Find it all in Paradise

Pirates and parades

Once a pirate stronghold and hub for smugglers, the modern-day capital of Nassau is bursting with distinctive architecture and cultural landmarks. At Fort Fincastle, visitors can explore relics of the 1700s and take in views from the top of Bennett’s Hill. Meanwhile, sites such as Fort Charlotte and Fort Montague also offer sweeping views and an insight into American military history. But the real heartbeat of Bahamian culture is Junkanoo, a lively street parade that makes Nassau come alive with the sound of music and dancing. It’s held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with events across the region’s resorts, plus, clients can learn more at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum and the new Museum of Junkanoo.

Island spirit

Across both Nassau & Paradise Island, clients can base themselves at about 20 resorts in the area, which include family‑friendly Atlantis PICTURE: Alexander Quel Paradise Island and The Cove at Atlantis; the upscale Grand Hyatt and Rosewood in Baha Mar; or for a couples getaway, Goldwynn Resort and Sandals Royal Bahamian, which offer high-end seclusion, for the perfect Bahamian break. The resorts feature more than nine restaurants led by celebrity chefs, meaning clients can tuck into everything from gourmet French cuisine at Café Boulud at Rosewood Baha Mar to tasty Italian at Atlantis Paradise Island’s Carmine’s.

There’s local fare to be found too, such as cracked conch or spiny lobster at local restaurants and food trucks. Those keen to level up their skills can get hands-on at Graycliff Culinary Academy or get the tastebuds tingling on a free tour of John Watling’s Distillery. Housed in the 18th‑century Buena Vista Estate, it offers a dose of history with every sip of hand-produced rum. And to wrap the region’s culinary highlights into one, combine fresh flavours and talented chefs at the region’s annual Wine and Food Festival, or the vibrant Baha Mar Culinary Festival.

Unwind in Paradise

It’s easy for clients to make the most of the warm weather in Nassau & Paradise Island. They can go snorkelling or dolphin-spotting off Cable Beach and the Blue Lagoon, or paddleboard around the clear waters of Rose Island. Visiting families can explore three major water parks on Paradise Island: Atlantis’s Aquaventure, encompassing almost 60 hectares of slides, pools and splash parks; Baha Bay with plenty of children’s zones and the beach at Baha Mar; and Fins Up at Margaritaville, which combines surf simulators, lazy rivers and laid-back vibes.

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PICTURES: Alexander Quel