It's now easier than ever for travelers on the West Coast to reach paradise.
The Caribbean has always been a popular vacation destination, especially for East Coast travelers. Nassau Paradise Island is serviced by several nonstop flights from most major U.S. airports on the East Coast, including Boston, New York, and Miami, but it hasn’t always been easy for travelers on the opposite coast.
Until now. Alaska Airlines just announced two new nonstop flights starting December 15 to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau from the airline’s West Coast hubs, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
In addition to servicing the Caribbean for the first time, Alaska Airlines is expanding its network with additional routes from Las Vegas to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as adding more 737-9 aircraft to the fleet to allow for journeys with greater ranges such as Seattle to Nassau. The expansion is the airline’s response to the recent demand for leisure destinations. According to Chase Travel data, travel advisors are seeing an uptick in luxury escapes and multi-generational family travel, and the trend is expected to continue in 2024. These direct flights to Nassau make it easier for West Coast travelers to get to paradise.
New Direct Flights to the Bahamas
The Alaska Airlines seasonal service to Nassau begins December 15 and will run through April 9, 2024, with service three times a week from Seattle and four times a week from Los Angeles.
“We’re excited to add a ‘new dot’ to our route map and believe our guests will appreciate the convenience of nonstop service to the Bahamas this winter,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines. “Whether our guests choose to stay in Nassau or venture to the outer islands, the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters of the Bahamas await.”
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The Alaska Airlines news comes on the heels of a similar announcement by JetBlue offering the first-ever direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau. The inaugural flight took off on November 4 and will continue to operate once per week on Saturdays at approximately 7 a.m. and 4:42 p.m. The new route will also offer JetBlue Mint, the air carrier’s premium experience, which offers lie-flat seats.
Every year, the Bahamas draws millions of visitors for its pristine beaches, exotic sea life, and a plethora of both family-friendly and adults-only resorts. The new Nassau route makes it easier for travelers to get to the capital, which also serves as a gateway to 15 other islands in the Bahamas, including the Abacos, Acklins and Crooked Island, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera & Harbour Island, the Exumas, Freeport Grand Bahama Island, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.
What’s New in the Bahamas
Earlier this year, Nassau welcomed Goldwynn Resort & Residences, the first-ever beachfront boutique resort on Cable Beach. The 81-room resort, part of the Small Luxury Hotels group, features a classic coastal design with timeless finishes and art from local artists showcased throughout the property. Goldwynn Resort & Residences is anchored by a gorgeous infinity pool that overlooks the white sand beach where guests can lounge in one of the private cabanas or enjoy one of the many water sports available, including paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking. For accommodations, residential-style studios and suites include a full kitchen or kitchenette and a private balcony. The guest rooms start at a spacious 530 square feet for studios and can go up to 1,950 square feet for the Goldwynn Suite. Starting rates are $359/night.
The British Colonial in Nassau, one of the island’s historic properties originally from the 1930s, closed during the pandemic for extensive renovations. After a 22-month closure, the hotel, which previously operated under Sheraton, Best Western, and most recently, Hilton Hotels, is slated to open in January 2024 and the starting rates are $260/night.
On the culinary front, the second annual Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival hosted by Atlantis returns March 13-17, 2024. The star-studded chef lineup includes Nobu Matsuhisa, Martha Stewart, Robert Irvine, and Andrew Zimmern, to name a few. The family-friendly event features live music, chef meet-and-greets, and food and wine tastings.
For cultural buffs, the Antiquities Monument and Museum Corporation and The Bahamas Ministry of Works are working together to revitalize the Queen’s Staircase, one of Nassau’s most visited attractions. The 66-step hand-carved staircase took over 16 years to complete, and the major landmark pays homage to the island’s rich history. This year, the staircase will be restored to its original beauty and continue to serve as a passageway to Fort Fincastle and Bennet’s Hill. In July, the Bahamas celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence.