Covering the people, places and t’ings of the “Family” Bahamas Out Islands
November “Sip-Sip™”
Looking ahead to 2014, and following the sun? It’s never too early to start planning your warm weather winter getaway, and the Out Islands of the Bahamas always has great destinations to consider. You may want to look through the excellent Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board web site and FaceBook page for a number of dreamy ideas coupled with awesome photography.
THE ABACOS
THE ABACOSMarsh Harbour
Now THIS is a good idea – a free boat with a 5 night stay at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina. Stay five nights at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina and receive a free center console sport boat for three days of your stay. Perfect for discovering the spectacular private beaches and historic settlements this unique part of the Bahamas has to offer as you cruise the gorgeous Sea of Abaco. This package also includes dinner for two for one evening in the fine dining restaurant, Anglers. Plus, kids 12 years and under stay free.
The fun-fantastic Jib Room Restaurant and Marsh Harbour Marina is accepting idea’s for this winters social events- plus they are suggesting marina guests make their 2013-2014 reservations as in now.
Green Turtle Cay
Al Behrendt, President of the Bahamas Billfish Championship recently announced they’re heading this way for the BBC, second leg, Green Turtle Cay Championship, May 21 – 24, 2014.
All it took was to dredge the channel into White Sound, (at low tide, water depth in the entrance channel has been a major obstacle for tournament fishing boats). When completed, the controlling depth of the channel will be ten feet at mean low water. This substantial project is jointly underwritten by the Green Turtle Club and the Bluff House Resort & Marina. Behrendt said, “It’s no longer a matter of playing the tides to get in and out of White Sound. This is welcome news to the many BBC participants that have spent time at Green Turtle between tournaments or on lay days.”
The BBC fleet will utilize the marinas at Green Turtle Club and Bluff House. Behrendt continued. “Both marinas have new power pedestals and all utilities were upgraded after hurricane Sandy.” Along with the dredging, Green Turtle Club is adding additional big boat slips. Add to that shore side accommodation improvements by each resort and community support and the BBC has a new tournament venue!
Hope Town
The Hope Town Inn and Marina is at it again…with a new construction phase…building a two and three bedroom villa along the northern boundary of their property. For a look at the progress and the current suites on offer, check out their FaceBook and website pages. Lovely.
Walker’s Cay
Anyone remember the grand and glorious days of Walker’s, say back in the 80’s–site of the famous Bertram- Hatteras Shootout, the gracious owner Robert Abplanalp (inventor of the aerosol valve), Nixon’s mini-White House, and runs to Rosie’s for the combo of cracked conch, grouper and lobster over on Grand Cay?
While most of the buildings were razed sometime ago —they were beyond the rehab stage — the little chapel with the beautiful mahogany bow shaped pulpit, and remnants of the salt water swimming pool remain; as does customs clearance. The island is up for sale once again, the listing was recently announced via HG Christie-Nassau, for 19 million.
ANDROS
ANDROSFresh Creek
Aww, the new Androsia Paw Print —(partnering with BAARK, Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) —dedicated to the Bahamian Potcake’s are wonderful, you can order these and other spiffy, colorful creations (turtles, dolphins…oh my) on-line, or buy direct at a few out-out island retail stores. Check here for locations.
Staniard Creek Settlement
Kamalame Cay, the private, “barefoot chic” island resort, accessible only by boat or seaplane is expanding. Two new villas, in addition to a new west beach, and bar will be offered for the winter season.
BIMINI
North
Due to on-going shifting sands in north Bimini’s main navigational channel, the folks at Bimini Big Game Club suggest you check your coordinates and their arrival navigational chart before you arrive. Any questions? Call dock master Robbie Smith direct at 1-242-347-3391 or, email at dockmaster@biggameclubbimini.com.
Look for the amazing marine artist, Carey Chin to show up this winter—Carey will be painting a new mural for Bimini Big Game Club.
South
Check out my On-Island “First Choice Collection™” review and slide show below for Bimini Sands Resort & Marina: Hospitality Game Changer.
ELEUTHERA
ELEUTHERAHarbour Island
I recall when John and Joni Hersch purchased, then restored the lovely, circa 1800, Bahamas House Inn. The inn was sold awhile ago and is now being renovated by the 11 Experience Collection – Resorts Group, with a scheduled opening in spring of 2014. The 11 Experience Collection, has a number of planned water sports adventures in the works, including premier bone fishing, deep sea fishing, paddle boarding, diving, kite surfing, and snorkeling.
For all the brides-to-be out there, here’s a website and FaceBook presence you’ll want to refer too for the ultimate and innovative in all things “I Do”– beginning with Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
- Island “I Do”. PHOTO CREDIT: Vanessa Pritchard.
Vanessa Pritchard, founder, recently unveiled the first phase in creating the most comprehensive online wedding guide for The Bahamas; in response to meeting the demands of the local and destination bride.
Categorized by each island destination the new tool features a highly edited, handpicked selection of the Bahamian wedding industry’s most sought after vendors and significantly enhances the online wedding planning experience for all brides-to-be.
Pritchard says, “My goal is two-sided. One, make information more accessible to couples so they can save time and establish a real connection to our islands and those vendors who offer unique products and experiences; and two, bring group business to the guide’s advertisers by introducing their brand to a larger audience and therefore increasing their brand awareness and affecting their bottom line.”
Taking the tool one step further with readers selecting their island destination – Eleuthera, Harbour Island or New Providence/ Paradise Island – brides-to-be can view vendor portfolios in more than twenty (20) categories and then connect with their preferred vendors via their website, email, telephone or through social media. Pritchard says the goal is to list an additional island as early as next month, the destination – Grand Bahama.
Gregory Town
Love island kid art? I do; the joy, unabashed freedom, and uninhibited free flow of colors…
On Saturday, November 30, from 12 noon to 4 p.m., the historic Haynes Library, in collaboration with Benjamin Ferguson, head art teacher of Central Eleuthera High School, is hosting Art Explosion II. This exhibition follows the highly successful June Art Explosion I, which allows a unique experience for the public to view the artistic talent of young Eleutherans; showcasing the work of students in grades 7 through 12. Stop by–be dazzled by youth art, entertained by a live band and enjoy light refreshments.
EXUMA
EXUMAIf you are dreaming of heading to the glorious beauty that is the Exuma’s, you may want to follow an excellent FaceBook (only) aerial photography site called Out Island Flyers—Wow. These are outstanding images that will have you drooling…
Seems like most of Exuma showed up for the long awaited grand opening of the elegant, Turquoise Cay Boutique Hotel last month. You can experience the new property virtually through their FaceBook Page and Website. Amazing setting… Gorgeous doesn’t quite cover it.
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ON ISLAND – FIRST CHOICE COLLECTION ™
In the Biminis’… Here is my highly recommended…superb stay.
Sweet Retreat – Bimini Sands Resort & Marina
Hospitality Game Changer
I first met the visionary Frank Cooney, Sr., founder and CEO of Bimini Sands Resort and Marina, while I was on assignment in North Bimini for an international travel publication. The year: 1999.
While breakfasting at Capt. Bob’s, Mr. Cooney approached and asked in one breathe, “Are you the writer lady I’ve heard about on island; would you be interested in seeing the first condo villa-home resort in South Bimini?”
You bet.
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New Discoveries
Latitude, 25° 42′ 30″- Longitude, -79° 17′ 55″
A day later, I was perched on a bench seat in the sturdy Bimini water taxi which traverses the nearly diaphanous turquoise-jade-waters of the main navigational channel from the north to south island; the very harbor where a few days previously, I had a splendid aerial view, prior to the water landing aboard the legendary, amphibious airline; Chalk’s-flying boat, near the seaplane base on north Bimini.
In those days, arriving in South Bimini was a bit like heading into the bush—wild and untamed. I liked the island immediately for just those reasons. Natural landscapes, no high rise buildings, or car traffic—a few golf carts; bird songs, the fragrance of Jasmine permeating the air, exquisite, blooming, wild-orchids in their natural habitat; soft winds, seemingly endless dirt lane roads shaded by large Casuarina and Pine trees. Quiet.
Brand New- Gorgeous
The resort had just opened officially after several years under construction; with its first, fully operational condo-villa home building of six units painted in brilliant Bahamian Coral with a red tiled roof–one restaurant (Petite Conch) serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus the amazing sheltered marina with a channel cut to the dazzling sea.
I stayed one-half day and one night in the brand new condo with a balcony overlooking the storied water bands of Bimini Blue…even today, years later, I’ve never forgotten my very first, glorious pink sunrise and magnificent sunset from Bimini Sands and the south island, where the sun melts into the ocean…
Family Owned and Operated
This fabulous, family run resort, with a ‘something’ to offer just about any one, is the first condo-villa home-resort and marina community on the nature island of South Bimini. Frank Cooney, Sr., and his son, Frank Cooney, Jr., have spent the past 15 years building the Bimini Sands Resort and Marina on South Bimini into the first-class resort, marina, and angling destination it is today.
The lively, friendly, dual Mr. Hospitality personalities of father and son Cooney’s, are in residence 12 months a year, along with wife and mom Brigitte Cooney, which ensures all guests have a five star experience.
In 2013, the Cooney’s continue to maintain the pride of ownership while extending exceptional family-style hospitality and attention to guest wishes. Their high standard of excellence became the game-changer in Bimini hospitality, carrying through to the best in service staff, accommodation, and dining on either island.
Location, Location = Exquisite Bimini Blue
Bimini Sands villa-homes are blessed with a marvelous location—overlooking, the exquisite, countless-shades-of-blue, Straits of Florida/Bahama Banks— just a few steps from a lovely beach that fronts the resort. The beach here has natural, shallow tide pools, perfect for small children to safely wade and splash about in.
The beautiful white sand beach extends along the western shore of South Bimini and greets most of the boats coming into Bimini–a stretch of beach one and a half miles in length, perfect for long walks, shelling, and are nearly deserted. Your foot steps could be the only ones you’ll see in the sand.
Your Island Home
Offering 191, one-or two-bedroom villa home rental condominiums (some with loft bedrooms), the condos are bright with high-ceilings, which gives an immediate feel of light and airy–island style.
Since the 90, in rental inventory, one and two-story condo villa-homes are privately owned, the décor in the open-plan living/dining areas are all different; relaxing, and attractive, with the owner’s personalized island treasures and colorful accessories decorating each room. You’ll find sea-themed couch throws and pillows, fishing trophies, along with island themed whimsical signs and sconces on the walls. Each villa home has a guest book, usually placed on a living room coffee table, where you can jot down your own recollections and sketches—past visitor adventures are a hoot to read.
You’ll definitely appreciate that the bedrooms are on the ground floor of all condos, so you can literally roll right out of bed and onto the beach – or, to your boat at the marina.
I stayed in 20-D, during my last trip, which had a fabulous view from the deep second story balcony overlooking the channel cut to the sea–filled with boating action, and was a mere 10-steps to the beach from my bedroom, and nearby boat filled marina, the office, and Petite Conch Restaurant.
If you want a say in exactly where your island home will be (I do), pop over to Bimini Sand’s web address, where you can pick out the very accommodation you desire via a nifty interactive ‘rooms’ menu, which includes an image gallery showcasing each condo villa home offerings.
Most condo villas offer complimentary Wi-Fi, TV, and local phone calls, all offer washer and dryer, first floor patios with marina, or direct beach access, wide second floor balconies, with views of the tropical surroundings, marina, or the fabulous beach.
Spacious, slick, ultra-modern open kitchens with bright cabinetry are fully equipped: dinnerware, utensils, cooking equipment, dish washer, double-door fridges/ice cube & water maker dispensers, which make dining in, if you’re into that sort of thing, a pleasure. I’ll have my meals and adult beverages at any of the “The Sands” four, seriously good restaurants, thanks very much…
Dining…the Best of the Bimini’s
Overseen by Executive Chef Edison Lightbourne, formerly of Nassau’s Crystal Palace, the four terrific restaurants within Bimini Sands Resort all offer the best and freshest ingredients —served with low-key Bimini finesse.
On the main property: The Petite Conch and Healing Hole Bar, is perched above the Ships Store conical shaped building; overlooking the large main pool and marina, set behind the front office. This tiny haven serves breakfast and lunch daily, and is open until 3 PM (later during the peak summer season.) The menu is a mix of Bahamian and American staples. Think generous. Large; when it comes to portion size.
For breakfast, there are two menus, light fare and a regular full menu; both menus include the divine — fresh daily-from-bakery Chef Albert Brice — mouthwatering, Bimini bread, ‘French’ toast.
Luncheon includes specials, and standard fare such as hamburgers with enormous fries, along with souse, (super chunky chicken soup) a Bahamian favorite.
Dinner, (season only) is a more casual setting than the Bimini Twist –Beach Club Restaurant; offering hearty portions of conch chowder, fritters, lobster and mixed seafood salads, burgers, and sandwich wraps. The steak wrap is one popular choice; it arrives with steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella, wrapped up like a present, in a flour tortilla.
Bimini Sands Beach Club
Three restaurants-one roof
It’s Historical
Mackey’s Sand Bar, an homage in name, and a historical Bimini landmark–sits at the edge of South Bimini, featuring amazing ocean and sunset views— surrounded on three sides by water.
In the mid 50’s, Col. Joe Mackey, owner of the famous, Mackey International Airlines — who pioneered routes into previously unfamiliar Bahamas Out Island destinations —built a home, complete with fireplace, on the southernmost tip of South Bimini, with a panoramic view of the Straits of Florida. In the 60’s, Col. Mackey converted his home into a 40-room hotel with large restaurant and bar, called the Sunshine Inn.
Demolished by a hurricane, Bimini Sands Resort and Marina bought and converted the former hotel site into what is now known as the Beach Club; housing three restaurants: Mackey’s Sand Bar, Bimini Twist Restaurant, Island Sushi, a large pool, the Square Grouper outside bar with dance floor, gorgeous Tiki Beach, and small boat docks.
Mackey’s Sand Bar, is the choice spot for visitors and locals alike–because of its weekly happy hour specials (every Wednesday night from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.), super popular Karaoke also on Wednesday nights, 12 beer-six person beer bong (remember college?), costume parties (for any and all occasions-dream up one), DJ nights, bartender choreographed routines, and dancing on the bar whenever the mood strikes. Nope, you didn’t misread me…dancing on the bar; the sand floor, Bimini Ring Toss Game, eight flat screen TV’s, bar menu (personal sized Bimini Bread dough seafood pizza, anyone?); fabulous staff, and frequent, live, island music.
Bimini Twist Restaurant
Divine Dining
Bimini Twist Beach Club Restaurant is a stylish ocean front spot with all the trimmings; candlelight glimmering, spotless stemware, linens; and a bit more formality—for Bimini—offering the best cuisine on both islands. For foodies, upscale, island-inspired gourmet dining with a “twist” is the key-note here.
Chef Lightbourne has designed a varied, continental menu featuring fresh seafood and meat dishes with many flourishes you would not expect in low key Bimini; the presentation is outstanding; including edible orchids garnishing a number of entrées.
Bahamian lobster stars in a variety of luscious dishes ranging from sauced to grilled, including Bacardi Lobster, Lobster Fettuccini, Lobster Thermador, and Reef and Beef, which pairs a 6 oz. lobster tail with a 5 oz. filet mignon. Grouper is served blackened with pigeon peas relish, infused with lemon butter sauce; over a vegetable medley of artichoke hearts, basil and Roma tomatoes. Conch Fritters, a Bimini Twist staple, is joined by the edgier Conch Ceviche, Grilled Conch, Blackened Island Conch with Red Pepper Coulis, Cracked Pearl of Conch, and a flavorful pasta dish called Conch Pearl Rosa.
Seafood is not the only specialty of the house—the menu also includes expanded meat offerings such as Rack of Lamb, Prime Rib, Steak au Poivre, Tandoori Chicken, and B.B.Q. St. Louis Ribs with Chef Edison’s secret spices.
The extensive dessert list offers the perfect postscript to a delectable meal enjoyed overlooking Bimini’s breath taking blue waters. Sweet selections include Guava Bread Pudding, Black Forest Cake, and a choice of Chocolate, Vanilla, and island-inspired Coconut Soufflé.
The service staff in this mellow island setting is friendly, cheerful and super accommodating.
Foodie Tip: Ask for Chef Lightbournes’ decadent Guava Duff.
Island Sushi
A first…
Island Sushi is the first and only dedicated Sushi bar in the Bimini’s. Exotic, fresh, offerings are made from freshly caught seafood, authentic, Japanese fruits and vegetables, and an assortment of mouth watering sauces.
The sushi bar is tucked in at the side of the Bimini Twist Beach Club Restaurant, with a superb water view of the Straits of Florida along with the backdrop of the Beach Club’s sparkling pool.
Sushi Chef, Detrick Francis, along with Bimini born Assistant Chef, Brandon Weech, serve up the most divine, raw and cooked sushi and sashimi creations to be found anywhere–China Grill has nothing on these folks. You’ll find me camped out here and at Bimini Twist.
Foodie Tip: Ask for the Miso/Ginger Salad—incredibly awesome. Ingredients: Secret
Musical “Magic Bus”
You may be wondering how you can get about this expansive property and to the southern area of the island where the Beach Club is located. Sure, you can rent golf carts through rental outfits on the island. However, my preferred mode of travel is the “Sands,” musical “Magic Bus,” which provides frequent, complimentary bus transportation between the two properties for their guests.
I wish all Out Island buses had the happy color palette, and personality as this one does; windows open to the air, friendly people popping off and on with a wave of hello and good bye, island music blaring.
The fab-colorful/wrapped in the Bahamian Flag-can’t-miss-bus, makes four stops: Bimini Sands, Bimini Sands Beach Club, The Bimini Nature Trail, and the water taxi dock, with a swing by the Bimini Biological Field Station (Shark Lab). The Magic Bus is driven by busmen, Strata G, and Binga, who simultaneously drive, while singing along with good Marley (decimal 10), and carefully selected Bahamian tunes; chattering away with guests; inquiring as to their day, and if they are having a good time. This is one entertaining ride.
Stay on the bus for a while–do the round trip; it’s a fun way to catch a casual tour of south Bimini.
Hours Daily: 10:00 AM to “officially” 10:30 p.m. or, whenever; meaning; the ‘schedule’ is dependent on South/North Bimini, special evening and holiday activities.
Marina Magic
All along the Water Front
The day-time social hub of the resort–here you’ll find folks trading fishing stories, snorkeling adventures at Honeymoon Harbour and the Sapona Wreck, recipe trading for a fish-delish. At night, folks kick back with cocktails while individual grills are aglow. The aromas are compelling; mouth watering…
Boaters can book their stay in Bimini Sands’ protected marina during the winter without worrying about the weather. To help you avoid an unexpected extra dockage fee if rough weather sets in while you’re on the island, the marina offer guests who have paid for two consecutive nights’ dockage in the marina up to an additional five consecutive days’ free dockage until you can safely take your boat home. Bimini Sands’ “Stuck in paradise” promotion is available year-round, subject to availability and the Dockmaster’s discretion.
Bimini Sands offers a full-service, fully protected, 100-slip Bellingham floating dock, deepwater Texaco StarPort marina, with first class amenities for boats and yachts up to 115 feet, just minutes away from fantastic fishing and diving; a ship’s store with ice and boating parts, and a convenient customs office during peak holiday weekends), so guests can tie up and clear their paperwork without venturing through the shifting sandbars and fast moving currents of North Bimini. The marina was recently awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Marina Eco designation, and was the first marina in the Bahamas to join the Shark Free Marina initiative.
Eco Tours
Bimini Sands is the pioneer in eco tourism awareness and action in the Bimini’s—initiating eco tours long before it was a fashionable travel pursuit.
Tours are easily arranged through the “Sands” comprehensive activities/adventure center, headed up by imminently likeable, accomplished, co-directors Katie Grudecki and Grant Johnson, both experienced marine biologists.
There is a comprehensive array of exciting/adventure eco tours to choose from: including the outstanding Bimini Nature Trail with its own “Stonehenge” look-a-like, an on-site kid’s club, water excursions to Honeymoon Harbors’ ‘Sting Ray City’, sunset cruises, SUP-paddle boarding, mangrove kayaking, and boat rentals.
All Inclusive Packages
Outstanding, all inclusive land packages take place during the fall and winter season. These packages are based on a five night stay, which includes accommodation, one adventure activity, dining and all adult beverages. There are all-inclusive, bone fishing and fly fishing packages in place as well.
For Sun-Loungers and Pool Lovers
The first pool you are likely to see, is near the front office. It’s quite large, with comfortable, thick padding for ample lounges. This pool also has a nicely turned out Tiki Bar, which is frequently used at night for boating, filming, angling, group functions.
A new pool, with a stunning infinity design; located in the SW corner of the main resort property, overlooking the stunning colors of the Bahamas Banks/Straits of Florida, has opened to wide acclaim.
The third pool is located at the southern end Beach Club property. This pool, (which changes colors at night) serves as a backdrop for the Island Sushi Restaurant and overlooks gorgeous, Tiki Beach, which is quite popular with families, kite-boarders and SUP fans.
Pets
Bimini Sands is pet friendly, so there is no need to kennel your best four-footed friend. You’ll see a number of visitors with their traveling fuzzy buddies, and there are plenty of scooper stations located around the property.
Be sure you have your official Bahamas Pet Importation paper work well in hand before visiting the island. (I’d suggest applying at least six weeks in advance.) You’ll find all documentation needed via this website: www.bahamas.com/bahamas/pets.
Under Sea
The famed dive operator, Neal Watson, past President of the Bahamas Diving Association, and Chair of the Bahamas Dive Marketing Committee, joined the Bimini Sands Resort & Marina team, with the grand opening of a new, full-service scuba diving operation with the only Nitrox station in the Bimini’s, Neal Watson’s Undersea Adventures, in early 2013. The dive headquarters is headed up by Neal Watson, Jr., and located at the Bimini Sands Beach Club, which is ideal for the dive operation–the international airport is just a few minutes’ drive away, and it’s a short boat ride to Bimini’s best dive sites, most of which lie to the south. Hop over to Neal Sr’s website for upcoming events, the latest adventures and new photos. Reservations may be made through Bimini Sands or, dive@biminisands.com.
Final Building Phase
The last of the building phase is well on its way…Bimini Sands has opened its final phase of condominium construction for purchase. Bimini Sands Resort condos are available in oceanfront Buildings 4 and 5. All condos in inventory, including unfurnished one-bedroom, one-bedroom loft, and two-bedroom units, come complete with spacious living/dining room areas, full kitchen and laundry facilities. While condominium units in Building 6, overlooking the marina, the ocean, and the new infinity pool will be offered for sale in late 2013.
Fruition
In the years since I saw Bimini Sands the first time, Mr. Cooney’s initial vision — a family-friendly destination resort within a destination —has come to realization in a big way… continuing to grow, flourish, and excel…
You may return here, year after year, knowing exactly what to expect: a great experience, a sweet retreat, where you may toss your worries and relax. The vibe here is thoroughly 6 star hospitality heart—welcoming, friendly; where no guest request is too big or small to handle.
Resort Details
Slide Show: Website: www.biminisands.com ~ FaceBook ~ Phone/Toll Free: US Reservations: (800)737-1007 ~ Local: (954) 615-1011 Front Office: (242) 347-3500 ~ Sales@BiminiSands.com ~ Check-in Time: 3:00 p.m. Check-out Time: 11:00 a.m. ~ Major credit cards accepted ~ Pet Friendly ~191 condo villas~ 4 restaurants ~ 3 bars ~ ships store/sundries shop ~ 3 swimming pools ~ 100 slip Blue Star marina ~
Top Tips
Bimini’s International Airport (BIM) is just five minutes from the resort. After clearing customs, cabs will be waiting at the airport arrivals building.
If you are arriving by seaplane, you’ll be landing in North Bimini (NSB), clearing customs there. The Bimini water taxi–at the government dock, will shuttle you to South Bimini—10 minutes.
Bimini Healing Arts – Kathleen Fisher: offers in-room and ocean/poolside massages/Yoga–by appointment. (242) 347 2240
‘Til next time and new island discoveries… May all good things be yours.
She reach.
~Sandra