BLUE HOLES, BATH RITUALS AND “KINKY” ACCOMMODATIONS

New Developments In The Islands Of The Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Sept. 15, 2008 – Cha...cha...cha...changes are on the horizon throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas, from a new golf course to a boutique resort paying homage to a reggae music legend. There are a number of new experiences on land and under water, including:

INDOCHINESE AND EUROPEAN PAMPERING ARRIVE ON BIMINI: The globally renowned luxury spa operator Spa Chakra®, Inc., exclusively offering Guerlain® products and practicing the well-known Guerlain Méthode, will open its first location in the region in December 2008 at Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Spa Chakra® Bimini will be a cozy, two-story oasis of European and Indochinese influences delivering a combination of more than 60 health and skin therapies, along with luxury spa manicures and pedicures in the full-service salon. Treatment rooms will include hydrotherapy and Vichy shower facilities adorned with mosaic and imported tiles and walnut wooden flooring. Visit www.biminibayresort.com or call (242) 347-2900.

BATH RITUALS, RAIN SHOWERS AND “KINKY REGGAE”: The Marley Resort & Spa opened its mahogany doors in July, in what was originally a private escape for the legend’s wife, Rita Marley. Tropical rain showers, flat-screen televisions, high-speed Internet and in-room Bose® entertainment systems are just some of the standard features in the 16 guestrooms and suites, named after such hits as “Kinky Reggae” and “One Love.” Sculptured hand-carved doors, mosaic tiles and intricate stonework can be found throughout this resort along with breathtaking ocean views, free-form pools, nightly entertainment, and delectable dishes made with organic produce and fresh seafood at Simmer Down restaurant. Blended ingredients from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean are used in the soothing treatments offered at the resort’s Natural Mystic Spa, in addition to Rita Marley’s herbal bath rituals. Through Dec. 14, rates start at $450 per night including Continental breakfast, based on double occupancy and subject to tax and a resort service fee. Visit www.marleyresort.com or call (242) 702-2800.

NEW GOLF COURSE DOTTED WITH “SHARKS’ TEETH”: The genteel ruins of a British colonial plantation have become the backdrop for the newest golf course in The Bahamas. Course designer and architect Greg Norman has built an 18-hole, par-72 golf course that blends Nassau’s history and natural topography with island views and lush vegetation. Opened in early 2008 the links-style Blue Shark Golf Course, located on the southern coast of Nassau,  features “blue holes,” inspired by the vertical caves found in the waters throughout The Bahamas and sacred to the aboriginal Lucayans; and the challenging “Sharks’ Teeth” series of holes comprised of strategically place bunkers, distinctive terrains, wetlands and fresh-water lakes. For information on this semi-public course, visit www.bluesharkgolf.com or call 1-866-913-1872.

UNDERWATER PLAYGROUND: With the introduction of Staniel Cay Divers, The Bahamas’ newest scuba operation, it is now easier to access the most famous dive locations around the Exuma Cays. Staniel Cay Divers takes participants through Exuma Land and Sea Park, established as the world’s first marine-protected area. Protected since 1959, the marine life in the Land and Sea Park continue to thrive.

In celebration of the new Staniel Cay Divers operation and for travelers’ convenience, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is offering a special All-Inclusive Scuba Package complete with five nights accommodations in a waterfront cottage with over-water balcony; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; three two-tank dives with equipment provided and one one-tank dive per person with unlimited fills; use of fully-fueled 13’ Boston Whaler boat, snorkeling gear and ocean kayaks; roundtrip airport transfers; and all taxes and gratuities. Rates for the All-Inclusive Scuba Package start at $1,495 per person based on double occupancy. Visit www.stanielcay.com or call (954) 467-8920.

Life in The Islands Of The Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches, the 700 islands of The Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To experience The Bahamas at home, visit www.EShopBahamas.com.

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