With new flights available to the Bahamas, its 700 tropical islands and cays are more alluring than ever – iNews

Being spoiled for choice even after you have decided upon a destination is a nice position to be in. This is where I found myself in the Bahamas a desirable option for winter sun thanks to new twice-weekly Virgin Atlantic direct flights that have opened up greater access from the UK. With more than 700 islands and cays and 16 island destinations trailing over 760 miles around the same length as Italy the Bahamas is not your average fly-and-flop tropical destination.

Just a few hundred miles south of Florida, the archipelago is as much a quick fix for sun-seeking Americans as it is a refuge for the rich and famous, and it is easy to see why. An abundance of islands means an abundance of choice. Divers can explore the worlds third-largest barrier reef off Andros. Romantics can enjoy blissful seclusion on Eleuthera a pencil-thin island of wild beauty.

Inagua, the raw and untouched southernmost islands, consist largely of protected national parks, home to more than 80,000 flamingos and 140 species of native migratory birds. And on Grand Bahama, the northernmost island, is Coral Vita, the worlds first land-based commercial coral farm. The initiative gives crucial new life to dying ecosystems and was awarded Prince Williams inaugural Earthshot Prize last year.

Nassau the capital and, just offshore from it, Paradise Island are the gateway to the archipelago. Opt for an immediate departure for barefoot luxury on the remote islands, where A-listers such as Johnny Depp and Shakira own hideaways, or establish a base at one of the more affordable, large resorts here.

Resort need not put you off, though, since all requirements are catered for. The pink confection of Atlantis Paradise Island (replicated in Dubai) is one of the most iconic properties in the region. Its six hotels unfurl from the heart-of-the-action Royal Hotel, surrounded by the Aquaventure water park.

Three sweeping beaches allow for peace and tranquillity. Cementing its reputation, musician Pharrell Williams recently announced plans to open a resort at Atlantis next year Somewhere Else will feature tropical modernist design with cascading pools and landscaped gardens.

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar one of a trio of hotels in the Baha Mar complex manages to marry a Las Vegas-style mega-resort feel with low-key island charm. It becomes easy to forget the sheer size as you enjoy the picture-perfect location and natural beauty. Those looking for entertainment will find it in abundance.

Others will enjoy simply sipping on Bahama Mamas from a private poolside cabana. The food offering, across 20 eateries, is world class.

Venture beyond the resorts and the benefits of a base in Nassau are numerous. Bay Street, downtown, is the oldest thoroughfare in the region. Pastel-coloured buildings line the bustling street, home to the historic Parliament building and artisan Straw Market.

Conch is an ever-present staple on menus across the islands, but there are few places better to enjoy it than Potters Cay, where fishing boats from the Out Islands arrive daily with their bounty. Tourists and Bahamians mingle over ice-cold Kalik beer to enjoy fresh conch cooked in a multitude of ways from the dozens of colourful shacks on the waterfront.

Another social highlight is meeting volunteer Bahamians during a People-to-People Experience. The programme of activities, hosted by residents, includes a hosted tea party at Nassaus historic Government House, a visit to a fish fry on Arawak Cay and a delightful sip-sip session (a good old chat among friends).

In spite of their liberally sprinkled geography, it is easy to explore islands from Nassau and Paradise Island, and one of the most popular day trips is island-hopping around the Exumas.

A speedboat takes you past eye-opening coastal mansions to wide-open seas. After an exhilarating hour, the first of the 365 islands of the Exumas comes into view. They are exquisite, with secluded white beaches, deserted cays and sapphire-blue waters that are so brightly coloured they are said to be visible from space.

Our boat stopped at Iguana Island before heading to private Ship Channel Cay an idyllic spot for snorkelling and the popular swimming-with-pigs experience and a lesson in how to make a fresh conch salad, before whiling away the afternoon taking in the surrounding beauty from the comfort of a sun lounger. The only choice to be made now? Which island to visit next.

The best time to visit is from November to mid-April.

Virgin Atlantic flies direct between Heathrow and Nassau twice a week with return fares from 625,virginatlantic.com

Seven nights at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar with Virgin Atlantic from 1,410pp. Seven nights at the Cove at The Atlantis from 2,014pp,virginholidays.co.uk

Fully vaccinated arrivals and children aged two-11 must present a negative antigen test (three days); unvaccinated arrivals must present a negative PCR test result.

All travellers must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa in advance of travel, which is free for vaccinated arrivals and under-10s and $50 for unvaccinated.bahamas.com

Read more from the original source:

With new flights available to the Bahamas, its 700 tropical islands and cays are more alluring than ever - iNews