Incentive Travel Destination Bahamas

For more information, call or visitNassauParadiseIsland.com • 1-800-BAHAMAS

Nassau Paradise Island Promotion BoardNorth America: 1200 South Pine Island Road, Suite 700, Plantation, FL 33324 USA

Tel: (954) 888-5900 Fax: (954) 236-0733Europe: Suite 200, Parkway House, Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London SW14 8LS England

Tel: 44 20 8878 5569 Fax: 44 20 8878 9124

UniquelyBahamianMusicAlloftheseincorporatethehandclappinganddrum

rhythmsofWestAfricandancemusic.

JunkanooThisrepresentstheheartofourannual

nationalcelebration.Aspartofthecelebration,

competingdancegroupsspendallyearcreating

fancifulcostumesandpracticingelaborateroutines.

Ifyou’renotherefortheChristmastimefestival,you

canstilltakeinJunkanooperformancesatanumber

ofnightspots.

Rake’n’ScrapeThismusicispurelyinstrumental.

Performedbybands,traditionalrake‘n’scrape

instrumentsincludeacarpenter’ssaw,agoatskin

drumandanaccordion.

GoombayAsecularBahamiantradition.Goombay

isdanceablemusicfilledwithstoriesaboutloveand

otherdailydramas.

ourHistoryPartoftheBritishCommonwealth,ourhistoryisa

storiedandromanticone...filledwithreligious

dissenters,shipwreckers,pirates,freedslaves,

blockaderunners,rumsmugglersandrunawaylovers.

Thisisdue,innosmallpart,toourprotectedharbor—

hiddenamongatangleofislandssituatedbetween

theAtlanticandCaribbean,and180milesoffthe

coastofsouthernFlorida.Atanyrate,thepeaceful

timesthatweenjoynowarealltheresultofthose

whocamebeforeus.

OurheritageOfcourse,ourbeachesareoneofthemain

attractions.Butthere’ssomuchmore.PartBritish,

partSpanish,partWestAfrican—themixofcultures

thatmakeupourheritagegivesNassauParadise

Islandaspiritallitsown.Tothisday,we’veretained

thecolonialcharmofthe1800’s.Highlightsofyour

visitwillincludeclimbingtheQueen’sStaircasewith

66steps,eachcarvedfromthelimestonehill,

providingaspectacularviewofNassauandthe

harbor.Anddon’tmissthepeacefulVersailles

Gardenswithitsbeautifulstatuesandfountains,

aswellaselegantterracesandFrenchCloisters.

Whetherit’sagreatparty,aleisurelywalkpastthe

prettypastelsofourhistoricstreets,thefestivities

duringaweeklyfishfry,orthesemiannualJunkanoo

celebrations,Islanderswantyoutojoininandfeelthe

spiritoftheBahamas...thespiritthatwillmoveyou.

NassauParadise IslandDestinationGuide

Sun. Surf. Sand.Right in your own backyard.

assau Paradise Island is just a short 3 hour

flight from New York City. And, less than an

hour’s flight from South Florida.

No matter where you’re traveling from in North

America, you’ll find it’s quick and easy to get here.

In many cases, you can leave in the morning and

be on the beach by afternoon.

Nassau Paradise Island is not only a popular vacation

destination, but it’s a place that understands business

with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, skilled

N

elax.That’swhatit’sallabouthere.Though

ourhistoryisfilledwithtalesofSpanish

invadersandpirates,aswellasconflicts

betweenBritishColonialists,WestAfricansand

theArawakIndians,thingshavesettleddownquite

abit.Thesedays,thetrueBahamianexperienceis

allaboutkickingbackandrelaxing.But,beforeyou

arrive,learnalittleaboutourhistoryandhowwe’ve

cometoenjoysucharelaxed,easywayoflife.

ourCultureMusiciswovendeeplyintothefabricofdailylife

throughoutTheIslandsofTheBahamas.Somuchso

thatourarchipelagoisoftenreferredtoastheIslands

ofSong.You’llquicklybecomeacquaintedwiththe

rhythmsofourlives,seeinghowmusicaltraditions

reflectourdistinctivenationalcharacterandourhistory.

R

hospitality professionals and unique off-site venues

and attractions. And because English is spoken here

and U.S. dollars are on par and interchangeable with

Bahamian dollars, it’s easy to see why meeting here

is so convenient.

After your business needs are met, let’s not forget the

simple beauty of the island with one of the loveliest

marine habitats in the world, our friendly people, a

wide array of water sports and activities, exquisite

shopping, world-class dining and exciting casinos

and nightlife. It’s all here . . . surrounded by miles of

powder-white sand, warm turquoise water and

endless blue skies . . . right in your own backyard.

ABOUTTHEISLAND

So close. A w o r l d a w a y .

NassauParadiseIsland.com

Sun. Surf. Sand.Right in your own backyard.

assau Paradise Island is just a short 3 hour

flight from New York City. And, less than an

hour’s flight from South Florida.

No matter where you’re traveling from in North

America, you’ll find it’s quick and easy to get here.

In many cases, you can leave in the morning and

be on the beach by afternoon.

Nassau Paradise Island is not only a popular vacation

destination, but it’s a place that understands business

with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, skilled

N

hospitality professionals and unique off-site venues

and attractions. And because English is spoken here

and U.S. dollars are on par and interchangeable with

Bahamian dollars, it’s easy to see why meeting here

is so convenient.

After your business needs are met, let’s not forget the

simple beauty of the island with one of the loveliest

marine habitats in the world, our friendly people, a

wide array of water sports and activities, exquisite

shopping, world-class dining and exciting casinos

and nightlife. It’s all here . . . surrounded by miles of

powder-white sand, warm turquoise water and

endless blue skies . . . right in your own backyard.

Formoreinformation,callorvisitNassauParadiseIsland.com•1-800-BAHAMAS

NassauParadiseIslandPromotionBoardNorthAmerica:1200SouthPineIslandRoad,Suite700,Plantation,FL33324USA

Tel:(954)888-5900Fax:(954)236-0733Europe:Suite200,ParkwayHouse,SheenLane,EastSheen,LondonSW148LSEngland

Tel:442088785569Fax:442088789124

Uniquely Bahamian MusicAll of these incorporate the handclapping and drum

rhythms of West African dance music.

Junkanoo This represents the heart of our annual

national celebration. As part of the celebration,

competing dance groups spend all year creating

fanciful costumes and practicing elaborate routines.

If you’re not here for the Christmastime festival, you

can still take in Junkanoo performances at a number

of nightspots.

Rake ’n’ Scrape This music is purely instrumental.

Performed by bands, traditional rake ‘n’ scrape

instruments include a carpenter’s saw, a goatskin

drum and an accordion.

Goombay A secular Bahamian tradition. Goombay

is danceable music filled with stories about love and

other daily dramas.

our HistoryPart of the British Commonwealth, our history is a

storied and romantic one . . . filled with religious

dissenters, ship wreckers, pirates, freed slaves,

blockade runners, rum smugglers and runaway lovers.

This is due, in no small part, to our protected harbor—

hidden among a tangle of islands situated between

the Atlantic and Caribbean, and 180 miles off the

coast of southern Florida. At any rate, the peaceful

times that we enjoy now are all the result of those

who came before us.

Our heritageOf course, our beaches are one of the main

attractions. But there’s so much more. Part British,

part Spanish, part West African—the mix of cultures

that make up our heritage gives Nassau Paradise

Island a spirit all its own. To this day, we’ve retained

the colonial charm of the 1800’s. Highlights of your

visit will include climbing the Queen’s Staircase with

66 steps, each carved from the limestone hill,

providing a spectacular view of Nassau and the

harbor. And don’t miss the peaceful Versailles

Gardens with its beautiful statues and fountains,

as well as elegant terraces and French Cloisters.

Whether it’s a great party, a leisurely walk past the

pretty pastels of our historic streets, the festivities

during a weekly fish fry, or the semiannual Junkanoo

celebrations, Islanders want you to join in and feel the

spirit of the Bahamas . . . the spirit that will move you.

NassauParadiseIslandDestinationGuide

Sun.Surf.Sand.Rightinyourownbackyard.

assauParadiseIslandisjustashort3hour

flightfromNewYorkCity.And,lessthanan

hour’sflightfromSouthFlorida.

Nomatterwhereyou’retravelingfrominNorth

America,you’llfindit’squickandeasytogethere.

Inmanycases,youcanleaveinthemorningand

beonthebeachbyafternoon.

NassauParadiseIslandisnotonlyapopularvacation

destination,butit’saplacethatunderstandsbusiness

withstate-of-the-artmeetingfacilities,skilled

N

elax. That’s what it’s all about here. Though

our history is filled with tales of Spanish

invaders and pirates, as well as conflicts

between British Colonialists, West Africans and

the Arawak Indians, things have settled down quite

a bit. These days, the true Bahamian experience is

all about kicking back and relaxing. But, before you

arrive, learn a little about our history and how we’ve

come to enjoy such a relaxed, easy way of life.

our CultureMusic is woven deeply into the fabric of daily life

throughout The Islands of The Bahamas. So much so

that our archipelago is often referred to as the Islands

of Song. You’ll quickly become acquainted with the

rhythms of our lives, seeing howmusical traditions

reflect our distinctive national character and our history.

R

hospitalityprofessionalsanduniqueoff-sitevenues

andattractions.AndbecauseEnglishisspokenhere

andU.S.dollarsareonparandinterchangeablewith

Bahamiandollars,it’seasytoseewhymeetinghere

issoconvenient.

Afteryourbusinessneedsaremet,let’snotforgetthe

simplebeautyoftheislandwithoneoftheloveliest

marinehabitatsintheworld,ourfriendlypeople,a

widearrayofwatersportsandactivities,exquisite

shopping,world-classdiningandexcitingcasinos

andnightlife.It’sallhere...surroundedbymilesof

powder-whitesand,warmturquoisewaterand

endlessblueskies...rightinyourownbackyard.

ABOUT THE ISLAND

Soclose.Aworldaway.

NassauParadiseIsland.com

n Nassau Paradise Island it's okay to mix business

with pleasure. No one can resist our powder-soft sand

and crystal clear waters. So make time to dive in!

ee off. Serve an ace. No matter what your

game, you’ll discover impeccable greens and

rich sun-baked courts are a way of life on

Nassau Paradise Island.

Imagine playing 18 oceanside holes on our PGA-

quality course surrounded by sweeping views of the

sand and surf at the One&Only Ocean Club Golf

I

BEACHES ANDWATERSPORTS

hen the night sets in the action really

begins. Maybe you'll want to take in the

sunset at a casual beach front bar. Sit back

and enjoy a little jazz or dance it up at one of our

nightclubs. If you're feeling lucky, check out one of our

Vegas-style casinos; the Atlantis Casino on Paradise

Island and the Crystal Palace Casino on Cable Beach

are waiting to place your bet.

ometimes even the best getaway calls for a

little retail therapy. And what better setting

than a beautiful sunny day in Nassau Paradise

Island? Stroll through the boutiques for island-style

accessories or the latest in resort-wear fashion and

unique Bahamian gifts. Must-see destinations for

shoppers are historic Bay Street in downtown Nassau

and Marina Village in Paradise Island for jewelry,

clothing, home goods, perfume, and more. You can

find authentic Bahamian handicrafts like our

signature straw

hats, beautiful

handmade wood-

carvings and other

island souvenirs

made by Bahamian

artisans at Festival

Place at Prince

George Dock, the

historic Straw Market

in downtown Nassau

or the Craft Center

on Paradise Island.

golf and tennis

casinos and nightlife Things To Know Before You Go

shopping

advised that international roaming charges will most likely apply.

You may also purchase pre-paid phone calling cards for local and

international calls at many locations throughout Nassau Paradise

Island. High-speed internet access is available in most hotels.

To call Nassau Paradise Island from the U.S., just dial (1) and the

area code (242) and the 7-digit telephone number. If you are

calling from Nassau Paradise Island to the the U.S., just dial (1),

area code and the 7-digit number.

Time Zone Nassau Paradise Island is located in the EasternStandard Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is also observed in

conjunction with the United States.

Tipping Restaurants and hotels automatically add 15% to all foodand beverage checks in lieu of gratuity. For exceptional service

you may wish to leave something extra. Bellboys and porters

usually receive $2.00 per bag. Taxi drivers should be tipped about

15% of the fare.

Transportation All taxis charge by zone. There are fixed charges

for some trips as outlined below. Rates are based

on 2 passengers. There is an additional charge for extra

passengers and extra luggage. These costs are approximate and

subject to change, so please use them only as a guide.

Nassau Airport To downtown Nassau $27

To Cable Beach $18

To Paradise Island (plus bridge toll) $32

In addition, there is bus service (known locally as jitneys) between

the hotels and to and from downtown Nassau several times a day.

Fares are $1.00 per adult, 50¢ per child and exact change is

required.

Ferry boats (water taxis) can take you to Paradise Island while at

the same time giving you a waterfront view of Nassau Harbour.

Tickets can be purchased from the tour desk at Festival Place and

at Woods Rodgers Wharf which is directly beside Festival Place.

Round-trip tickets from Nassau to Paradise Island cost $6 per

person. The duration of the trip is approximately 10 minutes each

way and the boats leave the wharf every half hour on the hour

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

U.S. Pre-Clearance in Nassau Paradise Island NassauParadise Island is one of the few Caribbean destinations that

provides pre-clearance for U.S. Customs and Immigration

services, allowing flights from Nassau Paradise Island to enter the

United States as domestic flights and bypass the normal U.S.

Customs and Immigration clearance encountered on most returns

from an international destination.

What to Wear Casual spring/summer dress is appropriatethroughout the year. Please remember that bathing suits are

acceptable attire only on the beach or pool areas and not on the

streets or in restaurants. For the evenings, you may want to bring

dressier outfits for visits to the island’s more elegant restaurants,

nightclubs and casinos.

Climate The Islands Of The Bahamas enjoy a semi-tropical climatethanks to the warm Gulf Stream currents and balmy trade winds.

Temperatures typically range from 70° to 80° Fahrenheit (21° to 27°

Celsius), with summertime highs rarely above 90°F (32°C) and

winter lows seldom below 60°F (16°C) on a winter’s night. Rainfall is

less likely from November through April. Water temperatures range

from the low 80s in the summer, to about 70°F in midwinter.

Currency The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar, which isequivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. U.S. currency is widely

accepted throughout Nassau Paradise Island, as are most major

credit cards and traveler’s checks.

Customs U.S. citizens out of the country for more than 48 hoursare allowed up to $800 worth of merchandise, duty-free. Limitations

include 32 ounces of tobacco for those over 21 and

no more than two liters of alcohol.

Canadian residents away for seven or more days are entitled to

$750 worth of duty-free goods. Limitations include two pounds of

manufactured tobacco and up to 40 ounces of liquor or wine.

United Kingdom residents may take home a total of £145 of

duty-free merchandise. Limitations include two fluid ounces of

perfume, a half pound of tobacco and two liters of table wine.

Drinking Water Tap water in Nassau Paradise Island is safe todrink, but bottled water is readily available for purchase throughout

the Islands.

Electricity Nassau Paradise Island uses standard North American120p-volt/60 cycle AC electrical current, as found in the U.S. and

Canada. If you are visiting from these two countries you will not

need to pack adapters for your electronics.

Entry/Exit Requirements If you are a U.S. citizen, The IslandsOf The Bahamas follow the U.S. Government international travel

requirements for re-entry into the United States, namely a valid U.S.

Passport. The Bahamian Government may also require proof of

return airline ticket and sufficient funds to support your stay. Please

be aware that a voter registration card or certified birth certificate is

no longer accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. If

you do not have a U.S. Passport, visit www.travel.state.gov.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call a Bahamas Consulate

for additional information:

New York: 212-421-6420,Washington, DC: 202-319-2660,

Miami: 305-373-6295, London: 0207-408-4488,

Canada: 613-232-1724

Holidays Typically, stores and government offices are closed onpublic holidays and may close early the day before. Please visit

www.NassauParadiseIsland.com for the public holiday schedule.

Language English (more British than American) is spokenthroughout The Islands Of The Bahamas.

Telephone / Television / Internet Access Satellite televisioncapabilities and international telephone services are available at

hotels and resorts. Check with your individual cell phone provider to

see if your cell phone will operate in The Bahamas. Please be

WHAT TO DO

ur cuisine captures our culture. A rich blend

of British, Spanish and West Indian history

draw from the spices and techniques of

these influences, making them uniquely Bahamian.

From local favorites like cracked conch and fried

snapper to haute continental cuisine, the dining

options reflect this fusion of many cultural influences.

The abundance of the sea assures that every day

chefs start with the freshest ingredients.

Experience refined, gourmet and family dining at

favorites like these;

Dune, French-Asian cuisine infused with local herbs

and Bahamian influences. Led by renowned chef

Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located at One&Only

Ocean Club.

Nobu, the new trend in Japanese cuisine. Located in

the Atlantis casino.

Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, Southwestern-style meets

Caribbean ingredients. Located in The Cove Atlantis.

Amici, A Trattoria, signature Italian restaurant offering

classic cuisine in a contemporary setting. Located at

The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.

DINING

Moso, features authentic classic and modern

Chinese cuisine combined with flavors from Thailand

and Japan in a casual, family-style atmosphere.

Located at The Wyndham Nassau Resort.

Black Angus Grille, a classic Steakhouse with a flavor

of the Island. Located at TheWyndhamNassau Resort.

Seafire Steakhouse, a modern steakhouse featuring

succulent fare. Located in Marina Village at Atlantis.

Carmine’s, classic Italian dishes served family style.

Located in Marina Village at Atlantis.

Café Martinique is classic French fare led by

renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Located in Marina Village at Atlantis.

Graycliff Restaurant, the Caribbean’s first 5-star

dining featuring superb cuisine, hand rolled cigars

and historic ambiance. Located in downtown Nassau.

Humidor Churrascaria, authentic Brazilian Steakhouse

serving a never-ending variety of slow roasted meats

carved at your table. Located at Graycliff Hotel.

Luciano’s of Chicago, dine on famous Italian cuisine

while overlooking Nassau Harbour. Located on

East Bay Street near Paradise Island bridge.

Snorkel and Scuba DiveHere, there’s just as much beauty under the water.

Swim with schools of colorful fish. Marvel at the

underwater garden created by vibrant, beautiful coral

reefs. It’s an incredibly mesmerizing experience.

FishingLight-tackle fishing Take a boat charter to the reef

lines and shallow coral heads where you’ll fish for

snapper, hogfish and grouper. Or, hire a guide and try

your hand at fly-fishing, also known as bonefishing.

Deep-sea fishing The ultimate in sportfishing. For

serious game fishing, book a boat charter. Chances

are, you’ll hook into something big, like a sailfish,

wahoo or yellowfin tuna. Trolling for blue marlin is

also a favorite in the waters off Nassau.

TCourse, designed by TomWeiskopf. Or, play a round

at the USGA-quality Cable Beach Golf Course,

designed by Fred Suttle Jr. It’s a remarkably unique

and memorable experience.

Those who want to refine their net game can choose

from tennis courts for guests and non-guests alike at

several of our hotels throughout the island.

S

W

O

For more information, call or visitNassauParadiseIsland.com • 1-800-BAHAMAS

Nassau Paradise Island Promotion BoardNorth America: 1200 South Pine Island Road, Suite 700, Plantation, FL 33324 USA

Tel: (954) 888-5900 Fax: (954) 236-0733Europe: Suite 200, Parkway House, Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London SW14 8LS England

Tel: 44 20 8878 5569 Fax: 44 20 8878 9124

UniquelyBahamianMusicAlloftheseincorporatethehandclappinganddrum

rhythmsofWestAfricandancemusic.

JunkanooThisrepresentstheheartofourannual

nationalcelebration.Aspartofthecelebration,

competingdancegroupsspendallyearcreating

fancifulcostumesandpracticingelaborateroutines.

Ifyou’renotherefortheChristmastimefestival,you

canstilltakeinJunkanooperformancesatanumber

ofnightspots.

Rake’n’ScrapeThismusicispurelyinstrumental.

Performedbybands,traditionalrake‘n’scrape

instrumentsincludeacarpenter’ssaw,agoatskin

drumandanaccordion.

GoombayAsecularBahamiantradition.Goombay

isdanceablemusicfilledwithstoriesaboutloveand

otherdailydramas.

ourHistoryPartoftheBritishCommonwealth,ourhistoryisa

storiedandromanticone...filledwithreligious

dissenters,shipwreckers,pirates,freedslaves,

blockaderunners,rumsmugglersandrunawaylovers.

Thisisdue,innosmallpart,toourprotectedharbor—

hiddenamongatangleofislandssituatedbetween

theAtlanticandCaribbean,and180milesoffthe

coastofsouthernFlorida.Atanyrate,thepeaceful

timesthatweenjoynowarealltheresultofthose

whocamebeforeus.

OurheritageOfcourse,ourbeachesareoneofthemain

attractions.Butthere’ssomuchmore.PartBritish,

partSpanish,partWestAfrican—themixofcultures

thatmakeupourheritagegivesNassauParadise

Islandaspiritallitsown.Tothisday,we’veretained

thecolonialcharmofthe1800’s.Highlightsofyour

visitwillincludeclimbingtheQueen’sStaircasewith

66steps,eachcarvedfromthelimestonehill,

providingaspectacularviewofNassauandthe

harbor.Anddon’tmissthepeacefulVersailles

Gardenswithitsbeautifulstatuesandfountains,

aswellaselegantterracesandFrenchCloisters.

Whetherit’sagreatparty,aleisurelywalkpastthe

prettypastelsofourhistoricstreets,thefestivities

duringaweeklyfishfry,orthesemiannualJunkanoo

celebrations,Islanderswantyoutojoininandfeelthe

spiritoftheBahamas...thespiritthatwillmoveyou.

NassauParadise IslandDestinationGuide

Sun. Surf. Sand.Right in your own backyard.

assau Paradise Island is just a short 3 hour

flight from New York City. And, less than an

hour’s flight from South Florida.

No matter where you’re traveling from in North

America, you’ll find it’s quick and easy to get here.

In many cases, you can leave in the morning and

be on the beach by afternoon.

Nassau Paradise Island is not only a popular vacation

destination, but it’s a place that understands business

with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, skilled

N

elax.That’swhatit’sallabouthere.Though

ourhistoryisfilledwithtalesofSpanish

invadersandpirates,aswellasconflicts

betweenBritishColonialists,WestAfricansand

theArawakIndians,thingshavesettleddownquite

abit.Thesedays,thetrueBahamianexperienceis

allaboutkickingbackandrelaxing.But,beforeyou

arrive,learnalittleaboutourhistoryandhowwe’ve

cometoenjoysucharelaxed,easywayoflife.

ourCultureMusiciswovendeeplyintothefabricofdailylife

throughoutTheIslandsofTheBahamas.Somuchso

thatourarchipelagoisoftenreferredtoastheIslands

ofSong.You’llquicklybecomeacquaintedwiththe

rhythmsofourlives,seeinghowmusicaltraditions

reflectourdistinctivenationalcharacterandourhistory.

R

hospitality professionals and unique off-site venues

and attractions. And because English is spoken here

and U.S. dollars are on par and interchangeable with

Bahamian dollars, it’s easy to see why meeting here

is so convenient.

After your business needs are met, let’s not forget the

simple beauty of the island with one of the loveliest

marine habitats in the world, our friendly people, a

wide array of water sports and activities, exquisite

shopping, world-class dining and exciting casinos

and nightlife. It’s all here . . . surrounded by miles of

powder-white sand, warm turquoise water and

endless blue skies . . . right in your own backyard.

ABOUTTHEISLAND

So close. A w o r l d a w a y .

NassauParadiseIsland.com