island news
"It's Better in the Bahamas." .......it really is! Our choice as the best resort and THE place to stay is the amazing new resort at Baha Mar. 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. And coming in July 2021 is the fabulous new Baha Bay and Waterpark next door. Baha Bay includes an oceanfront club with infinity pools overlooking the beach and ocean. Poolside food and beverage service and special benefits for members.
And of course Atlantis rocks on. Atlantis Resort Paradise Island has added The Cove at Atlantis, their exclusive all-suite section of the resort for couples and adults, and The Reef at Atlantis, an luxury option for families that include suites with full kitchens. And one of our favorite chefs, Chef Andres, has a signature restaurant, FISH, in the The Cove. We love the food and service here!
The Atlantis Harborside Marina Village also has some 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 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, or to any of the other top restaurants.
Cafe Matisse - We just had lunch again at our favorite downtown restaurant (awesome for dinner too). What a treat! Located just off Bay Street, this fine Italian-themed restaurant is within easy walking distance of the Hilton British Colonial Hotel and the new Margaritaville/Point One resort. 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. Hog snapper is our favorite! 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.
And of course Atlantis rocks on. Atlantis Resort Paradise Island has added The Cove at Atlantis, their exclusive all-suite section of the resort for couples and adults, and The Reef at Atlantis, an luxury option for families that include suites with full kitchens. And one of our favorite chefs, Chef Andres, has a signature restaurant, FISH, in the The Cove. We love the food and service here!
The Atlantis Harborside Marina Village also has some 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 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, or to any of the other top restaurants.
Cafe Matisse - We just had lunch again at our favorite downtown restaurant (awesome for dinner too). What a treat! Located just off Bay Street, this fine Italian-themed restaurant is within easy walking distance of the Hilton British Colonial Hotel and the new Margaritaville/Point One resort. 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. Hog snapper is our favorite! 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 and impeccable service. The resort offers exceptional guestrooms in the Hartford Wing; spacious, ocean-facing Luxury Beachfront rooms and suites; and residential-style private oceanfront villas with infinity pools. 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. We visited in May 2021 and loved it! True luxury relaxation.
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The Grand Hyatt - Baha Mar - Ideal for families or a romantic getaway. Ample guest rooms and suites overlooking the ocean or Jack Nicholas championship golf course. 6 pools, beaches with swimming area and water sports, fine and casual dining including the renowned, Katsuya, seafood and sushi restaurant.
The casino is always open with fun nightlife, live music, jazz bar, cigar bar and lounge. And coming in July 2021 is the fabulous new Baha Bay and Waterpark next door. Baha Bay includes an oceanfront club with infinity pools overlooking the beach and ocean. Poolside food and beverage service and special benefits for members. |
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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 (we love Mahogany House!), 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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SLS Baha Mar - Combining a five-star hotel experience with elements of creativity and community, SLS Baha Mar is an irresistible Bahamian retreat for the most discerning global traveler. Super lobby bar scene, DJ music, fine dining, South Beach pool vibe, plus private pool and party scene at Privee, along with an outdoor cigar and cognac lounge.
In the lobby is Cleo, fabulous Mediterranean food. Then just steps out of the lobby into the casino area are some of our favorite restaurants including Carna (outstanding steaks and seafood), and Fi' Lia (Italian and seafood). And of course you have access to all the amenities at Baha Mar. We stayed here a week in May 2021 and didn't want to leave! |
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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.
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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.....Captain Kris is an experienced guide who delivers first-class bonefishing experiences around Rose Island and on the south side of Nassau where you'll find vast flats, creeks and lots of bones. Captain Kris fishes out of a customized Maverick and he can provide all your fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, leaders, and flies. That said, if you have your own gear, you should take it. Full and half day trips available. We just fished with Kris in May 2021. Had some tough wind, but still caught some nice bones. Amazing how many fish you can see, and the south side flats could be on Andros or any of the other Family Islands. Email Stephen for details on how to book with Captain Kris.
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.....Captain Kris is an experienced guide who delivers first-class bonefishing experiences around Rose Island and on the south side of Nassau where you'll find vast flats, creeks and lots of bones. Captain Kris fishes out of a customized Maverick and he can provide all your fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, leaders, and flies. That said, if you have your own gear, you should take it. Full and half day trips available. We just fished with Kris in May 2021. Had some tough wind, but still caught some nice bones. Amazing how many fish you can see, and the south side flats could be on Andros or any of the other Family Islands. Email Stephen for details on how to book with Captain Kris.
Click here for Fishing Charters in Nassau and Freeport, including reef and off-shore charters. Click here for bonefishing guides in Freeport.