CAPTURING ROMANCE IN THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS DWHSA Director of Romance Freda F. Malcolm The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Nassau, The Bahamas Tel: 1.888.nuptial Or 1.305.767.4171 Email: romance@bahamas.com or fmadrisotti@bahamas.com Why The Islands of The Bahamas? Proximity Many Islands to choose from Accessibility (From the USA and Nassau Islandhopping ) Year-Round-Climate Variety of Activities Affordability/Value for Money (varying budgets) Romantic - Scenic Friendly & Warm People 1
THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS NORTHERN BAHAMAS: Grand Bahama, Berry Islands, Bimini, The Abacos NORTHERN BAHAMAS: Grand Bahama The Berry Islands 2
NORTHERN BAHAMAS: Bimini The Abacos GRAND BAHAMA The Nation s 2 nd Capital Freeport/Lucaya (Capital) East End (60 miles from Freeport and West End (26 miles from Freeport 96 miles long and 17 miles wide 56 Miles off the coast of Florida GRAND BAHAMA The Nation s 2 nd Capital Modern Attractions Historic Charm (historic trails) Ecological Paradise (national parks, caves & intrinsic waterway systems) 3
GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences (Sports Golfing, Fishing..) GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences (Sports/Sun, Sand, Sea) 4
GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences (Eco-Tours & Excursions) GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences (Tours/Excursions) GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences (Nightlife/Dancing, Casinos) 5
GRAND BAHAMA: Island Experiences (Shopping) GRAND BAHAMA: Dining (Culinary Tourism) Popular Spots - The Boat House-Fusion - Churchill's-Steaks etc -Tony s Grill Out -Seafood -Dolce Vita Italian -China Grill -Asian -Ruby Swiss Bahamian/American -Zorba - Greek GRAND BAHAMA: Romance (Enchanted Love) 6
GRAND BAHAMA: Accommodation Grand Lucayan www.grandlucayan.com Memories Resorts www.memoriesresorts.com Pelican Bay www.pelicanbay.com Old Bahama Bay www.oldbahamabayresort.com Taino Beach Resort www.tainobeachresort.com Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach www.vivawyndhamresorts.com GRAND BAHAMA - Accommodations Private Villas Grand Lucaya GRAND BAHAMA: Accommodations Old Bahama Bay 7
GRAND BAHAMA: Getting There ½ hour/ 40 Minutes from South Florida - Bahamasair -U S Airways - American Eagle Flights also from: -Canada -Atlanta - North Carolina - Philadelphia Discovery Cruise Line ½ hour from Nassau - Bahamasair - SkyBahamas - Western Air New U.S. Gateways:- - Richmond - Cincinnati - Birmingham - Baltimore - Columbus - Newark - Raleigh-Durham THE BERRY ISLANDS THE BERRY ISLANDS Fish Bowl of The Bahamas Pristine Beaches Rest & Relaxation Nature Trails 30 Square Miles covering Some 30 or more cays 8
THE BERRY ISLANDS: Island Experiences THE BERRY ISLANDS: Island Experiences (Boating/Sailing) THE BERRY ISLANDS: Island Experiences (Fishing) 9
THE BERRY ISLANDS: Island Experiences (Beach Combing) THE BERRY ISLANDS: Island Experiences (Tours/Excursions) THE BERRY ISLANDS: Island Experiences (Culinary Tourism) Popular Spots: American/Bahamian Cuisine -Carriearl - Beach Club Restaurant -Great Harbour Yacht Club -Until Then 10
THE BERRY ISLANDS: Romance (Weddings/Honeymoons) Nautical Love THE BERRY ISLANDS: Accommodations The Berry Islands: Accommodations Carriearl Boutique Hotel www.carriearl.com Great Harbour Cay Yacht Club www.greatharbourcay.com Chub Cay Club and Resort www.chubcay.com 11
THE BERRY ISLANDS: Getting There 20 Minutes from Fort Lauderdale & Nassau - Tropic Air Charters - Noble Air Charters - Fly Tropic Seaplane Adventures BIMINI BIMINI Big Game Fishing Ernest Hemmingway Fountain of Youth The Healing Hole Lost City of Atlantis 50 Miles East of Miami Nearest Bahamian island to Florida 12
BIMINI: Island Experiences BIMINI: Island Experiences: (Big Game/Deep Sea Fishing/ Boating & Sailing) BIMINI: Island Experiences (Tours/Excursions) 13
BIMINI: Island Experiences (Tours/Excursions) BIMINI: Island Experiences (Beach Combing) BIMINI: Island Experiences (Culinary Tourism) Popular Spots: American/Bahamian (incl. seafood) - ResortsWorld Bimini - Bimini Sands -Stuart Conch Salad Stand - Edith s Pizza - Big John s Restaurant 14
B BIMINI: Romance (Lost In Your Embrace) BIMINI: Accommodations Bimini Sands Hotel BIMINI: Accommodations Resorts World Bimini 15
BIMINI: Accommodations Private Homes/Villas Fishing Lodges BIMINI: Accommodations Resorts World Bimini www.rwbimini.com Bimini Sands Hotel www.biminisandshotel.com Bimini Big Game Fishing Club - www.biggameclubbimini.com BIMINI: Getting There From the USA: - United Airlines -Jet Blue - Silver Airways Charters - Tropic Ocean Airways (Seaplane) - Noble Air Charter - Hughes Flying service - Island Wings - Island Air Charter Bimini Super Fast Ferry from Florida/Baleria From Nassau: - SkyBahamas - Bahamasair 16
The Abacos: Treasure Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay(Hope Town) THE ABACOS The Abacos consists of many cays, major cays of interest are:- Known as The Boating Capital of The World Colonial Villages Historic Landmarks North Abaco -Treasure Cay - Green Turtle Cay - New Plymouth Central Abaco - Marsh Harbour (capital) - Elbow Cay (Hope Town, capital) South Abaco -Winding Bay - Schooner Bay THE ABACOS 17
THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Boat Lover s Paradise Island Hopping) THE ABACOS Island Experiences (Boating Industry/art) THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Fishing) 18
THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Nature Wildlife: Bird Watching) THE ABACOS:Island Experiences (Nature/Wildlife: Spanish Barbs) THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Water sports) 19
THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Golfing & Sailing) THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Tours Landmarks & Museums) THE ABACOS: Island Experiences (Culinary Tourism) Popular Spots - Curly Tails -Snappers -Wally s -The Gib Room -Pete s Pub - Nancy s Seafood - Delphi Lodge - Treasure Sands 20
THE ABACOS: Romance (Light Up My Life) THE ABACOS: Accommodations Green Turtle Cay Club www.greenturtleclub.com Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina www.treasurecay.com Bluff House www.bluffhouse.com Bahama Beach Club www.bahamabeachclub.com HopeTown Harbour Lodge www.hopetownlodge.com Abaco Inn www.abacoinn.com Abaco Beach Resort & Marina www.abacobeachresort.com Schooner Bay www.dsbbahamas.com THE ABACOS: Accommodations Abaco Beach Resort Pelican Beach Villas 21
THE ABACOS: Accommodations Green Turtle Cay Club THE ABACOS: Accommodations Hope Town Harbour Lodge THE ABACOS: Accommodations Schooner Bay s - Beach Cabana -Blackfly Lodge -The Sandpiper 22
THE ABACOS: Accommodations The Sandpiper -Opening January 2015-7 Cottages ( 15 rooms) -7 Rooms/Suites THE ABACOS: Getting There (Treasure Cay & Marsh Harbour From USA From Nassau - Silver Airways - American Eagle -Continental Connection -Twin Air - Bahamasair -Abaco Air - SkyBahamas Wedding Requirements 24 hour residency required before application for marriage license Valid Passport Persons must be 18 or older, otherwise documented consent from parents/legal guardian is required. Certified Copies of Absolute Decree/Death Certificate Affidavit to prove singlehood (i.e. never married before) No blood test necessary Please note that marriage certificates issued in The Bahamas are valid worldwide. Please note that there are no legal requirements for Vow Renewal *Weddings in The Islands of The Bahamas refer to traditional couples only. 23
Types of Weddings Marry on One, Honeymoon on Another Faith Based:- Themed: -Christian -Muslim - Catholic/Anglican -Baptist -Hindu -Jewish - 16 Islands Signature weddings www.bahamas.com/weddings - Beach (sand banks, yachts etc) - Garden (incl of Gazebo) - Historic Monuments/sites - Surrey Drawn - Authentically Bahamian FAQs ANSWERED A sub-tropical year round climate however temperatures can vary during the months of December, January and February (70s to 80s) Banking Hours: 9:30 to 3pm (ATMs readily available in Nassau and Grand Bahama and the town centre of most Out Islands) Currency: The B$ IS the country s official currency and is on par with the United States, American dollar is accepted in ALL islands used interchangeably. Drivingis on the left hand side most rental cars are left hand drive. Hospital Care: Major hospitals in Nassau and Grand Bahama Reputable Clinics in the Out Islands Electricity: Normally 120 volts AC American appliances are fully compatible. Tipping: In restaurants15% is normally included on the bill, baggage service - $2 per bag is acceptable. FAQs ANSWERED Valid Passports + other ID Import of wedding décor + party favours Insurance Cover on Airline Tickets 24
The Bahamas Bridal Association Fully endorsed by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism as professional group of Wedding Planners for The Islands of The Bahamas. www.bahamas-bridal-association.com 25
THANK YOU 26