Winter Destination By Land and Sea:
The Bahamas
Written by Georgia R. Byrd
The pleasures of winter getaways begin in The Bahamas with
fabulous marinas embraced by lush palms, hundreds of hidden coves and miles of uninhabited turquoise waters. Cavendish White offers a sample itinerary for yachting charter enthusiasts to explore some of the more than 700 islands in the region. Then, for land lovers, we have a taste of one of the world’s most anticipated luxury resorts at Grand Bahama Island: Ginn sur Mer.
Chart Your Course By Sea
Your winter escape begins with a call to Cavendish White, one of the busiest charter brokers in the world. Orchestrating more than 2,000 successful charters from offices in the U.K., Dubai, Athens and the U.S. (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) for nearly 20 years, the professional staff at Cavendish White will guide you to the perfect yacht for your Bahamas getaway.
You’ll board in Nassau at Paradise Island’s famous Atlantis marina, where your captain and crew welcome you with cool libations and tend to your every whim. At sunset, you’ll set sail for the Allan’s Cay Islands, where a tender whisks you off to a preview of exotic marine life, followed by dinner and dancing in the cool breezes of the yacht’s upper deck.
Morning coffee sipped in the tranquil setting of Highborne Cay sets the scene for a day of water sports. At lunchtime, enjoy fresh fruit and cold shrimp salad served beachside by your crew on the shimmering sand of nearby Bell Island.
The adventure continues with a sail around the stunning island of Snariel Cay, a collage of picturesque marinas and villages surrounded by clear waters and bright beaches. Your captain will guide you on a gentle sail to Great Guana Cay, where, after a nap and shower in your lavish master suite, you’ll dine on the chef’s five-course gourmet meal.
Wardrick Wells is the setting for an afternoon of hiking that leads satisfied adventurers to a starry evening’s dinner, alfresco style. The next day brings challenging hikes on the trails at Shround Cay, accessible only by tender or dinghy. You’ll climb the hill to view the island from the top of Camp Driftwood.
As your dream charter comes to an end, Eleuthra beckons! Situated about 30 miles northeast of Nassau, there are 120 miles of uninhibited islands awaiting your personal exploration. A champagne toast brings you back into Nassau harbor, where, as your crew bids you farewell, your mind drifts to another Cavendish White-chartered voyage to the destination of your dreams.
Ginn sur Mer: One of the World’s Premier Resort Developments
A magical palace is rising on Grand Bahama Island, bringing with it one of the world’s most stunning resort developments, Ginn sur Mer. The resort incorporates a lifestyle that brings together the sea, setting, architecture and amenities to create an elevated level of luxury and grandeur. Ginn sur Mer is situated within a mecca of natural tropical beauty. Myriad bird species, pristine beaches and shimmering turquoise surf will be right at your doorstep. A towering architectural masterpiece (currently under construction) will soon become a worldwide icon.
Inside, elegance will abound. Interiors will be adorned with stunning design elements, and guests will indulge in a variety of dining experiences, world-class shopping, inviting spas, nightclubs, activity centers for children and a Monte Carlo-inspired casino. This 2,000-acre island playground will embrace the spirit of The Bahamas, accented with a world-class marina and private airport, both with Customs and Immigration for easy access; an island golf experience that will redefine tropical courses; a Grand Canal that will wind throughout the entire property; and a series of gardens, fountains and pools.
With diverse ownership opportunities tailored to each purchaser, the architectural style will reflect European influences to pleasantly complement the tropical setting of the island. Inviting balconies will flow into great rooms with high ceilings, allowing the sounds of the surf to linger.
Along the miles of white sand, a number of beach clubs will dot the coast and service willbe no further away than a wave of the hand. Club activities will mesh seamlessly with the natural setting to create an experience unique to its members and guests.
Golfers will enjoy two unique courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Ginn sur Mer’s mega-yacht marina will welcome travelers from around the world, and a fullservice marina will offer fuel and security for visiting dignitaries. With construction ongoing, reservations for property are under way.
Photos courtesy of Cavendish White and Ginn Sur Mer