By Susan Maphis
The Bahamas is the perfect vacation spot for families, couples, friends or individuals. With its laid-back, relaxing attitude, it's hard not to let yourself go while visiting the islands of the Bahamas.
Accommodations for Families
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach
If you're looking for an all-inclusive vacation for the whole family, choose Viva Wyndham Fortuna beach. In addition to including accommodations and meals, drinks and snacks, their all-inclusive rate covers a children's program with daily activities, swimming and a mini disco. Also offered under the all-inclusive rate are water and land sports, daily activities for adults, nightly activities for adults, and more. Rates average $300 per day per family in season.
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach
Doubloon Road & Churchill Drive
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Bahamas
(242) 373-4000
http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/FPOVF/main.wnt
Accommodations for Couples
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
All-inclusive resorts also are available strictly for couples. One of the best is Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa resort & Offshore Island. This adults-only, couples-only resort also gives visitors access to a private island. The all-inclusive rate covers deluxe accommodations, meals, drinks, snacks, white glove service at resort restaurants, one themed late-night culinary experience per week, pools, steam baths, saunas, health and beauty spa, land sports, and much more. Rates at start at $642 a day per couple in season.
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
West Bay Street
Cable Beach
Nassau, Bahamas
(866) 538-0187
http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home.cfm
Activities
Blue Lagoon Island
A few activities not to be missed during your Bahamian trip are: Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island, offering up-close and personal dolphin swimming experiences for all ages; and Grand Bahama Nature Tours, which conducts eco-friendly tours of the island. Dolphin Encounters charges $50 for adults and $35 for kids, while the Nature Tours start at $79 per person.
Dolphin Encounters
Blue Lagoon Island
Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas
(866) 918-9932
http://www.dolphinencounters.com/island-all.php
Grand Bahama Nature Tours
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Bahamas
(866) 440-4542
http://www.grandbahamanaturetours.com/
Attractions
Great-horned owl at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center
One of the attractions not to be missed in the Bahamas is the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center. This 5 1/2 acre jungle park houses birds and mammals, many of which are endangered species. At admission prices of just $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids, this is the perfect attraction for families.
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center
P.O. Box N-4882
Nassau, Bahamas
(242) 323-5806
http://www.ardastra.com/
Food
Some Bahamian specialties visitors should sample include crawfish, conch, land crabs and fish, usually included in stews, fish and grits, chowders and salads. Other popular foods eaten in the Bahamas are Johnny cakes, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad and peas and rice; and desserts such as Guava duff. A great place to sample all of this Bahamian food is Pisces Restaurant.
Pisces Restaurant
P.O. Box F-40486
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Bahamas
(242) 373-5192
http://www.the-bahamas-restaurants.com/pisces/index.html
Resources
About the Author:
Susan Maphis has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years. She specializes in travel, parenting and education, among other subjects. Her work has been published on various sites, including Upscalebaby.com, Freshtrends.com, XYZMedia.net, IndustrialQuill.com, Beachvacationstoday.com and Overstat.com. Maphis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from West Chester University.
