Bahamian Rhapsody
I fell In Love
David Lemkey
I am often asked by people I come in contact with what my favorite destination is. I’m always working or on the go, so I don’t look or act the part of typical tourist. My flight plans are arranged last minute so more times than not, I am that person in the last aisle seat waiting to engage you and your travel partner in conversation. Before you’ve had a chance to buckle your seat belt and cram your bag under the seat in front of you, we’ve struck up a dialog. For the record, I apologize if you’re reading this and recognize my name because at one point, you tried to take a nap during a flight where I sat next to you. Inevitably, we’ve chatted and I’ve quizzed you on your favorite places to visit and why you were headed to where ever it was we shared a flight to.
It is that curiosity and desire to get the insiders scoop on a destination that I will bring you every month as together we leave our Floridian View behind and explore this View Abroad.
Over the last decade, The Islands of the Bahamas have experienced a massive renaissance becoming one of the top destinations of choice for Floridians. Close enough for a weekend escape, we can catch a short flight, board a mega cruise ship or intimately navigate our own vessel across the Atlantic. With some of the most spectacular resorts, beautiful beaches, great fishing and colorful culture, what’s not to love? Having visited about a half dozen times for both business and pleasure, I have to admit I thought I had seen and done everything there was to do.
I arrive at the newly built ultra-modern terminal at Lynden Pindling International Airport on New Providence Island, and instantly feel like this trip will be different. From this point, I usually hail a cab and make the 20+ minute $34 trek to Paradise Island, weaving through the hustle and bustle that has become the tropical metropolis that is Downtown Nassau. Not this time.
We zip down the road and before you know it, we are face to face with that gorgeous turquoise shore that reveals itself as you approach. While the vast majority of cars up ahead will make a right and head east, my drivers turning signal clicks happily to the left as we wait to turn. “West End?” the driver asks, I smile and nod. Behind me, the charming but touristy beach town I love - ahead of me, secluded beaches, million dollar homes and a colorful mini-resort with a huge personality. In less than five minutes, I am in Love.
We pull into the Compass Point Beach Resort, which with its bright Junkanoo colours traditional to the island, sets the tone for what is sure to be a memorable weekend. With 18 completely unique and well-appointed cottages to choose from, starting at only $261 per night, you can find your own home away from home on the private balconies and patios overlooking the pool or the pristine Bahamian waters. While each cottage comes equipped with wi-fi and flat screen TV’s, that’s not what we are here for so tune out the noise and relax with the gentle lull of the lapping waves.
There is an almost magical aura about this place which elevates your sense of relaxation and creativity to a whole new level. This may be why the likes of almost every major recording artist from Julio Iglesias to The Rolling Stones, Shakira to Bob Marley and Celine Dion to U2 have made the trip to record in the world-famous Compass Pointe Studios since it opened in 1977. A unique place in musical history, chances are one of your favorite songs was recorded at what is soon to be one of your favorite destinations.
Love Beach, is a favorite among locals who like to keep quiet about its charm – for very obvious reasons. Technically, the beach is restricted to use by local residents and guests of Compass Point, but it's virtually deserted most of the time so they tell me that if you're respectful you won't encounter any problems. Most impressive is the incredible snorkeling that can be done off the shores which has made it one of the most popular places to take a look in the water. 40 protected underwater acres of coral, botanical and tropical life are just off the shore of this stretch of powdery sand.
A truly spectacular way to experience this private destination is in a magnificent private home. Several oceanfront private homes can be rented by the week, or the month. While each home has much to offer, we checked out the newest and most elegant property we could find. Known as Hammock Cove, this home was just completed in 2009 with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, and it offers every amenity you could imagine. Built into the cliff, this three story castle on the sand is tucked behind private gates. Entering on the second floor the seemingly endless turquoise ocean stretches out before you. The European style kitchen offers state-of-the-art appliances, granite counters and well-designed details complete the look. The oceanfront family room, dining room and pool table are surrounded by floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. Below, the first level offers another entire living area with a second kitchen, living room and 2 more bedrooms. On the third level, a guest suite is off the hallway across from the expansive and well-appointed master bedroom suite where I would love to wake up every morning. The oceanfront pool and spa are perfect for rinsing off the salt after a day of fun out in the crystal clear water in your private beach. Truly the most luxurious way to experience Love Beach.
While this is one of the best kept secrets in the Bahamas, it may soon be discovered by the whole world as just to the east over $3.4 billion is being invested to build the BahaMar project. Touted as the largest resort in the Caribbean, the groundbreaking on this Atlantis rivaling mega-resort was held late last month. Expected to usher in millions of new visitors when it opens in late 2014, I say come check this place out now (and maybe then too).
There is no better way to finish an evening in this little Bahamian paradise then back on the Restaurant at Compass Point. The breath taking views are rivaled only by the delicious food and the cold Kalik that I savor along with a local Lobster Stir Fry with Mango and Goat Peppers – absolutely fantastic.
As the sun finally sets, I take it all in and for a second get lost in the moment. Everything seems to move in slow motion and I realize that for the first time in a long time, I have made a connection with a destination. They say that when you find love, you know it instantly. While I have traveled the world and found many great places, on this trip - I found Love.
