TRAVEL GUIDE: BAHAMAS

When Christopher Columbus happened upon the Island of San Salvador, one of 700 islands that litter the 100,000-square-mile archipelago that comprises the Bahamas, he called the area "baja mar," or The Islands of the Shallow Sea. The tropical paradise he “discovered” is a playground of incredible diversity. It's a great vacation spot for water sports and weddings, sailing and swimming, fishing and frolicking at the beach.

HOTEL REVIEWS

TOP 10 CARIBBEAN HOTELS
One & Only Ocean Club
Luxury villas, a holistic spa, and a Versailles garden provide relaxation at The One & Only Ocean Club. Thrill seekers can engage in a round of golf, watersports, or a trip to the nearby Atlantis casino.

IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort
Soak up the luxuries offered at this sprawling resort that boasts acres of sand beaches, championship golf, a full spa, a kids' club and even a casino.

THE FOUND CONTINENT
Atlantis Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas
This modern-day Atlantis incorporates water into nearly every experience, from bedrooms overlooking the sea to the restaurant with its floor to ceiling aquarium view.

CASUAL CARIBBEAN LIVING
Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort
The family-friendly and casual Westin shares an expansive resort complex with its more upscale sister hotel, the Sheraton (see above).

AFFORDABLE REOSRT LIVING
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour
Located on 52 acres on Abaco's Marsh Harbour, this destination---just a short ferry ride from Hope Town---offers quiet private beaches, sports fishing and casual but classy accommodations.

SPAS

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
Top Spas
Find out about our three favorite wellness escapes in the Bahamas as well as many luxe spas in other parts of the Caribbean.

TRAVEL FEATURES

BONEFISHING ADVENTURE
The Old Men and the Sea
Read about an exceptional fishing expedition, the kind usually only available to a happy few aficionados such as former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

THE AWAKENING
Grand Bahama Island
After years of mixed fortune, Grand Bahama Island has made a comeback and is experiencing a new beginning. The ingredients making up the island are there to please any taste; there's something for golfers, gamblers, deep-sea fishers, bonefishers or newlyweds.

TOP 10 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS
Nassau
Nassau Paradise Island in the Bahamas not only has the requisite pink sand and turquoise waters, but also offers the greatest variety of places to eat, nightlife, and resorts. Stroll the cobblestone streets, indulge in watersports, shop for traditional Bahamian handicrafts, or sip cocktails overlooking the ocean.

The Best of the Caribbean

For more travel information, visit the official Ministry
of Tourism site, www.bahamas.com

Guides for other parts of the world

(Updated: 03/09/11 CT)

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