Just 100 miles from the Florida coastline, the 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas have been attracting tourists since the 1800s. Their popularity boomed in the 1960s after figuring prominently in the 1965 James Bond hit "Thunderball." Decades later, the Bahamas' appeal hasn't waned - these tropical isles welcome more than 1 million tourists each year. The hardest thing about planning a Bahamian holiday may just be choosing which resorts, attractions, and activities to enjoy.
Best Resort
Both Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler recommend the One and Only Ocean Club as one of the best, most luxurious resorts in the country. Located on Paradise Island, the resort has only 105 guest rooms - although some of these are multi-bedroom villas - but what it lacks in size, it makes up in personalized service and luxurious touches. Guests enjoy 24-hour butler service, private pools, free yoga lessons, and champagne delivered to their rooms each day. Other amenities include tennis courts, 18-holes of golf, a casino, and a full-service spa. The resort also arranges local tours, fishing charters, yacht rentals, and snorkeling and diving adventures.
Best Beaches
Seven hundred islands equal a whole lot of coastline - and a lot of tropical beaches from which to choose. For people-watching, casino action, shopping, and nightlife, head to New Providence Island's Cable Beach, a 4-mile stretch, or Paradise Island's 2-mile Cabbage Beach. Both are bordered by resorts, shops, and glamorous attractions, perfect for those who like to see and be seen.
If a quiet, relaxing beach day is more to your liking, try one of the islands' lesser-known, more isolated beaches. On the island of Eleuthera, Ten Bay Beach offers stunning views and plenty of space to spread out. For even more seclusion and privacy, rent bicycles and ride to Tahiti Beach just outside of Hope Town or cruise across the water to Exumas Island's Saddle Cay.
For a more active beach experience, head to Stocking Island. This tiny isle is ringed by white sand beaches and offers great snorkeling grounds. Swimmers won't want to miss Harbour Island's Pink Sands Beach, famous for its calm, protected seas.
Best Snorkeling
Many Bahamian isles are ringed by coral reefs. These living structures not only create protected water conditions, but also provide a habitat for colorful tropical fish and sea creatures. These factors make the Bahamas a prime snorkeling destination. Some of the best sites include the submerged caverns at Lucyan Caves and Stocking Island and the waters around Grand Bahama Island. Providence and Paradise Islands are surrounded by shallow waters and several ship wrecks. Bimini Island features black coral and dolphins.
Best Diving
Scuba enthusiasts flock to the Bahamas in large part due to the sheer variety of underwater terrain. The Lucyan National Park encompasses 40 acres of protected waters, including a 6-mile system of submerged, freshwater caves that form a habitat for many endemic species. History buffs can head to the waters near Nassau, home to several ship wrecks. Other great spots include Bimini's thriving coral reef systems and the shark wall near New Providence Island.
Best Food
Last, but never least, don't forget to enjoy the Bahamas' native cuisine. Seek out dishes that contain locally sourced ingredients; in the Bahamas, that means fresh seafood such as conch, grouper, and yellowfin tuna. The Rock House on Harbour Island is home to one of the region's most highly acclaimed restaurants. Set in a historic British Colonial style home, this eatery boasts a range of seafood specialties, an impressive wine list, and even a menu just for martinis.
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