General Information

The Bahamas gets its name from the Spanish, baja mar, meaning 'shallow sea'. The turquoise waters that lap this land are as calm and warm as its people. Throughout the 700-plus islands that constitute The Bahamas, residents tend to abide by 'island time', an affectionate term used to describe the Bahamians' laid-back demeanour and their slow-moving way of life. It isn't too hard to fall into this habit: many of islands are either uninhabited or sparsely populated, and from beaches strewn with beautiful seashells to homes painted in soft pastel shades, serenity is easy to find.

Yet many forget that this mammoth archipelago is twice the size of Spain. For those who want a destination which offers something a bit more than just peaceful seclusion, they will find The Bahamas is large enough to accommodate everyone's tastes. From shopping in the bustling straw market, to golfing in world-class courses, to diving amidst shipwrecks and coral reefs, to windsurfing and parasailing, and then a bit of dancing the night away to the bubbly sounds of goombay, calypso and Junkanoo music, The Bahamas is not lacking in things to do.

It is perhaps for these reasons that The Bahamas attracts fabulously wealthy people to its shores. The post of governor, representing the British monarch, was once a remote but pleasant sinecure, sought after because of the association of the islands with luxury. The Bahamas does, indeed, have its fair share of exclusive villas and hotel complexes, but it was also once a haven for freed slaves and this accepting approach to people from all ways of life persists – visitors are still more likely to come across a clapboard house and that classic Bahamian hospitality than they are to stumble across a lavish resort.

Although many attribute Bahamian 'island time' to its location and the Caribbean stereotypes of mellowness, The Bahamas is not actually classified as a Caribbean country, since it dwells in the Atlantic Ocean. This is just one of the many quirky facts of The Bahamas, and underlines how geographically abstruse the country is. It is best to ignore such petty details, however, and instead contemplate exactly why it was The Bahamas where Ponce de León landed when in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth.

Nassau

Nassau is the capital and the heart of the Islands of the Bahamas. It is ideally located in a sheltered harbour and the city contains beautiful colonial mansions, cathedrals and 18th century fortresses. Just 180 m northeast of Nassau is Paradise Island which is connected to the city by two bridges. On it, you will find many restaurants, shops, a golf course, a casino and of course the exceptional RIU Paradise Island resort.

The nearby Cable Beach is home for most resorts where you can play in the crystalline waters or simply sunbathe the day away. A great place to meet the friendly local and get acquainted with their handicraft is at the Straw Market. When night comes you can try your luck at the casinos or dance till dawn at one of the many hip nightclubs.

RIU Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas The RIU Palace Paradise Island resort has been renovated & all rooms are now 'Junior Suites'. All rooms boasts a spectacular view of the ocean. On Paradise Island (beside the Atlantis resort). On 3 miles of beach, a short drive to downtown & 30 minutes from the Nassua airport.

Click on the RIU Paradise Island for more info & pricing.

Travelling as a group? Request a quote by visiting our Groups page.