Tag Archives: Bahamas

Luxury Eco Resorts in the Bahamas Out Islands

September 9, 2024

There’s nothing like a little sand between your toes when you’re in a place where barefoot elegance is the norm. These three eco-minded retreats offer off-the-grid experiences where relaxation and indulgence intertwine seamlessly, environmental ethics are upheld, and luxury thrives.

Kamalame Cay

Andros Island

At Kamalame, you’ll walk down white sand paths edged in conch shells to the Tiki Bar for bites and cocktails or a magnificent dinner at the Great House, an Asian Caribbean-inspired menu with a wine selection so extensive that they come over from Nassau just for the food and drink. You’ll find breakfast baskets delivered to your door each morning, private dining along the shores, multi-course wine-paired dinners, full moon dinner parties, and specialty excursions to nearby islets for picnics and romantic interludes. Socializing is huge here and includes house-hopping cocktail engagements where homeowners and hotel guests mingle like long- time friends. Gorgeous, untouched beaches, a gracious island lifestyle, and a respite from the outside world are a big part of Kamalame Cay. Here, you can discover nature, enjoy active adventures, or just soak in the tranquility.

The freshwater pool at Kamalame Cay invites a cool swim after a day on the ocean. Photo: Danilo Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

This private 96-acre escape is set on a skinny slither of land that sits near the world’s third- largest barrier reef to the east. The west is flanked by a narrow channel separating the resort from the main island of Andros, the largest and least developed island in the Bahamas. Exploration includes walks down the three-mile- long buttermilk sandy shoreline, uncovering secluded coves and private spots for sunning, biking along the sandy road, or kayaking the mangroves and sea. Active types will find reef and bone fishing and even lionfish spearing excursions. PADI-certified pros offer diving and snorkeling trips where 100-foot visibility unveils the region’s abundance of marine life. And when relaxation and rejuvenation are in order, the overwater spa will deliver. Five treatment rooms hang over the lagoon’s turquoise waters, offering the sounds of the sea as background tunes during your session.

Exterior of the 1,400-square-foot Dorado villa featuring a full kitchen and direct beach access. Photo: Kamalame Cay

Launched in 1996 by the Hew family, which has multiple generations of experience living in the West Indies, they know a bit about the elegant and authentic Caribbean lifestyle. Gracious family members are hosts and dinner companions, creating a feeling of visiting a private home. The property grew over the years by adding cottages and cozy beach bungalows to today’s total of 22 private retreats. Chic West Indies design adorns the seaside rooms and suites, topped with Balinese-style peaked roofs all edged in brightly colored flowering bougainvillea and hibiscus punctuated by coconut palms, sea grasses, and sea grape trees. Villas came later and are scattered about with a whitewashed coastal palette and beach-infused décor; sizes range from one to four bedrooms and are favored by extended families and groups. Some are equipped with a full kitchen, outdoor showers, and personal pools that feel like private homes. Guests soon feel the calm, relaxed, and warm presence of the Bahamas while secluded at this private island hideaway.

Family-owned Kamalame Cay shows off Old Caribbean and coastal décor in rooms and suites. Photo: Kamalame Cay

The Green Effect

Conscious of the environment from day one, the property boasts its use of solar power and recycled vegetable oil to run generators, establishing a small environmental footprint. An onsite nursery provides herb and salad greens for the kitchen, and the resort’s free-range chickens provide eggs for the restaurant.

Getting There

You are free to arrive via private seaplane or helicopter, landing on the white sandy shoreline for a most memorable experience. However, flights from Nassau are just 15 minutes away. They touch down in Fresh Creek on Andros mainland, where a taxi will meet your arrival. In twenty minutes, you’ll reach the ferry to cross over to the resort. Flights from Florida and charters are also available.

Tiamo Resort

South Andros Island

Seafront bungalows where guests can immerse themselves in natural splendor, blissful solitude, and ultimate luxury are what the Hartmans had in mind when they built their dream resort: Tiamo. Of course, the couple’s intention was to preserve the physical and cultural elements of the area, and their success is evident as the resort is seamlessly woven into the natural tapestry of the environment. Once you stroll the sandy pathways, enter the wooden bungalows, and meet the staff, this environmentally responsible retreat shines. The staff, versed in eco-minded practices, act as Mother Earth’s ambassadors and nature guides for the area. Guests and staff mingle in the Great Room, an open-air activity center built in true Bahamian style with a whitewashed ceiling, sea- colored accents, and local artwork. Breezes blow through, and views of the infinity pool and ocean are within the sight line. This is where you’ll find snacks, meals, and cocktails along with engaging conversation.

Aerial view of a beachfront villa at Tiamo Resort on South Andros. Photo: Tiamo Resort

Adventure and activities wait for those who choose to partake. Of course, lounging with a book or swaying in a hammock are good choices when the sea is your vista. When you feel like moving, you’ll find inland, underwater, and on- the-water excursions to get you acquainted with South Andros. Snorkeling, diving, reef fishing, bone fishing, sailing, and paddleboarding are a few of the on-the-water offerings. You might explore the waters in a transparent bottom kayak, take a private snorkeling trip with the resort’s marine biologist, or survey the rugged inland of South Andros, discovering local medicinal plants and the island’s famous blue holes. The resort’s Nature Concierge team members lead hikes to Buttonwood Pond, an inland lake, and organize kayaking trips throughout the mangroves. When relaxation and rejuvenation are in order, spend some time at the spa unwinding with a treatment of organic products sourced from the sea.

Interior villa with private plunge pool overlooking the sea at Tiamo. Photo: Tiamo Resort

The eco-resort is in the southern corner of the 2,300 square mile island of Andros and dots the eastern coastline with a small enclave of rustic and intimate seaside cottages, rendering a textbook romantic getaway. With only 11 cottages (one a three-bedroom) and two small beachside rooms, there are a limited number of guests, which contributes to the feeling of seclusion and tranquility. Individual cottages are set back from the beach with private paths leading to white sand where lounges are already in position. Interiors are accented in coastal hues of blues, greens, and whites, and screened patios and wrap-around verandas allow for tropical breezes. Situated alongside South Bight, one of the tidal rivers that slice through the island, this private enclave is a nexus for nature surrounded by mangrove forests to the west, north, and south, leaving the pristine stretch of soft white sands against the azure sea to the east.

The gathering spot at Tiamo is the beachfront pool, deck, and restaurant. Photo: Tiamo Resort

The Green Effect

The buildings are constructed with local pinewood and thatched roofs, and remnants were used in furnishings and various items to be admired. Cottages are elevated, allowing for airflow below and around limited impact with the earth. Solar panels generate one hundred percent of the electricity, composting is inherent, and the onsite garden offers freshly collected herbs and vegetables.

Getting There

There is no road access to the resort; direct arrival is by boat or seaplane. Two airports on the island make flights in and out, with options from Nassau and Ft. Lauderdale. Arrive at either airport, and the resort will organize your short boat ride to the property. Local flights land at Mangrove Cay, and both international and local flights land at South Andros Airport Congo Town.

The Cove Eleuthera

Eleuthera

Hidden from the main drag that runs through Eleuthera’s long, skinny, flat island is where you find the stylish yet environmentally ethical resort, The Cove Eleuthera. One of the most popular islands of the Bahamas Out Islands, Eleuthera still remains quiet and off the beaten path. The 40- acre property affords the 29 suites, cottages, and villas of the resort plenty of space between rooms, and the pristine grounds dotted with palms and rolling grassy knolls lead down to the white sand beach. In fact, there are two private beaches, one best for an encounter with local sea life with masks and fins and the other for chilling on the quiet sands overlooking the crystal-clear waters under an umbrella or cabana.

The Cove exterior villas have a grassy lawn that leads down to the white sand beach. Photo: The Cove

When the agenda calls for activity, there are kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for the water, and for land exploration, the resort’s bikes are ready for a spin. The onsite spa with individual cabanas touts a locally inspired menu of treatments for serene moments of restoration. The highlight of the resort and pride and joy is the organic garden run by Angie Cooper. Guests can join her for a one-hour tour highlighting the plants she grows that eventually end up on the dinner plate. Raised beds overflowing with vibrant greens and vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs used in teas, which she explains with a tasting at the finale of the tour, are showcased. The resort will also connect you to tours led by local guides centered around ecosystems, heritage, and culture.

Angie Cooper is the keeper of the organic gardens at The Cove Eleuthera. Photo: The Cove

Rooms and villas are a harmonious blend of luxury with natural elements. A soothing palette of white and neutrals with wooden accents brings the natural environment surroundings into the interiors. Spaces are expansive and vary from bungalows to oceanfront three-bedroom villas. The villas range from one to three bedrooms, with kitchens and grand baths sporting soaking tubs, showers, and private plunge pools. Local artwork comes in room decor and meeting places, and staff from local communities adds the touch of authenticity so rare and cherished in today’s world. The Cove is known on the island for its innovative menu, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table dining. Freedom, the main restaurant, serves three meals daily, and menu options change depending on the local catches and what might be harvested from the garden. The talented chef operates a sushi bar in the evening, with a revolving menu highlighting what he caught spearfishing that day. Tropical cuisine is featured at the Gregory Town Grill, where dining in beach attire is acceptable, and a clear view of the ocean enhances the experience.

Interior of a three-bedroom oceanfront villa at The Cove. Photo: Michael Stavaridis/The Cove

The Green Effect

Adopting eco-friendly policies like energy conservation, waste management, and protection of marine life are high on the list of eco-friendly attitudes. Guests are given options to continue to save on resources. Electric vehicles, as well as bicycles, are available on the property. The hotel sources most of the food from local suppliers.

Getting There

With three airports on the island, guests have options for flying in. However, most choose the North Eleuthera airport, which is 30 minutes away. Daily flights from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta, and Nassau are available.

Bahamas, Bahamas-Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Play, Trip Ideas

Unique Bahamas Snorkel Adventures

February 7, 2023

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Snorkeling is one of the world’s most popular water sports. Hit the shore at most any tropical destination in the world, and you can don mask and snorkel for a fish watching session. The Bahamas certainly has its share of pretty coral reefs and fishy shallows, but these islands also offer a number of unique in-water adventures. Here are six of our favorites.

Ocean Atlas

The Island of New Providence is home to the world’s largest underwater sculpture. Known as Ocean Atlas, this 15-foot high, 65- ton work of art was created by pioneering aquatic sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. It depicts a young girl kneeling as she supports the weight of the ocean. The statue, which is made from eco-friendly concrete, is designed to attract fish and create a new home for marine life. Ocean Atlas is the centerpiece attraction for the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, which also includes submerged sculptures created by local artists Willicey Tynes and Andret John. The park is a favorite with both scuba divers and snorkelers, as shallow depths, clear waters, and white-sand bottom provide ample light for easy viewing.

Ocean Atlas sits in 18 feet of water off the island’s western shore. It’s possible to reach this site from shore but most snorkelers opt for a guided boat tour. Photo: Bahamas Tourism

The Sapona Shipwreck

It’s not often that snorkelers can visit an actual shipwreck. But there’s no need for scuba gear to explore the remains of the SS Sapona. This cargo steamer ran aground on a sand bar just south of the island of Bimini in 1926, and has been a local landmark ever since. The ship lies in 20 feet of water, and rises another 30 feet above the surface. There are a number of breaches in the hull, and snorkelers can fin their way into the cargo holds, which have become a haven for tropical fish and lobsters. The sand banks surrounding the wreck are also worth checking out, as stingrays and eagle rays often glide past.

A snorkeler descends into the hold of the SS Sapona. This is one of the few shipwrecks in the world that lies within snorkel depths. It is easily reached from the island of Bimini. Photo: Atmoji Photography/Flickr

Current Cut

On the northwest corner of the island of Eleuthera, tidal currents are funneled through a narrow channel. This creates free rides for divers and snorkelers who are swept along with the moving water. Snorkeling Current Cut requires a support boat to drop participants at the start of the drift, and pick them up at the other end of the channel. Drifts begin outside the cut, where currents are mild. As the channel narrows, speeds pick up, and snorkelers are soon gliding along at a brisk pace as they are funneled between the rock walls of the 30-foot deep cut. The sensation is akin to flight, and to add to the excitement, the cut is often filled with schooling fish and a number of resident reef sharks. Don’t worry, they aren’t interested in humans.

An aerial view of Current Cut. With each tide change, waters flow through this narrow channel at speeds of up to 4 miles an hour, creating an opportunity for exciting snorkel drifts. Photo: Randy Roe/Flickr

Thunderball Grotto

Fans of the classic film Thunderball will recognize this semi-submerged underwater cave where James Bond was briefly trapped. Reliving the adventure begins with a trip to Staniel Cay in the Exuma Islands. The best time for snorkelers to explore this maze of interconnected caverns is at low tide, when several entrances are revealed, and there’s no need to make a breath-hold dive to access the interior air chambers. Inside, the ceiling drops to within a few feet of the water in some areas, and soars to more that 20 feet overhead in others. Natural openings send shafts of sunlight into the water, and there is always an abundance of tropical fish swirling about.

The semi-submerged chambers of Thunderball Grotto can be reached through one of several openings. Some like this one pictured require snorkelers to duck below the surface to enter. Photo: Ryan Crutchfield/Flickr

White Sand Ridge

Dolphin encounters don’t have to take place at amusement parks. North of the island of Grand Bahamas, a large sand bank known as White Sand Ridge is home to pods of spotted dolphins that roam free, but aren’t shy about meeting up with visiting humans. Encounters begin with a boat ride of 30 to 40 miles for land-based snorkelers, or just jump overboard from one of the live aboard charter boats that make overnight and multiple-day trips to the site. When dolphins are located, snorkelers enter the water, and are usually met by the more curious and playful members of the pod. These intelligent marine mammals seem to enjoy the interaction, and may involve snorkelers in favorite games such as tag or keep-away, which involves passing a clump of seaweed back and forth, enticing their human visitors to try and take it away. Waters on the sand banks are typically 10 to 20 feet deep, and very clear, which makes for excellent photo ops.

At White Sand Ridge, spotted dolphins interact with humans. These are wild animals who make contact of their own free will, which makes the experience all the more special. Photo: Atmoji Photography/Flickr

Blue Holes

The islands of the Bahamas sit on a limestone substrate riddled with crevices and flooded caverns. When the ceilings of an underwater chamber collapses, a blue hole is formed. The island best known for these blue holes is Andros. A flight over this large and mostly unsettled landscape reveals dozens of circular ponds hidden by the surrounding jungle. Cave divers have explored some of these holes to great depths, and have mapped mile-long passageways. Such adventures are best left to the professionals, but with just mask, snorkel and a decent pair of walking shoes, anyone can follow pathways through the forests of Andros to the waters of an interior blue hole. Fish life isn’t the attraction at these sites, but the unique geology of these flooded sinkholes makes for a memorable experience. A number of the small guesthouses on the island offer guided trips, and can provide directions to the holes.

Andros is known for its blue holes. The island has 178 inland and 50 in the sea. which lead to intricate cave systems that run under the island and along the sea floor. Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Asia, Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Bahamas-Out Islands, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Islands, Mexico, Oahu, Oceania, Plan, Play, Tahiti, Thailand, Trip Ideas

Where to Snorkel with Sharks

November 18, 2020

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Forget those old cliches about “shark-infested waters.” The reality is that these often-misunderstood creatures pose very little danger to humans, and are far more likely to avoid the splashing chaos of swimmers and divers. But there are certain places around the world where sharks can be found with predictable regularity, allowing snorkelers with a sense of adventure a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

New Providence, Bahamas

From Thunderball to Into the Blue, a vast majority of the underwater shark encounters that show up on the big screen were filmed in the waters near Stuart Cove’s dive center in the Bahamas. Decades of feeding have conditioned the area’s resident population of gray reef sharks to the presence of humans, and they hang around even when they aren’t getting a handout of fish bits. Snorkelers can get in on the action with trips to several of the area’s shallow reefs, where the sharks will cruise by, but otherwise ignore the fin-wearing interlopers. There’s usually a dive guide with a camera on hand to grab a shark-and- snorkeler shot for anyone looking for a great social media post. Visit: https://stuartcove.com/

Underwater sites with clear and calm waters in the Bahamas await divers and snorkelers on a Stuart Cove’s adventure. Guided adventures include shark sightings. Photo: Salisbury University Geography Students/Flickr

Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti

The huge sand-bottom lagoon that surrounds the island of Bora Bora is filled with all manner of fish life, including a group of resident lemon sharks and rays. Encounters sometimes begin right from resort beaches or near over- water bungalows, but more guaranteed are the boat trips provided by several tour companies, which ferry snorkelers to areas within the lagoon where the sharks and rays are known to gather. Snorkelers who prefer a more controlled environment should visit the island’s Lagoonarium. This natural enclosure is located near the island’s eastern shore, and it is home to a variety of sharks, rays, tropical fish, and sea turtles. More adventurous swimmers can also book trips to outer reefs where dolphins and manta rays may join the mix. Visit: http://lagoonarium.e-monsite.com/

Shark and ray feeding trips are available from resorts for visiting snorkelers in Bora Bora. The sandy flat outside the lagoon is populated with hungry sharks and stingrays. Photo: Michael Rubenstein/Flickr

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo is the gateway to the Sea of Cortez. All manner of sharks and large marine mammals pass by this point on their way to and from seasonal hunting and breeding grounds. The Pelagic Safari takes small groups of snorkelers on a half-day or all-day speedboat cruise into the open waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. When a likely site is located, participants go overboard with snorkel gear and drift with the waves as the boat follows to provide support. Depending on the season, snorkelers may come face-to-face with anything from humpbacks and gray whales to blue and mako sharks, billfish, and massive schools of Mobula rays. Visit: https://pelagicsafari.com/

Modula rays invade the waters off Southern Baja and the Sea of Cortez on a seasonal basis. Plan a visit May through July or November to January. Photo: Pelagic Safari

Oahu, Hawaii

There are some sharks that are best seen from behind bars, and that’s exactly what snorkelers can do at Hawaii Shark Encounters. These adventures take place three miles off the north shore of Oahu. After reaching deep water, the tour operator stops the boat and deploys shark cages that float on the surface. Snorkelers enter these cages, and chum with fish deployed to lure oceanic predators. The species that show up most often are Galapagos, sandbar, and tiger sharks, but there’s also a chance of a visit from blue sharks and hammerheads. To make the encounters more thrilling, the cages are fitted not only with bars, but also Plexiglas windows that provide unimpeded viewing. Visit: https://hawaiisharkencounters.com/

Both thrilling and educational, shark cage adventure tours on the north shore of Oahu will dispel many shark myths and create awareness for their protection. Photo: ptpablo/Flickr

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

The Phi Phi Islands are the stuff of postcards and screen savers. Rising like giant limestone haystacks from emerald waters, these unique formations are surrounded by coral reefs and riddled with secret coves fronting white sand beaches. In recent years, one of the fastest-trending adventures that visitors to the islands can experience is the chance to swim with black-tip reef sharks. Several tour companies ferry snorkelers to shallow reefs, where these non-threatening sharks forage among the formations in search of hidden morsels. Morning is said to be the best time to sign up for these tours, as this is not only when the sharks are most active, but also the times when there are fewer swimmers in the water. After the swim, there’s usually a chance to visit mysterious sea caves and have lunch on a deserted beach. Visit: https://www.getyourguide.com/discovery/phi-phi-islands-l9477/snorkeling-tc57/?utm_force=0

From Phuket, visitors can take boat tours to the amazing Phi Phi Islands. Some may stop at Monkey Beach, while others head out to reefs. Photo: Corey Hamilton/Flickr

Bimini, Bahamas

The waters of the Gulf Stream flow close to the Bahamian island of Bimini, bringing game fish and sharks in from the deep blue. This gives snorkelers a rare chance to meet oceanic marine life in shallow water, including reef sharks and hammerheads. The starting point for these thrilling encounters is Bimini Undersea, which is located within the fisherman’s village at Resorts World Bimini. Participants board speedboats for a three-mile trip to a formation known as Triangle Rocks. There, in depths of 25 feet or less, the reefs attract passing sharks, which are clearly visible in the clear water. This half-day trip is considered safe and appropriate for all ages, as the sharks gather in anticipation of a free meal, but are not fed while snorkelers are in the water. Visit: https://biminiundersea.net/

Up-close views of reef sharks can be experienced in special programs like The Sharks Adventure at a beautiful reef, south of Bimini. Photo: sassamafracken/Flickr

Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas-New Providence, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Play, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Swim with Stingrays in the Caribbean

June 1, 2018

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Once considered a novelty, swimming with stingrays has become one of the Caribbean’s most popular aquatic animal encounters. What began more than three decades ago in the Cayman Islands has now spread to locations across the region. Some programs are little more than marine petting zoos, but the best allow humans to interact with rays in a natural setting, and get to know these surprisingly gentle sea creatures.

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman’s world-famous Stingray City happened by accident. In the 1970s, local fishermen would stop to clean their catch over a sandbar in the sheltered waters of North Sound. This soon attracted the attention of the resident stingray population, and within a few years, dive masters were bringing tourists to the site to snorkel with the rays. Fast forward 45 years and Stingray City has become one of the Cayman’s signature experiences. Encounters begin with a half-hour boat ride across the sound, and there are actually two sites that the tour operators visit. In the first area, the water is as shallow as two feet, giving participants of all ages a chance to wade and feed the rays. Snorkelers and divers are often taken to a second nearby site, where water depths range from four to eight feet, and the rays are joined by a colorful assortment of reef fish.

Grand Cayman island is the home of the original Stingray City. At this world famous site, the stingrays come close, and may brush their wings against swimmers and snorkelers. Photo: Douglas Klug/Flickr

Antigua

Though not as famous as the Grand Cayman original, Antigua’s Stingray City has become one of the island’s most popular attractions. Encounters begin in a cove on the northeast coast, near Seaton’s Village and the Verandah Resort. Participants board small boats for a five-minute trip to a sandbank in the center of the cove, where they disembark onto a floating dock. Guides are provided to help adjust snorkel gear and provide a short briefing, then its time to enter the water by way of steps. Depths on the sandbar are three to four feet, making the adventure suitable for most children and those who aren’t strong swimmers. Those who want to try their hand at feeding the rays are given bits of squid, and shown how to safely present them to the passing animals.

Antigua’s Stingray City is located on a sandbar within a bay located on the island’s east coast. Visitors arrive by small boat, and enter the water from a floating dock. Photo: sshawha/Flickr

Nassau, Bahamas

There are several stingray encounters available in the Bahamas. Some are staged on the private islands affiliated with various cruise ship lines; others take place on remote Out Islands reached only by small boat or charter flights. The most accessible encounters take place on the small islands surrounding Nassau. A favorite is Balmoral Island, which is reached by way of a 30-minute ferry ride from the cruise ship docks. As part of an all-day beach excursion, guests can spend time interacting with rays in a shallow area close to the beach. This is a wade-in experience suitable for ages five and up, as water depths range from ankle deep to swimming depths. After meeting the rays, participants can spend the rest of their day swimming, snorkeling, sunning and dining.

Visitors to Nassau can make day trips to Balmoral Island, where one of the featured activities is the chance to interact with stingrays in a sand bottom lagoon. Photo: Balmoral Island

Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

Stingray pedicures are just one of the unique marine life encounters that are part of an out island adventure with the man known as Bahama Brendal. The owner of Brendal’s Dive Center of Green Turtle Cay offers day trips by small boat to a beach on uninhabited Manjack Cay. Along the way, there is a stop on a shallow reef to swim with green sea turtles, then shallow sandbar where stingrays are sometimes joined by nurse sharks, which are a species that pose no threat to humans. In addition to the usual stingray interactions, guests on Brendal’s trips are encouraged to place small bits of fish between their toes, and allow the rays to glide in and over bare feet.

Green Turtle Cay is a small island in eastern Bahamas. Here, visitors can sign up for an adventure cruise that includes a stop at a secluded beach where stingrays gather. Photo: Larry/Flickr

Gibbs Cay, Turks & Caicos

Visitors to the island of Grand Turk can meet the local stingrays when they sign up for a boat trip to the deserted island known as Gibbs Cay. Participants are provided with snorkel gear to explore the shallow reefs that begin just 50 yards from shore, and hold an assortment of colorful tropical fish. The stingrays appear at a nearby sand-bottom area where waters are knee to waist deep. Rays glide around and over bare feet and legs, making light contact. When the rays circle out into deeper water, snorkelers can follow. Back on shore, the guides demonstration the art of cleaning a conch, then transform it into a delicious ceviche.

Just off the coast of Grand Turk, the waters of uninhabited Gibbs Cay attract gregarious stingrays, which are not shy about making contact with humans. Photo: Henry Silva/Flickr

Aruba, Bahamas-Out Islands, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos

The Caribbean’s Top Kiteboarding Beaches

April 25, 2018

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Over the past decade, kitesurfing has grown from a niche activity to one of the world’s most popular wind sports. Innovations in equipment and teaching methods allow people off all ages to embrace the sport. The islands of the Caribbean are ideal destinations for kiteboarders, as they offer warm waters and stead trade winds. The best locations have winds that blow from on shore or side shore to the beach, and waters that are sheltered from ocean waves. Here are six of the region’s kiting hot spots.

Palm Beach, Aruba

Windsurfers discovered Aruba in the 1980s, and the island’s west coast remains a hotbed for sailing activity. These days, the area known as the Fisherman’s Huts sees more kites than sails, as it offers all the right ingredients. Trade winds sweep in from the east, which allows kites to be deployed over the water, and rides to start right from the beach in shallow water. Beginners are able to hone their skills in flat water and forgiving near shore conditions, while advancing riders can ramp up the action by moving a few yards offshore to make long, fast runs along the beach. More experienced riders can also venture to Boca Grandi, a small bay on the island’s south side where winds and waters are more intense.

Aruba’s Boca Grandi is the place where advanced kiteboarders gather to play in the chop, or venture beyond the mouth of the bay to launch off larger waves. Photo: Robinszeggs/Flickr

Great Exuma, Bahamas

Running north to south through the central Bahamas, the Exumas are a chain of small, green islands surrounded by white sand shoals and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. In summer, lighter winds create relaxing conditions for kiteboard runs in calm bays and passages between islands. Stronger winter fronts amp up the action with chances to play in the waves and power up for high-flying aerial chop hops. The largest island in the group, Grand Exuma, is the starting point for most kiting excursions, and Exuma Kitesurfing is the outfitter of choice. This full-service shop offers rentals, lessons with certified instructors, and taxi boat services to begin long downwind runs, or excursions to remote, wind-swept sandbars.

The Exuma Islands are known for white sands and emerald waters. In recent years, these islands have gained a reputation as the premier kiteboarding destination in the Bahamas. Photo: Billy Bosch/Flickr

Atlantis Beach, Bonaire

Bonaire is best known for it’s world-class shore diving, but the sheltered waters of the island’s west coast are also prime kiteboarding territory. Three miles south of the town of Kralendijk, Atlantis Beach is the local mecca for kiting. Two companies, Kiteboarding Bonaire and the Bonaire Kite School, offer gear, lessons and chase boat support. It’s an ideal place to learn the basics, as the trade winds that sweep across the island’s southern salt flats are steady and predictable, and instruction can take place in knee-deep water over a forgiving sand bottom. The kiteboarding area is located on the southwest tip of Bonaire and can be found by following the brightly colored kites soaring through the air.

A kiteboarder makes a sunset run in the waters off Bonaire’s Atlantis Beach. With winds blowing from across the island, sailors can make easy launches from this west-facing beach. Photo: Tourism Bonaire

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Like other breezy spots in the Caribbean, the north shore of the Dominican Republic was first discovered by windsurfers. They came not only for the consistent winds, but also the varied sailing conditions, which included not only flat water bays for instruction and speed runs, but also ocean swells and beach breaks that became the playground of the world’s best riders. The same conditions now stoke kiters, and a number of the world’s top pros have made Cabarete a seasonal home. There are several IKO (International Kiting Organization) certified schools in the area, and new riders can master the basics in the flat water lagoon at Kite Beach, where consistent side- shore winds make for easy launches. Cabarete Bay is where the experts play, both inside the reef, on the breakers and in open ocean swells.

Dominican Republic Cabarete Kite Surfing

On the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete Bay has become one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations, both for novices and pros. Photo: Remon Rijper/Flickr

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Mention the Caymans, and most people think of either scuba diving or offshore banking. Although not as well known as a kiting destination, the island of Grand Cayman has several sites that are well suited to the sport. The prime season for kiting is between November and June, when the easterly trades blow steady. The most popular kiting area is Barkers Beach on the island’s northwest corner. Here, a large sand flat provides waist to chest deep water inside a protective barrier reef, and a large expanse of beach to launch kites without fear of tangling lines with other sailors. On the other side of North Sound, near the Rum Point area, a lagoon known as Kaibo is also popular, and savvy kiters know of a spot on the island’s east end called the Sweet Spot. Here, there is both a reef protected flat-water lagoon, and a chance to move out into open water to play in the waves.

Grand Cayman’s North Sound offers large expanses of sheltered water where kiteboarders can spread out and sail without concerns of crossing lines or tangling kites. Photo: Don McDougall/ Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Long Bay, Providenciales

Kiteboarding came relatively late to the islands of the Turks & Caicos, but once sailors discovered what awaited on the southwest shores of the island of Providenciales, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. This three-mile- long beach combines soft, powder white sand with clear waters and expansive shallows. Today, there are four kiteboarding schools on Long Bay Beach, and during the prime sailing season, which typical runs from November to May, aspiring riders fill the expansive lagoon. This entire area has water depths of two to three feet, which creates very friendly learning conditions. Aspiring kiters don’t have to tread water as they recover and relaunch after a spill, and there’s no danger of being blown onto the breaking waves of a reef. The flat waters are also prized by more advanced sailors, who can enjoy three-mile-long speed runs along the shore.

Turks and Caicos Providenciales Kite Boarding

On the Island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos, the waters of Long Bay lures kiters with the promise of steady winds and the chance for long, fast runs. Photo: S.Neller/Flickr

Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Play, Playa del Carmen, Trip Ideas

Unique Caribbean Snorkel Adventures

February 1, 2018

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Sure, you’ve explored the shore in front of the hotel, and maybe even signed up for a boat trip to a nearby coral reef. But are you ready for a snorkeling adventure with a wow factor and maybe some bragging rights? These adventures exist in places across the Caribbean. But though they can be thrilling, they aren’t dangerous. Here are five of my favorite Caribbean snorkel adventures that go beyond the usual reef tour.

Blackbeard’s Treasure Caverns, Norman Island, BVI

Legend has it that the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard once stashed chests of gold and plunder in the sea caves of Norman Island. But even those who doubt that tale would agree that the real treasure is the chance to snorkel into this trio of semi-submerged caverns, which are cut into a cliff face just south of the popular harbor known as The Bight. It’s suitable for all ages, because there’s always a hint of sunlight in the caves, and no branching passages. I’ve brought dozens of snorkelers to this site during charter trips, and usually give them a waterproof light so they can hunt for marine live in the nooks and crannies, and admire the purple and red patterns on the rock faces inside.

The caves at Norman Island are said to have once held treasures hidden by the pirate Blackbeard. Snorkelers can safely explore these mysterious caverns. Dale Harrison/Flickr

Bimini Road, Bahamas

Legends of the Bermuda Triangle meet tales of the lost city of Atlantis just off the shores of the tiny Bahamian island of Bimini. On the island’s western shore, a half-mile-long line of rectangular limestone blocks runs parallel to the shore. This unusual formation was first discovered by free diving legend Jacque Mayol, and in the years since, all manner of experts have speculated about the origins and purpose of the structure. Some say it’s the remains of a wall or a pier, while others have pegged it as a highway that was once part of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. I’ve explored this site on scuba dives several times, but actually enjoy it more when seen from above. When floating on the surface with mask and snorkel, you can make out the full extent of the formation in the clear waters below, and then form your own opinion on its origins.

A snorkeler descends in clear Bahamian water to examine the unique formation known as the Bimini Road. Some believe it to be part of the ruins of the ancient city of Atlantis. Photo: Atmoji Photography/Flickr

Great Blue Hole, Belize

The aerial view of Captain Jacque Cousteau’s Calypso floating in the center of a gigantic submerged crater in the center of a Caribbean coral reef became a world-famous image. This perfectly round geological anomaly measures more than 1,000 feet across, and plunges down to more than 400 feet. I’ve done deep dives into the Belize Blue Hole, but honestly, the most interesting sights are right at the top, where the shallow rim of the hole is ringed in growths of coral. It takes a two-hour boat ride from Belize City or one of the resorts on Ambergris Caye to get to Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole, but the reward is a chance to glide over the cliff-like edge of the hole into deep water, then spend time watching tropical fish among the corals. Keep an eye open, because there’s always a chance to catch a glimpse of large tarpon or reef sharks emerging from the shadows below.

The Belize Blue hole is a massive 400-foot-deep pit set in the center of Lighthouse Reef. The rim of the hole is covered in coral gardens that are ideal for snorkelers to explore. Photo: Kasia Kaczy?ska/Flickr

Dos Ojos Cenote, Riviera Maya

Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is riddled with cenotes, which are natural sinkholes in the limestone bedrock that fill with clear fresh water. Many of these cenotes are connected to underground rivers that form the longest underwater caves in the world. But you don’t have to be a bold explorer to enjoy these amazing places. With just a mask and snorkel, I’ve swum in dozens of these natural pools. Often, the walls overhang the water, creating a chance to swim into the twilight zone and discover marble-white stalactites hanging from the ceiling. A personal favorite is Dos Ojos Cenote, where swimmers can follow a set of guidelines through a maze of caverns that connect a pair of sunlit pools. You can explore for yourself, or hire a guide to lead the way.

The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are filled with clear fresh water. At Dos Ojos, snorkelers can swim through overhanging ledges that lead to stalactite-decorated chambers. Photo: Guillén Pérez/Flickr

Lac Bay Mangrove, Bonaire

This snorkel adventure is more about relaxation than excitement, but that doesn’t make it any less memorable. It begins with a trip to the undeveloped east coast of Bonaire, and a stop at the Mangrove Information Center within Lac Bay National Park. Here, you’ll sign up for a guided kayak tour that leads through the twisting channels that lace the mangrove forest. Once you reach a hidden bay deep in the reserve, you’ll have a chance to get out of the boat and wade in waist deep water. There’s not much to see out in the middle of the sand bottom bay, because the real show begins when you swim closer to the tangled underwater roots of the mangroves themselves. These roots provide shelter for numerous species of small and juvenile marine life, making Lac Bay the island’s primary fish nursery. If you are lucky, you might also be treated to a swim by from one of the bay’s resident snook or tarpon.

A snorkeler glides through a sand channel in the mangrove forest of Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The tangled roots of these trees create habitat for small fish and other marine life. Photo: Mangrove Information Center

Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Bahamas Out Island Snorkel Resorts

October 26, 2017

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Millions of people snorkel in tropical waters each year, and there are hundreds of charter boats that gather groups from hotels and cruise ships for an hour or two of supervised water time on an often-visited reef. If this isn’t your idea of a snorkeling adventure, you need to set your sights farther afield. In the Bahamas, this means leaving the busy tourism centers of Nassau and Freeport behind, and heading for the Out Islands, where small beach lodges replace high rise resorts, unspoiled beaches stretch for miles, and only a fortunate few visit the coral reefs that line island shores. If you are looking to discover the best underwater scenery in the Bahamas, here are three of the best Out Island resorts to base your explorations.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Exumas

Stretching more than 100 miles through the center of the Bahamas, the Exumas are a chain of small islands and sand flats that line up along deep blue waters to the east. Seen from above, they resemble an emerald and ivory necklace. One of the crown jewels of this string is Staniel Cay, which is home to one of the few significant villages in the Exumas, along with the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Since the 1950s, this low-key resort and marina has attracted in-the-know travelers, including a laundry list of A-listers who come for small island privacy and the luxury of anonymity. The big draw is ambiance rather than amenities, as the club’s 14 waterfront bungalows are designed for comfort rather than show. Expected creature comforts such as air conditioning, premium bedding and waterfront verandahs are provided, but it is the views rather than the décor that is the focus. All bungalows are just a short walk from the dining room and clubhouse, where patrons and locals rub shoulders and swap stories with visiting yachtsmen. Guests who opt for the amenities package can enjoy three meals a day, access to a 17ft skiff, snorkeling gear, bicycles, ocean kayaks and paddleboards. The island is served by one of the few airports in the region, and there are direct flights from the U.S. mainland.

A view from the beach at Staniel Cay Yacht Club shows expansive sand flat prized by bonefish anglers. Snorkeling reefs lie in deeper water beyond the sand. Photo: Rick Gomez/Staniel Cay Yacht Club

With water all around, there is no shortage of premier snorkeling sites within a short boat ride of Staniel Cay. Some of the best reefs lie within the boundaries of the Exuma Land and Sea Park. The Club can provide a local guide for snorkeling excursions, including trips to the Exuma’s most famous snorkeling spot, Thunderball Grotto. This partially flooded cave was featured in the namesake James Bond film, and it is both easy and safe to explore with mask and snorkel. This trip is often combined with a visit to the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay for a chance with an in-water selfie with these famous aquatic swine. Other unexpected snorkeling adventures can include a trip to the starfish reserve and a hunt for queen conch, which the guide may later transform into a delicious dish of conch salad.

A short boat ride away from Staniel Cay, a Nassau grouper cruises through shallow coral formations in the protected waters of the Exumas Land and Sea Park. Photo: Rick Gomez/Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Fernandez Bay Village, Cat Island

The Armbrister family has dedicated more than four decades to creating this idyllic beachfront retreat, but their ties to Cat Island go much deeper. Five generations have passed since British Loyalist John Armbrister settled on this quiet island, and save for electricity and a handful of cars, little has changed in the centuries since. Cat Island is still a place where you can walk deserted beaches by starlight, and the island’s entire population wouldn’t more than half fill a small cruise ship. This is the setting for Fernandez Bay Village, an intimate collection of seven stone walled cottages and five spacious villas facing a mile of private beach on the island’s calm western shore. At the center of the village, the vaulted thatch roof of the open-air clubhouse is the focal point for meals and social activity, which often spills out onto the adjacent waterfront patio and the tiki bar. The resort is home to the island’s best restaurant, and the dining room and bar are a favorite with passing yachtsmen. Guests can choose between cozy cottages or a villa that includes a kitchen and living areas that open to ocean views.

Villa Bahamas Out Islands Cat Island Fernandez Bay

Villas and cottages at Fernandez Bay Village are built from native limestone rock and island pine. Living areas feature French doors that open to terraces with ocean views. Photo: Fernandez Bay Village

With the pristine waters of Fernandez Bay literally in their front yard, guests have immediate access to exceptional snorkeling just steps away. The sand and grass flats immediately in front of the resort provide a relaxing environment for youngsters and novices to perfect their snorkeling skills. A but farther out, the rock outcropping known as Dry Head is surrounded by a shallow reef covered in sea fans and colorful corals. A number of additional reefs are just a short boat ride away, and the Fernandez Bay staff can arrange for transportation, or provide directions. One of the most intriguing sites in the area isn’t a reef, but instead an inland body of water known as the Boiling Hole, which is a submerged sinkhole that opens into a labyrinth of water-filled passages. In addition to snorkeling, guests can arrange for diving and fishing trips, or take a paddleboard or kayak into the shallow creek at the southern end of Fernandez Bay for a peaceful, quiet trip through twisting and turning waterways that are a nursery for baby sharks, manta rays and other small fish.

Fernandez Bay Village overlooks a mile-long crescent of private white sand beach on Cat Island. This family-owned resort is known for it’s relaxed atmosphere and personal service. Photo: Fernandez Bay Village

Small Hope Bay, Andros

Andros Island lies less than 30 miles to the east of the mega resorts of Nassau and Paradise Island, but it is a world away. Wild and sparsely settled, it is a land of pine forests and expansive networks of mangrove-lined creeks, flanked to the east by the world’s third longest barrier reef. In the heart of this natural landscape is Small Hope Bay, a collection of cottages created by the Birch family, who transformed native coral rock and pine timbers into an elegantly simple but quite civilized respite from the world beyond. It is a destination that has drawn world leaders, famous artists and average travelers, who prize it not only for what is offered, but also what is excluded. There are no televisions, newspapers or Internet feeds to intrude on days devoted to fishing, diving, snorkeling, exploring the natural surroundings or simply relaxing on an island that is as close to deserted as one can find in the 21st century. Each cottage sits on the edge of a white-sand beach, with barefoot-friendly pathways that lead to the dining room and it’s adjacent waterfront terrace. Small Hope operates as a fully inclusive property, with all meals, drinks, activities and services covered in the daily rate. Leaving guests with no other decisions to make other than “what shall we do today.”

The beachfront cabins at Small Hope Bay blend out island simplicity with appropriate creature comforts such as air conditioning, plush bedding and ample supplies of fresh water. Photo: Small Hope Bay

Snorkelers will find tropical fish and corals just yards from the beach at Small Hope Bay, and there are miles of shallow reefs extending to the north and south. The resort provides daily boat trips to a variety of sites along the Andros Barrier Reef, as well as overland trips to swim and snorkel in the freshwater blue holes that pockmark the Andros landscape. The reefs will delight veteran snorkelers, but Small Hope is also an ideal destination for first-time snorkelers, as the staff provides complimentary instruction in the basics of snorkeling, as well as introduction to diving experiences. One of the most exciting adventures available to both divers and snorkelers is the resort’s famous Shark Observation Experience, which allows participants to observe gatherings of reef and nurse sharks in clear water. Fishermen flock to Small Hope to stalk elusive bonefish on the island’s extensive sand flats, or head into the deep waters of the Tongue of the Ocean for trophy game fish. Guests can also use kayaks and paddleboards to explore the miles of creeks and bays that surround the resort, or put on walking shoes for a guided nature walk or birding tour.

The resort pier at Small Hope Bay is the starting point for fishing, diving and snorkeling trips to nearby reefs. Guests can also snorkel to shallow coral formations right from the beach. Photo: Small Hope Bay

Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Out Island Resorts in the Bahamas

June 26, 2017

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There are no cruise ships. No high rises. No tourist clogged straw markets. Welcome to the Out Islands. This is a very different side of the Bahamas, one where traditional fishing villages are served by the weekly mail boat, cell phones may not work, and the stars can be seen each night from beaches far, far away from streetlights. If this is your idea of an ideal vacation, there are properties where you can indulge your desires for Out Island isolation while still enjoying a few upscale luxuries and plenty of exciting activities. Here are four of our favorites.

Abaco Club on Winding Bay

If you love the Abacos, join the club. That’s the opportunity offered to guests of this exclusive enclave. The Abaco Club is not a resort, but a private club where members can get away to golf, swim, play tennis and enjoy fine dining. Here, you are isolated from the outside world, as the property is set on a private peninsula on the southeastern shore of Great Abaco Island, overlooking 2.5 miles of deserted beaches and clear water. Members enjoy a wide range of water sports from paddle boarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing. For the active minded, there are beach boot camps, a fitness center and tennis courts, and the on-site spa offers a full range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. The club’s attraction is the Scottish-style links course, created by renowned British golf course architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie.

The one-bedroom cabanas at the Abaco Beach Club are available for rent. Each of these freestanding residences includes a screen porch, and easy access to the beach. Photo: Abaco Club

To share a taste of island life, the club welcomes visitors, who are free to enjoy all the club’s activities and amenities. Guests can choose from a range of rental accommodations that range from cozy one-bedroom cabanas and two to four-bedroom cottages, or even a grand oceanfront estate home. Private decks provide inspiring ocean views, and each fully equipped residence is positioned on the landscaped grounds to ensure privacy. Guests are provided with golf carts for easy access to all parts of the club’s grounds and facilities, and a dedicated staff is on call for any requests. The only requirement asked of guests is that after three visits, they must become a member or resident to continue to visit. For many, this seems a tempting offer after their first stay.

The Abaco Club’s club pool commands a prime site on Ocean Point ridge, with panoramic views of Winding Bay and the ocean. The neighboring observation deck is a favorite gathering point. Photo: Abaco Club

Resorts World Bimini

For decades, the small islands of Bimini were the exclusive playground of the boaters and big game fishermen. Most made the run from South Florida in private boats, and that changed with the opening of a large-scale resort complex on the island of North Bimini. The 750-acre development known as Resorts World Bimini includes private residences, villas, cottages and a 305-room hotel by Hilton. A centerpiece of the resort is the 10,000 square foot casino, which is the only one in the world with panoramic water views. There are four pools, including an infinity-edge rooftop oasis with panoramic views and full food and beverage service, to the family-friendly lazy river at ground level. Guests have nine restaurants and lounges to chose from, along with exclusive beach access to Paradise Beach, private cabana rentals, and numerous water sports activities to enjoy.

The five-story Hilton Hotel opened in 2016 as Bimini’s first large- scale, full-service resort. This family-friendly property includes a spa, a kids’ club, and a beachfront amphitheater. Photo: Resorts World Bimini

Guests arriving by water can dock right at the resort, which is now home to the largest marina complex in the Bahamas. There are actually two marinas. The one percent can dock their 200-foot showboats at the Mega Yacht Marina, while sport fishermen and family boaters will prefer the Fisherman’s Village Marina, which includes open air shopping venues and a dining promenade. No boat? No problem. Resort World is served by seaplane flights, conventional air service to the adjacent island of South Bimini and a daily fast ferry from Miami.

The rooftop infinity-edge pool at the Hilton looks out over the shallows of North Bimini Sound, which has long been a favorite destination for sport fishermen stalking bonefish. Resorts World Bimini

French Leave Resort, Eleuthera

The name of this unique resort comes from a traditional British expression meaning to escape without notice, which is what guests can do effortlessly when they arrive on the quiet island of Eleuthera. Here, it’s easy to fall into the lifestyle and openness of the Out Islands. The resort sits on 270 acres that includes an exclusive stretch of pink sand beach. Accommodations are limited to just 20 seaside cottages, which combine traditional Out Island architecture with a contemporary British West Indies décor. Each cottage includes all the amenities needed for a self-sufficient stay, including full kitchens and laundry facilities. But if cooking isn’t on the agenda, there’s also room service, and a personal golf cart to whisk you to the resort’s signature 1648 restaurant, or one of the eateries in the nearby village of Governor’s Harbor. A nice added touch is the in-room, on-demand iPad that allows for maximum beach and downtime, as guests can request everything from additional towels to lunches packed to go.

On the island of Eleuthera, the tidy Colonial-style cottages of French Leave Resort sit on immaculately landscaped grounds facing the Atlantic Ocean and the property’s private marina. Photo: French Leave Resort

Eleuthera is an island of deserted beaches and wild coastlines that are wonderful for long walks. There are small, authentic Out Island villages to explore, while activity seekers will find kayaks, snorkel gear and paddleboards on hand, right at the resort. So too is the marina that is the launching point for diving and fishing excursions. Two island favorites are horseback riding along the shoreline and cliff jumping into the clear water. For an authentic taste of Out Island life, guests can try the Friday night fish fry at Governor’s Harbour, check out the Historic Hanes Library or visit the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve for some inside history and background on the island. It’s easy to become a local on this island.

With separate living and dining spaces, the cottages at French Leave Resort are more home than hotel room, and include everything needed for a comfortable and self-sufficient stay. Photo: French Leave

Coral Sands, Harbour Island

Small, colorful and far away from the crowds, Harbour Island has long been the favorite hush-hush escape in the Bahamas for the wealthy and well traveled. Many visitors rent private homes or villas, and spend days relaxing on the island’s famous pink sand beach. Of the limited number of small hotels that are available, a favorite is the Coral Sands. Fresh from a three million dollar renovation, this boutique eight-acre property now includes several additional ocean view cottages and a new soaking pool. In addition to these high-level renovations, interiors were refreshed with a modern, island theme that complements the property’s British Colonial style. Guests can opt for individual rooms, suites or a spacious two-bedroom cottage, all providing direct access to the beach.

At the Coral Sands resort on Harbour Island, the imagined Latitude 25 restaurant complements sea views with an innovative menu that pairs fresh and organic local foods with a premier wine list. Photo: Coral Sands

The Coral Sands is home to the Latitude 25 restaurant, which is noted both for it’s food and the open air dining terrace, which delivers sweeping views of the beach. At night the lights are dimmed, candles flicker, and Chef Ludovic Jarland serves Caribbean cuisine with a French flair. The resort is just steps away from the colorful cottages and small shops of Dunmore Town, and those who are able to resist the sirens song of the beach can venture to the west side of the island to charter a fishing boat, book a diving or snorkel trip, or just join the locals relaxing at the town dock. Getting to Coral Sands will require an island hopping flight, a taxi ride and then a boat trip across a sheltered lagoon. But as anyone who has visited this charming Out Island can attest, the reward is well worth the journey.

The new beachside cottages of the Coral Sands resort set rich wood tones and bright geometric accents against white walls and large windows, all designed to complement the water views. Photo: Coral Sands

Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Florida, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, Oceania, Puerto Rico, Tahiti

Earth Day in the Tropics

April 20, 2017

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From a simple observance in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the world’s largest secular civic event, involving more than 17,000 environmental groups and drawing support from more than 190 countries. Events are staged in major cities around the globe, but small islands and other tropical destinations also get in on the act.

1. On the Bahamian Out Island of Eleuthera, the One Eleuthera Foundation will sponsor a daylong celebration of the earth and ocean that includes musical performances, dance, art, cultural events and environmental education programs, plus plenty of good food.

2. Each year on Earth Day, the Sandals Foundation, which is sponsored by the Sandals Resort group, partners with environmental organizations across the Caribbean to help volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees.

3. The month-long Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will kick off on Earth Day. At dozens of islands throughout the region, organizers from the Birds Caribbean foundation will stage presentations, bird walks, art competitions, clean ups, and more.

4. On the big island of Hawaii, volunteers will head to Ke‘ei Beach to remove trash that could pose a hazard to turtles and other marine life. The cleanup is sponsored by the Kona Brew Pub, and will end with a beach barbecue.

5. In the Puerto Rican beach town of Rincon, the Liga Ecologica will stage an Earth Day Fair. Here, forums and talks with an ecological theme mix with a street fair offering local arts, crafts and foods. A highlight is the human-powered shaved ice machine.

6. The Florida-based Xtreme Adventures group will stage their third annual Earth Day Adventure Race, which will send participants biking, trekking and paddling across the central part of the state to spread the message: “reuse, recycle, and repurpose.”

7. If you can’t make it to Costa Rica’s Sloth Sanctuary to participate in Earth Day observances, you can sponsor a sloth with a donation to restore its natural habitat, and plant more of these animal’s favorite almond trees.

8. The Maldives are revered for their natural beauty, and a number of resorts across the island chain stage special Earth Day activities such as tree plantings and reef cleanings. Kurumba Resort will follow their annual lagoon cleaning with a party, while the Constance Resort has created a “Low Carbon Foot Print Menu,” and will observe an hour- long power shutdown.

9. On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida Verde is staging a series of free cultural and musical events for Earth Day, including a slow foods festival and street dances in the historic district of Merida.

10. In the South Pacific, citizens of the small nation of Kiribati will come out in force to restore the mangrove forests that are essential to protecting their coastlines from erosion.

Bahamas-Out Islands, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Islands, Maui, Mexico, Oceania, Play, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations

March 21, 2017

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Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic locations on earth. The supermodels may take center stage, but the resorts and beaches that provide the backdrop also draw oohs and aahs from readers and viewers. Here are some of the featured locations where you can indulge in an amazing beach vacation and maybe convince your mate to help recreate a few iconic poses from spots like the Pitons on St. Lucia. Photo: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Kamalame Cay

Andros Island

Tiamo Resort

South Andros Island

The Cove Eleuthera

Eleuthera

Ocean Atlas

The Sapona Shipwreck

Current Cut

Thunderball Grotto

White Sand Ridge

Blue Holes

New Providence, Bahamas

Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Oahu, Hawaii

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Bimini, Bahamas

Grand Cayman

Antigua

Nassau, Bahamas

Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

Gibbs Cay, Turks & Caicos

Palm Beach, Aruba

Great Exuma, Bahamas

Atlantis Beach, Bonaire

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Long Bay, Providenciales

Blackbeard’s Treasure Caverns, Norman Island, BVI

Bimini Road, Bahamas

Great Blue Hole, Belize

Dos Ojos Cenote, Riviera Maya

Lac Bay Mangrove, Bonaire

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Exumas

Fernandez Bay Village, Cat Island

Small Hope Bay, Andros

Abaco Club on Winding Bay

Resorts World Bimini

French Leave Resort, Eleuthera

Coral Sands, Harbour Island

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