American Airlines Is Launching New Daily Nonstop Service To Nassau, The Bahamas

The signature pool at Nassau's historic Graycliff Hotel.

Is it the Caribbean’s hottest culinary scene? Or the pristine, sparkling turquoise beaches (including the recently-voted Best Beach in the Caribbean)? Maybe it’s the historic hotels or the growing cocktail movement. Maybe it’s Barbie.

Whatever the reason, travelers continue to flock to Nassau Paradise Island, making the twin-island destination one of the buzziest places to visit in the wider Caribbean.

And next week, Nassau is about to get another lift out of one of the United States’ most important travel markets: Chicago.

American Airlines is set to launch daily nonstop service between Chicago and Nassau next week.

The nonstop service expansion will kick off on Dec. 5, in another big boost for one of the Caribbean’s hottest destinations.

The Queen’s Staircase is a Bahamian landmark that just got a makeover.

““Our long-standing relationship with Chicago is built on deep historical connections, with the city serving as a vital gateway for Midwest travelers to The Bahamas,” said Latia Duncombe, director general of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Chicago has been “instrumental in bringing both leisure and business visitors to our shores,” she said in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal.

But new tourists aren’t the only ones coming to The Bahamas from Chicago.

The uber-popular Carnival restaurant in Chicago is opening its new Paradise Island location next month. The eatery will be set within the new Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina on Nassau Harbour, with a “fusion of vibrant Latin American flavors and Bahamian culinary traditions.”

You can find roundtrip fares in the main cabin on American for about $703, according to its website. That goes up to $1063 in business class.

Are you planning a vacation to Nassau? There have never been more great options for a vacation in the capital, whether you’re staying at the world-renowned Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar, both of which we’ve stayed in recently and loved.

The Goldwynn Resort and Residences in Nassau.

Looking for something new? Try the transformed British Colonial in the heart of historic downtown Nassau (rooms from $212), where we just stayed and were seriously impressed with the new look and the hospitality.

There’s also the sleek residential-style Goldwyn resort (rooms from $239 right now), which his helping to bring back Cable Beach’s jet set-ear glamour to modern Nassau.

And did you know about the secret resort-within-a-resort at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar? Check out our recent feature on this elevated experience at the Cable Beach megaresort.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

What's New In The Bahamas In September 2023

The Islands of The Bahamas is the perfect destination for travellers considering a last-minute summer vacation. In September, visitors can find vacation savings, world-class culinary experiences and local events to complete their itineraries.

Carnival Cruise Line Introduces the Name of 'Celebration Key' on Grand Bahama Island — Carnival Cruise Line announced the name of its new exclusive cruise port destination on Grand Bahama Island: "Celebration Key." Itineraries will open in September 2023, with plans to welcome travellers in July 2025. The announcement signals continued developments underway on Grand Bahama Island, establishing the destination as the home of events and entertainment in The Bahamas.

Delta Air Lines Announces First-Ever Direct Miami to Nassau Service — Delta Air Lines announced its first-ever daily direct service from Miami International Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport. Beginning 5 November 2023, the bookable flights will transport South Florida travellers to the vibrant capital of The Bahamas in just over an hour.

Bahamasair Launches New Route Connecting Fort Lauderdale to Exuma — Beginning 15 November, Bahamasair will offer twice-weekly direct service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Exuma International Airport. The flight will reach George Town in just 90 minutes.

Atlantis Paradise Island Debuts New Culinary Experiences — From 2 to 9 September 2023, Atlantis Paradise Island hosts its first annual visiting chef series, Table Takeover, in partnership with Nassau Paradise Wine & Food Festival, featuring Chefs JJ Johnson and Jose Garces. In addition, resort guests can dine at the newly opened Persian restaurant Silan.

SLS Baha Mar Hosts Labor Day Aperol Spritz Pop-Up — Adults are invited to celebrate Labor Day Weekend at SLS Baha Mar's first-ever Aperol Spritz Pop-Up. The three-day event, hosted 1 to 3 September 2023, will feature live DJ entertainment and revolving bar carts at the Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill and Privilege Pool & Bar.

Steak Night at Bahama Beach Club — Every Friday night in September, Bahama Beach Club on Treasure Cay in The Abacos will host candlelight steak dinners and live entertainment at the resort's seaside restaurant, The Pavilion. Guests can reserve a table on the beach between 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Witness Dragon Boat Racing at Goodman's Bay Beach — The second annual Bahamas Dragon Boat Festival at Goodman's Bay Beach will be held in Nassau on 30 September 2023. Breezes Resort on Cable Beach is the exclusive hotel partner, offering spectators a prime location to view the competition and special rates on accommodations.

Anchor Bay, Eleuthera Hosts Weekly Governors Harbour Fish Fry — Throughout September, central Eleuthera comes alive every Friday night at the Governors Harbour Fish Fry from 6p.m. – 11 p.m. Visitors can join locals for entertainment and popular Bahamian dishes, including Jack and Snapper fish, pork chops with peas and rice, and more.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Fourth Night Free at Comfort Suites Paradise Island — Travellers can find affordable options and bonus savings at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Guests who book three consecutive nights, will receive a complimentary fourth night and $50 food and beverage credit. The booking window is now through 30 September 2023 for travel through 15 November 2023.

Fall Madness Savings at Resorts World Bimini — Resorts World Bimini Resort is offering up to 40% in savings with the Fall Madness Special. Guests can book with promotional codes FMS35 and FM40 for stays Monday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday, respectively. The package includes round-trip transportation, entertainment and private beach access. The booking window is now through 31 October 2023 for travel through October 2023.

What's New In The Bahamas For February 2023

Falling in love comes naturally in The Islands of The Bahamas, among the white sand beaches and sapphire blue cays. Throughout February, visitors can rediscover their sense of adventure, immerse themselves in cultural traditions and score seasonal savings to make the most of their winter getaway.

"Our Ocean, Our World" Immersive Dining Experience Opens in Miami — Hidden Worlds and The Islands of The Bahamas have partnered to host an immersive 13-day dining pop-up that merges Bahamian art, entertainment and conservation efforts. "Our Ocean, Our World" will take place 15 Feb. to 4 March 2023, with partial proceeds benefitting Beneath the Waves, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the ocean's ecosystems.

Book Valentine's Day Dinner at Café Boulud at Rosewood Baha Mar — Chef Antoine Baillargeon at Café Boulud Rosewood Baha Mar has meticulously crafted a one-night-only Valentine's Day tasting menu for couples. The six-course culinary voyage starts at $190 per person and features oysters, caviar and truffle. Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upscale Cocktail Lounge, The Dilly Club, Now Open at Atlantis Paradise Island — Atlantis Paradise Island opened The Dilly Club, a specialty coffeehouse by day and craft cocktail lounge by night. Created by the owners of the popular Bon Vivants Bar & Café in Nassau, the menu is extensive, and boasts 50 different original, classic and exotic libations.

Devour! The Beach Arrives in Green Turtle Cay — Green Turtle Club in The Abacos will host Devour! The Beach, an event coordinated by the largest food and film festival in the world, from 2 – 5 Feb. 2023. Attendees will participate in a weekend of dining, workshop and film experiences led by a team of international chefs, sommeliers and mixologists.

Aztec Airways Adds More Flights to Eleuthera — On 24 Jan. 2023, Aztec Airways increased weekly service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida and North Eleuthera International Airport. Travellers can now book short-haul flights every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, reaching Eleuthera in only an hour and fifteen minutes.

Grand Bahama Island To Break Ground on New International Terminal — The domestic terminal at Grand Bahama Airport reopened on 2 Jan. 2023, following a full renovation to repair the extensive damages sustained from Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Shortly after, it was announced that the international terminal will be renovated as well — United Orca Construction Company was awarded the $1.2 million contract. Work is expected to begin in Q1 2023.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.