islands of the bahamas - there are really two bahamas
A quality that is foremost in our minds about the Bahamas is its tranquility and charm, especially across the Out Islands. The fact is, there are really two Bahamas. One is the high-profile resort settings of Freeport and Nassau. The other consists of the Out Islands, or Family Islands, where the residents are friendly and welcoming, and change happens at a snail’s pace.
Out Island residents make a habit of welcoming guests. Anything you need, no problem, Mon. The simple truth is you don’t need much—a comfortable room, good food, a cold Kalik, and a place to hang out with friends and maybe tie some flies or rig some leaders. This is one of the best places in the world to relax and just live day-to-day. “Eat, fish, drink, sleep, eat, fish, drink, sleep,” becomes the hypnotic mantra.
A phrase we often use is “How bad can it be in a place like this?” The settings of the Bahamas are sometimes stunning and dramatic, though more often the beauty is simple, subtle, and soothing. Clear aqua-green water, pink sand beaches, lush mangrove cays, cool pine forests, the sound of the surf as it pours over a reef, along with the abundant bird and sea life, these are your constant companions.
While the people are laid-back, they also possess an old-fashioned sense of purpose. As tourism has moved into the mainstream, new energy and enthusiasm are being focused on developing marinas and resorts. This has been most prevalent on Abaco and Exuma. Sandals at Emerald Bay, Exuma, a luxury all-inclusive resort and the ultra-upscale resort and residential community, the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, are examples. Both resorts feature championship 18-hole golf courses and have plans for new marinas.
In spite of this, the way of life throughout the Out Islands remains relatively unchanged. Work hard, honor your family, have pride in yourself, and be friendly, seems to be the motto. This way of life has persisted for generations. It is the essence of harmony that can seep into your soul and, along with the fishing, it can keep you coming back again and again.
Out Island residents make a habit of welcoming guests. Anything you need, no problem, Mon. The simple truth is you don’t need much—a comfortable room, good food, a cold Kalik, and a place to hang out with friends and maybe tie some flies or rig some leaders. This is one of the best places in the world to relax and just live day-to-day. “Eat, fish, drink, sleep, eat, fish, drink, sleep,” becomes the hypnotic mantra.
A phrase we often use is “How bad can it be in a place like this?” The settings of the Bahamas are sometimes stunning and dramatic, though more often the beauty is simple, subtle, and soothing. Clear aqua-green water, pink sand beaches, lush mangrove cays, cool pine forests, the sound of the surf as it pours over a reef, along with the abundant bird and sea life, these are your constant companions.
While the people are laid-back, they also possess an old-fashioned sense of purpose. As tourism has moved into the mainstream, new energy and enthusiasm are being focused on developing marinas and resorts. This has been most prevalent on Abaco and Exuma. Sandals at Emerald Bay, Exuma, a luxury all-inclusive resort and the ultra-upscale resort and residential community, the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, are examples. Both resorts feature championship 18-hole golf courses and have plans for new marinas.
In spite of this, the way of life throughout the Out Islands remains relatively unchanged. Work hard, honor your family, have pride in yourself, and be friendly, seems to be the motto. This way of life has persisted for generations. It is the essence of harmony that can seep into your soul and, along with the fishing, it can keep you coming back again and again.
