Bahamas Flavour...A Taste of Paradise

Posted: 10 February 2011

My Love for Junkanoo…. 

Junkanoo is the highlight of the year in The Bahamas. The time when young and old Bahamians come together to showcase our culture in music, rhythm and dance.

What is Junkanoo you ask? Junkanoo, a Bahamian national festival, is a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. The rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goat skin drums and whistles, accompanied by an array of brass instruments, create a sweet musical beat that will move you; while brilliantly coloured costumes capture your eye, and bring much visual delight. This bi-annual cultural highlight takes place on Bay Street in New Providence and other Family Islands during the early morning hours, from 1:00a.m. - 9:00a.m. on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) and New Year’s Morning. Junkanoo can also be experienced on many celebrated occasions such as independence Day (July 10th), and there is also a Junior Junkanoo Parade in December, held in New Providence.

I remember clearly the days when my brothers and I would paste our costumes for hours on end in run up to the Junkanoo parade, paying close attention to the rules.  Costumes begin with a selection of a theme. Designers then create patterns on cardboard, which is the base of the costumes. Once the costumes’ structure is complete, hundreds of brilliantly coloured layers of fringed crepe paper are meticulously pasted on. The fringe effect is what adds texture and dimension to these elaborate costumes.  We were a part of the enviable group The Valley boys. I  looked forward to dancing in the streets with the other girls to a cleaverly choreographed routine, as we were judged on poise, talent and rhythm. Those were fantastic memories and every year the groups get larger and larger, all vying for the grand cash prize. After the parade the preparations starts again for the following year.

Junkanoo will always be dear to me and something I can be proud of as a Bahamian.

Island Hopping

Two words I would use to describe The Bahamas, ‘effortless beauty’. With 16 beautiful islands welcoming tourists year round, getting around the islands couldn’t be easier. 

If you are looking for a romantic getaway, boutique hotels lining the most beautiful pink sand beach, restaurants overlooking gin clear crystal blue waters, then Harbour Island offers this and more.

Say ‘I Do’ with your significant other on one of the best stretches of beaches in The Bahamas and dine under the stars at the many restaurants on the island offering a selection of international cuisine.

The Bahamas fast ferries offers daily transfers from Nassau to Habour Island or some of the local air carriers offers twice daily flights to and from Nassau Airport to North Eluethera and then there is a short water ferry to Harbour Island. 

Do you need a bit of nightlife in your holiday? Then the islands of Nassau/Paradise Island offers a host of entertainment to pleasure all tastes.  The Atlantis hotel on Paradise Island is home to one of the largest casinos and waterparks in the Caribbean, with over 30,000 marine animals, a mayan temple, enviable kids facilities, an amazing spa, golf, amongst other amenities. Nassau offers a variety of pubs, restaurants and great night life. Many of the hotels showcase a performance of Junkanoo which is a Bahamian carnival held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Junkanoo can best be summed up as an explosion of culture featuring all things uniquely Bahamian. 

Families can enjoy the Many hotels that cater to children offering savings of up to £500 on your holiday. The powerboat adventure is a favourite amongst families which gives you an opportunity to experience another island in the Bahamas, the Exuma cays for the day, come up close and personal with the stingrays, feed over 100 Iguanas with grapes and watch the sharks being fed by the crew, snorkel or simply relax. The Dolphin Encounters is another must see adventure. You can have a close encounter with  these beautiful creatures or a swim with the dolphins. Your dolphin trainer will combine elements of hands on contact, education, fun, laughter and adventure to make this an unforgettable experience.

These are just a few suggestions, let Bahamas Flavour tailor make your holiday specific to your requirements…….call today………….08700 66 99 75.

Posted: 9 January 2011

Bahamas My Home

Thinking back to my early years growing up in The Bahamas, life was so  simple. I fondly remember playing hopscotch for hours with my neighbours in the street where cars were hardly seen, catching butterflies and setting them free was a favourite past time for me and my best friend Samantha. My brothers and I looked forward to the weekends because we got to spend the whole day at the beach with our cousins and afterwards mum would take us to the Fort to pick sea grapes from the endless number of sea grape trees that lined the quiet streets. Our days were always filled with activities we created from the natural beauty that surrounded us and we were happy. Some thirty years later that beauty is still there. Though the streets are busier, the islands remain unspoilt. Although I now live in the UK, I visit with my husband and 5 year old son who enjoy the beauty and the flavour of the islands I call home, The  Bahamas.        

One of the many reasons The Bahamas remain a desired destination for tourists is the number of undiscovered islands, unspoilt beaches, sunny climate all year round and the warmth and hospitality of our people. What many do not know about The Bahamas is that we are an archipelago of 700 islands covering an area of 100,000 square miles, with a population of approximately 350,000. 16 of our islands welcome tourists year round and each island is uniquely different. Grand Bahama, the most northerly island, with the main town Freeport being the nation’s second city, has all the trappings of luxury and style combined with a laid back island feel and boasts some of the best beaches in The Bahamas. The southernmost island of Inagua, dreamily idyllic, has a population of just 1,000 and a National Park boasting a huge lake and 80,000 West Indian Flamingoes. The Bahamas has something for everyone.

The hotels are second to none, with a wide selection of accommodation to choose from. Whether you are looking for a beach bungalow, all-inclusive hotel, private villa, self catering, bed and breakfast or luxury cottage, The Bahamas has it all.  Families with young children are spoilt for choice with the variety of accommodation and activities available in the capital city of Nassau. The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort boasts 2 swimming pools, an outdoor heated Jacuzzi, a kids club with varied activities for children ages 4-12 and fine dining; this hotel lies on one of the best stretch of beach on the island and is next door to the Wyndham Nassau Marriott Resort, another favourite amongst families. The Wyndham hosts various theme nights that the entire family can enjoy. Just some 5 miles away on Paradise Island is home to one of the largest hotels in the Caribbean, the Atlantis, which boasts over 30,000 marine animals, a Mayan Temple, the largest themed water park in the Caribbean and fully supervised teen only night club for ages 13-17 called Club Rush. For the younger ones there’s the kids club with a varied programme which is sure to suit every child’s interest.  For the honeymooners there are countless boutique properties throughout The Bahamas, with miles of deserted beaches and private cays for intimate dinning.

You can learn to dive in The Bahamas and become certified within 3 days. With over 1,000 dive sites, The Bahamas boasts some of the best diving in the world. There are over 35 dive shops to choose from, some with over 30 years experience.  

The over 700 islands that make up The Bahamas seem to have been created just for the angler. Remote and beautiful islands like Andros and Abaco are the main draw for fishing enthusiasts. Boasting over 50 record catches, the islands are surrounded by hundreds of miles of soft and hard bottom flats, creek channels and ocean drop-offs, attracting fishermen from all over the world.

Already recognized as a golfing Mecca, The Islands of The Bahamas boast an unbeatable combination of world-class courses, stunning locations and an idyllic tropical climate that allows year-round play.

So you can see there is lots to do in The Bahamas and the diversity of the islands can accommodate every budget and taste. 

Bahamas Flavour can tailor make your dream holiday ensuring a memorable experience. Our service extends to meet and greet at Nassau Airport, private transfers and our ground staff are on hand to organize a last minute excursion or tour. We are Bahamian so we speak from personal experience, you can rest assured that your holiday is in good hands.

As a thank you for taking the time to read our blog, from now until 1 March 2011, if you quote ‘Bahamas Blog’ you will receive an additional £100 off your holiday.

Don’t delay, call us today……

Kim Valente

Director