Atlantis Paradise Island Announces Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival

Atlantis Paradise Island, the Caribbean's most iconic destination resort in the Bahamas, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival (NPIWFF), taking place Wednesday, March 15 – Sunday, March 19, 2023. Tickets for the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival are on sale now at npiwff.org.

The five-day festival showcases world-renowned top chefs, master sommeliers, mixologists, and notable TV personalities, including Tony Abou-Ganim, Alex Guarnaschelli, JJ Johnson, Aarón Sánchez, Alon Shaya, Michael White and Andrew Zimmern, plus a performance by Grammy® Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated rapper Wyclef Jean at Jerk Jam on March 18. Duff Goldman and DJ Kim Lee, from Netflix's Bling Empire, host the festival's closing night Sugar & Spice after party at The Cove pool. The festival will highlight the Bahamas as a growing culinary and entertainment hub while generating awareness for Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), founded in 2005 with the mission to protect and preserve marine wildlife and its endangered habitats throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean seas.

After Atlantis' successful Taste of Paradise Food & Wine Festival, the newly named Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival will be expanded to include local and regional chefs and restaurants, music performances, exclusive dinners, beachside parties, culinary demos and family-friendly activities hosted throughout the resort. In addition to bringing internationally acclaimed chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists to the Bahamas for the highly anticipated five-day festival, Atlantis Paradise Island is the only destination in the Caribbean with three Michelin-rated chefs – boosting the Bahamas as the ultimate culinary destination in the region.

While participating in events with visiting celebrity chefs, guests can dine like a local and enjoy the island's long-standing dining favorites, including Sip Sip, McKenzie's Conch Shack, Bimini Road, Sun & Ice gelato and ice cream by Bahamian chef Wayne Moncur, locally produced beers, and Paradise Rum, Atlantis' signature rum produced by John Watling's Nassau distillery. Guests will also experience the highly anticipated new restaurants and bars opening at the resort, including Paranza from Michelin-starred chef Michael White, Café Martinique helmed by globally acclaimed chef Adrian Delcourt and The Dilly Club, the new offshoot of locally loved Bon Vivants Bar & Café.

Festival attendees will spend five days in culinary bliss – set to the backdrop of Atlantis' renowned paradise location, with five miles of white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and #BahamasAtHeart hospitality. Culinary event programming includes:

Taste of Paradise – The festival's key tasting event with JJ Johnson, Alon Shaya, Andrew Zimmern and other celebrity chefs. Celebrity Chef Wine Lunches and Dinners – Alex Guarnaschelli, Aarón Sánchez, Michael White and Andrew Zimmern will each host a memorable in-restaurant dining experience featuring their recipes paired with signature wines.

Ice Cream Social – A family-friendly, sweets-filled afternoon with Duff Goldman and the resort's resident pastry and dessert chefs. Jerk Jam – A signature event celebrating Jerk, the iconic Caribbean flavor, hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli and JJ Johnson with a special performance by Grammy® Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated rapper Wyclef Jean.

Sparkles At Sunset – An elegant Champagne tasting in the famous Bridge Suite of The Royal Tower. Sugar & Spice – A late-night event at The Cove Pool hosted by pastry chef Duff Goldman with over-the-top desserts and music from DJ Kim Lee (from Netflix's Bling Empire). Tacos and Cocktails – A taco and tequila fiesta with Aarón Sánchez and festival mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.

The complete line-up of festival events, live entertainment and appearances can be found online at npiwff.org or atlantisbahamas.com. Tickets are available for purchase now. Follow @NPIWFF and @AtlantisBahamas for the most up-to-date festival details.

In 2023, Atlantis Paradise Island is rolling out bold multimillion-dollar renovations and exciting new partnerships throughout the resort – from a complete renovation of The Royal Towers to a reimagined Atlantis Casino and much more. The resort's 25th anniversary launches a new chapter for the celebrated destination, ensuring travelers will continue to experience the best at Atlantis Paradise Island, with stunning accommodations, innovative cuisine and extraordinary experiences.

For more information and reservations, please visit atlantisbahamas.com.

Five Reasons To Visit Nassau Paradise Island This Winter

December is here, and for many parts of the world, that means winter isn’t far behind. But not in The Bahamas! With warm temperatures and sunny skies year-round, it’s always summer here in Nassau Paradise Island, and The Bahamas is the perfect winter vacation destination to help you escape the cold-weather chills.

Here are just five of the many great reasons to plan a trip to Nassau Paradise Island this winter. You might need to visit more than once to fit everything in!

1. Sunshine, comfortable days, warm water… You’d never guess it’s the middle of January when you’re here in Nassau Paradise Island. Our average daily temperatures stay pleasantly warm throughout the winter, with the mercury reaching the high 70s every day. And with sunny skies and warm waters, you can indulge in your favorite outdoor activities like snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.

2. Take part in one of the Caribbean’s most colorful celebrations. On Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, you can be part of Junkanoo, The Bahamas’ annual holiday celebration and undoubtedly the biggest nights of the year on the islands. Dance the night away at Nassau’s Junkanoo parades, complete with traditional music, elaborate costumes, and plenty of Bahamian spirit!

3. See one of the world’s most legendary performers on New Year’s Eve. If you’re visiting over the holidays, don’t miss Diana Ross live at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom on New Year’s Eve! We can’t think of a more glamorous way to ring in 2016 than with one of the music industry’s top entertainers of all time here in Paradise in what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime show. Check out all of Nassau Paradise Island’s upcoming events, including Diana Ross on New Year’s Eve.

4. Run a marathon (or 5k) in Paradise. Sign up now for the 2016 Marathon Bahamas happening January 16-17. With events ranging from a 5K to a full marathon and even a marathon relay, this fun event is a great way to explore Nassau Paradise Island on foot, get lots of exercise, and receive a medal for your efforts. After the marathon, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach – you’ve earned it!

5. Celebrate the holidays at the beach. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best of the holidays in The Bahamas. Hotels and resorts often have special holiday activities planned. Atlantis Paradise Island, for example, has plenty of fun for the whole family scheduled throughout December including breakfast with Santa, Christmas craft sessions, and Menorah lightings for Hanukkah.

Beautiful weather, exclusive events, and holiday celebrations – what’s not to love about winter in Paradise? Check out our great travel deals and start planning your winter escape to Nassau Paradise Island today. Come and see for yourself why winter is better in The Bahamas!

Chinese Firm "Committed To Seeing Baha Mar Through To 100% Completion"

NASSAU, The Bahamas - CCA Bahamas Ltd (CCA Bahamas), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (CSCEC) and the construction manager/ general contractor for the $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort project, today issued the following statement regarding the Baha Mar project:

"CCA Bahamas continues to make every effort to work constructively with the Bahamian government, China Exim Bank, and Baha Mar Ltd. to reach a successful resolution that will enable us to restart work and complete the Baha Mar resort project."

"CCA Bahamas has a firm, binding contract in place with Baha Mar Ltd. to serve as the construction manager/ general contractor for the Baha Mar project. This is a condition of the $2.5 billion senior bond issued by China Exim Bank to finance the construction of the Baha Mar project and the terms cannot be voided by any parties."

"Through CCA Bahamas, thousands of Bahamian subcontractors and workers have been employed during the construction of the resort. CCA Bahamas' expertise and oversight of the project is essential to successfully completing the resort as quickly as possible, and putting Bahamians back to work. If a resolution is reached swiftly, CCA Bahamas believes Baha Mar can be finished in time for the winter high season."

"CCA Bahamas remains fully committed to seeing the Baha Mar project through to 100% completion, so that the resort can achieve its true purpose: providing thousands of high-quality jobs to the Bahamian people, and an ongoing economic boon to The Bahamas."

Established in 1985, China Construction America (CCA) is the North American and South American subsidiary of CSCEC. CSCEC is a public company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with a total market capitalization of $48 billion as of June 2015. Ranked 37th among Fortune Global 500 companies in 2015 and no. 1 on the ENR Global Contractors list in 2014, CSCEC is unrivaled by any other construction company in the world.

CCA Bahamas is a wholly owned subsidiary of CCA with founding principles of integrity and innovation with quality assurance and value creation. With a revenue of approximately $2 billion in 2014, CCA is ranked no. 32 top contractor in the US. In accordance with its core values, CCA is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and building a better Bahamas and a better world.

Wildcat Touring Introducing Non-Stop Flights To The Bahamas From Fort Lauderdale

Paradise is even closer with two new non-stop flights for the summer between Florida and Eleuthera and Abaco, two popular destinations in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Wildcat Touring, the leading air charter provider for basketball and other college team sports travels, announced they are introducing two non-stop flights from Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport to North Eleuthera Airport and Marsh Harbor Airport in the Abaco Islands.

From endless pineapple fields to white and pink-sand beaches to secluded coves and miles of coastline, Eleuthera defines The Bahamas. Eleuthera is an island of casual sophistication, housing isolated communities, well-developed resorts, rocky bluffs, low-lying wetlands and massive coral reefs that create magnificent backdrops.

The Abacos are a group of Islands and Cays in The Bahamas that form a 120 mile-long chain stretching over 650 square miles. Calm waters, warms breezes and panoramic beauty make these islands a boating and sailing paradise. For those that prefer to explore the land, they will find championship golf courses on Treasure Cay, charming colonial towns on Green Turtle and Elbow Cays, and countless hotels, restaurants and bars to choose from throughout The Abacos. There is something for everyone in this paradise.

Flights, commencing in May, will operate twice a week to Eleuthera and 4 days a week to Abaco Islands.

Schedules:

Ft. Lauderdale to Eleuthera Eleuthera to Ft. Lauderdale

Thursday: Departure: 11:00 am, Arrival: 12:10 pm
Thursday: Departure: 1:00 pm, Arrival 2:10 pm

Sunday: Departure: 4:00 pm, Arrival: 5:10pm
Sunday: Departure 6:00 pm, Arrival 7:10 pm

Ft, Lauderdale to Marsh Harbor
Marsh Harbor to Ft. Lauderdale

Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Departure: 11:00 am, Arrival: 12:00 pm
Departure: 1:00 pm, Arrival: 2:00 pm

The addition of these two non-stop flights to The Bahamas increases the number of non-stop destinations in The Islands Of The Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to 9. With flight times less than 2 hours to any destination from Florida, getting to any destination of choice in The Bahamas is even easier.

To learn more information and book your tickets today visit: WildcatTouring.net.

About The Islands Of The Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best golf, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

www.Bahamas.com

Nassau Paradise Island Brings Back $250 Instant Savings

~ Offer Valid on Bookings Made by May 20 for Travel Throughout 2015 ~

Now is the time to plan a trip to Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas, as the tropical destination announces the return of its $250 Instant Savings Promotion. Travelers planning to visit throughout 2015 can take advantage of the latest Instant Savings offer for deals at some of the destination’s most popular hotels and resorts.

Travelers who book a minimum four-night stay at any of Nassau Paradise Island’s participating hotels by May 20, 2015 will receive $250 Instant Savings on air-inclusive packages. Travel can take place now through Dec. 18, 2015.*

Renowned for its powder-white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, Nassau Paradise Island is an ideal escape for any type of traveler. The destination is convenient to many major U.S. markets, while still offering travelers a true Caribbean escape. With world-class resorts and casinos, gourmet dining, duty-free shopping and numerous historical and natural attractions, Nassau Paradise Island has something for everyone.

The following participating hotels provide accommodation options for every budget and style:

o    Atlantis, Paradise Island     

o    Best Western Bay View Suites

o    British Colonial Hilton Nassau

o    Comfort Suites Paradise Island

o    The Cove Atlantis   

o    Graycliff Hotel                      

o    Harborside Resort at Atlantis

o    Meliá Nassau Beach Resort

o    One&Only Ocean Club

o    Paradise Harbour Club & Marina

o    Paradise Island Beach Club

o    The Reef Atlantis

o    Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island

o    Sunrise Beach Club & Villas

This offer is valid for travel originating in the U.S. and Canada.  For more information on these resorts, additional packages, or to book the Instant Savings offer, visit www.NassauParadiseIsland.com.  

*Blackout Dates are Nov. 22-27

About Nassau Paradise Island:

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas is known for having some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, turquoise blue water, the Caribbean’s best entertainment and a spectrum of resorts from ultra-exclusive to family-friendly. This convenient destination is serviced by several non-stop flights from most major U.S. cities. Less than an hour from South Florida and less than three hours from New York City, Nassau Paradise Island is so close, yet feels like it’s a world away.  Additional information about where to stay and incredible value-added packages may be found at www.NassauParadiseIsland.com.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival In Grand Bahama & Nassau In April & May

A Bahamian breeze warmed Manhattan as Valery Brown Alce, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Edward Archer, General Manager of the Bahamas Tourist Office, Atlanta and Mikala Moss, Manager of the Bahamas Tourist Office, New York and other representatives from the Bahamas public and private sector promoted the Bahamas' newest signature cultural event, the first "Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival " that will take place on Grand Bahama Island, April 17th and 18th and in Nassau, May 7 to 9, 2015.

The delegation was joined in New York City by a group of 2 costumed Carnival Junkanooers to provide a sampling of the music that will be enjoyed during carnival week in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival will be an event like non-other. The annual event spans five weeks beginning on Easter Monday, 2015. Unlike the Bahamas’ renowned Junkanoo, the “Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival” will be an interactive and participatory event open for all in attendance to join in and take part in the fun and excitement.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a collage of Bahamian culture. It is a festive weeklong celebration where Bahamians and guests from around the world will be immersed in all things Bahamian. The carnival events will showcase Junkanoo, Rake-in-Scrape, arts and crafts, Bahamian cuisine, visual art, music, dance and more. Additionally, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a high entertainment experience, which sets the stage for Bahamian recording artists to nurture their sound and express themselves in front of a global audience. It will also include an immersive parade on an iconic stage.

Click here for further information.

Conde Nast Traveler's Top 15 Places to Go in 2015

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, a perfectly preserved 17th-century port city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, has had a rough ride over the centuries. From pirates to prostitutes (aren't they synonymous?) the city has weathered its fair share of drama—thanks to everything from Gabriel García Márquez's remarkable novels of "magical realism" to the less-than-palatable shenanigans of U.S. Secret Service agents in 2012. Tips: Don't take a carriage ride through town, and avoid very late night stumbles through San Diego and Centro. Do, however, explore the up-and-coming Getsemaní neighborhood for its raucous Wednesday-night parties and interesting graffiti art. The chic Viceroy hotel group may deliver a new bolt-hole soon in a converted convent.—David Jefferys




Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

New direct flights into Liberia, in Guanacaste (like JetBlue’s route from Boston), slash the drive time to this resort town, which has attracted the likes of Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady. In Playa Hermosa, Koji’s serves the best sushi and Japanese food in Costa Rica at wooden tables under strings of fairy lights. The ginger pork and super-fresh sushi rolls are a light alterna- tive to plantains and gallo pinto in the heat(506-2640- 0815; entrées from $20).—Alice Newell-Hanson*

Photo courtesy JTB Photos/Getty Images

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The furnaces are long gone, but this city’s on fire. Pittsburgh reinvigorates my love of art every time I visit. The Carnegie Museum of Art, The Warhol, Mattress Factory, and Wood Street Galleries have been on a curatorial tear in recent years. The restaurant scene is also alight, led by Cure and Bar Marco, but hit the old school Primanti Brothers for the best sandwich of your life.—Brent Burket

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City has had a hard time divesting itself of a reputation for being crime-ridden, traffic congested, and highly polluted. And though traffic and air quality are ongoing problems, this sprawling metropolis of over 20 million inhabitants has successfully transformed itself into a vibrant and relatively safe place to visit with a great restaurant scene, world-class museums, and a sophistication befitting its position as one of the world's top cities. —Stephen Orr

Rwanda

I'm very interested in going to Rwanda. The horrific inter-tribal genocide of the 1990s is a thing of the past but still remains the event most identified with this country in the mind of Americans. Instead, it should be more known for its beautiful high-altitude forests, its lakes, and Kigali, its capital city. Paul Kagame, Rwanda's highly effective if controversially autocratic president, is credited with putting the country's economy on the rise. And most of all, I want to see the mountain gorillas in their home in the Virunga Mountains.—SO

Myanmar

Myanmar is like Southeast Asia's last frontier, where almost everything still feels undiscovered and off the beaten path after decades of military rule. But go now—luxury hotels are springing up in Yangon (the capital), and it probably won't be long before tourist hordes descend on temple-studded Bagan, making it feel (unfortunately) like another Angkor Wat in terms of the insane crowds. —John Wogan

Nassau, The Bahamas

The islands’ busiest airport, Lynden Pindling International, in Nassau, completed a $410 million expansion last year, and the 988-acre Baha Mar resort opens on Nassau’s Cable Beach in 2015, just in time for spring break. Of the four hotels within the complex, we’re most excited about the Rosewood(1 Baha Mar Blvd.; 242-677- 9750; bahamar.com; doubles from $800). Play croquet on is U.S.– regulation lawns, then head to the hotel’s Riva Bar for a Dark ’n’ Stormy made with Bahamian rum. —ANH

Photo courtesy Fallbrook/Getty Images

Belgrade, Serbia

The former capital of Yugoslavia has a tough reputation that belies a vibrant culture that seems both ancient and modern. Visit the Palace of Serbia and the Hotel Jugoslavija (pristine examples of mid-century modernism), check out the Nikola Tesla Museum, walk the old-town neighborhood of Skadarlija, or explore St. Sava—the world’s largest Orthodox church. The nightlife scene is also one of Europe’s most underrated. —Calder Quinn

Helsinki

Helsinki always gets outshined by Scandinavian siblings Stockholm and Copenhagen, but the Finnish capital is an underrated (and more reasonably priced) joy. From the gorgeous Helsinki Cathedral (pictured) to the Rock Church and the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, there's no shortage of striking design. Start the day with Karelian rye pastries stuffed with hearty rice pudding and end it with long drink, a gin-and-grapefruit-soda cocktail invented specifically for the 1952 Summer Olympics and so beloved by locals that it stayed well past its temporary run.—Lilit Marcus

Berlin

The Berlin Wall came down 25 years ago, but you can still see hints of the former East and West cities as you walk through the German capital. There are tasteful, well-thought-out museums about the Stasi, the Holocaust, and the city itself, but there's also plenty of light amid the darkness. By day, have coffee and cake in a cool, design-focused coffee shop like Westberlin; by night, check out a band or DJ set at iconic live music venue Lido and dance til the wee hours atBerghain, which is so cutting-edge that there are no phones allowed.—LM

Cape Town

Industry insiders are abuzz about this vibrant South African city, where striking mountainous scenery, gorgeous beaches, and the chance to get up close to amazing marine and wildlife now competes for travelers’ attention with an elevated shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. The V&A Waterfront is a must for exploring and taking a boat ride to visit Robben Island’s rich history; adventurers shouldn’t miss taking a cable car ride up the spectacular Table Mountain or driving a rented sidecar—our favorite way to view Cape Town.

Houston

Don't get us wrong: Traveler enjoys a long weekend in Austin as much as the next guy. But if Austin is the hipster-cool college party of Texas, Houston is the adult dinner party where we prefer to be wined and dined. Is Houston the new "it" city?, we asked in September—it seems that way, with plenty of hip places to eat, stay, and play in the bustling Texas city. —Katherine Shilcutt

Cuba

Under Obama, traveling to Cuba legally from the U.S. has gotten much easier—whether on a group tour or a"people-to-people" trip. Beyond the embargo, the art scene in Cuba thrives—it's full of exciting and experimental work, and much of it is largely affordable. You can even bring artwork back with you to the States without much hassle. —Liz Dosta

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Thirteen years and six films later, Peter Jackson’s re-imagining of Tolkien’s tomes is complete. (We think.) As the stand-in for Middle-earth, New Zealand may never be the same again—but now that filming is over, the hobbit-seeking hordes might go elsewhere. Now’s the time to plan a trip to Milford Sound in the South Island, where you can hike the Routeburn or see locations that appeared in the Lord of the Rings films. (Milford Sound, for example, stood in for Fangorn Forest.) —Laura Dannen Redman

Guangzhou, China

China Southern Airlines has launched direct flights between JFK and the trading port of Guangzhou—a blessing for business travelers. Plus, Guangzhou’s arts scene is growing almost as quickly as its economy. Check out the Rem Koolhaas–designed Times Museum, then fill up on dim sum in the buzzy Taojin Lu neighborhood. —Alice Newell-Hanson

Photo courtesy Luxizeng/Getty Images