Bahamas; Why Didn't I Purchase That Stretch of Island Beach Thirty Five Years Ago??
Written: Nov 16 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clear waters for excellent snorkeling opportunities
Cons: I don't get there often enough.
The Bottom Line: In thirty five years I have seen incredible changes in the infrastructure and fine resorts in the Bahamas. Bahamians are pretty cool people too.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Bahamas |
The first time I was ever in the Bahamas was for a lands sales deal when my wife and I were both twenty three. That was thirty five years ago. We had been hanging around Miami Beach for a few days and we were approached when coming off a tour. For a fee of $30 were were flown to Freeport, taken on a tour of the beaches, had lunch in a casino, gambled a bit, did the straw market and flew back to Miami. We never did buy land but we have returned to those islands that were covered with scrub pines then and now have so much more in palm trees and incredibly beautiful resorts. Perhaps I should have invested my US dollars way back then.
What I can tell you about the islands now is that they are still close by the US (not that they are moving anywhere soon) and the beaches are beautiful and the resorts among the finest in the world. The waters also seem to be the clearest of any I have experienced in the Caribbean. The fact is, these islands are not part of the Caribbean but in the Atlantic further north off the Florida coast consisting of over 700 islands that make up a 100,000 sq. mile archipelago.
Some of the best snorkeling I ever did was in Nassau in the Bahamas when we went out with Stuart Cove's Aqua Adventures. I was spellbound by the clarity of the water and the beauty of the coral that happens to be part of the world's third largest coral reef. We had an absolutely very cool encounter with sharks on that trip. For those who like wreck diving, the Bahamas is tops in that regard too.
I like that I could get a taste of the history of the islands through its old structures and museums. Many high end stores now fill the bottom levels of some of the old structures. Names like Rolex, Gucci, Cartier, Bvlgari and Coach can be found in Nassau where cruise lines have a port-of-call. We experienced this area and though I wasn't overly impressed, it was a fine change of pace one afternoon from staying at a Sandals Resort just outside of town. We absolutely loved that stay.
On the other side of Nassau is the huge island complex of Paradise Island.
This whole area of Nassau is growing in leaps and bounds. On the west side of Nassau a three partner plan that includes Baha Mar Resorts Ltd., Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts plan to build the areas largest casino, many more hotels and a Jack Nicholas designed golf course. In addition an eco-park along with expanded beach, spa and pool additions are all planned. This started this year and will hopefully be completed by 2010. Many of the Cable Beach hotels including the Radisson hotel, Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino, have been purchased by these three players. Rumor has it many will be leveled. Huge new resorts with many more casinos will be built soon. I do have to mention that the airport situation in Nassau cannot accommodate the amount of people going through now. Hopefully they will be expanding too.
All said, I like the Bahamas. That's mostly for the clear water snorkeling, fine resorts, clean beaches and warm Bahamian people.
This is a contribution to Sleeper's Lean-n-mean VI and to kamel622's EpiWriMo Write-Off
Sandals Royal Bahamian Our five star choice
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center Bahamas
Stuart Cove's Aqua Adventures Excellent Snorkeling
Nassau International Airport
Foder's Bahamas Guide
Recommended:
Yes
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