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4 min

Top Luxury Hotels and Resorts in the Bahamas

If money was no object and you didn’t have to worry about sticking to a budget, where would you want to go for a vacation? Some of the most popular choices include the Maldives, the Great Barrier Reef, and Machu Picchu, but perhaps the most popular choice would be the Bahamas. It’s not difficult to come up with reasons why you should visit this little piece of heaven on Earth, with its crystal blue beaches, white sand, and gorgeous weather—especially since the weather is gl

3 min

Bahamas beach bar bliss: Sherry's in Bimini

Sometimes the most memorable discoveries – like the perfect Bahamas beach bar -- are the ones you don’t expect. “Island serendipity,” that’s what I call it, like when you’re out tooling around on bikes, not headed anywhere in particular, as Zickie and I were doing in Bimini one day. We had a hard time focusing on the road, because that ocean – a sterling Bahamas blue – kept popping up everywhere. It’s hard to keep your balance when you’re going gaga for the scenery. (Sherry's

3 min

An island escape on magical Great Exuma in the Bahamas

One thing that the Island Runaways bloggers can't resist is a fantastic "island runaway" story. By that, I mean people who have created a new life for themselves in the islands, whether full- or part-time. It's inspiring to hear about their adventures and see photos of their new lives in beautiful, tropical surroundings. (And sometimes it's fun to hear about the more challenging, even humorous side of island life!) So I was intrigued when I stumbled across a place called "Can

3 min

Biking Bimini: The perfect way to enjoy a Bahamian island getaway

As Zickie and I learned on our recent trip, it's impossible not to fall for tiny North Bimini island in the Bimini archipelago. You'll find conch salad stands and shimmering seas and waterfront bars and "Bimini bread," to name just a few of its attractions and temptations. A friend who's spent a decent amount of time here had told us, "Rent a golf cart to see the island," which sounded like good advice. But the best laid plans....well, you know where I'm going with that. Afte

3 min

Memories of Eleuthera: a Work Assignment in Paradise

One of the perks of being an engineer is traveling, although at times this perk can be a double-edged sword, because often you only get to sample the beauty on offer through an office window. But when I get the opportunity to do field based work, I leap at the chance. One of the most vivid island “work” related trips was travelling to Eleuthera in the Bahamas after the 2004 hurricane season. I was heading over to do an inspection of some damage to a marina (including some un

3 min

The beautiful conchs of Bimini in the Bahamas

There is one shell that, for many of us, symbolizes all the beauty and exoticism of a tropical island getaway. You know the one I mean: the conch. That pink-lipped beauty with its spiraling core radiates island charm and reminds us of the wonder of island nature. (By the way, in the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, they pronounce the word "conk.") Unfortunately, in my home state of Florida, conchs have been loved nearly to death; all the conchs you'll see for sale at Shell Wor

2 min

Island Dreaming: Pink Sand beaches on Harbour Island, the Bahamas

There are small islands, and then there are truly small islands. Harbour Island, a glittering star in the Bahamas chain, is not simply small; it is tiny. When I say tiny, let me be more precise: Harbour Island runs a mere 3 and 1/2 miles long, and is approximately 1/2 a mile wide. Can an isle with that little territory be worth a visit? Here's a clue: (Footprints in the sand on Harbour Island. Photo: Mike's Bird, Flickr.) No, the color on your laptop, phone, or device hasn't

2 min

Happy Hour in Paradise: Green Parrot Bar in the Bahamas

Looking for a cool Happy Hour spot on Paradise Island? Just in time for Friday, guest blogger Angelica Wilk of Brooklyn Chick Travels recommends one of her favorite watering holes in the Bahamas. Spending time in paradise, especially on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is always memorable. Whether you're staying at the Atlantis resort or visiting over from the main island of Nassau, Paradise Island has a great relaxing spot outside the resort grounds for you to enjoy. You'll d

3 min

Room with an Island View: The Grand Lucayan on Grand Bahama

When Zickie needed to travel to Grand Bahama island for a conference, guess who got to tag along? Yes, I was the lucky dog who had the luxury of sitting back and relaxing while my Island Runaways better half networked, attended presentations, and walked around in a suit. (Sometimes life is definitely unfair!) Before our trip, when I researched the conference hotel – the Grand Lucayan – on the internet it struck me as beautifully situated but very large. (Island Dreaming. Phot

2 min

Run away to...the Abacos (Part II)!

Our Island Expert Alison Watkins spends each summer sailing the Abacos, and over the years she's gotten to know this stunning section of the Bahamas very well. If you missed Part I of her post, which covered Green Turtle Cay, just click here. Otherwise, let's go to Abaco! Located in the northern Bahamas, the Abacos are a 20-mile–long chain of narrow islands with the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern seaboard, and the Sea of Abaco on the west. If you come by air, Marsh Harbor, an

2 min

Run away to...the Abacos! (Part I)

When not teaching college, our latest Island Expert, Alison Watkins, spends her summers with a past-time that the Island Runaways duo almost envies (O.K., in fact we do envy!): Sailing through the Abaco islands in the Bahamas. Over the years Alison has gotten to know these amazing islands particularly well, so we're glad that she's sharing some of her photos and travel tips with all of us... If you are a boater or sailor, or just love the sun, emerald water and teeming reef l

1 min

Runaway Happy Hour: a cold Kalik from the beautiful Bahamas

Searching for an island drink to celebrate this Happy Hour? Want to conjure up a Caribbean vacation, in one single sip? You won’t find a more island-y brew than the Bahamas’ own Kalik beer. This light-colored lager tastes faintly of hops and doesn’t fill you on those warm, tropical afternoons. if ever you want to recreate a Bahamian lunch of conch fritters and a cold Kalik the Abacos, you just might be able to find Kalik in the U.S., because it is fairly widely exported. (In

3 min

Run away to...Grand Bahama!

My Jamaican husband -- and fellow Island Runaway -- Zickie has seen a lot of beaches. In fact, since we live in southeast Florida, we both enjoy a good bit of sand and sea all year ‘round. Which is not to say that either of us has become jaded. Just like many of our readers, we long for that special destination, with spectacular stretches of shoreline you simply don’t want to leave. Being near the water is a transformative experience, which I never tire of. It’s soothing, not

2 min

Run away to...Cat Island!

“It’s Better in the Bahamas.” You know that advertising slogan? People can make some pretty wild claims, but if you seek extraordinarily clear water in a miraculous array of blues and greens, maybe it really is…better in the Bahamas. One of my earliest “Island Runaways” took me to a remote, slender island paradise in this tropical chain. I was 5 years old, turning 6, and my Dad flew me, my mother, and my little sister in a four-seater Cessna 172 first to Nassau, to go through

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Run away to the islands...

Articles & photographic inspo for your own island travel. From the Florida Keys to the Caribbean.