McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK

Features

May 23, 2009

How about the Bahamas?

By Joy Crutchfield

There is a place where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream regulate average temperatures to a blissful 89 to 74 degrees in August and a balmy 79 to 63 degrees in December. This haven for winter weary Americans is located just shouting distance from the Florida coast; it’s called the Islands of the Bahamas.

The 29 idyllic Islands of the Bahamas are rather low and flat, with a subtropical climate.

Tourism is the number one driving force in their economy so there is an amazing array of adventures for every age group.

Is anyone up for world class diving in crystal clear water? How about deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing, or snorkeling? Scuba? What have I forgotten? If it can be done in or on the water, the Islands of the Bahamas offer it to you.

There’s duty free shopping, an energetic night life, casinos, ruins, and more to experience in this British Commonwealth nation where English is the official language.

Beaches in the Bahamas are among the most beautiful and most expensive in the world. Owning a piece of the Bahamas is limited to the ultra rich, but the average American traveler can also enjoy the white sand and turquoise surf. Many major American cities offer daily flights into the Bahamas. Most Americans elect to stay on either Paradise Island or New Providence Island, home to Nassau, the capital city.

The number one tourist destination in the Bahamas is the Atlantis Resort. Located on Paradise Island, this mega resort employs over 6,000 Bahamians; it’s the largest employer in the country next to their government.

With room accommodations in four different areas within the resort, you may select the most moderately priced Beach Tower rooms, the most luxurious and upscale Royal Tower Rooms, or even concierge level rooms within the Royal Tower.

There are also one and two bedroom villas, and a relaxed contemporary tower. There are 17 restaurants, 18 lounges and clubs, a theater, conference center, and a library.

A favorite with families is the “Discovery Channel Camp”, and of course the shops. There is also a casino, a marina, “Neptune’s Water Toys”, the “Great Hall of Waters”, the Dig, the Mandara Spa, the Mayan Temple and a Sports Center.

As I said, it’s a mega-resort.

There are also other resorts in Nassau and on Paradise Island with names Americans recognize immediately, such as Sheraton, Wyndham, Breezes, Riu and Sandals.

When you are too sunburned for yet another day on the beach, go over to Fort Fincastle, built in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer in 1789. You’ll also want to climb the Queens Staircase, 66 steps, one for each year of Victoria’s reign, to the Water Tower for a beautiful view of Nassau and the harbor from the highest point on the island.

On Paradise Island you don’t want to miss the Versailles Gardens, beautifully appointed with statues, fountains, elegant terraces, and French cloisters. Built in the 14th Century by Augustinian monks, the cloisters were shipped to The Bahamas 600 years later and reconstructed stone by stone.

American Citizens need a passport for entry into the Bahamas. American currency is use freely throughout the islands.

For years the islands were a haven for pirates, such as Blackbeard. Today, the islands are a haven for sun and sand seekers from all over the world.

Joy Gawf Crutchfield owns The Joy of Travel. Call her at (918) 618-4041.

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