Your favourite TV shows are great for providing a much-needed bit of escapism when you need it, but the truth is, nothing compares to the real thing. Whether it’s feeling the heat of the sun on your skin, the tickle of warm ocean water on your feet or the sweet hit of your chosen poolside cocktail, you can’t beat a proper holiday – Nassau promises all that and more.
For James Bond fans in particular, Nassau will feel like a real-life film set, as it’s been used to shoot not one, but four movies in the much-loved franchise. The Sean Connery-fronted Never Say Never Again and Thunderball were filmed at the iconic British Colonial Hotel, while Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale was shot at the lavish The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort. Roger Moore’s The Spy Who Loved Me was also shot here (though only underwater scenes!).
Indeed, The Bahamas has long been considered the playground of the rich and famous, but thanks to its breath-taking natural beauty and warm welcome, its appeal is universal. While here, not only will you get to experience the incredible local cuisine and vibrant culture, but you can also take your pick of the most incredible waterparks and golf courses and even the island’s lively nightlife.
Read on to discover why this island metropolis has all you could want from a holiday destination.
Next-level accommodation
When you think of The Bahamas, it’s easy to picture nothing but luxurious resorts, but Nassau Paradise Island has a great range of accommodation to suit different budgets and tastes. In the heart of Nassau, you’ll find the newly opened Margaritaville Beach Resort, where every room comes complete with a stunning ocean view. Then there’s Atlantis Paradise Island, where you can experience Bahamian culture, and marine activities along its five-mile coastline. Or indulge in a world of grandeur and elegance at Baha Mar, which offers three hotel experiences – Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Rosewood Baha Mar, and SLS Baha Mar – on 3,000 square feet of pristine beaches. At Comfort Suites Paradise Island, you’ll find modern amenities combined with affordable comfort, and it’s the same story over at the island’s charming Bay View Suites.
Make a splash
!["Water]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2022/02/2-Nassau_Native-f99e854.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413" "\"Water")
If your idea of family fun includes hitting a water park, then you’ve come to the right place. Nassau has three impressive parks to its name, including Aquaventure, which sits across a whopping 141 acres, and if you stay at the Comfort Suites or Atlantis Paradise Island, you’ll have entirely free access. Baha Bay in the luxurious Baha Mar is another highlight – inspired by the natural beauty of The Bahamas, this water park is designed to fuse relaxing island chill with exhilarating fun for the entire family. At Margaritaville Beach Resort, you’ll find Fins Up Water Park where thrilling slides meet tranquil lazy rivers.
For more inspiration and information, click here.
Treat your taste buds
From traditional French cuisine to the freshest local seafood, Nassau’s vast and varied dining scene offers something for every palate. For sushi in a wonderfully glamorous setting, head to Nobu inside the Atlantis Paradise Island casino, or for steak, make your way to Carna Baha Mar. The contemporary steakhouse serves up the finest prime cuts sourced from the best farms all over the world, with legendary butcher Dario Cecchini at the helm.
Drinks enthusiasts, meanwhile, will relish a rum tour at John Watling’s Distillery. Set on a charming 18th century estate, this distillery has proudly provided high-quality spirits to the Nassau area since 2003. If wine is more your thing, how about becoming a winemaker for the day and creating your own unique bottle with a wine blending class at Bahama Barrels by Graycliff? To help concoct the perfect tipple, an experienced California winemaker will provide all the information you need to help you formulate your wine, taking you through everything from tannins and acidity, to balance and finish. You’ll even get to taste wines from around the world to stir your inspiration.
How will you unwind?
!["Spa]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2022/02/3-Nassau_Native-4e3bd98.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Spa")
Relaxation, of course, certainly doesn’t look the same for everyone. While some may like to unwind with a book on the beach or a day at the spa, others may prefer an afternoon on the golf course or an evening at the casino. Happily, Nassau caters to all.
If Nassau’s awe-inspiring ocean views have inspired you to seek further rejuvenation, then the many spas on the island are sure to do the trick. You can discover serenity with centuries-old Asian traditions and Bahamian hospitality at The Ocean Club Spa, for instance, or enjoy luxurious European spa techniques with a distinctive Caribbean flair at the Red Lane Spa at the recently renovated Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort.
Feeling lucky? Then a night at the Atlantis Paradise Island Casino will be ideal for you. Along with 85 gaming tables and 700 slot machines, you’ll find world-class DJs performing at Aura Nightclub and top comedians taking to the stage at Joker’s Wild.
For drinks with a view, it doesn’t get much better than Skybar. The only rooftop lounge in New Providence, its open air, ivy-covered pavilion is perched above SLS Baha Mar and provides an idyllic oasis to take in the sun and enjoy impeccably fresh cocktails.
Getting to paradise
Tempted to start planning your Nassau getaway? You’ll be glad to know that getting there just got even easier. Virgin Atlantic has added a direct service from London Heathrow twice a week, departing on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Plus, British Airways flies direct from Heathrow to Nassau six times a week*. So, what are you waiting for?
For more Nassau inspiration click here, or to book now with British Airways, click here.
*These are the winter schedules valid until 31 March. For summer, Virgin Atlantic moves to Mondays & Fridays, whilst British Airways reduces to four flights per week.