Issue: May 2012


Mother’s Day is an occasion to honour our moms and celebrate just how much they mean to us. This Mother’s Day, roll out the red carpet for your queen and treat her to a delectable dinner in The Bahamas.

Where to take the “cosmopolitan” mom
Nobu, Nassau
Situated on Paradise Island, Nassau, treat your mom to a trendy dinner at Chef Nobu Matsushisa’s namesake restaurant, Nobu.

The restaurant’s perennial popularity and devoted following are a tribute to the Chef who puts his own spin on traditional Japanese fare. Try unique dishes like his signature Sashimi Shrimp Tacos. A lavish bar provides seating for you and mom looking to relax with a glass of wine, or cocktail. A hip, cosmopolitan mom will feel right at home in this glamorous eatery.
http://www.noburestaurants.com/bahamas/experience/introduction/


Where to take the “adventurous” mom

The Moorings, Marsh Harbour, Abaco – Yacht charter and Sailboat rentals
For a truly unique and exclusive dinning experience, charter a yacht for the day. The Moorings offers the option of bringing a gourmet chef aboard to make the ultimate feast for you and mom while spending some quality time together away from the hustle and bustle. ‘Wow’ your mom with some mouth-watering traditional Bahamian fare – conch! Have your chef create a decedent feast of conch fritters, conch salad, conch chowder and conk burgers to feast on while you enjoy your ride on the open, gin clear waters.
http://www.moorings.com/


Where to take the “humorous” mom

Poop Deck, Nassau
The name may sound strange, but the humorous mom will certainly get a kick out of it, not to mention that the food, atmosphere and service are some of the best in The Bahamas. Chef Luis Batlle from Barcelona uses ingredients imported from Spain and the freshest Bahamian seafood available. Wow mom with the “daily catch” dish, paired with a crisp white wine from Spain. This establishment provides the best in both Bahamian and Spanish delicacies and guarantees a memorable dining experience and an unforgettable Mother’s Day. The location is perfect as it is situated close to ‘mom’ friendly amenities like boutiques and spas, so mom is never that far from a facial or a little retail therapy.
http://www.thepoopdeckrestaurants.com/


Known as one of the world’s top boating and sailing destinations, The Abacos owe this title to the calm sea and charming islands that surround the area. With three golf courses, miles of pristine beaches and an array of resorts, restaurants and activities to choose from, The Abacos are a great choice for your next vacation.

Where to stay

Treasure Cay Resort in Great Abaco, Bahamas is located just seven miles from Treasure Cay International Airport and features traditional Caribbean-style décor. This laid-back resort plays host to three miles of white sandy beaches and offers visitors one, two and three bedroom accommodation options all with the choice of marina or garden views.
http://treasurecay.com/


From its tropical gardens to its palm-tree-lined beach, Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour is the treasured choice of Abaco Bahamas resorts for like-minded travelers looking to be immersed in luxury and relaxation. A haven for boaters, beachgoers, and adventurers seeking an authentic Bahamian experience, this full-service resort offers 89 ocean front rooms, suites, cottages and private residences. Here, you can truly nourish your Out Island spirit and be caressed by sapphire waters.

Escape to The Abaco Club on Winding Bay to experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of the lush, tropical paradise that is Marsh Harbour. Though its location is secluded, this Ritz-Carleton managed club still delivers luxury. The property boasts a world-renowned golf course, a superior spa and opulent accommodations. This resort beckons you to discover the pleasures of refined island living.
http://ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Abaco/Default.htm

What to do

While in the area, don’t forget to stop off at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, in Green Turtle Cay, which is home to the National Bahamian drink – the Goombay Smash. This drink is the most famous drink in all of The Islands of the Bahamas and got its start at Miss Emily’s back in the 1960s.

While in Green Turtle Cay, be sure to visit Brendal’s Dive Centre where they offer one or two dives per day ranging from 3 to 30 metres. Explore coral catacombs and sparkling sand channels or play treasure hunter for the day and dive into an intriguing wreck. Visit www.brendal.com to book your adventure.

Hope Town in The Abacos features one of the last operational kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse itself was built in 1862 and is striped horizontally red and white. It’s not to be missed while you are in town as it’s one of only three Manual Lighthouses left in the world. Also, while in Hope Town enjoy the quaint nature of the community as neither cars nor golf carts are permitted in the main part of the town – only bicycles and walking are permitted.

Getting Around

The best way to tour The Abacos is to catch an inter-island ferry. Ferry schedules can be found online for Green Turtle Ferry (www.oii.net/Information/Ferry.html#GreenTurtle) and Albury’s Ferry Service (www.alburysferry.com). Just remember – don’t be late!



When viewing our planet from outer space, few images can rival the brilliant colors of The Bahamas. You don’t have to travel all the way to the far reaches of our galaxy to experience the beauty of The Bahamas, you can see it first hand! Here are a few reasons why Canadians should kick off the first of four long weekends this summer in The Bahamas for Victoria Day.

1. Barbeque and burgers go hand in hand on Victoria Day, but this year toss the beef and dive into everything conch. Whether you like fresh seafood or fried, you are in for a treat as you can have conch any way! This long weekend, head to The Bahamas and try a conch burger with an ice cold, Bahamian brewed, Kalik beer!

2. Escape the chance of rain and temperatures just barely reaching the double digits Canadians usually experience during this holiday weekend. If the weather won’t come to you, go to the weather!

3. The flight is a quick jaunt – just over three hours until you will land in paradise. Avoid the car ride that was only supposed to be a couple hours and turns into several, getting your long weekend off to a slow (and boring) start. Canadian’s can rejoice as you will never experience grid lock while flying to the beautiful Bahamas to spend your long weekend.

4. Get a jump start on your summer tan in a location where the temperatures are in the mid-twenties and there is nary a drop of rain!

5. If beer isn’t your drink of choice, try one of the many delectable drinks of The Bahamas. The Goombay Smash and the Bahama Mama are the ultimate tropical beverages. Though they are sure to quench your thirst, beware – they are devilishly strong but exquisitely tasty!

Forget cold camping and chilly cottages this long weekend and head south because It’s Better in The Bahamas!



The Out Islands of The Bahamas offer visitors the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. The sparkling turquoise waters and secluded beaches have savvy travelers wanting to keep this cluster of islands their little secret.

Lucky for us, the secret’s out. Read on to learn about the top five resorts in The Bahamas Out Islands as reviewed by TripAdvisor™ users.

1. Shanna’s Cove Resort, Cat Island
The ultimate destination for relaxation, Shanna’s Cove Resort offers private beachfront bungalows with breathtaking views. After a day spent on the tranquil beaches, the resort chefs will delight you with delectable island specialties.
www.cat-island-holiday.com


2. Rock House, Harbour Island

A boutique hotel that is known for its elegance, island sophistication and superior service is waiting to immerse visitors in Bahamian culture. Sun worshipers can treat themselves to a picnic basket of goodies and a cooler full of their favourite drinks while lounging on a private beach, or in a poolside cabana.
www.rockhousebahamas.com


3. Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros Island

Known as an adventurer’s haven, this resort is the perfect destination for scuba divers, nature lovers and those who like to venture off the beaten path. Home to some of the best scuba diving, snorkeling and bone fishing sites around, there is always excitement waiting on this unique paradise island. The resort was founded by Canadian Dick Birch and now his son Jeff calls the place home.
www.smallhope.com


4. Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Great Exuma

Looking for high-end amenities, private villas and stunning ocean-front views? Grand Isle Resort has it all in Great Exuma. Spoiling yourself comes easy when custom spa treatments take place in the privacy of your own villa, allowing for a hassle-free experience.
www.grandisleresort.com


5. Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, Long Island

The silky-fine sandy beach at Cape Santa Maria is untouched and undiscovered, making for a relaxing and blissful environment. The only decision you’ll have to make while vacationing in this tropical oasis is whether you want a beachfront bungalow or villa.
Be sure to visit the Cape Santa Maria Beach House to nosh on scrumptious Bahamian cuisine.
www.capesantamaria.com

 

To view full articles or to obtain imagery of The Bahamas please contact Jessica Patriquin, PUNCH
Tel: (416) 360-6522 x245,
Email: jessica@punchcanada.com