Nassau/Paradise Island

Nassau/Paradise Island is the home of the Bahamian national capital. Welcome to Nassau, bustling hub of The Bahamas since the shipwrecking days of the legendary pirate Blackbeard. Prized for its sheltered harbour, the city made history and preserved it beautifully in Victorian mansions, cathedrals, 18th-century fortresses and a Queen's Staircase whose 66 steps lead to a view not to be missed. Nassau is home to weatherbeaten, ancient forts; elegant, noble architecture; and fine local and international crafts and goods, from handmade lengths of batik to Rolex watches. An abundance of posh resort hotels, casinos, cabaret shows, and cruise ship docks make Nassau a vibrant center for entertainment as well as commerce. Parliament Square in downtown Nassau is the traditional center of the Bahamian government. Here, picturesque pastel buildings erected in the early 1800s by Loyalists, including the Houses of Parliament, the old Colonial Secretary's Office, the Supreme Court, surround a marble statue of Queen Victoria. Each season, the Opening Ceremonies of the Supreme Court fill the square with pomp and pageantry. Further downtown stands Fort Charlotte. Built in 1788, it is complete with moat, open battlements and dungeons. Standing by this impressive structure, one can almost hear the sound of cannon fire and the chilling laughter of marauding pirates above the splashes of waves. For a larger perspective of Nassau, go across the Cay to Coral Island, with its hundred foot tower and commanding view. Or descend into its underwater observatory for close encounters with stingrays and other creatures. You can even send details of your adventure from the world's only underwater mailbox. For encounters of a different kind, venture east and cross the bridge from the town of Nassau to "Paradise," with resorts, casinos and exciting nightlife on an island formerly called "Hog." Its transformation is not unlike Cinderella's putting on the glass slipper. For years the island stood completely undeveloped, its beaches and tropical splendor unnoticed by the world. Suddenly, with the addition of luxurious hotels and a sparkling casino, it was transformed into one of the most glamorous and celebrated resort centers in the world, combining exclusive tranquillity and lots of action. Reclusive millionaire Howard Hughes and the former Shah of Iran are among those who have found refuge here. As you go east, just past the bridge to Paradise Island, there is the boating heart of Nassau/Paradise Island with a number of marinas and boats for hire. The East End is also a delightful residential area showing the full flavour of the colonial past in its architecture and horticulture. Big houses with wide breezy verandas face the sea. Cable Beach, with its luxury hotels, casinos and beachfront, got its name in 1907 from the laying here of transatlantic telephone cables linking what was an isolated Bahamas to the rest of the world. But these days, the world comes to The Bahamas to see what it has been missing. For those who prefer a quieter, more serene Nassau/Paradise Island, it can be found farther west. Indeed, once you leave Nassau, the pace is slower. For example, the section of West Bay Street that leads to Cable Beach is nicknamed "Go Slow Bend." Beyond Cable Beach, the island is transformed. Large tracts of pine trees and rolling hills dominate the central portions of Nassau/Paradise Island, and the island's perimeter is marked by miles of fine white sand beach. The Coral Harbour development is a quiet, opulent community in a palm-clad setting. Its winding canals offer easy access to the sea. West of Coral Harbour, there is Adelaide, a tiny village with narrow streets. It was one of the first Black settlements established after the abolition of slavery. The area is a lovely, secluded spot for fishing and swimming. At the tip of the island, there is Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential enclave. After golfing or tennis or swimming, why not try some of the native cuisine of The Bahamas: Conch fritters, grouper fingers, peas 'n' rice, boiled fish, johnnycake and guava duff are just a few of the tasty dishes, all of which go just right with a tropical drink in your hand. From casinos, cabarets, magic acts and acrobatics to moonlight dinner cruises and theatre performances, Nassau/Paradise Island offers more options for nightlife than there are hours in the day to experience them all.



Source: http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bsnpin01.htm

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Paradise Island

Island is currently the most expensive place to stay in the Bahamas. The small island was not always so glamorous, however. Paradise Island in the Bahamas was once known as Hog Island and was a major site for farming in the Bahamas. Paradise Island in the Bahamas is situated near New Providence, and the two islands are connected by a bridge between Paradise Island and Nassau Harbor.

Hog Island first became Paradise Island in the Bahamas when the island was purchased by Huntington Hartford in 1959. Huntington was the A&P Supermarket Heir and paid more then $11 million for the island. Huntington was the first entrepreneur to begin developing Bahamas Paradise Island and built the first major hotel on the site. He was also responsible for purchasing and transporting The Cloisters that rest at the Versailles Gardens, which is still a popular attraction on Bahamas Paradise Island. Huntington changed the name of the area from Hog to Paradise Island, and was also responsible for obtaining a gambling license for Bahamas Paradise Island. Huntington eventually turned ownership of the island over to his close friend and business partner, Jim Crosby, and ownership of the island has changed hands multiple times since then.

In addition to The Cloister, one of the main attractions for a Paradise Island vacation is the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino. The sprawling mega-hotel features the world’s largest open air marina, hundreds of rooms, a private beach, and an enormous casino. Even if you won’t be staying at the Atlantis for your Paradise Island vacation, the casino is a great attraction. If gambling isn’t quite your niche you can also shop at one of the nicest shopping areas on the island. The Shops at the Atlantis include well known brand names and plenty of souvenir boutiques.

Of course, no Paradise Island vacation would be complete without at least one trip to the beach or out into the ocean. No matter where you hang your hat at night, your hotel staff or concierge will be more then happy to help plan any sort of trip or tour you would like to take. Most hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the most popular beaches. You can also book trips for scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing through your hotel. Thanks to Paradise Island’s proximity to Nassau, you can also enjoy some of the best attractions in Nassau. Paradise Island also has a couple of great golf courses, or you can always book a trip to visit Grand Bahama Island, as well.

Paradise Island is still the most expensive piece of real estate in the Bahamas, and in general guests find that a vacation there is more expensive than on other islands. Restaurants and nightclubs will reflect the higher cost, as will the hotels. Paradise Island can’t be beat, though, for having so much to do in one small place. Depending on how would like to spend your vacation time, Paradise Island Bahamas can be an excellent choice.

Source: http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/bahamas/paradise-island.php

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