Where in the Bahamas?
 

First trip to the Bahamas. Which island to visit. Like snorkling, nice beaches, hiking kayacking tennis and some nightlife.

Don't go. The Bahamas was boring and dull. The place has no soul. Way nicer places in the caribbean to do the things you want. Bahamas also really expensive with poor quality. You don't get what you pay for. Like $7.50 for 2 cups of dinner drip coffee, or $90 on pub food.

Any suggestions??

I would not be so haste as to rule out the Bahamas. New Providence/Paradise Island and Freeport, perhaps, but certainly there are other islands in the Bahamas that could fit the bill. Look into the Out Islands. How about Harbour Island? Eleuthera? The Abacos?

I did look into the Shereton or Westin on the Grand bahamas because I have alot of points for a free stay.

If not the Bahamas, how about St. John? Nice beaches, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, tennis courts. And there's a Westin if you can use your points.

First of all, I really disagree with Misnatalie and think maybe she is talking about New Providence Island (Nassau/Paradise Island) only. The out islands are wonderful and are like night and day from New Providence. I would not stay on NP. That said, I agree with the poster who said to look the Westin St. John if you want to use your free stay- although the last time I looked their rates had really gotten high.

But for the night life, I would suggest some of the Family or Out islands. The less populated islands tend to have less of a nightlife. Who names, if the nightlife is important, Bimini might be ideal in season.

The Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort is alot less points than the other properties. Does this area have any nightlife and places to eat besides the hotel.
I hear the food at the hotel is expensive and not very good. I

I am just wanting other options besiseds the hotel When I was in Fiji on Bounty Is. is was great but the resort was the only place on the island.

Our Lucaya is basically the only resort on Freeport, comprised of a shopping/marketplace, and several hotels. The same situation you describe on Bounty Is.

I think George W meant to say "but for the nightlife, I would NOT suggest the family islands" (family islands = out islands), because there are villages etc, and friday night fish fries, but no real "nightlife" like you have in the US.

I love the Out Islands, but there are no "name brand" hotels there, just mom and pop type places along with reasonably priced private villas. Check out Abaco, in particular Elbow Cay. Stay in Hopetown and you will have most of what you are looking for, with the added bonus of boating and ferrying between islands. Or look at Harbour Island, a tiny island off of Eleuthera - you get there by water taxi from ELH airport, and get around by walking and golf cart. Pink sand beaches, a few resorts, a wee bit of nightlife. This might be just what you'd like. I like Eleuthera (the main island for Harbour Island) but it is Very Undeveloped, no nightlife whatsoever.

Have fun deciding!

One of my favorite places to visit is Abaco. Renting a boat and cruising in the Sea of Abaco is a wonderful experience. But the water, the snorkeling, and beaches are what I am looking for in a vacation. Like Joan, I have stayed in Hopetown on Elbow Cay. I had a nice time walking around the island but I don't think you will find any serious hiking trails. And just a couple of small beach bars for night life on most of the Abaco Islands but there were a few nights with live music. Kayacking is avilable on Great Abaco I believe.

Look at Great Exuma- fly into Georgewon, Exuma. Not a lot of nightlife but you will find the other things you are looking for.... gorgeous.

Stayed at the Westin Our Lucaya a few years ago. There are other places to go eat besides the hotel within walking distance. There is also places for nightlife too.

That being said, we didn't like the island or the resort and would not go back. We are on the east coast and it was a quick 3 night trip for us last minute. It depends on what you are looking for though. For us, it was too big, too americanized, beach was not that great, and pool was full of rowdy party people and tons of kids. We also thought the service was bad. (Westin is supposed to be the better side too...) But if you go there with certain expectations and you have free points then maybe it can fit your needs. It is by no means a romantic place.

I have heard good things about the Out Islands if you are able to go there, but it will probably be very quiet.

I enjoyed my stay at the New Plymouth Inn at Green Turtle Cay, Abacos. Very good bonefishing at Green Turtle.

Green Turtle is nice. Maybe you could spend half of your time on Treasure Cay (see Treasure Cay Marina hotel) and have a little nightlife (out island style, of course, which is fun but low key) with your tennis courts then take a water taxi over to Green Turtle (look at the Green Turtle Club) and have some snorkeling, boating, and their low key nightlife is really kind of fun. Take one of Brendel's day trips to snorkel and grill lobster on a deserted beach! Great beaches in both places. It would be a good introduction to the out islands. Look at flights into Treasure Cay, Bahamas on Great Abaco (NOT Marsh Harbour for where you might be headed). I think you will return again and again and work your way through the family islands if you try it once!

Thanks for all the help.
I can get 5 nights free at the Shereton Grand Bahamas. I think that might be my choice.

The only place I really like in the Bahamas are the Exumas. And the best way to go there and be able to see a lot of different islands and do lots of fun things is by boat.

If you are on a budget, I would suggest chartering a catamaran. They are quite inexpensive and offer all inclusive rates: http://www.bahamasboat.com/en/sailing_yachts.php

Hope this helps.

Katja
www.bahamasboat.com

Threre's a reason why it cost so few points to book the Sheraton (or Westin- they share the same property, the Westin is the "nicer" hotel)- Our Lucaya at Freeport. It's just not that great. Big Americanized hotel, lots of conventions, expensive and mediocre food, dirty pools, etc. There are some restaurants, bars and shops across the street that are there to cater to the tourists. Nothing memorable...

padams421,
I have read good and bad reviews about the hotel. when did you stay there?