Why The Bahamas May Be The Right Caribbean Vacation For You – Forbes

When you think of the Caribbean, you think of white sand beaches, crystal clear calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back lifestyle. While it sounds idyllic, people can be slightly disappointed with their first visit to some Caribbean islands. Many islands can seem very expensive with old-fashioned hotels and often varied service levels compared to what you would get in other places. Infrastructure such as roads can be underdeveloped as well.

However, The Bahamas is very different from many of the Caribean islands. For a start, it's not actually part of the Caribbean in terms of geography as it's actually in the Atlantic. However, politically it is part of the Caribbean, as it is a member of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community.

Pastel coloured waterfront houses in Nassau

Entering the Bahamas is relatively straightforward, although there are some changes to be aware of. From 27 December, fully vaccinated travellers and children between the ages of 2 and 11 will require a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Unvaccinated travellers, aged 12 and over, must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.

From 7 January, all travellers aged 2 and older must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. You can check the current restrcitions on the Ministry of Tourisms website.

Many hotels in the Caribbean are smaller independent hotels with some larger hotels such as all-inclusive or chain options. The Bahamas has a wide range of sophisticated choices that are modern and well maintained. The latest resorts to be built include Baha Mar and Margaritaville.

Baha Mar Resort

The Baha Mar resort consists of a Grand Hyatt, Rosewood for those seeking the ultimate luxury retreat, and an SLS Hotel, which is more aimed at the luxury party crowd. All the resorts are connected around a casino, golf course and water park, but each hotel has its own pool and beach areas. The hotel is more reminiscent of a Vegas resort than the usual Caribbean hotel. Rooms are very modern and luxurious with friendly and efficient service. Being grouped together gives guests 40 restaurants, bars, and cafes on the resort to choose from, such as the beautiful decor and tasty food of the Shuang Ba Chinese restaurant.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar pool

Another large resort is the original Atlantis Resort, built before the Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. While many may think of this resort as more suited to families, there is actually a gorgeous adults-only hotel within the resort. The Cove has all-suite accommodation and an adults-only pool for peace and quiet. This gives the best of both worlds as you can retreat to the Cove to relax but have all the Atlantis attractions a few minutes' walk away.

The Cove adults only pool at Atlantis Bahamas

In addition, the resort offers a water park, aquarium, casino, snorkeling in a man-made lagoon, and many high-end restaurants such as Nobu, Todd English's Olives, and Fish by Jose Andres.

The Cove Azure Suite at Atlantis Bahamas

The boutique hotel and restaurant Graycliff in Nassau is at the opposite end of the spectrum. This historic colonial mansion is set in lush tropical gardens with 18 classically decorated guest rooms, two swimming pools, and Graycliff Restaurant the Caribbean's first 5-star restaurant. The building was once an 18th-century pirates headquarters! Even if you don't fancy staying here, you must try one of their wine lunches or dinners if you love fine dining and wine.

One of the gorgeous mosiac pools at the historic Graycliff Nassau

The hotel has the world's fourth-largest wine cellar with over 250,000 bottles from over 5000 vintners in 20 countries. So if you don't fancy a full meal there, you can also do a wine and cheese pairing with a cellar tour. Also onsite is their own winery, a chocolate factory, and a cigar factory. Also in Nassau, the Queens Staircase or 66 Steps are surrounded by lush gardens and take you to Fort Fincastle.

If nature is more your thing, you can visit the Exumas by plane or boat to see the famous swimming pigs and enjoy the deserted white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The Exumas are made up of 365 islands, and besides the legendary pigs, there is also the Chat & Chill Beach bar only accessible by boat, underwater caves for snorkeling, and nurse sharks to see.

Swimming pigs of the Bahamas in the Out Islands of the Exuma

If you fancy something with less traveling, you can swim with pigs in several locations, including the private island, Rose Island with the Sandy Toes experience. Only around 30 minutes by boat from Nassau, the island provides all modern facilities for a day visit, such as full bathroom facilities and freshwater showers, shaded areas, lunch, and even a hammock garden!

The Bahamas is now easier to visit from the UK as Virgin Atlantic recently introduced flights to the Bahamas from Heathrow, joining British Airways who offer flights from London Gatwick. Virgin Atlantic offers a twice-weekly on the airline's Boeing 787-9 aircraft with their iconic onboard bar in Upper Class. British Airways flies six times a week on their Boeing 777, which features the new Club Suite on certain flights, although currently, this is subject to change, so it's best not to book based on seat or aircraft type.

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Why The Bahamas May Be The Right Caribbean Vacation For You - Forbes