Nassau and Freeport

The cities of Nassau on New Providence Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama are the only choices for buyers who want urban or suburban surroundings and the amenities that come with it–extensive shopping, a wide array of cultural opportunities, hospitals, multiple golf courses, and direct flights to many major airports.

New Providence, a small island dominated by Nassau and its suburbs, is home to 215,000 people–fully three-fourths of the Bahamas’ population. Nassau has a busy downtown with both modern and historic architecture, and on the outskirts, a strip of high-rise hotels and casinos along Cable Beach. Paradise Island, connected to New Providence by a bridge, is home to the gargantuan Atlantis and other resorts. New Providence and Paradise Island have many gated subdivisions and townhouse developments, as well as high-rise condominiums. On average, real estate prices here are much more expensive than elsewhere in the Bahamas. Expect to spend $1.5 million for a typical canal-front house in one of the popular gated communities. A one-acre beachfront lot (the yardstick we will use throughout this article) would cost at least $3 million.

Grand Bahama, the northernmost of the major Bahamian islands, has a population of 50,000, the greatest part in and around Freeport. Grand Bahama is almost 100 miles long, however, and unlike New Providence, has less populated regions with deserted beaches and tropical pine forests. Lucaya, the residential area of Freeport, has a vast network of interconnected canals lined with thousands of home lots. Canal-front lots are reasonably priced–in the $125,000 to $250,000 range. One-acre beachfront lots in Lucaya sell for $1.5 million and up.

The Out Islands

After Freeport, the largest “city” in the Bahamas is Marsh Harbour, with a population of only 5000. The majority of settlements in the Bahamas are even smaller, with just a few hundred souls. This is the world of the Out Islands–large areas of untouched land with the occasional house or small village.

Abaco and Exuma

The Abacos and Exumas are not adjacent physically, but they have much in common. They are the most popular yachting destinations in the Bahamas, and their islands and cays provide beautiful cruising grounds. Abaco and Exuma are better known than the other Out Islands, and they each have several major resort developments. Prices are therefore higher. One-acre beachfront lots on Great Exuma are selling in the $1-2 million range. Abaco has prices in this range as well, but also less expensive beachfront in some locations.

Bimini

Hemingway made his “island in the stream” famous as a center of deep-sea fishing, and it remains so today. Bimini is also just 50 miles from the east coast of Florida, which ensures a good yachting crowd. Bimini has one major resort development, Bimini Bay Resort and Casino. Bimini Bay has no casino, but it does offer condos with boat slips in the $600,000 range. The only beachfront lot listed on Bimini, for comparison purposes, is a 2.7 acre parcel for $1.7 million.

Eleuthera

With sixty miles of beaches and only a few dozen hotel rooms, Eleuthera is a paradise for beach lovers who enjoy privacy and unspoiled natural beauty. Eleuthera has four major resorts planned or underway, but none is near completion yet, and overall, the island is still rustic and relatively unknown. Eleuthera is therefore less expensive than Abaco and Exuma–one-acre beachfront lots sell in the $500,000 range. With a population of 8000 and close proximity to resort-rich Harbour Island, Eleuthera has good infrastructure, stores, and services. If and when Eleuthera’s nascent resorts succeed, prices may catch up to Exuma and Abaco.

Andros, Cat Island, Long Island

These three islands are the next step up in remoteness and the next step down in name recognition, infrastructure, services, and prices.

Andros is said to be the largest unexplored landmass in the hemisphere. The island’s interior is home to the six-foot iguanas, the rare Bahamian boa constrictor, and who knows what else. The east coast of the island, the only populated area, has scattered villages and miles of deserted beaches. For those not afraid of who-knows-what-else, beachfront lots on Andros are selling in the $200,000 to $250,000 range.

Fifty miles long and with a population of only 1600, Cat Island is one place where you’ll never have to wait in line. Cat has many miles of spectacular pink-sand beaches and several delightful boutique resorts. A one-acre beachfront lot will set you back $350,000-400,000.

The aptly named Long Island is 96 miles long and only seven miles wide at its widest point. Long Island has a varied topography ranging from hills and cliffs in the north, to flatlands in the south. Deadman’s Cay, the commercial center, is fairly well equipped, with a medical clinic, banks, and well-stocked food stores. Prime beachfront lots on the island sell for $375,000, and lots on a narrower beach are currently selling for as little as $185,000.

San Salvador, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Inagua

For the true pioneers among you, these islands are farther south, more remote, and less populated. But the prices are tempting. A four-acre beachfront lot on Crooked Island is selling for $525,000–95% less than you would pay in Nassau.

Author Matthew Simon is developing Oceanfront Condominiums on the island of Eleuthera. His latest book is How to Buy and Sell Real Estate in the Bahamas: Insider’s Guide. Matthew may be reached at mattsimonmx@juno.com.

Many college spring break students have never been on a spring break cruise. They have jumped in their cars and headed for Florida or one of the many beach areas on the east and west coast of the United States, but never thought of cruising. So how does the first timer go about finding the best Bahama cruise for spring break 2009?

First lets talk about the length of time you want to be on vacation. Do you want a spring break trip that will last the entire week or just the weekend? This will drop a few cruise lines off the list. Several cruise lines only have weekend cruises to the Bahamas, others only have seven-day cruises to the Bahamas.

Second, you need to decide if you want an all inclusive spring break package or a pay as you go spring break trip. Naturally, all inclusive spring break trips will be more expensive, but you may end up paying more if you purchase your own food, drinks, and activities on the ship. Now we have knocked a few more Bahama cruise packages off the list.

Third, try to decide on a cruise only, cruise and stay, or island tour package. Some Bahama packages involve nights at a hotel once you arrive at your spring break destination, others keep you on the cruise ship the entire time. Island tour packages may stay at one port the first day and move on to other islands over the next few days.

You will be surprised at how quickly you will narrow down your choices if you make a decision on a few key elements.

Francis Copa is the author of this article. http://www.BahamaSun.com is a great source for the best Bahama cruises

Maui: This island is part of the Hawaiian islands and has breathtaking scenery and views. From the waterfalls and gorgeous white sandy beaches to the night life and Hawaiian culture, there is always something to do while on your luxury beach vacations. When it comes to activities Maui has you covered with numerous ground and ocean sports and adventures to indulge in. This is just the beginning when you visit Maui. If you are planning your luxury beach vacations for a wedding or anniversary, then Maui could be the perfect place to go. There are multiple 5 Star resorts to choose from that also offer impeccable service and quality and Maui even has something for the little ones, if your luxury beach vacations are a family trip.

Bora Bora: This tropical paradise is an hour flight from Tahiti or Moorea. These luxury beach vacations are not just for the romantics, but if you are with the one you love then you will love this gorgeous island. The ancient name was Pora Pora and it means first born. While in Bora Bora for your luxury beach vacations there are such accommodations as bungalows on the water, rooms over looking the ocean, and all the privacy and amenities you could ever dream of. Don’t forget there is plenty to do here as well, with snorkeling, wave running, outrigger canoeing, and jet skiing, you will have plenty to do and see while enjoying your luxury beach vacations.

Fiji: Located in the South Pacific, Fiji Me is the local saying since there is nothing that you can not do or see. From deep sea diving, to mountain climbing, to back packing through unbelievable terrain or even going for a sale on a beautiful ship or taking a short cruise through the Isles of Fiji Smiles, there is so much to do you and see that you will never want to leave. No matter what you are looking for, exploring this amazing island will always be breathtaking while on your luxury beach vacations.

Bermuda: While relaxing in Bermuda on your luxury beach vacations you can do a little boating or maybe you are a bird lover and would like do some exotic bird watching. There is also bowling, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding. No matter what you are looking for, Bermuda offers a wide range of choices while on your luxury beach vacations. Also, the choices of hotels are amazing, with hotels on the beach front to smaller guest houses that are much more intimate. There are completely full service accommodations that have restaurants, pools, spas, and anything else you might need while on your luxury beach vacations.

The Bahamas: When visiting the Bahamas you actually have a choice of 14 islands to choose from during your luxury beach vacations. Each one is different and unique in their own way. However, they all offer full service accommodations and services to fit anyone’s needs. Every island has different fun and exciting attractions and events. From the beaches to boating or sailing, festivals, fishing, gaming, or golfing, and these are just a few of the things you can do while there. You will have so many choices, you will not know which one to pick first while on your luxury beach vacations.

Any one of these destinations will give you exactly what you are looking for in luxury beach vacations. From the scenery, the hotels, and the all around beauty and luxury at these resorts and beaches. Which of these top five luxury beach vacations would you like to enjoy first?

Author: www.EzLuxuryBeachVacations.comEZ Luxury Beach Vacations is a U.S. based company that promotes one of the world’s top luxury travel memberships that has been in business for over 20 years. Together they offer the world’s leading private membership for luxury resort travel.

1. Hawaii’s Polo Beach

If you want a sandy beach with amazing crystal clear water, this is the one for you. Many people always want to take a trip to Hawaii. Now you can while also seeing the best beach it has to offer. It’s a great swimming location and just in front of some great vacation accommodations on South Maui.

2. Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach

In the area of Negril, Jamaica, this beach is literally what the name says, seven miles long, all beautiful white sand, and breathtaking views. You can literally sit under a coconut tree and watch the waves crash on the shore as the day just flows by. Nearby are a number of tourist spots that will have you feeling at home.

3. Bahamas’ Atlantis Paradise Beach

From amazing accommodations to the white beach sands that tourists pay good money for, this beach location has it all. You will be awestruck by the hotel, which offers it’s own water park, and you can take a short jaunt to be in the ocean.

4. Australia’s Heron Island

What more can you ask of a beach than a great place to relax? How about a great place to see a whole new world? This is what is offered at the Heron Island beach which is located on the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel or dive and see more marine life than you ever have before. There are over 20 spots just off shore where divers and snorkelers alike can take in the wonders of the underwater world.

5. Portugal’s Madiera Beach

This beach is right by the Reid’s Palace Hotel, but is not the white sandy beach you may think. Instead it is quite the opposite with sharp black rocks. The view is simply breathtaking and you will talk about it for years to come. You can still take a dip in the ocean or swim in the pools at the hotel while taking in the view.

6. Florida’s Miami Beach

You may even spot a few stars as you visit this beach, which is the one of the top places for the worlds top people to enjoy a little down time. On the beach, it’s white sand and beautiful waves and just across the street, a line of great restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightclubs.

By author Ken Morris.

Ken Morris writes for the most part for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web page about finding accommodation in Benidorm Spain and good benidorm accomadation. You can see his abstracts on hotel accommodation in benidorm and good benidorm accomodation here.

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora and fauna. It is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea and the highest point in the Bahamas.

The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped and set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his rather diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Spain. Another well known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

For those interested in water sports, the Cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort’s Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.

Cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it’s easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.

Author by Pete Marciulonis.

Mundane can be boring and variety is deemed to be the spice of life. So when you get drawn into a repetitive cycle of home, office and back home again, it is necessary to take a break and pamper yourself with a vacation. However, a vacation is best enjoyed when you are out enjoying with your family or friends as it is the best way to strengthen ties and bond with your loved ones.

Now, one of the most difficult aspects of going on a vacation is deciding the ideal destination that will meet with the approval of all involved. If you have people of various age groups traveling together then it can be an even bigger problem to discover a place that can provide entertainment for all.

Some might enjoy sight seeing, while others may prefer to simply laze around on the beach and still others may prefer adventure sports. Well, one destination that is ideal on all counts for people of every age group with whom you may be traveling is the Grand Bahamas Island.

The Grand Bahamas Island is a popular destination for tourists who want to have a relaxing time, unwinding with their friends or family as the place has something to offer to everyone. Young couples are sure to be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the Island, while a little elderly people will find the idea of sunbathing on the pristine beaches, too irresistible to ignore.

The youngsters in the family are sure to have a ball while indulging a variety of water sports and adventure activities offered by the Grand Bahamas Island. If some of you want to indulge in a round of golf while on this exciting vacation, you are sure to be attracted by the golf courses available in the Island which are considered to be some of the very best.

The Grand Bahamas Island is a real treat for all those who like to be close to nature but are unable to do so in their daily hustle bustle of life. Nassau, the capital city of the Bahama islands, is a popular spot for its scenic beauty and tourists are attracted to the islands, all year round.

So if you truly want to enjoy the magic of Bahamas, then make sure that you have planned ahead and booked your reservations in advance to avoid last minute disappointments. You can also carry out a little background research about the places to visit before you embark on your trip to Bahamas.

Grand Bahamas Island being a popular destination for tourists lets you get access to plenty of packages and special schemes. You could also surf the internet and book your reservations online and plan out your itinerary accordingly.

So when you are suffering from the burden of work overload or perhaps life has become plain boring, then treat yourself to a vacation at the Bahamas and come back refreshed and rejuvenated to face life anew, cherishing the pleasant memories of an enjoyable vacation with the family.