island news
"It's Better in the Bahamas." .......it really is! Atlantis Resort Paradise Island has added The Cove at Atlantis, their exclusive all-suite section of the resort, and The Reef at Atlantis, an ultra-luxury section right on Paradise Beach, plus the Residences at Atlantis Tower with full ownership condos.
The Atlantis Harborside Marina Village is also complete and open, with a number of new outstanding restaurants, including an old favorite that is reopened, Cafe Martinique. Fantastic food and service, and a cool piano bar. And in the Royal Tower, the famous Nobu Restaurant now occupies the spot previously occupied by Five Twins. We ate at Nobu and the place was packed....you can't go here without a reservation. It is some of the best sushi and seafood in the world.
Also, Cable Beach has been redeveloped, and is now Baja Mar, an exclusive hotel, restaurant, resort complex anchored by the SLS Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Rosewood Baja Mar Hotel. We love the SLS living spaces, bar and choice of restaurants, plus the cigar and cognac bar.
Cafe Matisse - Our favorite downtown restaurant for lunch and dinner! Located just off Bay Street, this fine Italian-themed restaurant is within easy walking distance of the Hilton British Colonial Hotel. Topnotch professional service is combined with well-presented delicious dishes that range from lobster pizza, to pasta specialties, veal, rack of lamb, and fresh seafood. This is also a nice spot if you just want to stop in for a drink at the bar. For dinner, we recommend making a reservation. 242-356-7012.
The Atlantis Harborside Marina Village is also complete and open, with a number of new outstanding restaurants, including an old favorite that is reopened, Cafe Martinique. Fantastic food and service, and a cool piano bar. And in the Royal Tower, the famous Nobu Restaurant now occupies the spot previously occupied by Five Twins. We ate at Nobu and the place was packed....you can't go here without a reservation. It is some of the best sushi and seafood in the world.
Also, Cable Beach has been redeveloped, and is now Baja Mar, an exclusive hotel, restaurant, resort complex anchored by the SLS Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Rosewood Baja Mar Hotel. We love the SLS living spaces, bar and choice of restaurants, plus the cigar and cognac bar.
Cafe Matisse - Our favorite downtown restaurant for lunch and dinner! Located just off Bay Street, this fine Italian-themed restaurant is within easy walking distance of the Hilton British Colonial Hotel. Topnotch professional service is combined with well-presented delicious dishes that range from lobster pizza, to pasta specialties, veal, rack of lamb, and fresh seafood. This is also a nice spot if you just want to stop in for a drink at the bar. For dinner, we recommend making a reservation. 242-356-7012.
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NEW - DAY TRIPS to FLY FISH ON MANGROVE CAY, ANDROS ISLAND - It's easy to fly over to Andros to fly fish for the day, catch some great bonefish with top guides, and be back in Nassau in time for cocktails and dinner. Morning flight from the Nassau Airport Domestic Terminal depart at 6:30 am, arrive Mangrove Cay 6:55 am. One of our drivers will meet you and take you to the dock; either Lisbon Creek to fish the South Bight, or Moxey Town to fish the Middle Bight. Your guide will be waiting with lunch and drinks, take your out fishing for the day, then have you back in time for you return flight to Nassau. Sound good? Email Stephen for details and rates.
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PRIVATE CHARTERS - If you want to go island hopping, fish a few days on another island, call Bahama Hoppers - Based at Odessey Aviation - Nassau, Bahamas - (MYNN), and office at White Crown Aviation - North Eleuthera Airport (MYEH). 242-335-1650. They can pick you up and take you to just about any airport in the Bahamas. We can arrange fly fishing guides on other islands! Email Stephen for details.
featured lodges/resorts - our top recommendations
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The Cove at Atlantis - is elegantly situated between Cove and Paradise Beaches creating the feeling of being cast away on a private, white-sand sanctuary. The luxury property was designed to bring high design together with the bluest ocean and mother of pearl hued sand. The result is an open air lobby that rises and sets with the day, an exclusive adult pool that sits between two private beaches, stunning and sensual rooms and suites, a collection of unparalleled dining options including the restaurant, Fish by José Andrés specializing in local, creative seafood specialties; Sip Sip, a fun, casual outdoor dining restaurant serving Bahamian food with a flair. And of course The Cove has access to the entire Atlantis property. Virtuoso recommended.
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The Reef at Atlantis - is truly your luxurious home-away-from-home. The Reef delivers newly renovated Oceanfront Suites for families vacationing in the Bahamas. Guest rooms and one-bedroom suites feature all the conveniences of spacious residential apartments, perfect for making yourself completely at home in this island-lovers paradise. Just steps away from the white-sand beach and crystal-clear Caribbean waters Guests of The Reef Atlantis have access to all Atlantis has to offer. Virtuoso recommended.
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Rosewood Baha Mar - Rosewood Baha Mar epitomizes Bahamian refinement and sophistication. Fusing the timeless charm of British colonial architecture with modern amenities and a contemporary beach cottage interior, the resort offers 237 rooms, suites and beachfront villas, exceptional dining experiences, private beach access and an indulgent spa. The hotel has access to the entire Baja Mar resort property. Virtuoso recommended.
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The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort - Bespoke experiences with the exclusiveness of a private estate. The resort offers exceptional guestrooms in the Hartford Wing; spacious, ocean-facing Luxury Beachfront rooms and suites; and residential-style private villas. Enjoy Versailles-inspired gardens, tennis, ocean-view yoga, bicycles for island exploration and the Kids For All Seasons. Retreat to a Balinese-style treatment villa, with waterfall shower, in the sanctuary spa. Dine out with the French-Asian cuisine of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Dune Restaurant or enjoy the upscale dining options in the nearby Marina Village. Virtuoso recommended
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British Colonial Hilton Hotel and Beach Resort - Our favorite place to stay to enjoy Bay Street. It's just a pleasure to stay here. With the address of Number One Bay Street--Built on the site of Fort Nassau--the British Colonial is the only hotel in downtown Nassau with its own beach. A super-friendly staff makes this THE place to stay for business travelers, or for vacationers who want to be in the middle of the downtown action. The hotel is just steps away from the cruise ship dock and the best shopping in the city. Easy walking distance to Cafe Matisse and Bay Street shopping.
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The Island House Boutique Hotel - The Island House stands out among Nassau resorts, having been designed with both visitors and the local community in mind, and as a symbiotic extension of the surrounding environment. The property offers thirty rooms and suites, exclusive private beach access, six rental apartments, two restaurants, a cafe, wine market, art house cinema, lap pool, movement studio, squash courts, and a Bamford Spa. And the location is away from it all, in the opposite direction from Baja Mar and downtown Nassau; near Lyford Cay with easy access to the international airport.
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Albany Resort Community and Marina - Want to get away form it all on New Providence, this is the place. Island life gets exciting at this luxury resort community. Golf greats Tiger Woods and Ernie Els are the visionaries behind this 600-acre oceanside resort, so expect a challenging day on its championship links course. Plenty of space for your yacht at the 71-slip marina, plus lots to do - jet ski, kayak, SUPs, a dedicated CrossFitter course, and there’s a full-size boxing ring along with spinning, yoga and Pilates classes. When it’s time to relax, head to the numerous pools, holistic spa, movie theater and a variety of dining venues. And for DIY anglers, some of the best bonefishing flats are nearby. Tarpon too!
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additional accommodations and Dining
Gray Cliff Restaurant and Hotel
Graycliff continues to be our favorite restaurant in Nassau. The combination of great food and service, unbeatable wine selection (over 175,000 bottles of the world's finest vintages, including rare cognacs and ports), fresh-rolled cigars, and overall atmosphere creates an epic dining experience.
Enrico Gazaroli bought Graycliff in 1973 and continues to make it better and better. Only Graycliff can show you the humidor once owned by Napoleon, encased behind glass in the room beside the entrance foyer. And also in the foyer, you can sometimes find a protege of the famous Avelino Lara, the first manager of the El Laguito factory in Havana, where the world-famous Cohiba cigars are made. Lara created that "finest of cigars" in 1968.
In no small way, Lara was the impetus for Graycliff's own achievement --The Humidor Churrascaria Restaurant and Luxury Guest Quarters. The Humidor building--part of the Graycliff complex that includes the Gazaroli mansion, the restaurant and small luxury hotel, and three swimming pools-is 150 yards down the street from the original restaurant. A giant cigar protrudes skyward from the entrance. A charming Old World bar greets visitors in the reception area. Through a foyer are two dining rooms that seat one hundred guests. Upstairs are six luxury suites complete with walk-in closets, business centers, and immaculate Italian marble bathrooms with full Jacuzzi, bidet and double sinks.
Graycliff continues to be our favorite restaurant in Nassau. The combination of great food and service, unbeatable wine selection (over 175,000 bottles of the world's finest vintages, including rare cognacs and ports), fresh-rolled cigars, and overall atmosphere creates an epic dining experience.
Enrico Gazaroli bought Graycliff in 1973 and continues to make it better and better. Only Graycliff can show you the humidor once owned by Napoleon, encased behind glass in the room beside the entrance foyer. And also in the foyer, you can sometimes find a protege of the famous Avelino Lara, the first manager of the El Laguito factory in Havana, where the world-famous Cohiba cigars are made. Lara created that "finest of cigars" in 1968.
In no small way, Lara was the impetus for Graycliff's own achievement --The Humidor Churrascaria Restaurant and Luxury Guest Quarters. The Humidor building--part of the Graycliff complex that includes the Gazaroli mansion, the restaurant and small luxury hotel, and three swimming pools-is 150 yards down the street from the original restaurant. A giant cigar protrudes skyward from the entrance. A charming Old World bar greets visitors in the reception area. Through a foyer are two dining rooms that seat one hundred guests. Upstairs are six luxury suites complete with walk-in closets, business centers, and immaculate Italian marble bathrooms with full Jacuzzi, bidet and double sinks.
Compass Point Beach Resort - Great beachfront location close to the international airport. Ideal if you are getting in late and have an early flight the next morning. Also, there are bonefish flats nearby. Comfortable cabana accommodations, pool and Jacuzzi. The restaurant is nice for lunch and dinner, serving excellent fresh seafood, and the oceanfront bar is ideal for sunset cocktails. And if you like Eggs Benedict, stop by for breakfast. When we have an early morning flight change between the Out Islands, or extra time when arriving from an Out Island before we have to take our international flight, we always zip over for breakfast instead of waiting at the airport. It's a quick taxi ride.
Atlantis Resort - Paradise Island - The original Atlantis, Paradise Island features the world's largest open-air marine habitat; Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park, including the iconic Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith slide; 11 incredible pools; five miles of magnificent beaches; a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, oceanfront golf course; and the Atlantis Casino. It's really hard to believe this place. We remember our first visit back before the Royal Tower. Great place for families, but to get away for a better experience see our recommendations for The Cove and The Reef above.
flats fishing patterns - fishing reports
We receive a huge amount of email from people who want to fish around New Providence on their family vacations. Most of these people are staying on Paradise Island, though Baha Mar is another popular choice. Please check out our book for maps of the areas where you can fish on your own along the southern shores of the island. Unless you're staying at Albany, you'll need to rent a car, and be familiar with the local tide information to be successful, but you can catch some nice fish on occasion. The flats around the settlement of Adelaide are usually productive on the right tide (incoming is best, then last of the falling). Another good option is around Coral Harbour, where access is pretty good, and anglers are reporting some nice fish in the five to seven pound range.
DAY TRIPS to FLY FISH ON MANGROVE CAY, ANDROS ISLAND - It's easy to fly over to Andros to fly fish for the day, catch some great bonefish with top guides (including Marvin Miller, Shine Greene, Andy Smith, Charlie Neymour, Frankie Neymour and others), and be back in Nassau in time for cocktails and dinner. Morning flight from the Nassau Airport Domestic Terminal depart at 6:30 am, arrive Mangrove Cay 6:55 am. One of our drivers will meet you and take you to the dock; either Lisbon Creek to fish the South Bight, or Moxey Town to fish the Middle Bight. Your guide will be waiting with lunch and drinks, take your out fishing for the day, then have you back in time for you return flight to Nassau. Sound good? Email Stephen for details and rates.
NASSAU GUIDE SERVICE...there is also an option for a fly-fishing guide service if you are vacationing on New Providence or staying on Paradise Island.....Simon Bain is an experienced guide from Andros who now lives and guides on New Providence. There are over 20 miles of flats, including fishing the cays out toward Eleuthera. Simon charges $695 for a full day of guided fishing (7 am to 4 pm), $530 for a half-day. You can contact Simon directly at 242-456-2105, or email Simon Bain. When making any booking, be sure to get a detailed email confirmation with pricing, arrangements, and all other details.
Click here for Fishing Charters in Nassau and Freeport, including reef and off-shore charters. Click here for bonefishing guides in Freeport.
DAY TRIPS to FLY FISH ON MANGROVE CAY, ANDROS ISLAND - It's easy to fly over to Andros to fly fish for the day, catch some great bonefish with top guides (including Marvin Miller, Shine Greene, Andy Smith, Charlie Neymour, Frankie Neymour and others), and be back in Nassau in time for cocktails and dinner. Morning flight from the Nassau Airport Domestic Terminal depart at 6:30 am, arrive Mangrove Cay 6:55 am. One of our drivers will meet you and take you to the dock; either Lisbon Creek to fish the South Bight, or Moxey Town to fish the Middle Bight. Your guide will be waiting with lunch and drinks, take your out fishing for the day, then have you back in time for you return flight to Nassau. Sound good? Email Stephen for details and rates.
NASSAU GUIDE SERVICE...there is also an option for a fly-fishing guide service if you are vacationing on New Providence or staying on Paradise Island.....Simon Bain is an experienced guide from Andros who now lives and guides on New Providence. There are over 20 miles of flats, including fishing the cays out toward Eleuthera. Simon charges $695 for a full day of guided fishing (7 am to 4 pm), $530 for a half-day. You can contact Simon directly at 242-456-2105, or email Simon Bain. When making any booking, be sure to get a detailed email confirmation with pricing, arrangements, and all other details.
Click here for Fishing Charters in Nassau and Freeport, including reef and off-shore charters. Click here for bonefishing guides in Freeport.