| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 54 |
| Copyright: Other |
The Bahamas
Beach life and betting trip comes up trumps
What’s your idea of paradise? Is it the bright lights, showbiz glitz and 24-hour culture of Las Vegas or do you think of the tranquillity of a desert island?Well, if you’re like me and want a bit of both then the aptly named Paradise Island in the Bahamas should be able to satisfy both the gambler and sun worshipper within you.
Previously called Hog Island – its name was changed to make it sound more appealing as a tourist destination – it lies across the harbour from Nassau, the capital of the main Bahamian island, New Providence. The cheapest – if not the easiest – way of getting there is by walking over the spectacular arching bridge linking the island with Nassau.
As soon as you step foot on Paradise Island you notice the distinct atmosphere. Neon lights up the sky, the smells from dozens of restaurants waft through the air while the streets are filled with excited chatter. This is the centre of New Provident nightlife.
The skyline, and pretty much everything else, on this four-mile long, half-mile wide island is dominated by the mega-resort Atlantis which stretches along much of Casino Drive, along with a number of the other major hotel complexes and most of the nightlife.
If you’re feeling lucky and you have a few dollars to spare, Paradise Island casino is a classier version of some of the Las Vegas gambling pits.
The casino theatre has a Vegas-style revue with the usual beautiful befeathered women in G-strings, high heels and even higher-dance kicks but the enthusiasm of the crowd makes this a cut above the rest.
The liveliest nightspot, and one of the best places to people watch is the Sports Bar near the casino. It’s popular with both locals and tourists and has live music, pool tables and shows every sport under the sun.
Most of the hotels on the island have their own clubs but if you want something other than ear-splitting techno beats check out Le Paon at the Radisson. It has a sophisticated ambience and live bands.
After a night of partying, Paradise Island offers the perfect hangover cure – white sand to relax on and turquoise sea to cool off in.
Atlantis’ 14-acre man-made lagoon splits the island in two and is home to over 14,000 tropical fish, live coral and 100 sharks. Water skiing, diving or paragliding can be done at Cabbage Beach but cheaper, at $25 and as enjoyable, is snorkelling above the coastal coral.
Darren Hayes experiences beach life in Paradise Island and enjoys the glamour if itsLas Vegas-style casinos
Fun in the sun: drummers provide the entertainment for sun worshippers in the BahamasAtlantis: dominates Paradise Island