When you stop to think of The Bahamas, you probably conjure up images of bustling Nassau on New Providence Island, known for their sprawling resorts. But just north and south of these better-known parts, you’ll discover the other Bahamas—Grand Bahama and The Out Islands. Beach lovers are sure to find their ideal wedding destination on one of these sandy-shored islands of The Bahamas. Bustling Grand Bahama offers a laid-back vibe, while some of The Out Islands—The Abacos and Harbour Island to name a few—offer incredible views and silky beaches for a sunset wedding. Here, some stellar spots for tying the knot.
GRAND BAHAMA
WHY HERE? If you’re fantasizing about a wedding locale with white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear waters, look no further than Grand Bahama, just a 40-minute flight from Florida. This beautiful island has lots to offer couples and their guests pre-and-post wedding. For starters, this is snorkeling heaven. Grand Bahama Island is home to the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO), the premier facility for snorkeling in The Bahamas. Another good reason for visiting Grand Bahama: The Dolphin Experience offers a rare opportunity to go eye-to-eye with these creatures in their natural environment.
TIE THE KNOT The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort (starwoodhotels.com) takes care of everything, using high-tech tools to help your wedding plans go smoothly (they’ll even create a personalized Web page where guests can RSVP and book rooms at the hotel). As a result, once you’re at the resort, all you have to do is relax by the pool. Ceremonies can take place on the sand, in a garden or in the resort’s gazebo, surrounded by palm trees. Receptions vary, from a feast on the beach with a bonfire and a buffet to a traditional dinner in one of the resort’s restaurants. Want to really impress your guests? Request that Junkanoo dancers in traditional Bahamian costumes entertain them….The most exclusive hotel on Grand Bahama, British-colonial-style Old Bahama Bay (oldbahamabay.com), is on the island’s western tip. The secluded location has expansive grounds, and the flawless beach is the perfect place to exchange your vows, under the shade of a coconut tree. After the ceremony, you and up to 80 guests can dine on filet mignon and lobster at Aqua, the resort’s restaurant.
TIE THE KNOT The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort (starwoodhotels.com) takes care of everything, using high-tech tools to help your wedding plans go smoothly (they’ll even create a personalized Web page where guests can RSVP and book rooms at the hotel). As a result, once you’re at the resort, all you have to do is relax by the pool. Ceremonies can take place on the sand, in a garden or in the resort’s gazebo, surrounded by palm trees. Receptions vary, from a feast on the beach with a bonfire and a buffet to a traditional dinner in one of the resort’s restaurants. Want to really impress your guests? Request that Junkanoo dancers in traditional Bahamian costumes entertain them….The most exclusive hotel on Grand Bahama, British-colonial-style Old Bahama Bay (oldbahamabay.com), is on the island’s western tip. The secluded location has expansive grounds, and the flawless beach is the perfect place to exchange your vows, under the shade of a coconut tree. After the ceremony, you and up to 80 guests can dine on filet mignon and lobster at Aqua, the resort’s restaurant.
THE ABACOS
WHY HERE? Northernmost in The Bahamas, Abaco and its offshore cays offer a rewarding diversity of 18th-century villages, superb sailing, and fine food. Many of the locals on the two main islands (Great Abaco and Little Abaco) are descendants of the British Loyalists who originally settled in the area after the Revolutionary War, building New England-style clapboard houses to remind them of home. Hope Town, on Elbow Cay to the east of Abaco, is the perfect example of a 200-year-old town; separated by neat picket fences and stone walls, the pastel clapboard houses overflow with vines of bougainvillea.
TIE THE KNOT The 87 spacious rooms at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina (treasurecay.com) on Great Abaco are decorated in festive island prints. True the marina is filled with million-dollar yachts, but what earns this resort its rating as a romantic destination wedding setting is the four-mile long beach, where the sand is so soft it makes confectioner’s sugar feel gritty. This is definitely the place to say “I do” at sunset. Dance and celebrate with friends and family under the stars at a beachside barbecue.…Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina (greenturtleclub.com) on Green Turtle Cay lies just a mere 160 miles east of Florida and is easily reached by air via Nassau into Treasure Cay airport on Abaco. From there, it’s a short ferry ride to the resort to settle into some serious “island time.” The beautiful resort offers couples a casual refinement with cheerful yellow cottages scattered up a hillside amid lush foliage. Weddings can be performed on the beach at sunset or by the harbor’s edge. After saying “I do,” celebrate your joy at a Bahamian-style seafood buffet in the patio dining room or, if you prefer, a more formal sit-down gourmet feast at the resort’s candlelit dining room….Bluff House Beach Hotel & Yacht Club (bluffhouse.com) offers couples the utmost in romance. Split-level suites have tropical-inspired themes, wicker furniture, and double doors opening onto balconies with breathtaking ocean views. Couples can opt for a charming island wedding on the beach, on a yacht by the marina, or on a cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset. The resort’s staff will customize to your liking.
TIE THE KNOT The 87 spacious rooms at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina (treasurecay.com) on Great Abaco are decorated in festive island prints. True the marina is filled with million-dollar yachts, but what earns this resort its rating as a romantic destination wedding setting is the four-mile long beach, where the sand is so soft it makes confectioner’s sugar feel gritty. This is definitely the place to say “I do” at sunset. Dance and celebrate with friends and family under the stars at a beachside barbecue.…Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina (greenturtleclub.com) on Green Turtle Cay lies just a mere 160 miles east of Florida and is easily reached by air via Nassau into Treasure Cay airport on Abaco. From there, it’s a short ferry ride to the resort to settle into some serious “island time.” The beautiful resort offers couples a casual refinement with cheerful yellow cottages scattered up a hillside amid lush foliage. Weddings can be performed on the beach at sunset or by the harbor’s edge. After saying “I do,” celebrate your joy at a Bahamian-style seafood buffet in the patio dining room or, if you prefer, a more formal sit-down gourmet feast at the resort’s candlelit dining room….Bluff House Beach Hotel & Yacht Club (bluffhouse.com) offers couples the utmost in romance. Split-level suites have tropical-inspired themes, wicker furniture, and double doors opening onto balconies with breathtaking ocean views. Couples can opt for a charming island wedding on the beach, on a yacht by the marina, or on a cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset. The resort’s staff will customize to your liking.
HARBOUR ISLAND
WHY HERE? One of the best-kept secrets, this three-mile-long speck sits off the coast of North Eleuthera. So tiny, the island looks a bit like someone shrank Nantucket, plopped it down in the tropics, and added a three-mile ribbon of pink sand. Aptly named Pink Sands, this magnificent beach is a perfect blush color that would be right at home on a flamingo’s back. At first glance, Harbour Island appears to be stuck in a time warp, with 18-century clapboard houses—and you wouldn’t want it any other way. Cars are all but forbidden (instead, golf carts zip you around), and nothing is more than a short stroll from the beach.
TIE THE KNOT Pink Sands (islandoutpost.com) is an intimate resort of handsome cottages over 16 acres and 800 feet of beachfront. There are many options to say your “I do’s” including the most popular sunset ceremony followed with a Bahamian reception on the beach. The Wedding Package includes a marriage license, registrar’s fees, wedding officiant, bridal bouquet, a bottle of Champagne, wedding cake and photographer (couple will receive a CD with approximately 250 images). Pink Sands has several sites suitable for marriage ceremonies and receptions for small to large wedding parties. Later, retire to your “cottage” as Mr. & Mrs.—which are actually spacious suites adorned with hand-carved furniture, African prints, and Italian tiles. Baths are spacious and mini-bars are well stocked (with rum, of course).
TIE THE KNOT Pink Sands (islandoutpost.com) is an intimate resort of handsome cottages over 16 acres and 800 feet of beachfront. There are many options to say your “I do’s” including the most popular sunset ceremony followed with a Bahamian reception on the beach. The Wedding Package includes a marriage license, registrar’s fees, wedding officiant, bridal bouquet, a bottle of Champagne, wedding cake and photographer (couple will receive a CD with approximately 250 images). Pink Sands has several sites suitable for marriage ceremonies and receptions for small to large wedding parties. Later, retire to your “cottage” as Mr. & Mrs.—which are actually spacious suites adorned with hand-carved furniture, African prints, and Italian tiles. Baths are spacious and mini-bars are well stocked (with rum, of course).
No comments:
Post a Comment