Press & Media
Fact Sheet
Overview | Location | History | Beaches | Activities | Arts & Culture | Festivals | Dining | Shopping | Meetings | Lodging | Spas | Getting Around
Overview:
Nassau is located on New Providence, the eleventh largest island of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Paradise Island is located less than half a mile away. Nassau, the capital of the archipelago nation, and Paradise Island, its neighboring resort and entertainment mecca, are connected by two 600-foot bridges. At Nassau Paradise Island, travelers can enjoy the islands' famed white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, a myriad of accommodations to meet any budget or style, acclaimed restaurants, shopping, nightclubs and popular attractions. Nassau Paradise Island, where English is the spoken language and U.S. currency is accepted, offers guests the convenience and ease of any U.S. destination, while still maintaining a true Caribbean experience.
Location:
Located on one of the 700 islands that make up the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Nassau and Paradise Island are just 180 miles (55 minutes) off the coast of southern Florida. Flights from the East Coast average 2.5 hours, while non-stop service from Dallas/Ft. Worth is just three hours.
Air Service:
The Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), formerly the Nassau International Airport, lies 10 miles from downtown Nassau and serves more than 100 flights daily. JetBlue provides direct daily service to Nassau Paradise Island from Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, New York and Boston. Other airlines offering non-stop service include American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Bahamasair and U.S. Airways, departing from 14 U.S. cities (varies seasonally).
History:
With a harbor that remained protected throughout history given its location between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Nassau Paradise Island has experienced interesting arrivals during its time, including religious dissenters, pirates and runaway lovers.
However, the destination's early history is probably best known for being Christopher Columbus' first landfall in the New World. Here, he encountered the island's original inhabitants, the Lucayans. In 1629, when the Spaniards began settling much of the Caribbean, Charles I of England claimed the Carolinas and the Bahamas.
During the American Revolution which began in 1775, the Bahamas was firmly established as an English royal colony, with many Loyalists choosing to migrate to the island destination. During the American Civil War, England and Nassau kept close ties with the South, where trade between the two countries was strong.
The Bahamas continued to operate under England's reign until the Progressive Liberal Party, headed by Lynden Pindling, led the nation to vote for independence from England. The Bahamas became an independent nation on July 10, 1973.
Today the Bahamas has a parliamentary democracy, also known as a constitutional multi-party parliamentary democracy. Presently, there is no direct taxation, however there is an import tax.
Beaches:
The powder-white sand beaches of Nassau Paradise Island are said to be some of the most beautiful in the world, which comes as no surprise to locals and guests alike. The beaches of Nassau Paradise Island include:
- Cable Beach – A beautiful setting complete with impeccable sand and clear waters. A number of upscale resorts line this beach which went unnamed until 1907.
- Montagu Beach – Just east of Paradise Island is Montagu Beach. Located here is Fort Montagu which was constructed in the 18th century to guard the eastern entrance to Nassau Harbor.
- Paradise Beach – Formerly known as Cabbage Beach, this beach is an instant favorite because of its perfectly-groomed powder white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
- Sandyport Beach – Located west of Cable Beach, this beach also provides a bridge to the new Sandyport housing development and residential area.
- Saunders Beach – A favorite of tourists and locals, Saunders Beach is located to the east of Cable Beach. Lined with casuarina trees, this beach provides breathtaking views.
- Western Esplanade – Known as the Long Wharf and located near downtown Nassau, this spot is a popular destination for spring breakers and locals hosting cookouts and other activities.
Activities:
Nassau Paradise Island offers unforgettable activities on both land and sea for visitors of all ages, including:
On Land
- Ardastra Gardens & Conservation Center — Known for being the first zoo in the Bahamas, the Ardastra began as a garden in 1937 and now boasts of exotic plants and animals from around the world.
- Golf and Tennis – Between plush greens and sunny courts there are plenty of ways to remain active while still relaxing in paradise. The Atlantis Sports Center, the Cable Beach Resorts Golf Club and the Ocean Club Golf Course offer more than 6 tennis courts and two 18-hole courses combined in addition to breathtaking views.
- Happy Trails Stables – Since 1977, the stables have been offering scenic horseback riding excursions for visitors and locals from its location in Coral Harbour. Excursions take place six days a week and the location is only 25 minutes from downtown Nassau. Pickup times from Paradise Island and Nassau hotels are available.
- National Park – Known as The Retreat, this park serves as the headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust and is home to 170 exotic palms and is open to the public Monday through Friday.
- Nassau Botanical Garden – This luscious 18-acre tropical garden is filled with 600 species of trees and shrubs and hundreds of other scenic tropical plants, palms, fish and ponds.
- People to People Program – This program connects visitors with volunteer Bahamian hosts to encourage cultural exchange. Enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal. Share stories. Go sightseeing. Meet Bahamian children. Laugh. The program does more than introduce the culture. It offers you a memorable, one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Arrangements should be made prior to departure of trip. For details, visitors can call 242-323-1853/4.
On Water
- Aquaventure - Located in the center of the Atlantis' recent waterscape development, this 63-acre water-themed attraction is one of the largest in the world. Containing 20 million gallons of water, slides and rivers, Aquaventure provides the ultimate water wonderland.
- Boating and Sailing - With its clear skies and vast shorelines, Nassau Paradise Island is the perfect boating destination. Visitors can choose from catered trips, to day trips, to jet skis.
- Diving – The crystal clear waters provide divers with the unique opportunity to view coral reefs, blue holes, caves, shipwrecks and sharks.
- Dolphin Cay – This vast 14-acre dolphin habitat located at the Atlantis, Paradise Island is the largest of its kind and provides opportunities for up-close interaction with its friendly swimmers. Guests can share in their playful shallow water antics or experience their speed and agility first-hand in the deeper waters. The dolphins of Atlantis welcome all to share in their fun.
- Fishing – Whether experienced or a first-timer, bonefish or deep-sea, there is always an outfitter and charter captain available to assist anglers.
- Snorkeling – Enthusiasts can explore the region's famed coral reefs, including: the Rose Island Reefs, the Gambier Deep Reef, Bobby Rock Channel and the Goulding Reef Cays.
- Water Sports – Fun is always in store as canoeing, jet skiing, kite boarding and parasailing are available at most beaches and resorts.
Arts & Culture:
Given the island's deep-rooted history and unique blend of English and Bahamian culture, it comes as no surprise that the destination is brimming with a variety of museums providing insight into the island nation's early roots through to its present day. Top museums include:
- Bahamas Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop — A historical and unique space dedicated to the preservation of the 10 lighthouses located within the Islands of the Bahamas. Visitors can view architectural drawings dating back to the 1800's and 1900's, buoy lanterns, navigational instruments, knot tying displays and more.
- Bahamas Historical Society Museum – This institution emphasizes the collection and preservation of historic, anthropological and archaeological Bahamian artifacts. It includes displays depicting Bahamian history from the days of Columbus to the present.
- Christ Church Cathedral – This stone cathedral is located just off of Bay Street and was built in 1670. In 1861, it was granted cathedral status and gave the settlement of Nassau the right to claim city status. The church continues to hold multiple services on Sundays at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Government House – The official residence of the Governor General of the Bahamas since 1801. This pink and white building boasts a commanding presence on Duke Street. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony every second and fourth Saturday of the month. The governor's wife even welcomes visitors for tea on the last Friday of every month (January-November), as part of the People-to-People program.
- National Art Gallery of the Bahamas – Located at the historic Villa Doyle, a 19th century mansion which has been recently restored, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas includes paintings, sculpture, works on paper, textiles, ceramics, photography and other mixed media works with notable pieces from Amos Ferguson including his painting Snowbirds.
- Pirates of Nassau – This world-famous pirate attraction located in the heart of downtown Nassau is an excellent way to experience history in an interactive, family-friendly environment.
Festivals:
Multiple times throughout the year, the destination showcases its culture and traditions through a series of music, art and food festivals that are ideal for the whole family, including:
- Bahamas International Film Festival – This world-renowned film festival attracts many Hollywood celebrities, as well as up-and-coming directors to showcase their films. The event will include screenings, panel discussions and gala events. December.
- Bahamas National Trust Annual Wine and Art Festival – This festival is a celebration highlighting new seasonal wines and works of Bahamian artists, new and old. Held at the Bahamian National Park called The Retreat, all proceeds from the event support the National Park System which includes 25 protected areas and is managed by the Bahamas National Trust. October.
- Bahamas Music and Heritage Festival – An entertaining time for the whole family. This festival features an exciting lineup of The Bahamas' most popular and talented musicians. Guests can also enjoy arts and crafts, Bahamian cuisine, storytelling, singing, and poetry reading. This premier Family Island jamboree lasts for three days and kicks off the destination's festival season.
- Emancipation Day – This holiday is a celebration of the August 1834 emancipation of all of the slaves on the island and will sometimes be referred to as August Monday. The day begins with a “Junkanoo Rushout,” a form of dance, followed by activities such as a plaiting of the May pole, music and cookouts. First Monday of August.
- Fox Hill Day – Back in 1834, Fox Hill was a small community many miles from the center of town. Residents didn't hear about the declaration of Emancipation until a week after its announcement. Since the Fox Hill residents missed the big party, they decided to hold one of their own. It has since grown into a two-week event with street parties, dances and music. The event is scheduled to end on the second Tuesday of August, the actual Fox Hill Day celebration. On that day there are traditional gospel concerts at various churches followed by a festive afternoon serving up the best of native cuisine in Freedom Park and listening to Goombay music.
- Boxing Day & New Year's Day Junkanoo Parades – The celebration dates back to the days of slavery when slave owners, including one named John Canoe, gave their slaves these days off. The parade consists of elaborate costumes similar to those worn in Carnivals, plus drumming on everything from goat skin drums to cowbells. The parades are celebrated on December 26 and January 1 and cover several blocks on Bay Street and Shirley Street from 2:00 a.m. until about 9:00 a.m. Every weekend in June, visitors can also check out the Junkanoo in June Heritage Festival occurring at nearby Arawak Cay for continued Junkanoo celebrations.
Dining:
With a culture as rich as that of The Bahamas, one can be sure that there are culinary experiences to match. Though foods of every nation are available on the island, some of the delicious dishes are as unique as the island nation itself.
Seafood, of course, is a popular item. Tourists and locals both enjoy crawfish, conch, land crabs, and fish such as grouper, yellowtail and red snapper. For breakfast, boiled fish and grits are a favorite, as is homemade island bread. Other popular dishes include Bahamian stew fish (celery, onions, tomatoes, spices and fish), Bahamian crawfish, and peas n' rice (pigeon peas with salt, pork or bacon, tomatoes, celery, rice, thyme and pepper) and Johnny cake (bread made with butter, milk, flour, sugar, salt and baking power).
Even epicureans will find indulgence in this region's finest dining, from the Caribbean's first five-diamond restaurant located at the Graycliff Hotel in Nassau, to celebrity-chef restaurants such as Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's Nobu, both located in Atlantis, Paradise Island.
Shopping:
Shoppers can spend an afternoon in the Nassau Paradise Island duty-free shops. Visitors will find what they're looking for from cigars to handicrafts, perfume, crystal, jewelry and leather accessories.
- Bay Street – This popular upscale shopping district runs through the heart of downtown Nassau. Just a short walk from many popular hotels, Bay Street is lined with shops, cafes, local and high-end stores including Coach, Fendi and Cartier.
- Festival Place – This shopping destination is a village of brightly colored shops designed by award-winning Bahamian architect Jackson Burnside. Visitors can choose from a variety of local art, crafts, gifts and edibles. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the atmosphere is filled with live music.
- Marina Village – This 65,000 sq. ft. open-air market has three plazas designed to resemble a Bahamian settlement. The village contains five restaurants, 21 retail outlets, local entertainment and carts that showcase the artistry of the Bahamas.
- Straw Markets – Nassau Paradise Island has a rich heritage for straw markets. The largest market is located on Bay Street, providing visitors the opportunity to shop for homemade straw goods, jewelry, t-shirts, guava jelly and woodworking goods. There are also smaller craft markets on Paradise Island and Cable Beach.
Meetings:
Nassau Paradise Island provides an excellent destination for all meetings and conventions with its state-of-the-art facilities, helpful hospitality professionals and beautiful venues. In addition, the government of the Bahamas has signed the Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the United States making it a tax deductible destination for American companies. With eight hotels offering more than 160,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, there is a venue for organizations of any size. Meeting venues include:
- Atlantis, Paradise Island
- British Colonial Hilton Nassau
- Comfort Suites Paradise Island
- Nassau Palm Hotel
- Paradise Island Harbour Resort & All-Inclusive
- Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
- Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
- Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino
Lodging:
Nassau Paradise Island offers various options for a restful night after an adventurous day. With 17 select hotels and resorts on Nassau Paradise Island, ranging from value hotels to ultra-exclusive suites, there is a vacation retreat for everyone, no matter their budget or style.
Member Hotels include:
- Atlantis, Paradise Island
- Best Western Plus Bay View Suites
- British Colonial Hilton Nassau
- Comfort Suites Paradise Island
- The Cove Atlantis
- Graycliff Hotel
- Harborside Resort at Atlantis
- Marley Resort & Spa
- Nassau Palm Hotel
- One&Only Ocean Club
- Paradise Harbour Club & Marina
- Paradise Island Beach Club
- Paradise Island Harbour Resort All-Inclusive
- The Reef Atlantis
- Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
- Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
- Wyndham Nassau Resort
Spas:
Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas has long served as a tranquil Caribbean getaway for travelers seeking respite and repose. To further enhance guests' relaxation, Nassau Paradise Island offers a unique spa experience, ranging from Balinese-inspired services and holistic healing methods to individual sanctuaries and couples spa villas. A sampling of Nassau Paradise Island's most indulgent spa retreats include:
Mandara at Atlantis Paradise Island
- Located at Atlantis on Paradise Island
- 30,000 square feet of spa space, including 32 treatment rooms
- Treatment rooms for singles and couples reflect a contemporary Balinese design and range from intimate sanctuaries to private spa villas and gardens
- Upper level relaxation lounge, warm and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms, and full service salon
- Signature treatment: Mandara Hot Stone Therapy
- Elemis products used and available at the spa boutique
- www.mandaraspa.com
Red Lane® Spa at Sandals Royal Bahamian
- Located at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau
- Main spa and day spa include 10 treatment rooms, five suites each for singles and couples
- Imported marbles classic mahogany millwork adorn the spa's interior space
- Fresh, lemongrass scent permeates throughout the spa
- Eucalyptus steam room and sauna, hot and cold plunge pools
- Zen Garden on Sandals Cay private island offers four additional treatment rooms specifically designed for couples
- Signature treatment: West Indian Massage
- Dermalogica® products used and available at the spa boutique
- www.sandals.com/RedLane
Hollis Day Spa at Wyndham Nassau Resort
- Located at the Wyndham Nassau Resort
- A luxurious world of spa and massage services
- Our products are made using the finest natural herbal extracts available
- In room services are performed in the privacy of your room
- Full service salon offering waxing services, hair, nails and makeup
- www.wyndhamnassauresort.com/spa
Hair International Salon & Spa at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
- Located at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
- Intimate wellness spa includes one treatment room each for singles and couples as well as a bath therapy room for soaking post-treatment
- Full-service salon offers hair coloring and styling, manicure/pedicure room and private waxing area
- Indoor relaxation area and spa boutique upon arrival
- Signature treatment: Deep Tissue Massage followed by Bath Therapy
- www.sheratonnassau.com/spa
One&Only Spa at One&Only Ocean Club
- Located at One&&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island
- Eight Balinese-style treatment villas, each with waterfall shower, day bed and whirlpool in a private, open air garden
- All treatments begin with a Floral Footbath and end with a Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Beauty treatments are available in two personalized salon rooms
- Signature treatment: Ocean Club Massage, with two therapists massaging simultaneously
- Elemis products used and available at the spa boutique
- Winner: Caribbean's #17 Top Spa, Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Poll: Top 240 Spas
- Oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com
Natural Mystic Spa at Marley Resort & Spa
- Located at Marley Resort & Spa in Nassau
- Intimate spa space, including two single treatment rooms and one couples spa suite with oversized bath, steam room, cold plunge and Jacuzzi
- Manicure/pedicure loft with ocean views, indoor/outdoor relaxation space and tea garden
- Only spa in the Caribbean that offers Africology products
- Signature treatment: Wata Passage, which heals through aqua, aroma, herbal and steam therapy
- www.marleyresort.com/the_spa/
Getting Around
While the islands are best explored by foot, transportation can be provided in the form of rental cars, motor scooters, taxis, buses, ferries and private boats. In addition, there is bus service (known locally as jitneys) between the hotels and to and from downtown Nassau several times a day.