meals and hotel accommodation. For anyone who plans to play more then one or two games, an all-inclusive Grand Bahama Island package is a great deal.

Many travelers also take Grand Bahamas vacations to take advantage of the great diving and snorkeling available there. Diving sites in the Grand Bahamas include Theo’s Wreck, Treasure Reef, the Caves and the Wall. All of the sites attract an incredible amount of marine life, including tropical fish and marine life. You will be able to book a diving or snorkeling trip through the hotel staff once you arrive, or you can always plan ahead when planning your Grand Bahamas vacations. You can also take advantage of boat rental, fishing tours, and horseback riding trips when you plan your vacation.

For nature lovers and anyone who wants to take a look at a tropical forest, head to Lucayan National Park. Located near Lucaya, Lucayan National Park will cost $3 to enter and is open 7 days a week from 9am to 4pm. The park covers more then 40 acres and is filled with unique tropical flora and fauna. One of the nicest beaches on the island is also located at the park, as is the world’s largest underground freshwater cave system. You can snorkel in the ocean and see a myriad of wonderful sea life. The Parrot Jungle’s Garden of the Grove and the Rand Nature Center are also great options for nature seekers.

For dining and shopping on Grand Bahama vacations you will likely want to head for Freeport. A combination of high end shops and local boutiques round out the Freeport shopping experience. A long list of great local restaurants is also found in Freeport and Lucaya with meals to fit every budget. Getting around on the island is simple. If you plan to stay in the Freeport/Lucaya area, you won’t need to rent a car. If you do plan to explore the lesser known haunts, you might consider renting your own car for a day or the length of your vacation.