The Bahamas resorts are specially tailored to ensure both parents and children will have a trip to remember: Playgrounds, kids clubs, supervised swimming and babysitting services are available for the parents who want to steal away some alone time. The suites offer abundant room to stretch out after the sun and surf without bumping into each other.

If you’re going, consider these family-friendly,  all-inclusive resort opportunities:

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino on Paradise Island caters to every member of the family. There are children’s pool, waterslides and 11 lagoons that are home to 200 different kinds of tropical fish, barracudas, sharks and stingrays.

Atlantis has partnered with The Discovery Channel to create a program to make sure children learn and laugh. It includes crafts, history lessons and a technology lab. Your teens can also hang out at the Club Rush Teen Center: No adults allowed.

Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort located on Grand Bahama Island spans 7.5 acres of immaculate beachfront, with a clubhouse for kids ages 3-12, and a sprawling wading pool and sandbox. Child care is available from the itty-bitties through the toddler-age for a fee, if parents want to relax in the spa or hit the golf course or tennis courts.

The Breezes Bahamas Resort is a Super-Inclusive®, with entertainment, activities, meals and drinks included in the price, so you won’t have to worry about the kids demanding money. But keep in mind, Breezes is only open to children 14 years and up. As a result, the activities cater to a more mature guest, with water-skiing, rock-climbing, volleyball, kayaking, tennis and cycling available.

And the Sheraton Cable Beach Resort on New Providence Island offers a special Camp Junkanoo for kids, ages 3 to 12. This ensures a supervised Bahamas vacation experience, so parents can share some time alone.

Typical Bahamian service (slow to non-existent): coffee pot broken upon checking, new one delivered to room, 30 hours later. Smoke alarm went off when using hair dryer, staff removed smoke alarm and did not replace it. Ceilings in bathroom are mouldy and fan above bed completely filthy. Only beach access through Atlantis, new hotel being built beach this one and the beach. Best thing about this hotel is free use of Atlantis facilities.

This hotel served as a tremendous base for Atlantis vacation. The walk is very short to Atlantis. If you need more than one room, this is the only way to go. The Continental breakfast was more than enough to hold my family of six to well past lunch time. It included bagels, toast, cereal and fruit (usually watermelon) and was more than adequate. We found the staff helpful and friendly although they clearly work on ‘Bahamas time’. The hotel offers free scuba lessons in their pool, has a restaurant which does the trick for lunch (if you want to take a break from Atlantis), and always has taxis waiting if you want to go to Nassau.

It is literally across the street from the entrance to Atlantis and the Atlantis Marina Village which has cute shops and restaurants and is a nice place to walk around at night. We thought it enabled us to experience Atlantis for a lot less than we would if we actually stayed there. In terms of Atlantis, it’s a fun place to go once but is incredibly crowded and Disney-esque. If it’s a busy time at Atlantis, be sure to get towels from one of the Atlantis towel huts before you go back to the Comfort Suites at the end of the day and then come back first thing in the morning (by 7:30) to reserve a beach chair. Bring a personal item (T shirt, toy, flip flop) to mark your chair. It’s extremely annoying but everyone does it and it will ensure that your day will be more pleasant.

Most restaurants were extremely expensive. I recommend getting a food guide and checking prices of the restaurants before going. Most restaurants have the menus on the outside so you can see the prices before going in. Watch your receipts. On Paradise Island a 15% gratuity is already included on most purchases including ice cream and pizza.

The Bahamas also has plenty of water sports and a vibrant night life with plenty of clubs, bars, pubs and cafes for those who enjoy an active night life. Those who are seeking solitude can get plenty of it here on the several deserted islands and virgin beaches. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of the Bahamas is through Bahamas yacht charters. With charter boats to Bahamas one can visit the islands of their choice, do beach hopping and stumble upon some of the most beautiful beaches in the process.

Some of the best places to visit in Bahamas are:

Exumas islands- the Exumas Islands are a string of natural harbors and cays amidst crystal clear waters offering some of the most picturesque secluded beaches. There are a lot of activities to be done here, kayaking, snorkeling, wind surfing, diving or just relaxing on the beaches and watching the waves crashing on the shore. Nassau- the island of Nassau is so alive and vibrant that it can immediately pull anyone into its high energy vibe. Here there are bustling colorful markets, several shopping destinations, grand architecture and some of the best beaches. Paradise Island- the Paradise Island is just what its name suggests, a paradise. The lovely Island’s main feature is the Atlantis resort that has a casino, several restaurants, artificial lagoon and private beaches. The colorful Marina Village is a charming shopping district with houses painted in candy like colors and a pleasant place to stroll. Shroud Cay- the Shroud cay can be an experience like no other. It is a series of several smaller cays that are joined together by creeks. The cays are all surrounded by several waterways here which can only be explored through a boat or a yacht. Wardrick Wells- the Wardrick wells is the ideal place for nature lovers. The Island is rich in local flora and fauna and there are plenty of hiking trails on the island to explore it. The waters here are very clear, perfect for snorkeling.

The Bahamas have hundreds of islands and cays, each one more beautiful than another. The stunning beauty of this place can enchant and capture anyone’s attention.

I really enjoyed my stay here. The food was great, a different theme every night. Bahamian night was our favourite. Rooms were nice although you wont spend much time there, with the pool and swim up bar. I’ll be going back again a year from now and I can’t wait. Recommend the Riu over any of the others I visited while I was on the island.

Down-side: they only have MGD cans of beer, entertainment is ok, but wish they had dancing, and the peddlers, but that is everywhere in the Bahamas. Also fridge in our room did not get very cold. They only stock it every two days as well. This hotel is the best, may not have fancy rooms, but who needs that. I look forward to returning, I miss the place already! It is a much better deal then the hotel next door to the left, which it takes three minutes to walk to and is also worth checking out but not staying at. You will love this place!

They do not offer room service and you are not allowed to bring food out of the restaurants. We would suggest bringing snacks for the times when the restaurants are closed. There is a charge for using the phone in your room (even with a calling card) and they do not have a payphone. We used the payphone at the Atlantis Resort which was just a quick walk next door.

There is a deli/grocery a few blocks away near the Blue Marlin, a good restaurant. Water and snacks are cheaper than the hotel. You’ll save buying T-shirts and things in Nassau. The Green Turtle by the Marina is a nice change of pace with reasonable drinks and a lengthy happy hour.

Watch out for Seagulls when eating outside. Wheel and deal with the waverunner vendors, they come down in price. Straw market is over rated, but you can get good deals on stuff .Also they will harass you to buy, if not interested just say ‘no thank you’. Carry on your souvenirs on the plane; I had some stolen from my luggage. Dolphin Encounter is a must, worth the price to swim with them.

A trip to the Bahamas is like a trip to paradise. This tropical haven is situated about 150 miles east of Miami. Its highlighted attractions include its 700 islands abound with white sand beaches, bright flowers, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Its weather remains at near-perfect temperatures all year round with a thriving resort community.

In addition to its scenic landscapes and matchless weather, the following tourist spots draw visitors to the Bahamas:

Nassau.
Nassau is the nation’s capital. It is located on New Providence Island. This city is a lovely combination of both old world charm and modern amenities. In this city, an array of Bahama attractions are being offered such as preserved colonial buildings mixed in with world class hotels and resorts, countless dining options, shopping, and entertainment.

Nassau through bridge is also connected to Paradise Island which likewise offers some of the most glamorous resorts, dining, and nightlife. It is everything a vacationer will desire in his Bahamas vacation.

Freeport, Grand Bahama Islands
In the Bahamas, the second most popular tourist destination is Freeport, Grand Bahama Islands. Freeport is a city designed to be a modern and vibrant, much similar to Paradise Island but quite contrary from Nassau. This city is the home of several topnotch resorts, two great casinos, great golf courses, and tons of entertainment. Many resorts offer all-inclusive Bahamas vacations with meals, dining, activities and entertainment as part of the package.

Both Nassau and Freeport have international airports making these two cities more accessible. Nassau International Airport and Freeport International Airport are the only airports in the Bahamas that welcome flights from outside the Caribbean. European travelers are advised to connect in Miami for their Bahamas vacations.

Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama is the fourth largest island in Bahamas. This island is known for its enchanting blue sea. Grand Bahama is also abundant in terms of man-made sites and ecological wonders. This popular tourist destination has space for limitless potential for all sorts of Caribbean vacation.

Grand Bahama has a very long stretch of unspoiled white sandy beaches. It has a quiet escape of people around the world, to relax, be far from the buzz of city life, and take time to find oneself again. National parks, endless beaches, emerald green water, underwater caves, and a rich marine life are the main source of attractions.

The Grand Bahama also serves as the seventh heaven for water sports lovers. Jet-skiing, diving, boating, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing are exciting activities here. The Shark Junction is where you can swim with and experience a unique shark encounter. Anyone can take pleasure in shark dives in the crystal clear water. Boating, however, remain as the safest option to explore underwater ecological treasures. Winter however, is the best time to fish in the blue sea of Grand Bahama.

On the other hand, it also offers various world class spa resorts, both for the rejuvenation of body and soul. Its luxurious first class hotels and resorts include The Island Palm Resort, Flamingo Bay Yacht Club and Marina, Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club, Best Western Castaways Resort and Suites, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, and Pelican Bay at Lucaya. Each provides rooms that offer panoramic views of the sea.

And there is more to Bahamas. It is not just all about nature here. Bahamas also has a commercial district where you will find top brands to indulge in your shopping desires. Bahamas truly is the perfect place for your next vacation.

The capital city is Nassau, which is located on the island New Providence, though Andros Island is the largest in the group. The city was a haven for the pirates that sailed the Caribbean, including the famous Blackbeard, and was fought over by several nations, notably Spain and England. The whole region was notorious in legend for pirate activity, and is used as a set for many books and films on the subject.

The pirates even disrupted the area’s government at one point by declaring an anarchic ‘Privateer’s Republic’ and ransacking Charlestown, which would later become Nassau. The islands had been through the hands of the Spanish and they had all but destroyed the native population of Arawak Indians. The British stopped a lot of the trouble when they made the islands a British Crown Colony.

The islands are mostly Christian, with a heavy leaning towards the Protestant church, other denominations being present but in minority. A very small minority practise Obeah and Voodoo, both similar to each other, as spiritualistic folk beliefs.

The Prime Minister of the Bahamas is Perry Gladstone Christie, born 1944, and third Prime Minister of the nation. Christie has earned awards for his efforts in urban renewal and community policing, though has also been in scandal surrounding his political tactics.

The Bahamas’ main industry is tourism, with the island being a massive tourist spot for most western countries. The tropical location and mysterious history make for an ideal spot and a popular place for couples, families and partiers.

By: john

The Bimini island is couple of hundred feet wide and couple of miles long providing most sparkling crystal clear water and visibility in underwater over 80-100 feet. The island of Bimini is between the Great Bahama bank and the Gulf Stream, surrounded with many cays giving view of sparkling water. The island was discovered by Ponce De Leon in early 1500. The island is also world famous for sport fishing, numerous games are organized in this island for locals and tourist.

The two major highway are King and Queen highway. The north Bimini spread into seven miles long which is approximately 11 kilometers and two hundred ten meter wide. The main town on north Bimini is Alice Town, which hosts numerous shops, bars and restaurants around King’s Highway. The south is known for Biological Field Station a extension of University of Miami studying marine ecosystems. The field station is locally known as Shark Lab. In compare to north Bimini the south offers quite setting for those looking spiritual connection. There is small airport on south Bimini to connect with other island and connection to outside world. Popular Activities in Bimini Island are Fishing, Scuba diving, Boating, and Snorkeling.

<ul> <li><b>Facts about Bimini Island</b/></li>

<li>Popular for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.</li> <li>In 1926 a ship named “SS Sapona” went down in water, the top part of ship is visible from air and bottom half is submerged. This site is used by Scuba divers to discover the submerged ship and snjoy scuba diving experience.</li> <li>Part of wood wreckage from SS Sapona was used in building the Angler Hotel on north Bimini.</li> <li>Many songs filmed on Bimini, the popular one are “I Love You” Bimini.</li> <li>The last film scene in “The Silence of Lamb” was filmed on north Bimini.</li> <li>The 500 pound Blue Marlin was caught off the coast on Bimini Island.</li> <li>Famous for big fishing events.</li> <li>Bimini (Bi-mini) also means Mother of many water.</li></ul>

<b>How to get in Bimini Island</b>

The new airport is in south Bimini, tourist can take TAXI or private cars from airport to nearest ferry. The time taken by ferry from south Bimini to north Bimini is five minutes, where the major attraction is. You can reach to Bimini, either by Sea plane, air plane or by boats, if you are adventurous take sea route.

The best way to explore Bimini is either on foot, bicycle or golf cart. That is all you need to explore north Bimini. While you can eat, shop and drink around King’s highway where most of shops are located and then head to Queens highway where most of the beaches are. Best time to visit Bimini is April to July, when seas are calm and it is perfect for fishing and scuba diving. Most of the tourist visit during this period.

It’s the natural beauty that is being left loose in the Grand Bahama Island. The beaches, the mesmerizing views, water sports, cruises and many more is available for the tourists to have a wonderful time here. There is no doubt in it that Grand Bahamas Island has one of the most awesome looking beaches of the world. Just imagine you lying on the beach and having a sun bath or enjoying your favorite water sport. A mere mention of these ideas starts cooling the mind and refreshing wave vibes in your body. The Grand Bahamas Island has so much to offer that your vacations at this place can the most memorable experience.

Grand Bahamas Island is a home of some of the attractive looking destinations that offer every type of comfort and relaxation activities to the tourists. Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini and Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, Inagua and San Salvador are few of the breathtaking places and that one must visit. Well, Grand Bahamas Island has about 700 small islands in it, but only around 30 are inhabited. It’s the best place to check out and experience the real fun. In fact, well planned Grand Bahamas Island vacations can double your joy of holidaying.

Are you really crazy about water sports? Do you love going for fishing and enjoying the view? Then Grand Bahamas Island is the perfect choice for you as there is everything that you could wish for. As far as commuting is concerned, you can take an hour long flight from Florida and then can move on to the selected destination on small ships. Grand Bahamas Island is the traveler’s paradise and has everything for the visitors. After all, it’s the natural beauty that has the magnetic power of attracting tourists and Grand Bahamas Island has this in abundance.

The main thing while coming to Grand Bahamas Island is that you need to have a proper holiday package. You are required to sit with your travel agent and discuss about your requirements. The travel agent would have every type of range for you to suit your budget. No matter what is the range, you can enjoy the Grand Bahamas Island. Who do not wish to give themselves some special time to indulge? Moreover, everybody in this world has the right to have some luxurious time for him or herself.

Now is the best time to be planning a Bahamas family vacation. Make plans now so that when the weather turns cold your family goes south for a tropical paradise all families will enjoy.

The Bahamas are located off the coast of Florida. The islands are located near the Atlantic Gulf Stream making the water temperature an average of a pleasant 80 degrees year around. Think of how wonderful that will seem when the weather where you live is frigid.

The beaches are white and sandy with more water activities than you can even begin to think of. Swim with the dolphins, snorkel along the reef, or scuba dive with the sea creatures. Brilliant colors combined with sun, fresh air and the beautiful sea will create memories that will always be remembered. There are four towers that make up the Atlantis Hotel. The Royal Towers is the largest tower with 1,201 rooms and beautiful water views. All of the standard rooms have French balconies while the suites have full ones. You have your choice of King or double queen beds. This tower includes the sumptuous bridge suite with over 5000 square feet of space and is suspended 17 stories in the air.

The Coral Towers, home of the Kids Club has 656 deluxe rooms with many amenities decorated in a contemporary, relaxed style. The atrium has a lounge with a waterfall and a domed skylight. Your rooms view can be the Terrace or the sea. Here your choice for beds is a king or two doubles. This is much small then the Royal Tower. At the Kids Club children over 3 years and at least 48 inches tall can experience the thrill of feeding the fish in the Estuary Lagoon. They select five children a day to participate in this activity. Register your children at the Atlantis Kids Club for a chance for one of the spots. This activity is done Tuesday thru Saturday at 2:30 pm. There are two rules, the kids must have water shoes and be able to get into the lagoon without the aid of a parent.

Then there is the beach tower which is more moderately priced. The rooms, all 423 of them, are decorated in a tropical decor. Here you can choose from king or two double beds with Terrace or water views.

Then there is the truly elegant Harborside that has 392 villas. These villas can house four to ten guests. They have one, two or three bedroom options. Each has a kitchen and separate living and bedroom areas. Each villa has a balcony but the views are not guaranteed. It features a fitness room, a zero entry pool, children’s pool and 2 whirlpools. Guests at the Harborside have full privileges at Atlantis with a free shuttle services. There is lovely, relaxed dining on the Harbour front.

If you like to gamble there is one casino on Cable Beach and another one at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. The casino at Atlantis spans a seven acre lagoon with skylights and windows bringing the scenery inside. Dale Chihuly, who makes famous glass sculptures, designed the casino with vibrant colorful energy. You will find 78 gaming tables including, Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat and Baccarat. And of course, what casino would be without Craps, Roulette, Let It Ride and Caribbean Stud Poker. This being the Caribbean largest casino there are over 800 slot machines for the casino patrons to use.

They have three dining options available. The Gourmet plan which costs $92.00 per day for adults and $40.00 per day for children gives you the most choices. You can get a full American breakfast at each of five restaurants: Seagrapes, Marketplace, Water’s Edge, Café at the Great Hall of Waters and Murray’s deli. For dinner you have a whopping 12 places to choose from: Seagrapes or Water’s Edge, Mama Loo’s, Seafire Steakhouse, Bahamian Club, Fathoms, Marketplace, Nobu, Café at the Great Hall of Waters, Carmines, Café Martinique or Dune. Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée, a selection of one dessert; tea, soda, or coffee. Reservtions are required in all Gourmet restaurants.

The modified American Plan offers relaxed dining with no reservations. The cost for this plan is $59.00 per day for adults and $28.00 for children. Here you are offered a full American breakfast daily in a choice of four restaurants: Seagrapes, Marketplace, Water’s Edge, and Murray’s Delicatessen. For dinner you have a choice of seven restaurants: Seagrapes or Water’s Edge, Atlas Grill & Bar, Marketplace, Murray’s Delicatessen, Bimini Road and the Point at Harborside Resort. Dinner includes a choice of an appetizer; soup or salad; one entrée; a selection of one dessert; tea, soda, or coffee.

Atlantis Guests dining on either plan at Seagrapes, Marketplace and Water’s Edge for breakfast and Seagrapes and Marketplace for dinner will enjoy a variety of selections available from the buffet.

Or you can opt for the no Meal plan and plan your meals on your own.

These are some of the highlights of the Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island, a truly great place to spend a family vacation. While you are there don’t forget to visit the straw market. Have fun.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.WorldHotelPortal.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net

Stunning! This is what comes forth from the tourists visiting one of the most picturesque places on planet earth. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches, Freeport Bahamas is worth visiting and then cherishing the moments forever. Crystal clear waters, palm lined shores and enchanting coral reefs are what defines Bahamas vacation for you. Of particular mention are the Xanadu beach and the Paradise cove because of their isolated landscape. This is the very feature that makes these beaches particularly attractive for the tourists as they are able to savor the moments of solitude with themselves. There are host of other activities which make Bahamas a grand tourist destination to arrive at.

Visiting Freeport Bahamas is simply put, out of the world experience. The beaches are desolated due to the excessively hot summer months, which makes visiting them more of a problem than any thing else. So, it is advised to visit the place in more favorable months when it rains and makes the atmosphere somewhat pleasant. For the adventure seekers, there are innumerable activities to do, or one can simply lie on the beach watching the sailing boats go by. Besides, there are multiple activities in which one can participate like bingo, scavenger huts and many more. In Freeport Bahamas, one can visit Paradise Cove which is another breathtaking place complete with rocks lining the coastline. What sets it apart form other places in Bahamas is its thick white sand and the coral reefs which are definitely enchanting.

Endless activities await one at Freeport Bahamas including jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving etc. One can also participate in kayaking, biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and other interesting activities which keep you enthralled. Avoid the summer months as the temperature can be extremely stifling for travelers and instead opt for the more pleasant month of spring. While in Bahamas, you can either snorkel or scuba dive amongst some of the enchanting coral reefs thriving in marine life. Charges are relatively affordable for the tourists visiting the place about which the details can be accessed from hotel you are putting in. For $35, it includes the 20 mile bus trip to the place and back. You will also be provided with snorkeling gear, lunch and an access to the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Now comes the accommodation part. Royal Islander Hotel is nice accommodation to begin the tour and a pool, bar and a restaurant are its attractive features. The room prices are rather cheap by any means and are only charged $38 a night. Other lovely hotels in Lucaya such as Sheraton at ‘Our Lucaya’ and Westin at ‘Our Lucaya’ can also be approached for their class facilities. As far as the pubs are concerned they are few in number and it is better to try some of the good restaurants at Freeport. In Port Lucaya, the food is simply superb and the location on the bay, rather nice. The atmosphere is quite soothing for the nerves of tired souls and the prices are rather modest by any means. Freeport Bahamas is also famous for Sire’s bar and restaurant which are excellent in standard and maintenance. Ambience at the bar is cozy and the moods are lifted once the night music session begins. So, be prepared to come face to face with pristine nature, which is a lifetime experience for most of the tourists.