Want to go into town? The local jitney, or bus, stops right outside the resort!
THE BAHAMAS - 3,000 ISLANDS
Officially, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is a nation of 353,000 residents scattered across 3,000 islands, cays and islets with Nassau as its capital city. 'Baja Mar' is Spanish for 'low sea' and this group of Caribbean Islands rests on the shallowest part called The Great Bahama Bank giving it's unique water clarity and abundance of sea life. Originally inhabited by the Lucayans, Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492 (the first tourist). While the Spanish never settled the Bahamas, English Puritans from Bermuda were the first European settlers. During the 18th century, The Bahamas became a haven for pirates. In an attempt to clamp down on piracy, the Bahamas became a British Crown Colony in 1718. After the American War of Independence in 1776, some 7,300 British loyalists and their slaves moved to the Bahamas to set up cotton plantations and lumber mills. Slavery was abolished in 1834 and their descendants, both British and slaves, populate the islands today.
NASSAU / NEW PROVIDENCE
Located on the island of New Providence, Nassau (formerly known as Charlestown) is the capital and largest city in the Bahamas with a population of 250,000 islanders, or roughly 70% of the nation's total population. As such, Nassau has become the commercial hub for the whole Bahamas, boasting over 400 banks and trust companies. Well over 4 million tourists visit the island annually, either by plane (staying in hotels) or arriving by cruise ship. Today, the city of Nassau dominates the entire island and it's satellite, Paradise Island (Atlantis). Nassau has an attractive harbor, a colorful blend of old world colonial architecture and a busy, modern-day cruise port.
CABLE BEACH
Cable Beach is recognized as the hotel district of Nassau and is famous for it's 14 mile stretch of golden sand beach and crystal clear water. Movie stars have known for years that the Bahamas are not only natural movie sets, Cable Beach is of Oscar-quality. Cable Beach is also known for it’s shopping and dining. BBQ Beach, Androsia and Capriccio are three of the best dining options in the Cable Beach area, each offering unique décor, a serene atmosphere, and distinctive cuisine. The Fish Fry area is a must-see eatery attraction. Cable Beach is also home to one of the only two casinos on the island.
CURRENCY & BANKING
The US Dollar is on par with the Bahamian dollar and both are accepted equally across the island. ATMs and banks are located throughout the island too. Some smaller businesses do not accept credit or debit cards, so having cash on hand is helpful. Some Bahamian currency and coins are considered novelties and make good souvenirs such as the square 15¢ coin and the $3.00 bill.
LOCAL LANGUAGE
English (more British than American) is the official language in Nassau, but you’ll likely encounter the locals speaking a more colorful Bahamian Dialect, which is English intertwined with Bahamian Creole. Example: “Whesa yuh tink usea goin’?” means “Where are you going?” Did you ever wonder where Jar Jar Binks picked up his accent?
ELECTRICITY & WATER
Standard North American 120-volt / 60-cycle AC current is used. All your existing power cords and electronics will plug right into the wall. No special adaptors are needed. The Nassau water supply is perfectly fine to drink straight from the tap. Bottled water is also available throughout the island.
MEDICAL & PRESCRIPTIONS
It's always a good idea to bring your prescription medication with you, however, there are 77 pharmacies on island who can fill your US prescriptions as long as it has your doctor's signature. There are also numerous walk-in clinics and internationally trained doctors in Nassau. There are two hospitals (Princess Margaret and Doctor’s Hospital) that are equipped to respond to emergency medical situations.
WEATHER & WATER TEMPRETURE
Surrounded by balmy tradewinds streaming off the warm Gulf Stream, Nassau is blessed with a wonderful semi-tropical climate. Temperatures range from 70o to 80o (F) most days. Rarely does it drop below 60o or climb above 90o (F). Water temperatures range from 74o to 80o (F).
CELL PHONE ROMING
AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile all offer roaming services for Nassau and cell phone coverage is good throughout the island. Roaming rates for the United States and Canada are $2.24 per minute and is billed through your home service provider. This includes “toll free” numbers. Call your service provider before you go for discounted package plans for voice, data and/or texting.
LOCAL OPTIONS
The local wireless company, Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) provides a variety of services. You can save money on long-distance by purchasing phone cards. These have great rates to the U.S. and Canada and can be found at any BTC location in Nassau. Alternately, you can purchase a 'Cybercell' Bahamas Prepaid SIM Card from BTC. A third choice is renting a phone from Cellular Abroad.
RESORT WIFI COVERAGE
Blue Water Resort has excellent WiFi coverage property-wide and at a very nominal cost. You will find it easy to keep up with your publications and websites by simply logging on. You can also save money on long distance calls by downloading an app like SKYPE, LINE2 or JAJAH and conducting your calls over the internet. It’s easier than you think.
WHAT TO WEAR
The Nassau is a very casual place and Blue Water Resort even more so. At the resort, your bathing suit is fine. If you venture off property, shorts are OK for men, and casual spring or summer dresses are appropriate for women throughout the year.
TIPPING
Except at Blue Water Resort (where tipping is not automatic), 15% is automatically added to most other food and beverage checks, so be sure to look. Taxi drivers should be tipped 15% of the fare. If a bellman helps you with your bags, $1 to $2 per bag is appropriate.
DRIVING
Driving is European style - on the left hand side of the road. When crossing the street, be sure to double-check for traffic in both directions. Roundabouts (instead of stop lights) are common on the island, which adds another element of excitement.
DRINKING AGE
The legal drinking age in The Bahamas is 18.
Q. Is the property located on the beach?
A. YES! We are located directly on Cable Beach, which is the beach vacation capitol of Nassau & Paradise Island.
Q. What amenities are close by?
A. Everything you need is within a few minutes walking distance. From the grocery store, to restaurants, shops, hotels, casino, pharmacy - you name it, it's there!
Q. Are bedding arrangements flexible?
A. Absolutely! We have a wide range of bedding arrangements to fit your needs! Let us know if you need more than one villa and we will be glad to assist you!
Q. How far is the property from the airport (NAS)?
A. We are located just 10 minutes from the airport. All taxis know where we are located, and if choosing to rent a car this can be done at the airport as well!
Q. Do I need to rent a car?
A. No. While we offer free parking right outside of the villas for your convenience, a car is by no means necessary! There is much within walking distance, and taxis are readily available and affordable throughout the island. Also, the local jitney bus stops right at our property for our guests' convenience and can take you practically anywhere for just $1.25.
