by Karen Nowalsky of Take Wing Travel 609-618-9599

You may think you know the islands of The Bahamas, but do you really? Maybe you conjure up girls-gone-wild spring breakers or the call of casinos in the bustling capital city. But there’s a lot to discover about this spectacular chain of over 700 islands. And romance tops the list. Yes right off the tip of Florida -- a short flight can transport your wedding stress to classic Bahamian bliss. Here you can find exotic island charm with a sense of tranquility.

A luxurious get-away-from-it-all was never so easy!

Here is Take Wing Travel’s take on the top five exquisite resorts recommended for sophisticated honeymoons.

Shown Above: One&Only Ocean Club

1. One&Only Ocean Club – Famous the world over for its luxurious estate-like setting and fine five-star service, the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island has been impressing its elite, often celebrity guest list for nearly five decades. Now owned by the same company as nearby Atlantis this small boutique property of about 100 rooms has been recently updated, still further enhancing life’s finer things. The dining options are what set this resort apart, with six different on-site restaurants from casual to elegant ambiance. All feature imaginative menus to satisfy any palette, most notably renowned French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who prepares French-Asian cuisine with local herbs. The Versailles-inspired gardens, gorgeous beaches and gracious staff ensure an unforgettable honeymoon, marked by world-class golf, spa, pools and tennis. There’s a reason it is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Privacy is maintained throughout, keeping its intimate feel, though guests can access its sister Atlantis property and use all its facilities, rides and restaurants, with free transportation provided.
   
   

2. Pink Sands -- For an even smaller, more intimate property on its own island, honeymoon on Harbour Island, where the 25 cottages of Pink Sands make the perfect romantic spot to hideaway. After the quick water-taxi ride from North Eleuthera, relax amid lush tropical grounds on 18 oceanfront acres. A three-mile beach of pale pink sand is just steps away. And the spacious, pastel-colored accommodations are ideal for quiet seclusion – truly away from all the pressures of everyday life. Room service is available and there are just two dining outlets to speak of: Romantic candlelight dinners are served al fresco at the main Garden Terrace restaurant with emphasis on fresh fish and seafood; the Blue Blue restaurant on the beach serves breakfast and lunch seaside.
   
   

Shown Above: Pink Sands

3. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort: What list would be complete without Sandals? And lucky Bahamas can boast two. The first is a 400-room beachfront stunner and recipient of the prestigious Four Diamond Award from AAA. It comes fully loaded with Roman columns and manicured gardens, like a British palace in the tropics. Of course it is elegantly outfitted for couples only, as all in the Sandals chain, perfectly crafted for honeymooners. It is only about 10 minutes from the airport, right on Cable Beach, but secluded in a private setting all its own. There are no less than eight restaurants ranging from Caribbean to Japanese, and nine bars, this award-winning all-inclusive has thought of it all – every sort of activity, entertainment and water sport you can imagine is covered, plus a separate private offshore escape, Sandals Cay. The Red Lane Spa repeatedly makes the top 10 list of spa resorts in Condé Nast Traveler. 

Shown Above: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort:

4.) Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma – Equally luxurious, the newest Sandals property just opened last year, considered the jewel in the brand’s crown. It’s the only large, five-star resort in all the Out Islands of the Bahamas. The former Four Seasons has now been "Sandal"-ized for couples only to feature butlers, an expansive new pool complex and additional gourmet dining establishments on its all-inclusive menu. The sprawling resort is located on a mile-long stretch of secluded white-sand beach. With under 200 rooms (across 26 categories in three villages), Sandals Emerald Bay has less than half the room total but twice the acreage of the Nassau property, including the first-ever Sandals marina and an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. And flight service is opening up to George Town, home of the Exuma International Airport -- Delta and American Airlines bring the Out Islands within reach.






Shown Above: Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma 

5. Atlantis Paradise Island – Last but far from least is the extraordinary ocean-themed mega-resort, a destination to itself. Here The Bahamas meet Las Vegas in nonstop action and excitement rivaled nowhere else in the islands. It’s endless family-friendly fun in an effort to entertain all, be it with a 141-acre waterpark replete with waterslides, a lazy river, and 11 pools, or with its 24-hour casino, renowned beaches, Dolphin Cay, pulsing nightlife, movies in the Atlantis Casino, and 21 gourmet restaurants. Not to mention only Atlantis can boast the world’s largest open-air marine habitat with over 50,000 sea animals living in the 14 on-site exhibits. The list goes on and on. While accommodations run the gamut from the small, least expensive units in the Beach Tower to the plush pampering oceanview suites in the Cove, any one of the 3,000 rooms offers free access to all of the resort’s perks. So no matter where you lay your head, all can enjoy the wonders of Atlantis.

Shown Above: Atlantis Paradise Island

For more information on these or other suggestions, contact Karen Nowalsky, resident honeymoonologist of Take Wing Travel, here in South Jersey at 609-618-9599; www.takewingtravel.com for the honeymoon, destination wedding or vow renewal of your dreams. Take Wing Travel is your personalized romantic travel and honeymoon specialist offering unique custom vacation packages since 2002. From experienced destination planning to the best value and professional service, Take Wing Travel provides convenient one-stop shopping. E-mail travel@takewingtravel.com. All quotes and consultations are complimentary, no-obligation and can be made according to your schedule, including evenings and weekends.

 

Check out some of our many honeymoon articles on everything from cruises to all-inclusive resorts in our Honeymoon Article Archives