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The coldest part of winter is finally upon us, which means that many Canadian snowbirds are starting to migrate south in search of the warm reprieve of a sunshine holiday. And who can blame us! Months of cold weather and dark days on the East Coast are enough to drive anyone to dream of hammocks and cocktails on an idyllic white sand beach. What could be better that spending some of your hard-earned time off on the impeccably named Paradise Island in the Bahamas? With increasingly low airfare to Nassau, it’s easy to see why so many people are realizing the potential of this beautiful spot as a holiday destination.
Better known as the jewel in the Bahamian crown, Nassau Paradise Island is one of the most colorful and vibrant capitals in the world. Its crystal clear turquoise waters, bustling downtown district and old-world colonial charm lure people from across the globe to the unique atmosphere. Favorited by a wide spectrum of holidaymakers, from honeymooners to health- conscious backpackers, Nassau is a great destination for those seeking the best of all worlds.
What to do: Originally a favored hangout spot for pirates, Nassau boasts a protected harbor along with kilometers of sparkling white beaches and epic stretches of thriving coral reefs. With waters so blue they can be seen from space, this idyllic island is perfect for those who enjoy all kinds of water sports including snorkeling, diving, and fishing. In fact, the island regularly hosts one of the biggest international freediving competitions, with as many as 56 athletes from 21 countries competing at Dean’s Blue Hole for titles such as world’s deepest free diver. Snorkeling is also hugely popular in Nassau, with several underwater wrecks to explore as well as the opportunity to swim with and feed sharks.
The tropical monsoon climate in Nassau makes it home to a spectacular range of wildlife, which has led to the creation of Clifton Heritage Park, The Retreat Garden National Park (The Retreat), and Primeval Forest National Park to help preserve the species indigenous to the area. Flamingos “march” three times a day at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre, where visitors can also enter their enclosure to feed the birds.
In addition to the stunning natural beauty and favorable climate, Nassau also features some of the best nightlife in the Bahamas. From an open-air dance hall overlooking the harbor to raucous pool parties, the nightclubs here do not disappoint. The distinctive regional music emanating from the local bars and restaurants set the mood for a night out as pulsing African rhythms blend perfectly with Caribbean calypso melodies to create a typical Bahamian party atmosphere.
Where to eat: The cuisine in Nassau is mainly centered around the deliciously fresh seafood, which is widely available in the area. Conch is a staple of the Bahamian diet with many food stalls offering cracked conch, conch salad, or conch burgers at rock bottom prices. Doc Sands’ Conch Stall is a must for anyone traveling to the Bahamas on a budget, but for a special treat, the fine dining of Café Matisse is sure to impress even the fussiest of eaters.
When to go: Nassau has rainfall for most of the year, with May to October being the wettest part of the season. June through to November, however, is hurricane season, which is something to be aware of if you are planning on booking your holiday during that time.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network recently recognized Nassau as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, a title belonging to only three Caribbean cities. To really get a measure of the folk art available here, it is advisable to visit during one of the city’s colorful festivals. The main festival is Junkanoo, a vibrant street parade featuring brightly colored costumes, loud music, and festivities until the early hours of the morning, is a must-see.