It is still pitch dark in the morning, but the dim light of the day is slowly peeping over the horizon and I don’t want to wake my spouse. I slowly move bare feet over the cool marble floor of our ocean front villa with the sound of waves breaking on shore being heard from the open curtains. When I open the door and go outside onto the private balcony, the smell is of the sea tingling on my tongue, slightly salty, but soft. I sit down and place myself comfortably in a chair that is directed towards east, the side where the vast expanse of the royal blue of the Atlantic Ocean lies. The sky is painted a color of black and moves into pinks and soft oranges. The stars are still shining above us, like precious gems on the black velvet that slowly disappear in the dark.
Ordinary concerns that fill my waking thoughts and nag at my consciousness are smothered completely. In this purity there is no self, no ego, no pride, only the calmness of a still night and my humble submission. I watch the advancement of the sunrise with anticipation, similar to a spectator anticipating the commencement of a pleasing play. A small piece of the orange color appears to be rising and reflecting on the water’s surface in a golden way. The color adds a certain life and positivity to the scenery, giving a hint of hope to the darkness. I follow the sun for the next twenty minutes as it rises triumphantly to light the day.
After the entire fiery orb has risen though, I let out my well-deserved sigh. The colours are vivid and the vivid green of the tropical flowers on the balcony ledge seems to light up in the warm golden light. In the neighboring vicinity, a bird trills with a melodious chirp, heralding the dawn of a new day. The rays of the fully risen sun shower the whole scene; white sand beaches with palm trees swaying gently in the wind, adorable cottages on the island, and the unimaginable blue sea surrounding this heavenly island in Bahamas.
This, I could say, is a simple way to boost the mind and body and kick start the day. It is still early, at least the fatigue or stress from the previous day has been washed away by the sunrise. I spend a few more moments just absorbing the sight and making sure it stays with me before going back inside to wake my still-sleeping significant other. While we sip our coffee on the terrace in the morning and decide on what to do for the day, I begin to describe the breathtaking sunrise. Both together we decide that we should start waking up every morning to watch the beautiful sunrise until we are done with the last day of the island tour.
When the first light begins to break over a line of hills in the horizon and the sea is a deep blue, marvel at the pastel shades of the sunrise, pink and orange. There are no alarms that call for waking from the comforting bed – you are not only wherever you want, but wherever you dreamt. When the signal to eat is heralded by hunger pangs, you will be welcomed by a buffet of exotic produce from the tropics to help you breakfast. The Bahamas is a riches trove full of new and fresh exotic fruits and twists to local dishes.
It is advisable to start your day with island fruits that are harvested at optimal ripeness before the day’s adventures ensue. Taste the juicy Bahamian pineapple that is smaller but sweeter than those sold in stores if you get a chance to visit the country. Mangoes can be had sliced with the vibrant orange pulp or else indulge in the locally called guavas or the exotic variety identified as ‘pears.’ The banana trees grow aplenty with the trees planted all over the archipelago. Papaya and soursop also, with the consistency like creamy soups, introduce vivid notes to the plate.
Other than fruits, there is nothing more customary to a Bahamian breakfast than johnnycakes which is basically fried dough with the criss-cross markings reminiscent of the name. Depicted here in its warm state, straight out of the skillet, this Arawak-style dish is usually sipped alone or accompanied by a drizzle of honey, jams or even guava jelly. For an authentic taste of the Bahamas, the johnnycakes can be filled with a plate of salty boiled grouper.
It is a close cousin to johnnycakes and many of our kitchens fry plump slices of green plantains with breakfast in mind. Fried plantains can be assigned as an appetizer or an entree, when they demonstrate the sweet characteristic which results from being cooked in hot oil. As an additional flavor, request for them to be ‘cut’ half through the length of the meat before frying and inserting some other unconventional Bahamas sauce such as mutton or parsley.
And what breakfast spread is not complete without steaming cups of boil-dynamic or milky bush tea? Being the national drink, bush tea which is normally taken with condensed milk helps create a jovial atmosphere and people feel free to engage in conversations with their close friends and relatives and even other congenial strangers.
Hooking the guests up with an array of fresh fish caught by the local fishermen in the morning is something common so that different and unique types of meals can be prepared for breakfast in the resort. For lovers of seafood, conch is also a favorite and it is prepared in many breakfast dishes as omelets or fritters. Or plates of succulent steamed conch which is accompanied by bowls of creamy chowder that is reinforced with vegetables for an equilibrating finish.
We look forward to the breakfast which comes with the sunrise and behold the tasty morsels belonging to the islands. And so, with sunlight’s brilliant play over the tender tympani of the sea, feast upon a breakfast of dishes born from the sea, groves, and gardens of the Bahamas. Thanks to the local flavors, you are more than equipped to embrace this tropical day radiating with Caribbean cozy and rum cheer.
First time when I went to the shore, I noticed that the tension and worries typical of a working day suddenly vanished. I undid the laces of the sandals and took them off, as I felt the warm sand clasp my feet with fine grain roll. The sand was golden and lustrous, water the most exquisite aquamarine; the waves were slightly undulating at the sea-line. I decided there and then that this would not be a beach walk as usual, where people just amble along. Instead, it would be a meditative, quiet, and calm one where I could enjoy nature around me.
I started walking slowly and swaying my hips in time parallel to the waves on the sand. The last rays of light enveloped my whole body; the ocean gently kissing my face with salty sweetness, somewhat metallic. And here and there, a piece of wave reached my ankles that was refreshing. Seagulls flew above me melodiously crying, with the help of the wind currents they floated in the great void. As I continued my solitary walk down the sandy shore for an even greater distance, the sound of the pattycake machines and the merry people was only a faint murmur in my ears and the only thing that came to my eyes was the softly raging sea.
There were passages where I came across beautiful panorama points suitable for one to linger, sit upon a natural rock outcrop, and gaze out over the sea in a spectrum of blues that went between. I let my mind wander, as the golden light filled the water’s surface with a motley palette all painted at random. The beauty of the waves, coming and going, and the peaceful calm it gave me. I looked down in surprise where I found I was straight with shoulders relaxed, breathing slow. It was as if the sea had taken me captive.
Perhaps I walked for an hour or perhaps for several hours, tanned beautifully skin wandering that coastline. Time was stuck out here and thank heaven for it since the amenities on offer here were so wonderful. Turning my gaze back where I had just come from a couple of hours earlier, the beach was no longer visible due to sand dunes and the water's rising level. And above the calm sea, perhaps up there in the endless sky, an image of the last red-gold arc sank into timelessness. It could well have been in any place at all and I might have been prepared to lose all notion of time if it weren't for the red-gold tone of the setting sun. It was as the last colour of day laid siege to the sky and sea, that I realized this idyll of straying through the sandstrewn beaches had been one of life's small but earnest joys.
When I found myself getting to the Straw Market at Nassau downtown during the workweek in the morning, I could not help but notice the enthusiastic atmosphere coming from those shops situated along the streets and forming a particular market. Stalls were set up in a cheerful manner and the sellers were actively inviting people, gesturing them to come and check out the goods. Everywhere one looked, the market was flooded with woven straw products; from handbags, hats to baskets in various sizes. Depicted with various beautiful patterns and designs which I noticed well-embellished Bahamian workmanship. This was my first time visiting the Bahamas and I realized that this was the best place to go around to get a feel of the people’s cultural practices as well as purchase unique items to take back home.
I strolled around the market’s corridors with a small group of people and asked the sellers some questions about their goods. Janet and Louise sat weaving new creations before them, the straw fibers flying like bullets through clever fingers. They enlightened me about the generations of straw craft tradition and also provided information regarding the type of woods employed and the different dyes used. Ernest was seated idly carving different figures from wood and there were several of them but each was different from the other. His stall was full of drawings in pastel shades depicting junkanoo dancers, fish, turtles, and island houses. In the morning he said he fishes and in the afternoons, he documents the culture through his carvings.
Aside from the rows of common straw products, I found stores that were lined with colorful patterned fabrics, native Kesi Jewelry made from sea glass, wooden carved musicians of rake ’n’ scrape bands, soft toys that imitated the island life for children, and homemade soaps infused with local fragrances. There was such an abundance of mementos, of folk art, and things that were truly Bahamian that it was hard to resist the temptation.
As I had my eyes full of all the products, I decided to step away from the market and grab some food since I hadn’t realized how hungry I was, from the smells coming from one of the small outlets close to the door. I ate a bowl of tasty conch salad complemented by fresh lime and spicy pepper sauce served with shredded cabbage and other fresh vegetables. The tastes that overwhelmed my buds were rather sharp and refreshing, kind of what one would expect from the food prepared during the summer season. As I was eating the legendary dish of the Bahamas, I was able to observe people of the Bahamas and other shoppers who were eating their meals and chatting with each other. Though it was a random place, it gave me an impression to ponder over my Bahamian experience. I walked away from the Nassau Straw Market clutching my purchased straws; I realized that those would be cherished memories of the people I met and the wonderful experiences of the Straw Market for many more years to come.
The Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays, thus it is indeed a heaven for naturalists. Among the most effective techniques in which one can use to explore the physical features of the region is through hiking on nature trails that are available in most of the islands. An excellent choice is the Lucayan National Park in Grand Bahama: for example, it has a strip of several miles of walking paths that pass through different types of landscapes, including the mangroves, pines, and hardwood forests.
Beginning of the hike is from the parking area near the visitor’s center, inside the park entrance. This section contains details and a map of the four main trails that pass through the park. Getting ready to venture out, there are chirping sounds from birds as well as buzzing from insects which are clear indications that you are in a living biosphere.
The shortest among them is the Cave Trail, which is a half-mile loop but can be recommended to visit while in the area to see the large Banana Hole caves which were shaped by the sea over the course of thousands of years. If you are lucky to have a flashlight, you can explore these caves and appreciate the hanging stalactites and the standing stalagmites formed by the dripping of calcium carbonate on the cave floor as sunlight is allowed to trickle through the tiny roofs of the caves.
If you fancy a somewhat longer hike, opt for the Mangrove Trail that is a one-mile trail stretching and is bordered by a wooden boardwalk hovering over a mangrove lagoon teeming with marine life. Swim in the crystalline basement in search of starfish or watch white herons and osprey fly in search of their next meal. Breathe in the sea air while you read on to know more about this type of ecosystem.
The last journey is a three-mile trail through Pine Forest filled with sweet-smelling woods of Caribbean pine, mahogany, poisonwood, and flowering wild orchids. The path is well compacted with dust and sand and can sometimes be challenging, particularly over some steep hills which offer sweeping views of the island. If you are lucky, you can see the Bahamian wild boars or bananaquits flying about the trees above.
If you have an hour or an entire morning, then one of the most rewarding things to do is to embark on any of the available trails in Lucayan National Park to feel the Bahamas in slow motion, one step at a time. Evolving oneself to get surrounded by these unique terrains that are exclusive to New Zealand results in what can be considered as one thrilling experience.
sThe Bahamas are famous for their blue holes – large, natural underwater caves with the purest water of a color that you have never seen before. You are an adventure enthusiast in search of a definitive thrill and swim in the Dean’s Blue Hole, which is located on Long Island. Located on a secluded beach, with swaying palm trees on the shore, this bluish pool invites you to come in.
You step as close as you can get to the edge of the blue hole and look over the edge. The white frill that this crab has around its shell is breathtaking and the pure indigo color of the body is pretty amazing as well. Small tropical fish swim in irregular rays of light that, passing through depths of water, reach the bottom of the ocean, which is 200 feet below the surface. Swallowing hard, you dive into the water headfirst, feeling the chill of the water enveloping your body. They swivel around as you kick, and the sunlight will fade until you are floating in this beautiful twilight. Great big rocks rise from the dark abyss and they are paved with green wrinkles of coral that sway in the water.
Pumping your legs towards the upper part for fresh air, schools of small, neon-blue fishes gather around you. The water temperature is near to perfect – it is cool, which is great for refreshing, but not cold like in a swimming pool. You drift along with your body propped up on the surface of the water while the frail currents decide your direction as your eyes wander up to the sky of perfect azure shade over the Bahamas. Swimming around the rocky walls of the blue hole and its overhangs, you can perform multiple dives to the dark bottom of the abyss, watching for signs of marine life. This wonderful and colorful world, where you can meet such fishes as angelfish, jellyfish, sea turtles, and even some stingray reef sharks, makes you feel as if you are swimming in an aquarium.
After some hours of fun and adventure in your underwater playground, the hunger and exhaustion pull you back. After surfing, you swim towards the surface and come out from the blue hole’s entry on the beach covered in water and salty dew. The Bahamian sun blazes at you soon enough; but a picnic lunch at an open-air restaurant made from palm-thatch on the edge of the cove is very welcome, and the breathtaking blues of Dean’s Blue Hole are ready and waiting just a few feet away. This place is wonderful; swimming here has given you experiences that will last for a lifetime.
When you're cruising in a boat, it's amazing; you can travel through the different parts of the Bahamas and explore all its wonderful waterways.
Sunrise comes early in the morning. Starting from the marina, make ready to either set off presently or be prepared for the inrush of dawn and fresh morning light. As the sun rises over the horizon and the waves dance on their own, at this time of day, the experience is truly magical.
Whether you are tied down along the surface and can afford to be lazy surveying the waves, want a speed boat to race across the waves with the zipping buzz of wind in your hair, or have a particular interest in sea creatures and aquatic life, this year’s boat tour is a wonderful way to enjoy the Bahamas from out on the water. As you approach, the boat breaks away from the marina, and the breeze refreshes your lungs. Lustrous dark blue and dark green water merge into one color.
If you are lucky, you might come across the shining example of a Flying Fish skimming the water and planting its large pectoral fins in the water to boost itself, a little like a rocket assisting off far from shore. Look down, and if luck favors you, you may see Stingrays offboard hidden closely in the sandy seabed. Alternatively, the elegant Turtle might briefly rise to the surface for a breath-giving pump before disappearing back into its world of water.
Sail for a while until you find a good spot to anchor the boat and swim off from shore. Here, you will see a small white, warm-sand beach and water of medium depth that is perfectly clear underneath its surface. You can take a swim here, get on a glass-bottom boat to see the coral gardens, fish, and other sea life, or simply lie back on deck tops enjoying the rocking motion afloat and beautiful surroundings. Alternatively, go for an adventure eco-trip on small islands and cays, where each coastal feature needs to be preserved, such as mangroves and magnificent bird rookeries.
A boat ride around the Bahamas provides such attractive scenery that many people will simply not believe it until they've seen it for themselves. You also have the chance to observe some of the area's rich marine life, which is a unique feature available nowhere else.
You’ve got to take a half-hour motor boat ride back from the private paradise to Nassau to clear customs before you go anywhere else—better yet, change over on departure so no one notices. Then walk a third of a mile across the traffic circle with your luggage and catch a connecting flight. Don’t spend the morning catching up on work; instead, soak in the clear waters of the Bahamas or tick off any number of unique islands to explore. Nonetheless, after the morning bliss on the beach, why not find one of those luxurious spas in the Bahamas and enjoy a wonderful experience?
In the atmospheric and luxurious interior of the spa, there is a faint scent of essential oils. Docile, soundless music floats from the speakers and gradually works its way into one’s ears like silk. It’s time to be pampered at this point. In the event, you meet the hotel staff, whose friendly smiles warm you and balm you slowly into an easy mood. Eventually, after receiving a tasting questionnaire, they treat you to a tropical drink. A professional esthetician will study carefully with you all of your choices and then use this information to build a suitable treatment plan for your needs.
Then you will be taken to a separate spa room or changing area, where you can take it easy for a while before the treatment starts. Once you have settled in comfortably, the smoother part of your trip starts with an energy-body scrub: for example, a pineapple gel head-to-toe cocoon made of sea salt or coconut husks and crushed coffee beans for a coarse cervical texture. Following this, you will be given an invigorating full-body massage with aromatic oils. Warm oil is applied to the head as well—both hands work together for a very cohesive physical feeling in your whole body as tensions and fatigue escape from you under the expert care of the massage therapist.
Beside yourself in quiet unison and lost in the peaceful regeneration, you’ll soak in the aroma and herb tea with a lot of antioxidants, made just right for sipping with some cucumber slices on your eyes to cool down tired muscles. Then comes a cosmetic facial procedure applied to each segment of dead skin, which is likely stained for hours afterward to make it healthy and shiny. With serums and masks made of pure fruits like papaya and shark fin flowers, your esthetician helps further enrich the color and luster in order to make your skin look youthful and alive.
You are now leaving the spa looking refreshed and with revitalized skin, ready to face the rest of your wonderful tropical holiday. The best way to spoil yourself and to make sure that every day is an unending vacation in paradise is to spend a full day at a high-end spa.