If you’re thinking of heading for the Bahamas, take a look at these five islands that are at the top of Coastal Living’s list right now. After all, the Bahamas consist of 700 islands all told; so many choices, so little time. To cut through the clutter, here’s a look at the top five:
Nassau. Think about the island nation’s capital for high-end escapism. There’s the Atlantis, of course, for a family-favored, all-inclusive beach resort. But there’s also the new Rosewood on the white sands of Cable Beach, if you want more privacy, or the new Baha Mar complex with the Caribbean’s largest casino-resort.
Harbour Island. It’s a bit off the beaten track, but its iconic pink sand beach and gingerbread cottages make it all worthwhile. The Bahama House by Eleven is a cluster of restored heritage buildings in the heart of Dunmore Town with a plantation design, plus a freshwater pool and tiki bar. But don’t go to Harbour Island without heading out on the water for bonefishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
The Exumas: Staniel Cay (pictured above) is the unofficial hub of this chain of white sandy islands south of Nassau, and it’s a favorite destination for fishing, cruising and chartering. There are 365 cays and islands in the Exumas, but the favorite destinations include the swimming pigs, sunken airplanes and the underwater cave that’s featured in two James Bond movies.
Andros: It’s the largest island in the Bahamas and the center of the bonefishing world, and has been luring anglers for decades. Flamingo Cay is a destination fishing lodge on the southern side of the island, while veteran fishermen head for the Joulters, just off the north side of Andros, surrounded by white sandy flats, or the Middle Bites, where the water breaks the island in half and fish love to pool.
Eleuthera: The longest island in the Bahamas (some 110 miles long), Eleuthera keeps getting hotter and hotter with low-key boutique hotels and resorts. The Other Side opened last year with an upscale Bahamian flavor; it offers “glamping” with three sleeping and four public tent areas, and three rustic “shacks” with sweeping ocean views and four-poster king beds. It also offers a tender than can take you over to Harbour Island. Read more: l
https://www.coastalliving.com/travel/bahamas-islands
